4: The Chrysanthemum Flower

“Ervin! You won’t believe what happened!” I shouted.

“Oh, shut up. Why are you getting so worked up?” he asked in an annoying voice.

“It’s about the prince,” I answered. His eyes grew wider and he gave me his full attention.

“What’s about him?” he asked immediately.

“Isn’t he your type? Then why are you getting so worked up too?” I asked in confusion. The five years that I stayed here I finally understand how Ervin’s attitude works. If he’s interested he’ll kill you until you spill something but if he’s not, he won’t even bother to listen.

“Stupid. Just tell me what it is,” he said while looking at me. I guess he’s also curious with the Prince. I remember that Ervin is working at the palace for almost 13 years already. I guess he doesn’t know anything as well.

“Well, the other day the people inside the palace were panicking because the prince disappeared,” I said while trying to reenact what happened. “I was watering the plants that moment when someone behind the tree grabbed me by my arm. I thought it was you but then it was the prince!”

“And then what happens?” he asked. I guess he’s really interested. He’s listening very carefully.

“Then I shouted and then the prince put his hand on my mouth to keep me quiet. He said he sneaked out of the palace to see the flowers that I had planted. I cannot seem to remove my eyes from him because he was so pretty and then I accidentally sniff his hands.”

“You did what?” Ervin exclaimed.

“I know! I talked to him, I stared at him and even sniffed his hand,” I said worriedly.

“Goodbye, Fabio Almazar. You were a good friend, but I guess this is a goodbye for us,” he said while waving at me. What is he talking about?

“I don’t understand you. Why are you saying goodbye, are you leaving or something?” I asked.

“It’s for you, stupid. You know we are not allowed to look at the prince and yet you even talked to him and sniff his hand? That was so disrespectful! They will be throwing you out and sad to say I cannot do anything to save you,” Ervin explained.

“What? No!” I shouted. I cannot lose this job, I need to earn a lot of money so that I can make my parents stop from working as a servant. I wanted to give them a beautiful life,I cannot lose this job! “What should I do, Ervin?”

“I honestly don’t know. Maybe try praying that they’ll give you some mercy and just punish you for your disrespectful actions,” he said while looking at me.

“I cannot lose this job, Ervin! You know I need to do this for my parents,” I said, trying to keep myself from crying.

“I’m just joking.”

I looked at Ervin and he’s trying to hold back his laughter. My eyes grew wider when he started laughing. “Why are you laughing?” I asked.

“I was just joking. You won’t get thrown away for that reason. I know that the prince won’t tell the guards about what you did, also you’re a great gardener. They won’t waste your talent,” he explained.

“Really? You think so?” I asked.

“Stop acting cute. I’m not into that kind of guy. I want men who are wild and have a bad boy attitude,” he said as he crossed his arms.

“I’m not even trying anything!” I exclaimed while wiping the tears from my eyes. I was really scared, I thought I won’t be able to work here anymore.

“By the day, why are you still trying to earn money? It’s been 5 years and I thought you already set your parents free?” he asked.

“Yes, but what I earn isn’t enough. They are asking me a huge sum of money before they let my parents go,” I explained.

When I first arrived in this place, Ervin was the first one to approach me. He was goofy and kind, he’s talkative and he always helps me in anything. The imperial palace has never hired any woman servants, so we are all guys here. I realize that I was gay is when I was young, so I got a little scared when I saw that there isn’t any woman servants. I’m weak at pretty things and I cannot seem to let go if I catched one. I’m just so glad that I was stationed at the garden, I’m the only one here. Surrounded by the beautiful flowers called Heliotrope. Ervin became my friend, at first I was scared to be friends with him because he’s so pretty. But then I manage to stop myself from touching and holding something that is beautiful as him. I keep myself busy in the garden. I told Ervin about my parents, that I was here because I wanted to save them. I live in a country where you need to do anything to survive and when you are an uneducated person you have no rights to have any decent jobs. A japanese politician decided to buy us and make us their servants. I was happy that time because I know we can earn money and I get to stay with my parents but that wasn't the case. My parents and I got separated. They say they don’t want me in their house and I was sold to the Imperial Palace. I have no idea what is happening to my parents as of now, but I know they are safe. I keep on working hard everyday to earn money so that I can bring back my parents.

“How much do you need?” Ervin asked. My eyes grew wider. Don’t tell me he’s going to give me some money? “I’m willing to help as long as it is in my ability to do so. Don’t be shy to ask me anything.”

“Thank you very much,” I said while looking at him. I only need a small amount before I can manage to get out.

“Are you going to leave as well?” he asked.

“No. I still need to stay here so that I can give money to my parents once they are settled down in our country,” I replied.

“You’re such a nice guy, Fabio. Your parents are so lucky to have you as their son,” Ervin said while smiling at me.

 It’s been 5 years since I last saw my parents, now that Ervin will help me fill up the remaining money I need then I will be able to see them again. I cannot wait!