A lonely flower

Supported by the shoulders of the most sober of them, Carla in this case, the trio waited for the car to arrive at the restaurant's sidewalk.

It was only the third one that week, and this time Carla had been left to be responsible for those children.

"Hmm, you smell good. Makes me want to bite you...", her smile was forgotten on her face as someone sniffed her neck.

"True. What perfume is that? Don't tell me you're trying... With those idiots?", Diana propped her chin, almost mumbling to herself.

Like two childhood friends, the words came from the other side.

"I don't approve. Those guys are married idiots, for the most part. You deserve better. I'm not going to..."

"Oh, quiet! You two. It's nothing like that. Do I have to smell bad when I go out with friends?!"

Suddenly they went silent. Then they burst out laughing, slowly making her smile.

"She got mad. Haha. I should be the one who's mad, you guys keep dragging me to these places at night... I'm not going to give up my body, you know," Carla sighed, laughing too. Their joke had gone too far. Diana was a fun drunk, at least.

"Uh, friends. She finally accepted us, Diana. Let's go to another bar."

'Ah!... What have I gotten myself into?' Carla wanted to cover her face and sit somewhere dark on that floor.

Even she had her dose of booze in her blood. Diana would usually be with her, helping her deal with the flying pig that was Ema, but this time, she could only count on her childish and sleepy hug.

The car finally arrived after a few minutes. The three of them got in and the driver followed with the necessary courtesy and speed.

"Where are we going?" Diana, even groggy, still knew what she was doing. She just left a good part of it to the loser of the day.

"Home..."

"Which one?"

"Shall we watch a movie at your place?! We can order pizza!"

They were already in the car, why did they have to be so close together, their ears hurt.

"We're going to Diana's house."

"Watch movies?", now it was Diana's turn to ask.

Carla looked to the side, with a touch of desperation along with her smile. Her eyes almost begged for some sleep, but she still agreed.

When they were there, the delivery man and the ordered pizzas arrived soon after.

Carla had made her delivery perfectly, as she had been doing for the last two months.

It wasn't the first time she lost at rock, paper, scissors. It wouldn't be the last. But if she had to admit it, she liked those girls, even when they were drunk. The feeling of pride, calm and happiness she felt when entering 'home' was wonderful, no matter if it was her apartment or theirs.

The soft, solid, nostalgic floor beneath her bare feet and the air frozen in time.

The feeling was dizzying. Carla wanted to rest her head on theirs, like they did on her shoulder, and get some sleep, but ending the night like that would be boring.

"You guys go take a shower, I'll set the table. Don't make any more noise, that's enough."

...

They left smiling. Their eyes were less intoxicated by alcohol than by the moment.

'Oh, I don't want to be a mother so soon', she took the boxes to the kitchen. Diana must have some drinks in the fridge.

"Although it wouldn't be a bad idea...", even with the extra work, her smile seemed more natural lately.

"Huh, how beautiful..."

Carla froze when she got there. Enjoying that view for a moment. On the counter between the living room and the kitchen, a sky blue ceramic vase with shades of black, white and jade demanded attention. The flowers in it were its crown.

Carla approached like a little mouse, delicately touching the wonderful bouquet.

She didn't understand where it came from, or rather she was too tired for that. She only felt its value and the mysterious and attractive beauty that the flowers had.

Maybe it was something in every woman's blood, to appreciate and desire something so beautiful. A gift so beautiful and devoted, as if her partner were searching for a star in the sky. Just for her.

Close enough to smell its perfume, her fingers found the label and with it a layer of appreciation.

'_In each petal, a secret of passion and purity. Red roses embrace love, while white lilies exude the serenity of the soul. Violet irises, with their mysterious color, speak of power and wisdom. And the scent of jasmine, sweet and enveloping, whispers in the wind the promise of unforgettable moments._'

They were really there, Carla touched them one by one, delicious to the touch, almost alive and hypnotizing. White lilies, red roses and purple irises, feelings and flowers together and in harmony, creating a brushstroke of colors, textures and meanings.

A bouquet that carries the spirit of love and elegance, perfect for celebrating the purest and deepest feelings.

A card from a flower shop. Maybe even made to order, but still something that revealed immense affection.

'It's no wonder she's so down.'

With each touch, she felt provoked, something romantic, ancestral and maternal stirred in her chest.

Knowing the meaning of flowers and feeling the softness in each petal... Carla felt like she was touching a silk scarf, a hidden treasure. But above all, the scent of jasmine was driving her crazy, almost anxious for more.

'Ah, romance is art. I want to get married soon, my God... with a man like that, please...'

Allowing herself a moment of peace, she sniffed the air once more. Finally, forcing herself to go and prepare the dishes and the food.

'If I found it so beautiful, what did the owner think? Could that be why she was so excited today?

Her gaze still turned back every now and then, dreamy and tired in that dark environment, her back seemed much smaller than usual.