CHAPTER 12
Several days had passed since Arlana had arrived at the Giordano's home and she started to feel more confident in her daily routine. She also enjoyed her time spent with Lilliana. She was kept so busy that she hardly had time to think and seemed to fall asleep right when her head hit the pillow. It was her sixth day of working and tomorrow would be her first day off.
“Amber, what would you like to do tomorrow? It will be our day off, maybe we could go into town and see what it's like there. What do you think?”
“That sounds great. I would love to see the town. Maybe someone there will recognize me.”
“You're right. We should spend some time trying to figure out who you are, I'm sorry for not making more of an effort yet, we've just been so busy the past few days, I'm sorry for not being a better friend to you.”
“Lilliana, you are a wonderful friend, never doubt it. We've both been so busy getting ready for the Dom and Dona's return. I wonder what kind of trouble they were in. Senora Draco is in such a state that no amount of cleaning seems good enough.”
“Tell me about it, I had to go over the floors three times today before it was good enough for her.”
“Girls,” Senora Draco cut in, ”enough talking and more working. Amber, come over here, I need your help with something.”
Arlana gave a small wave to Lilliana and hurried over to Senora Draco.
“Amber, I want the Dom and Donna to feel very comfortable and welcomed when they get back. I think they will need some time alone to rest after their ordeal. Please go out to the garden and cut some of the flowers. I have put several vases out in the kitchen. I would like you to put some bouquets together and place them throughout their bedroom. Make sure to put some of the lavender in them that will be soothing. Now hurry along.” Senora Draco shooed her out the door.
Arlana had felt like protesting, she didn't think she would be very good at putting bouquets together, but as soon as the sun touched her skin she found herself smiling. It was good to be outdoors. She walked around the side of the house contemplating which flowers to put in, there were beautiful lavender roses, and a vine going up the side of the house with bright yellow flowers. She saw the lavender that Senora Draco had mentioned and started to head that way. She passed pink and white roses, and some beautiful smelling jasmine growing over a trellis. She looked up and saw Marco heading across the way, she tried to dunk down but ended up running into the trellis and knocking one of the potted plants over. Marco looked in her direction.
“Great, now I've done it.” Arlana spoke quietly under her breath. She felt her cheeks warming and met his eyes and was surprised to see that his cheeks were darkening too.
“Are you ok?” Marco sped over to Arlana while righting the pot that had fallen over.
“Oh yes, just clumsy, sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing to me, you should be apologizing to the plant,” Marco replied seriously.
Arlana looked at him, not sure how to respond and then noticed the slight curve at the side of his mouth.
Marco started laughing, “I'm only joking with you, and you’ve done nothing wrong.”
Arlana smiled back at Marco. Marco couldn't help but notice how Arlana was searching around him with her eyes. “Are you looking for Antonio? Don't worry he is not with me right now, he is still sleeping. He had a late night last night. I also want to say that I do not agree with the way he treated you. He can be kind of a pig sometimes. I hate to say it because he is my brother but when he treated you that way I was ashamed of him.”
“Thank you for that, I don't mean to cause you any problems with your brother but he did make me feel very uncomfortable.”
“Enough about him, what are you doing here out in the garden, is there anything I can help you with?” Marco set his books down on a nearby stone bench.
“Oh, if you want to I guess. I am putting together some bouquets for the Dom and Dona's return and I wasn't quite sure where to start.
“I would love to help you. You tell me which flowers you like and I will help cut them for you. It will be good to enjoy these flowers while we can, I'm surprised that it has stayed warm so long this season. Don't worry so much. You just put these beautiful flowers together and the bouquets will make themselves.”
Arlana smiled at Marco. He was nothing like his brother, and she was so grateful. He seemed even sweet. They picked out the flowers together and before they knew it there were two baskets full.
“I think that will be enough, you probably have a lot to do, I'm sorry to have kept you,” Arlana glanced meaningfully towards Marco's books.
Marco looked at Arlana, “You know what, I think I have had enough studying for today, probably enough for a lifetime and I am really enjoying your company. How about I come inside and watch you put these bouquets together.”
Marco picked up the baskets and headed into the kitchen, he walked side by side with Arlana.
When they arrived in the kitchen they saw all the vases that Senora Draco had left. There were six beautiful glass vases of iridescent purples, blues, and pinks. Arlana started filling one up with flowers but paused to look at Marco, “Do you want to help with my creation?” She asked.
“I think I will first just watch you put your masterpiece together.” After watching her for several minutes he spoke again, “On second thought, I think I will help.” They both started laughing uncontrollably and Arlana thought that she would fall over onto the ground. “I guess that bouquets don't just make themselves,” she spit the words out in between laughs.
Marco helped her with all the bouquets and when they were finished they looked exquisite. “Marco, I think you have a gift in flower arrangement,” Arlana smiled.
“No, that's not it, I think we just make a good team.” Marco brushed Arlana’s hair away from her face and leaned in to kiss her cheek. She shied away from him.
“I'm sorry, I am being too forward. I just had so much fun with you today. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. You have enchanted me.”
Arlana blushed. “I had fun too, it's just that I don't know you that well yet, and well, to be honest after what happened with your brother I am feeling a little insecure here.”
“I'm sorry, I should be more sensitive, please say I haven't ruined things, I don't want that sad look on your face to be the last look I see from you today, how about a smile?” He plucked one of the roses out of the bouquets and handed it to her. “Forgiven?”
She smiled at him and took the flower, “Forgiven.”