The second week of May already and countdown has begun to my big exam week less than a month away.  Finally, the culmination of five years at college is looming before I unleash myself into the world of 'proper work', as my parents so like to call it.  

My life is hectic with college and gardening during the week, working at the florist on the weekends and, for the rest of my free time, studying hard for my written exams and putting the finishing touches to my final assignment pieces.

Still, I try to ensure I fit in some down time even if it's only taking Percy for a long walk, catching a latest film at the cinema with Olive or meeting friends for a burger and beer in town like I did at the weekend just gone.  Wild and late nights are definitely off the menu at the moment but I don't mind, once exams are over I'm allowing myself two months off to let my hair down.  There are more important things to concentrate on at the moment.    

For a change this Wednesday, I am laid-back as I drive towards the rental house.  It's funny the difference a week makes.  I was so apprehensive this time last week I was dreading even coming here.  But Harry clearly wanted to clear the air and although awkward initially, our conversation was kind of lovely in the end. 

I didn't have the nerve to ask him too much as I don't wish to appear nosey; after all he's on a break and probably doesn't want to relive the last five years to satisfy my curiosity.  His honest explanation about why he's here was enough.  Being friendly with Harry will certainly be infinitely better than being at odds with him. 

I pull up on the driveway to see his car is parked but the house looks shut up.  The weather is bright today and, after the torrential rain last week, the last few days have been dry.  The lawns need cutting desperately but the sit-on is currently in for repair so I will have to use the large lawnmower.  It will take much longer but I can't put it off anymore.  

Sad I know but I am proud of my lawns, they are like bowling greens.  At one point, I had thought about a career as a grounds woman at sporting venues like a football stadium or golf course but my heart always leads me back to my passion – flowers.

I set to work, pushing the machine in an up and down formation.  The first lawn takes all morning because of having to use the cumbersome mower and constantly empty the grass cuttings into the wheelbarrow and dump them on the compost heap.  One thing's for sure, gardening keeps me fit, there's no need for me to visit the gym although I do enjoy the occasional run to help clear my mind. 

I'm just about finished the first lawn and ready for a break when Harry appears from the house.  He walks up the steps and stands on the pathway by the side of the lawn.

"Hey Lily." He stops, tentatively looking at the freshly cut lush grass. 

"Hello Harry, it's ok, you can walk on it, it won't bite!"  I quip. 

He grins as he ambles towards me, his bare feet flattening the grass beneath his steps before it springs back up as he moves forward.  His sweat shorts hang low on his hips and a white tee clings to his torso, the sleeves taut over the definition of his biceps.  For the first time, I notice his inkings scattered down his left arm.  Altogether a jumbled mess but individually they are hypnotically captivating. 

"Who's this?"  He waves towards my puppy who is sprawled out on the grass, dozing.  Percy's soft brown fur shines a healthy glow in the sunlight. 

"This is Percy.  I usually bring him with me for company and also because he gets to spend the day outside.  If you don't like dogs though I can leave him at home from now on, it's no problem."

"No, I love animals.  Hello boy."  Harry crouches down to pat the head of the chocolate Labrador. Percy immediately jumps up, his tail wagging ten to the dozen in excitement at the sight of a new friend.  He launches himself playfully at a shocked Harry, knocking him flying backwards. Percy then stands over him and covers him in sloppy dog kisses.  Harry is rolling around on the grass laughing which is only encouraging him further.  I rush over and drag Percy, by his collar, off of Harry. 

"No Percy, sit down!"  He immediately sits, tail still, ears down, his two big brown puppy dog eyes melting my insides as they look up at me adoringly.  I stand masterfully over him, my index finger poised, "No jumping" my finger lightly taps his nose.

Out of the corner of my eye I catch Harry, now recovered from Percy's over-enthusiastic greeting, sat-up on the grass and watching on bemused.  I glance at him and shrug my shoulders. 

"It just reminds me never to get on the wrong side of you," he chuckles then pouts.  "Look at that face, how could you?"

I shake my head trying to stifle my laugh.  "He has to learn."

Percy sheepishly creeps over to Harry and flops down in between his out stretched legs, resting his head on Harry's thigh.  Much to Percy's delight, Harry strokes his ears and his tail begins to wag fiercely again.

I smile at the sight of my dog putty in Harry's hands.  "I think he likes you."

His eyes gaze down towards Percy and he grins proudly, "Yes, I think he does."

"So what are you up to today?" I ask. 

"I was going for a run but running in the road round here is a bit dangerous so until I find another safer route I decided to give it a miss."  His flat tone emphasises his disappointment at missing out but I have the perfect solution.   

"Well, there are houses on this side of the road, the whole other side is woodland that extends to a golf course beyond.  The wood has some trails suitable for runs."

"Sounds just what I'm looking for.  Is it easy to navigate, I wouldn't want to get lost."

"Well I could show you if you like, I mean after I finish up here today.  I usually take Percy for a long walk in the evenings so we could go to the wood and you are welcome to join us?"

"Yes ok that would be great."  He responds enthusiastically.  "I'll leave you to it, come find me when you're ready to go."

"Yeah we will, it'll be around 4 o'clock."

"Ok, see you later."  As Harry stands he bends over and tickles behind both of Percy's ears, spoiling the dog with affection.  "And I'll see you later too boy."  Percy barks and jumps around then trots behind Harry as he heads back towards the house.  The authority in my voice stops him in his tracks. 

"Perrrcy, stop following Harry and come here."

Harry looks round and Percy looks from Harry to me and back again.

"Perrrcy here now!"  He dutifully bounds towards me and I bend down to make a fuss of him.  "Good boy for coming to Lily, good boy." 

Harry stands watching on bemused again before venturing inside the house. 

The afternoon flies by and before long I've finished and as agreed, I am knocking softly on the kitchen door. 

"Ready?" I ask as Harry appears in the doorway. 

"Yes I'll just grab my trainers."

"Ok, I'll get Percy's lead from the car, meet you out front."

I head through the gate and grab the dog lead from the car, fastening it securely to Percy's collar.  Being a puppy he still has a tendency to pull on the lead but once we are safely in the wood I can let him off to explore. 

Harry appears at the gate shutting it firmly behind him, his mobile and keys grasped tightly in his hand.  "Let's go."  He says eagerly. 

As we walk side by side down the driveway towards the gates, it reminds me of us walking exactly like this last week.  Then we were both silent and cautious but today feels more relaxed. Harry still has a confidence in his stride as the gravel crunches beneath his feet but his arms now hang looser by his sides, his body moves more freely. 

"So, how has your week been?"  He questions. 

"Great, getting busier at college as I near the end of my course."

"Yes your mum mentioned your exams, are they soon?"

"Hmm first week of June."  I answer my voice jittery. 

"Do you have many, exams I mean?  Please excuse my ignorance I am not sure what flowers involve."  He's so polite and tuned in.  He has this knack of remembering every little detail he hears so he can bring it up in conversation, like my exams, about my grandparents.   

"Well, most of the course is practical but this final year there are more written exams.  Things like marketing/promotion practices, historical studies, botanical concepts and design trends.  It's the highest qualification a florist can achieve so it is tough."

"You love it though right, I can tell."  His knowing smirk radiates towards me. 

"Absolutely, I can't wait to finish and get out there and start creating."  Enthusiasm for my craft flows out of me.

We've left the house behind us now and have reached the road.  I indicate a good place to cross and we enter the wood through a break in the trees.  Harry sets something on his phone; he's obviously mapping the route we take. 

"Do you have a job lined up after you finish college?" He continues. 

"Yes I do, the florist I currently work at on a Saturday is taking me on three days a week and for the other two days I am planning to set up my own business."

"That's great, have you got premises or anything?" 

I usually find difficulty in talking about me but I cannot recall the last time anyone showed an interest like this, it is so refreshing. 

"My parents have this summer house/shed thing in their garden which we played in as kids but it's used as a dumping ground now.  I am going to clear it out and set it up as my studio.  I'm so buzzing about it and impatiently want to start now but have to keep telling myself it has to wait as the exam study is more pressing."

"It sounds as though you've got it all worked out, good for you."  He expresses. 

"Yes, even if I start off with a small number of bookings like small weddings or dinner dances.  I just need to establish myself and get my designs and name out there."

"Definitely, but what's the biiig dream?"  He happily elongates 'big'.  

"Well, I'm secretly hoping that the owner of the florist where I work will retire and I can take it over.  That would be my ultimate.  The shop is so beautifully classic with its double fronted large windows and dusty wooden floorboards.  The whole of it is already designed in my head.  It will be so much more than just typical flowers in hideous plastic buckets.  I envisage an oasis of green offerings outside displayed on trendy wire racks and in vintage wooden crates - the latest blooms and plants like lavender, ivy and hydrangeas.  A white, wood framed blackboard will sit on a easel highlighting offers to entice customers in and two bay trees will stand welcoming at either side of the door.  A tasteful canopy will frame the windows and keep the sun at bay."  I am carried away painting my perfect picture, my hands expressive to emphasise my vision. 

"Inside will be bright and elegant.  Galvanized silver buckets, terracotta pots, wicker baskets and glass vases will hold beautiful stems and plants.  My designs will be wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. Wooden slatted racks would be suspended from the ceiling as drying racks and traditional white or wood dressers will be covered in shabby chic gifts and candles.  It would be elegant and welcoming.  It will be beautiful."

Silence ensues.  We are still strolling along but Harry's gaze is fascinatedly fixed on me with the widest beatific smile etched on his lips. 

"Oh so sorry, I was rambling wasn't I, I lost myself there for a second."  I feel uncertain at having over shared my thoughts with him.

He stops walking and turns to me.  "No, not at all, you have such passion Lily, it's good to have dreams."  The fondness in his eyes can't stop my smile back at him.  "So you mentioned this wood backs onto a golf course?"

"Yes.  My Dad and younger brother play there when Dad's time allows and I've been to a few events there.  It's a lovely place, exclusive I suppose you'd call it, but golf isn't really something I've experienced much of.  What about you?"

"Yes I play when I can.  So what does your Dad do?" He quickly switches the conversation back to me. 

"He's a doctor at the local hospital and my mum's an accountant at a local firm."

"And do you just have a brother?"

"No, an older sister as well but she is away at University."  It's my turn; he's not having all the questions this afternoon.

"What about you?"

"Yes, an older sister. She lives in London so when I'm there I see her a lot."

"You're close, that's nice."

"Yes really close.  How about you and your siblings?"

"Yes, I suppose we are."  I sense the hesitation at my answer before it comes out of my mouth. 

"Oh you don't sound sure."  He looks surprised. 

"Oh just ignore me, I suffer from middle child syndrome and what's worse is I know it.  I am a creative stuck in the middle of two academics who, like my parents, are destined for greatness."  I immediately justify. 

He stops dead in his tracks and as I carry on he tugs at my arm halting my momentum.  He turns me around to face him.  His actions take me completely by surprise as he stands over me, his gaze boring into mine.  "You know, you don't have to have certificates to be successful.  What you described about your dreams is so amazing Lily, to have vision and drive and that's what it takes to succeed, to be happy."  His hand rests gently against my arm and the bright look in his eyes reel positive energy through my veins.

"Thank you.  My hang-up is more self-inflicted, I know my parents are proud of me, I just find it hard sometimes, you know, being different."

"Different is good.  How boring would it be if we were all the same?" He runs his hand down my arm and smiles knowingly.   

"Did you always know you wanted to sing?"

"I loved singing and I was in a band but in truth I was due to study A Levels and go to university.  That one audition changed my life; I mean I never thought it would take me where it has.  I still have to pinch myself sometimes, it's all so unreal."

"What's your favourite part of it all?"

"Wow, that's a tough one."  He contemplates before answering.  "The feeling I get when I stand in the middle of a stadium surrounded by seventy thousand people and they sing lyrics back to me that I've written. Nothing can describe that feeling."

"That must be truly special.  I can't imagine it."

"It is and I have been lucky enough to experience it over and over again.  To see the faces in the crowd and be able to take them away from the stresses and strains of their lives for just a moment is something that will stay with me always."

He is so sincere, so deep and thoughtful.  We both stand facing each other but with me looking one way and him looking the other.  We are both completely lost in our own thoughts.  Percy hurriedly pushes between our legs bringing us back to reality when he drops his ball at Harry's feet.  Harry reaches diwn and grabs the ball, holding it aloft his head teasing a barking and impatient Percy by making him wait.  Then he launches it through the air and Percy bounds speedily after it as we continue our walk and chat more and more. 

When we venture back towards the house.  It's gone 6pm, we've been walking for well over two hours and Percy is panting heavily from all his exertions!  I stop when we reach my car and Harry turns to me. 

"Thanks for suggesting the walk Lily, I've mapped it so can run it now." He nods appreciatively waving his phone in the air. 

"It was my pleasure Harry.  I think Percy will sleep well tonight!  I'll see you next week."

"Yeah, I'll look forward to it."  He nods appreciatively before bending down to acknowledge Percy with a pat on his head. 

He walks towards the house and opens the gate but before closing it behind him he turns to peer back at me.  His face glows soft from the evening walk and his eyes are warmhearted.  All I feel inside is such contentment over the fact that finally we are becoming friends.