"Just like the Lotus, we too have the ability to rise from the mud,

bloom out of the darkness and

radiate into the world"

The red liquid raced down my thumb, I watched as it dripped down and landed on the dirt below me. "Flo! Are you okay? Is that blood?" My Mom rushed over to me and held up my hand to inspect the wound.

I yanked my hand away from her, "Don't worry mom, I just pricked my finger on one of the thorns."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." I looked back at the rosebush, brought my plant clippers back to the stem, then cut the rose and placed it in the growing stack behind me. "You should go back inside and close up the shop, I'll finish this up then come back." I didn't look at her.

She moved behind me, "Okay Flower, but don't take too long. It's just a regular sized bouquet. Are you going to deliver it today?"

"They're at their best when they're first cut."

She sighed before going inside.

I continued cutting the roses until I'd gotten the correct amount. Then I headed back inside, wrapped them together with a red ribbon, then placed them in the plastic covering. Mom had already closed the shop and I could smell dinner being cooked from the kitchen.

The flower shop was small, with flowers and bouquets lining the walls, mist being sprayed to keep them watered and healthy. The room felt cramped sometimes when we had a lot of flowers on display, but in general, the room was about the size of a small coffee shop. The register was placed at the back, the caskets of flowers in rows, two placed against each of the walls to the right and left of the door, and two hovering in the middle of the shop creating three aisles. Behind the register was an open door that had a beaded curtain hanging in the door. The hallway turned to the right immediately after going through the doorway, this way, none of the consumers could get a view of our home that rested in the back side of the house. The door leading to our garden, where we grew our own flowers, was off to the right of the register.

Setting the flowers down, I searched the drawers for band-aids. Once I found what I was looking for, I peeled the paper off and wrapped one band-aid on each finger that had been pricked and was bleeding. Which was, in fact, every finger. I poked my head through the curtained doorway, "Mom?"

"Yes, Flower?"

"Where's the address for these roses?"

"They're for Mrs. Baker, the address is on a sticky-note stuck on the computer screen."

"Thanks, mom!"

Mrs. Baker? Why did that name sound so familiar? I could swear I knew that last name...Oh well. I grabbed the sticky-note, the flowers, and the keys to my car. I grabbed my black apron on the way out that had a white and pink lily engraved over the heart next to the words Arbre's Flowers. My mom had hand sewn the logo by hand for both my apron and hers. Once I was in the car, I punched the address into my phone, carefully placed the flowers next to me, then started my drive. I was a couple of houses away from my goal when I stopped the car and parked on the side of the road. I don't know why, but I just didn't want to pull up straight to the house. Getting out, I grabbed the bouquet, then locked the doors and began to head to the house. I slowed my pace when the house came into view, was that a person in the lawn? Sleeping? I walked up to the boy, who looked familiar, then cleared my throat. When he didn't even stir, I spoke, "Excuse me, do you live here?"

His eyes shot open and he sat up so quickly I jumped back a little. I don't think he noticed though. He stared at me for a good three minutes, his eyes curving over every detail of me, my cheeks heated up a little. "Yes, I live here. Who's asking?" His voice. His voice. I looked at him...No. Way. My eyes widen in shock as I finally recognized Asher Baker. The best looking, most popular boy in my school. He has no respect for girls, breaking their hearts left and right. I've seen it a dozen times myself. They finally work up the courage to ask him out and he plainly turns them down without a second thought. Not even thinking of their feelings.

I looked at his face for a little. His deep brown hair was ruffled from just waking up, pieces of grass in his hair. Part of the long hair fell over his right eye and the rest was layered and sticking up in every direction. There was a big bruise over his left cheek. No doubt he rejected another love confession...I'm proud of this girl though, looks like she left her mark. I really hate guys like him. It's no wonder I've never seen their chests glow. People like them can't truly love.

I held out the roses, determined to keep him far away. He can't recognize me, not that he would even know who I was. No one did. And that's the way I liked it. "These were ordered for Eleanor Baker. Does she live here?"

"Yes, she does."

He stood and next thing I knew, he was standing right smack in front of me. How did he get so close so fast? He studied my face and embarrassment washed over me, tinting my cheeks in red. I to a step back as I thrust the roses into his chest, avoiding all eye contact. I felt him grab the roses from my hands then offer a small "thank you." A light brought my attention back to him. Or more so, his chest.

What?

Why is his chest glowing?

His soulmate is around?

Then I noticed that there was no one else around us.

A light.

Was coming.

From my chest.

My eyes widened as looked from his chest, that was glowing a soft rose color, to my chest, that was matching the soft rose color. I resisted the urge to gasp and start crying. I'd never seen my own chest glow. Never. But what does this mean? It means that me. And Asher Baker. Are... SOULMATES! How could this happen? There's no way. The glow has never been wrong, but it must have made a mistake. I had always imagined the moment when my own chest glowed. But I never thought it would happen with him.

I kept my eyes on his glowing heart and stumbled back. "Thank you for purchasing at Arbre's Flowers, have a good rest of the day," I mumbled then turned around and dashed off down the street towards my car. How could this have happened to me?

***

The next day at school I made sure to wear more conspicuous clothes than normal. I wore my biggest sweatshirt, which also happened to be my favorite, my black sweats, and my grey and white Vans. When I got to school, I took two deep breaths, reassuring myself that he wouldn't notice me. We had fourth period English together, and he sat three seats in front of me. That was the only class I needed to worry about. Which sucks, because I love English and he's going to ruin that class for me! I sighed as I pulled my phone out, placed my earplugs in both ears, then played OneRepublic on repeat. I carefully made my way through the hallways, dodging and passing people who walked slowly in front of me. I didn't have road rage, but I sure had hallway rage.... Was that even a thing? Oh well.

Loud laughter brought my attention to the other side of the hallway. Asher stood with his group of friends. I'd never really paid attention to him, but I couldn't help my gaze. Was he truly my soulmate? I noticed he looked a little out of place. For some reason, I felt he didn't really belong with those guys. Maybe he was just having a difficult day. He's normally comfortable around them. Right? Or maybe he wasn't comfortable and was just good at hiding it.

Wait.

Why was I even thinking of him so deeply anyway? I was about to look away when his head turned in my direction and our eyes met. Without thinking, I looked away, ducked my head, and silently continued my way through the hallway. There's no way I'm going to get involved with this guy. I'd never tried to understand my curse before, but maybe it's time to look into it. I need to fix this mistake, and quickly. I reached my locker, opening it with ease, then placed my books in, taking out my A day binder, math book, and my sketchbook. I'd come back during lunch to exchange my English book with my math book. Maybe I should stop by the library after school to do some research. Would I find my answers in the mythology section? Or perhaps the fiction section? There's no way people would believe this as non-fiction.

I sighed as I closed my locker and looked down at my phone. I closed my music apps and stuffed my phone and headphones into the pocket on my sweat jacket. Then I looked up and was about to head to class when I noticed someone standing right where I was walking. In an attempt to slow down, I sacrificed my balance and was about to fall forward when I put my hands out in attempt to stay upright, which ended up in me pushing against the chest of the guy. Now, either one of two things happened. One, me, my mom, and my PE teacher completely underestimated my strength. Or two, and the more likely possibility of the two, the guy wasn't expecting me to push back to gain the balance I had lost. But no matter the option, one thing happened. He fell. On his butt. And me? Oh, don't worry, I'm fine.

"Ouch," Asher grunted from below.

I glared at him, "That's what you get for standing right in front of me."

He stared up at me and smiled.

Smiled.

The glow started.

Stop glow.

Stop glowing.

I sighed and reached my hand down, offering to help him up. He accepted. Then I picked up my dropped books and finally, as normal humans should be in a conversation, we were both on our two feet. "Are you okay?" I mumbled.

"Sorry, what did you say?" He held his hand up to his ear and gave me a joking smile.

He could hear me. I know he could.

I slapped his hand away from his ear. "Bye."

His laugh echoed behind me, "Wait, I'm sorry, come back Flo!"

I stopped. I turned. "What did you call me?"

He had caught up. Scratching his hand behind his head, "Your name...? Hopefully? I'm bad at names so you can correct me."

I stared at him, then looked away, my hand over my mouth. I will not laugh at his dorky-ness. I laughed. Failing at hiding it. "Are you laughing at me."

I laughed, "No."

He smiled, and his onyx eyes changed to a light silver. "You're beautiful when you laugh. Like a flower!"

My cheeks heated up at the same time as the glow appeared on my chest. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"What do you mean? I just said it as it is."

The bell rang, "Sorry, I need to get to class. You should go too."

His smile fell a little, then he waved and walked away mumbling something about how math sucks. I looked after him before turning and fast-walking to my drawing class.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not bad at drawing. But I'm most certainly not good at drawing. I can draw stick-figures wonderfully! Yeah...I have a C in that class.... It's not my fault God gave all my drawing talent to everyone else! That's just what He chose to do... I'll just focus on English. I have an A in that class.

***

Drawing class wasn't any better. Neither was math. Math was better than drawing, but still no fun. I'm good at it, math that is, but it's no fun. PE was great. After lunch, I got to run a mile in six minutes. As per usual, easily done. I run all the time in the woods in my free time at home. It's so much easier to run on ground that isn't littered with tree roots and other things that love tripping you. Running is so much relief. It helps me clear my head and focus on everything besides my curse.

I sighed as I finally reached my English class. Oh yeah, I have to face Asher here. Shitake mushrooms. I saw him at lunch. He sits two tables away from my corner table. Corner table meaning my table in the corner of the room. Away from people. No one notices me. Only him. He stole glances at me the entire time. I just watched him watch me. Not daring to break the stare. He would look at me, and I'd match his gaze with my own, already looking at him, waiting for him to look back like he'd done a million times. I don't back down from a staring contest. He didn't know we were playing, which made my victories so much more satisfying...for some reason. Then at the end of lunch, he got up and starting heading to me. What did I do? I ran.

What? I was warming up for PE.

No running now. Besides, English is my favorite class, there's no way I'm going to let this guy ruin it. No way. Sorry dude, but I'm ready for you.

"You gonna go in?"

I turned to look at the girl standing behind me. Ami, that was her name. She sat next to me in this class. She's quiet and doesn't really care for school as much as I can tell. Her short, blonde hair was dyed with blue, pink, and purple. And her eyes hinted amusement as the purple changed to a lighter shade. I smiled at her and laughed a little, "Yeah, I'm, going to go in. I'm just preparing myself."

"English ain't your strong suit? I always thought it was. You're always bouncing with excitement in this class."

"It's not the class I'm preparing for."

"Person?"

"How'd you know?"

"I'm just that good." We laughed. It'd been a while since I'd laughed with someone like this. Ever since Jasmine...I don't bother with friends. It's best to keep your distance. I opened the door and held it open for her to walk through. We walked together to our seats, me passing the leering gaze of Asher Baker. I sat down and leaned over to Ami.

"Please pretend to talk to me."

She looked at me weirdly, "Umm, sorry to inform you, but we don't have to pretend to talk when we're talking." She smiled, and I did the same. "So..." she started, "Who are you avoiding?"

"Ever heard of Asher Baker," I lowered my voice.

"Asher Baker? Are you kidding me? Who hasn't heard of the kid?!" She pointed to him, who currently was talking with some of the other guys on the soccer team, "That Asher Baker? Yeah. I know him.... Well, I don't know, know him. I know of him. Like we've never-"

"Yeah, yeah. I gotcha dude."

"Why are you avoiding him?"

"It's a long story."

"Then how about we discuss it after school at Taylor's Coffee Shop?"

As much as I'm starting to like this girl, I cannot tell her about this. I don't know her well enough. "It's kinda personal, but I can't after school today anyway, I have to stop by the library to finish a project."

She snapped her fingers, "Darn, you're one of those girls. The ones that actually try in school."

I raised an eyebrow, "You aren't then?"

She smiled, "How'd you know? I'm one of those stereotypical goths. Except," she leaned over closer to me and I followed suit, "I'm much cooler than your average goth."

I smiled and we both laughed until I was sure we both had abs. I rubbed my sore cheeks just as the teacher walked. Ms. River wasn't your average teacher. She was cool. Everyone liked her, and she was always easy to talk to, even if you didn't like English at all, she respects that. She still tries to teach you, making it her goal to change your mind, but teach you nonetheless. She was younger than most teachers and shorter than most students, but I think that made her more relatable to us students. Her short black hair was always styled in the most creative and beautiful way, perfectly depicting her personality. Beautiful and unique.

To my surprise, English moved on quickly. This was normal, as my favorite class always seemed to be shorter than I wanted it to be. The thing is, I had expected Asher to be looking my way every few seconds as he was in lunch, but he stayed facing forward throughout the entire class. Immediately, two possibilities popped into my head. He's either given up on me-which would be amazing and so much easier for me-or he's got some sort of plan to trap me somewhere and corner me. Because of this possibility, as soon as the bell rang, I grabbed my previously packed items and dashed out of the class, quickly saying a quick goodbye to both Ami and Ms. River. To my surprise, as I was halfway out the door, I realized that Asher was packing up really, and I mean really slowly. So slow, it looked fake. Which means he hasn't given up on me, and he has a plan. But I didn't stop to ask him. I ran to my locker and grabbed the books I'd need for homework, shoving them in my bag and quickly sending my mom a text that I needed to do some studying after school and that I'd walk home. Then I dodged my way through the people in the hallway and finally made it to my stronghold. I'm sure that you all think I said "hi" to "Mrs. Barnacle" the librarian and she would say "hi" back and tell me that "we just received new romance books" or whatever.

Nope.

I don't even know our librarian's name. I come for books, not her. So why would I be all chummy with her? That's risking me getting involved with...ugh...people.

So I ducked my head and dropped off my books on one of the tables in the back of the library. Then I immediately wandered over to the mythology section. I grabbed as many books as I could, things labeled with anything like "ancient powers" or "powers" or "curses" or even "gifts." Not that I thought this was a gift. If anything, I was betting on the book called Curses of Legends that I had picked up. When I had found five or seven books on the topic, I moved to the fiction section and looked at all the books. I avoided the romance section, I hate romance books, and looked for anything that seemed logical in any sort of way. Not just stories. Which, may I add was very difficult not to go off task and start grabbing books I just found interesting. Finally, I placed my last haul and began looking through the books. Searching indexes and table of contents and ruling out some of the books. As I was reading through the Curses of Legends book, someone suddenly placed their binder, very loudly may I add, in the spot in front of me.

I jumped, dropping my book and losing my place, then I glared up at Asher as he sat down in front of me. "What do you want Asher Baker?"

"You know my name." He smirked.

I glared. "Leave."

"What are you reading?"

Something that concerns you. "Nothing that concerns you."

He picked up the book in front of me, "Curses of Legends? Why are you looking at this? I thought you told your friend you were finishing a project?"

So that's how he found me. "It's rude to eavesdrop on other people's conversations."

"It's also rude to deliberately ignore someone you know wants to speak with you."

"You never bothered with me before, why now?" Our chests began to glow just as I was beginning to think that it had stopped. I stared down at his chest, glaring at it, trying to get it to leave.

He placed his hand over his chest, "Is there something wrong with my chest, or are you just particularly fond of chests?" It was a joke, but I could hear some seriousness in his voice.

"I'm not a pervert!" I snapped. "I don't care about your chest, I just wish it'd stop gl-" I stopped before realizing my mistake.

He raised an eyebrow, "Stopped what? What were you about to say? Is there something wrong with my chest."

I stood, "I need to go, bye." Grabbing my bag, I headed to the exit, his footsteps following mine, "Leave Asher." I called behind me.

He caught up easily with me due to his long strides. "The exit to the school is this way."

I rolled my eyes and he caught my arm, halting my pace. "Let go, Ash."

He smiled "'Let go' what? Did you just call me Ash?"

I blushed, "No."

He smiled again, a big and meaningful one. "It's cute when you blush."

Oh. My. Gosh. This guy is so honest it's creepily adorable. He has no clue what he's saying. "You don't think before you speak, do you? That's why you always break those girls' hearts? Because you just tell them straight up that you don't like them the way they want you to like them. No beating around the bush. And they don't understand that's who you are. Right?"

"Ummm, yes?"

I laughed, "Never mind, I understand."

"Okay...?" He shook his head, "Stop changing the subject. What were you going to say about my chest?"

"Why do you care?"

"Because, if you have superpowers and can see cancer or whatever, I want to know if I have cancer."

I slapped my hand against my forehead, "Oh my gosh, Ash. You don't have cancer, I can't see cancer."

"Then what can you see?"

"You're smarter than you look." I yanked my arm away from his hold, a warmth leaving that I didn't know had appeared. "I have to go."

He followed, no surprise, "You don't have a ride, let me take you home."

I stopped and turned back to him, "No, you're only going to ask questions."

"It's raining."

I looked out, it was raining. How?! "Don't care. I like the rain. And how did you know I needed a ride."

"Man's intuition."

"That doesn't exist."

"Yes, it does."

"Then it's very rare, and you don't have it."

"Apparently I do if I got it right that you don't have a ride." He took a deep breathe, "I promise not to ask a single question if you let me take you home."

"Why do you want to take me home so badly?"

"Granny says it's the right thing for a man to do with the girl he likes. Or any girl."

I blushed, the glow was almost blinding, "Y-you like me?"

He smiled, "Of course! You're pretty, smart, and unique. I haven't known you very long, but I really like you. I want to get to know you more!"

My face was on fire. I know it. Where's the water bucket? Or fire extinguisher? "Fine."

"YAY!" He grabbed my hand then threw his jacket over my head, scooping me up bridal style and dashing across the parking lot. Before I could scream for him to put me down, we had made it to the car and he'd already placed me in shotgun. Then a few seconds later, he hopped into the driver's side and started the car. I looked at him seriously.

"You're crazy."

He offered me a goofy smile, "Aren't we all?"

I couldn't help it, I smiled back. And I practically smiled the entire ride home. We were but only a few minutes away when I felt the glow again as Ash told me another strange story about him and his family. They lived in New York, his parents and sister, while he lived with his grandma here, in Colibri, Utah.

"Why don't you live in New York?"

"Too cramped. I like to be free! I like the smell of this place. It makes you wanna do everything and anything!"

I stared at him and he glanced back at me with a huge smile. "I completely misjudged you."

He laughed, "Me too. I thought you weren't able to smile, that you didn't like anyone or care for anyone."

I looked out the window, "It's not that...I just don't like getting involved in people's lives. It gives me a responsibility I don't like. I'm cursed and I hate it. The only person who understood me is dead, six feet under, and can't help me. I have so many questions, but before I could ask, my dad died."

"I don't think I follow. You're cursed?"

"I think it's supposed to be a gift, but to me, it's a curse."

"What?"

"I can't tell you."

"Okay. Then don't, but still rant to me."

I looked at him. "Okay." I gathered my thoughts. "When I was a girl, I lost my best friend by setting her up with the boy I'd fallen in love with. I had put a responsibility on me that I didn't need to take. I set people up-don't laugh, I'll kill you-and my best friend was meant to be with this boy, they were soulmates. So I gave him to her, set them up, and killed my heart in the process. After that, I vowed never to involve myself in anyone's affairs."

"How did you know that your friend and him were soulmates?"

"I can sense it, in a way. I can tell when two people are meant to share their lives together. It's like a sixth sense." The car stopped at my house and I unbuckled, "Thanks for the ride Ash. I owe you."

As I was opening the door, he placed his hand on my shoulder and tugged, causing me to face towards him again. His dark onyx grey eyes bore into my hidden blues. I pushed my glasses up my nose and nervously glanced at the glow on his chest as I got brighter. "I understand," He said. Then he placed his hand over my heart and leaned forward until our foreheads were touching. I wasn't nervous. My heart was pounding, but for some reason, I knew he wouldn't kiss me. He was better than that. Had more respect. I placed my hand over his heart.

"You do?"

"I think. I'll need to think it over, but I think I've put the pieces together."

"You have?"

He pulled away, "I'm smarter than I look, and a huge nerd. I just suck at math."

I laughed, "I'm the best at math, so if you need help, don't be afraid to ask."

"If you need a friend, Ami seems pretty nice."

"That's what I was thinking." He smiled as we said goodbye and I ran inside, forgetting I still wore his jacket until I was inside. But when I turned and looked out the window, he was already gone.

***

Paperwork sucks. It's the only part of work that I hate. Besides that, I'd work here forever. I sighed as I signed off another document for the bills. Since I was the co-owner, it was totally legal if my mom signed as well later. But, why does paperwork have to be so boring? You can imagine my surprise when I hear the bell ring, signaling a consumer. I looked up at Asher Baker as he walked in.

"You owe me Arbre."

I smirked, "What do you have in mind?" He reached forward, grabbed my hand, and I called back to my Mom, telling her I was taking a break. He was different. But maybe I could get used to the glow. Maybe.

There is a chance I will continue to work on this story and possibly make it into an actual book on Wattpad. I fell in love with my characters and wanted to show a bit more of them in depth. The only way I could do that is by writing this as a book instead of a short story. If you enjoyed this, let me know. After I've gotten A Shot For Blood, all up and running, I'll see if I can work on "A Glowing Heart". 

Get notified of my updates on A Shot For Blood or Our Crazy Stories, on my Instagram account: book_worm_fairy500. You can also contact me via DM or through email at [email protected]. If you're a new writer and would like to share your stories with me, have me look at story ideas, brainstorm ideas, give advice on anything, or simply to talk...send me an email!