AUTHOR'S POV
Diana woke up confused when she realized she's on the bed. She's certain that she was in the living room last night, sitting by the window watching the moon. Her head throbbed as the hangover kick in. Sat up on the bed with her hands pulling her hair. "Am I missing something?", she groaned trying to clear the brain fog smothering her head.
Checking the time on her phone, it's already five in the morning. No matter how late she sleeps the night before, she still wakes the same time everyday. She held her phone in her hand a little longer. With a blank face, she stared at the screen with no calls or messages from anyone. Not just from anyone, but from her mother and Calvin. Maybe this is the end of a beginning, she thought.
Today is her last day at work. Her suspension will take in effect tomorrow. And for three marvelous days, she'll be on the wallaby track of an unemployed. She didn't like the idea of doing nothing at home. Never in her lifetime that she skipped a day at work, or came in late. She worked over time even after a 72-hour shift. And now, she'll be in her house for three long days. Expecting ahead, Diana thinks that it will be more than it surely feels like.
When she's up and about, she went downstairs to grab some water to splash her senses a little. As she reach the first floor of her home, she was appalled to notice how tidy the living room already was. Surely, she and Sebastian left cans of soda, their goblets, and even a tipped over empty bottle of wine. Looking closely, there's not even a smear of water droplets on the glass table. How odd, she thought.
Dredging up and fishing her memories, Diana shifted her eyes on a plant in a large shiny black pot sitting in the corner of her living room. The two-feet vine with heart-shaped leaves crawling on an iron casted obelisk trellis had a peculiar closed twisted white flower buds all over. She grazed the leaves and noticed a card at the bottom of the plant that says:
Today is special. Wear something white. I'll pick you up at 8pm.
Missing you,
Your Scott
Of course, it's him, Diana furrowed her brows. He bought this house. Surely, he has his own keycard, she figured. The audacity of him to come unannounced. Walk in her home like it's his too. And look after her in her drunken state when he never came at the times she needed him the most. Diana peeved in the irony of a certain fondness unknown to her. "What flower are these…", touching the buds lightly. Diana rolled her eyes, walking away from her unexpected and undeniably beautiful present. "Not even a bouquet of red tulips…", she mumbled.
Flowers for Diana are meaningful. Every color, and type of bloom has their intentions. They speak a certain language that breathes your thoughts that words can't say. When she gave the wild roses to Scott, it was not because it was the only available blooms that time. Rather, her intention was to deliver a message of sharing the pain of losing his parents, with a hope for him to find happiness even after such great loss. Today, at some point, she hoped he'd send her a little bit more meaningful flowers... like yellow pansies for thinking of her, white roses as an apology for missing out the dangerous parts in her life, or maybe red tulips for his declaration of... love. But today, Scott chose to give her a certain vine that she doesn't even recognize. Some random plant whose flowers haven't even bloomed yet.
At the dining table, Diana was at a loss for words to find a hearty morning meal served on the table. It was a complete serving for a hangover meal with a bowl of chicken soup, a slice of bread with peanut butter and avocado, a glass of pear juice, and a tablet of pain reliever on a saucer. They were all still warm and seemed freshly made, as if they were practically prepared just before she went down. She froze at how Scott can pull out her heartstrings, but not completely catch her feelings. Her eyes feasted on each plate, and yet, she only took a bite of the avocado toast, and swallowed the medicine on the side before going back to her room to freshen up.
On her way down, she met Sebastian in a flashy navy blue suit who appeared to be on his way to work too. "Good morning", she greeted, wearing a white long sleeves, gray high waist skirt and black pumps, along with her white satchel.
"Looking sassy! And you're very early for your last day. You should've been late at least", he told her, taking out his phone to make a call.
"Time is essential", she said, as she touch her moon phase watch.
Sebastian signaled to Diana to excuse himself for talking on the phone. When someone picked his call, he instantly said, "Happy Birthday to my Alpha brother".
Diana widened her eyes when she heard it. She felt a slight prick on her chest, leaving her mouth open. "It can't be", she stared at Sebastian's face looking for his resemblance with Scott, as she tighten her grip on the handles of her satchel. "Surely not", she supposed.
The call was easily cut short after that simple greeting. Then, Sebastian sprinted out of the elevator as soon as they reached the lobby. Diana wondered why Sebastian wouldn't go the basement parking with her. "You're not driving?", she knitted her brows.
"Someone's picking me up", he winked at her as the elevator doors close. Sebastian rushed forward holding the elevator doors, "Take care Diana", he said, and left.
SCOTT'S POV
A sudden wave of foreboding washed over me seeing Sebastian's name calling on my phone. "Sure, bye!", a simple greeting deserves a simple response, matching his excitement with my bland reply. I hang up on him, as I fix the black coat on me getting ready for work.
Last night, I was worried for Diana seeing her from my window. With a spare keycard that I kept with me, I entered her home and saw her sound asleep sitting up on the floor. She seemed like she cried herself to sleep. Her cheeks were flushed, and she smell like liquor. Carrying a large pot of moonflowers as a gift for Diana, I battled with myself where to put it. I prefer somewhere that it won't be too flagrant to be noticed, and some place that's not too hard to miss at the same time. I tried the kitchen. However, it felt wrong to have the moonflowers placed there, for it needs much more moonlight to bloom. I tried to put it by the stairs, and find it unappealing. Considering her bedroom, it almost seemed like it's shouting - 'I'm here, look at me'. So, I decided to put it back in the living room and let it sit at the corner by the window. Fixed the card underneath and pushed the pot a little closer to the window. Perfect spot for the moonlight, and subtle enough to be seen.
Moonflowers. They are my personal favorite. And like the wolves, they have deep connection with the moon. Marking new beginnings each day, they close when the sun rises... and they unravel their magic at night. Such unique perennials with a fleeting ethereal beauty thriving in the darkness. Enveloped with a certain kind mystery, giving off an intoxicating aroma that pulls you in. Just like her.
Looking around the living room, I can tell that she had a blast last night. It was alright with me, but it seemed like she wasn't alone. In the atmosphere and on the pillows, a scent of a wolf lingered. The infuriating part is... the scent is that of Sebastian's. And that was when my favorite brother became annoying all of a sudden. How ever they ended up alone together is something that I won't let go, and definitely, won't let it happen again. EVER.
Picking up Diana on the floor, I carried her up to the bedroom. She didn't woke up the entire time she's in my arms, and even snuggled on me before I put her down on the bed. I covered her with the blanket as she quiver in the cold. I stayed there for a while as I look fixedly on her face. How could she still bewilder me even when she is asleep? I brushed her hair softly with my fingers, careful enough not to wake her. Her lips parted when she exhaled, and in an instant, I felt drawn into it. Just one kiss? I thought. I quickly stole a kiss on her lips. And another, after another. I stood up and then, found myself kissing her again before dragging myself out. I just couldn't get enough of my Luna.
I returned downstairs to flip the living room and remove the Sebastian's reek off Diana's home. Whatever he intends on my Luna, I better cut that off. Cleaning up the heaps of clutter, wiping the wet surfaces and spraying a bit of air freshener made the living room tidy once more. As I dispose of the garbage in the kitchen, I passed by some large boxes by the elevator. Diana might be making herself comfortable in this home. I was glad.
As soon as I was done cleaning up, I returned to Diana's room seeing her still peacefully asleep. I sat on the floor with my elbows on the bed, and my hand grasping her soft palm. I laid my head on the soft cushion in a very safe distance, that I wouldn't be tempted enough to make a move on her, especially in her very drunken state. How nice to have peaceful nights like this? And maybe one day, it wouldn't be very complicated for us anymore.
Hours before sunrise, I woke up to an early morning call from Christina. My quick impulse pressed cancel, groaning. Peeking at my Luna, I was relieved that the blaring ring tone didn't wake her. Sleeping soundly on her side. Her serene repose gave me a transcendent bliss, marking my birthday extra special despite running on low sleep. I walked quietly on toes, and hurriedly went down for the kitchen. Whipping everything good for a hangover meal, I set the table for Diana before I cleared her home.
Quickly, I spruced up as soon as I arrived home. My phone kept ringing from my friends and family members, and never answered any of them. My great day won't be ruined by anyone else. On my way to work, I saw Diana's car driving up fast on the highway. She's up early, I thought. Did she saw the moonflowers? Did she read the message I put in there? Did she eat the breakfast I made for her?
My lips upturned, with the reveled glee that she brought upon me. Driving a black sedan, she wouldn't know it's me even if I caught up to her. She parked near the entrance, and I left my car a couple of parking spaces from her. Following her to the hospital, I felt something stuck on my throat. Every step became difficult to take. Earlier, I followed her to the hospital with a smile cemented on my face. And now, it faded as I've entered the hospital grounds. Seeing doctors in white coats, my anxiety started to increase doubting myself if I could really get in calm and collected.
Cory, Austin, and David were appalled to see me. Even without words, their eyes spoke of worry and disbelief of my presence in my most hated place. They tailed me as I followed Diana entering the lobby. I noticed people started to stare, as I trail her footsteps. Some greeted her happily, while some just glanced with a pout. Diana didn't greeted them back, she just waved and nodded. A bit of unfriendly and fierce. I hoped she's like that with other men too.
I took deep slow breaths, feeling my face turn pale as I trudge in. Almost making me feel a little bit dizzy. My hands in my pocket turned into a hard ball of fist, keeping my focus on Diana... convincing myself that I can do this. Trying to get a hold of myself, Diana suddenly stopped and turned around inches from me. "I don't think it's 8pm?", she said with a very charming smile. Diana magically soothe my tensed body by simply laying her glimmering eyes on me. My great salvation.
"I didn't check the time... but I think I need a check up", I bit my lower lip gazing at her rosy lips, remembering how many stolen kisses I made last night.
"Which doctor? Do you have an appointment?", she asked.
"Who else should I consult with? I didn't think I needed one", I answered with a wink.
"I'll make an exemption for today.", she squinted her eyes and smiled. "Come", as she lead the way. Flicking my hand at the pack to stop following around, I went after Diana to the elevator like a puppy, locking my gaze at her. With her so close in the cramped space savoring her scent, walking around the hospital with people in white coats made it so breezy. She's my heroine - my addiction and my cure.
Diana's office looked tailored with sophistication with a glass desk of three seats, a couch on the side, two shelves filled with medical books, a wooden filing cabinet and a coffee nook. It's a room of everything related only for work. No customizations mirroring her personality, not even family pictures.
I closed the door behind me, and hurriedly grabbed her by the hand and locked her in my arms.
"Is everything okay?", she asked, with her hands hanging on her sides.
"Just what I needed", I buried my face in her neck, and nibbled gently on her skin. She flinched and covering her neck. "Did you like the moonflowers?", I asked, ignoring how snappish she is with my touch.
"Ohh. So what they're called.", she looked at me with displeased eyes giving me a tensed look. "What's special about today?", despite angsty, I find her glaring sapphire eyes still mesmerizing.
"They bloom at night.", I grazed her cheek gently with the back of my fingers. "Everyday is special with you, my Luna.", I said.
Diana pulled away from me, keeping one step gap between us. She closed her eyes, and tightened her lips... exhaling sharply with her arms crossed on her chest. "Excuse me, Mr. Devlin. You can't be this inappropriate around me in my clinic. And you can't just turn up and be this cozy with me when we are clearly not together-together. I don't do relationships, especially when you're being unclear and complicated... Lastly and most notably, not because you bought the house I live in... you can just barge in and anytime you like.", she talked in a blue streak.
She was so worked up with all those fast talks. I never knew that nagging would be this cute, as if her strident tone is such a pleasant music to my ears.
"I'm sorry about not coming to pick you up last night.. And sorry for barging in..", lowering my gaze for being scolded. Not being there with her was a total regret. And I would endlessly feel sorry for that. However, barging in her home is something that I would do over and over again. "Your mother paid me a visit last night".
"She did? What did she say", her face softened, with hint of seriousness hearing her mother's name.
I went for the couch, taking her hand with me. Took a seat and let her sit on my lap hugging her waist. I felt her body stiffened, and yet she didn't wriggled away. At this moment, I want the hands of time to stop. "She wants you back home. I wonder how did she knew that I'm your.. your..", Lover? I couldn't even finish my own sentence. I've been very open of my pure intentions with Diana. Still, it is unclear what we truly are since she asked me to wait. We did kissed, held hands, locked each other in an embrace, and then again, I am stuck in this situationship of not crossing the boundary she drew.
"She knows everything. My mother might be difficult to deal with, but, when she gets what she wants and when all is in favor of her.. she'll eventually stop.", she said before she stood up and went over the coffee nook. "Coffee?", she asked, as she prepare one.
"Do you want to go back?", I asked, and waved no to the coffee. Diana stopped halfway and smiled.
"I don't find any reason to. She's my mother, but I think, it's best that we live apart from now", she said. Deep inside, I know Diana have so many hollowness that she wants to fill in on her own. And I admire her for taking that watershed moment of taking risks. No matter how bonded Diana and her mother are by blood, I wouldn't want her to go back in that house full of dark secrets and mischievous lies.