Opposites Attract

1.

To live is the rarest thing in this world,
Most people just exist, and that's it.

°°°°

The wind chime tingles signalling the coming of a customer.

I hurriedly run a hand through my unruly hairs and wipe the chocolate away. My head hits the table when I rise. That hurts. Goodness I'm so clumsy.

I rub my head and squeeze my eyes shut. "Sorry, really sorry for the delay."

Opening my eyes, I find myself looking at a person who seems like he would rather be anywhere than here. The way he is looking around tells me that he has never been to a florist's before. He has no idea what he wants to buy. He doesn't even acknowledge my apology.

"Flowers for your girlfriend?" I ask chirpily. I love it when boyfriends come to buy flowers for their dates. It's just so cute and romantic. I would love it if something brings me flowers.

His eyes flicker to my face, like he is surprised to find me here. Like he didn't expect someone to be here.

And my god, is he handsome? Hairs blacks as night with a well sculptured face, thick brows and the most gorgeous turquoise eyes I've ever seen. His girlfriend must be very lucky.

But handsome is as handsome does. I should keep that in mind.

He shakes his head, stepping out of some thoughts. "A friend who is a girl." He answers my question.

I smile. "What's she like?" I ask again.

The confused expression on his face makes me want to grin. But I don't. He clearly doesn't know anything about flowers or girls.

"Maybe I can help you pick something." I suggest.

He gives a curt nod. "She is a blond.. eh.. an architect.. green eyed.." then his eyes sparkle like he remembered something good. ".. and her favourite colour is white." He tells proudly.

I laugh. I laugh like anything.

"Did I say something funny?" Oh oh, he's annoyed.

I sober up. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. It's just... Oh you know what, stargazers will be perfect for your girl." I pick up one and show it to him.

He eyes it carefully. "Nice enough. Give me a dozen and pack it nicely." Rude much? No please?

"Okay." I do what I am told.

While I decorate, an awkward silence surrounds us.

"I'm Sierra, by the way." I say to dismiss the silence.

"Jacob Woods. " He says. He would rather talk to a dog than me, I collect.

He takes out his cell and concentrates on something on the screen.

"Nice to meet you too. I hope your friend who is a girl likes it. I like to help you know. Specially with flowers because they're so full of life and energy aren't they? I treat them like my babies, not that I have a baby or anything..." The way he gazes at me. It's either he thinks I am mad or that I am an alien. ".. I am not boring you out am I?"

"No. You're just too loud to be around someone like me." So he is narcissistic too? Gosh, why did I agree to give Melanie a half day?

He pulls his hands out of his coat pockets and places them neatly on my desk. His every actions are so elegant.

I wish I had that grace.

"Your name sound familiar, you know? Maybe I've heard it somewhere. I cannot recall. It's wedding season and there are so many orders lined up.. I'm not complaining, I love my job and everything.." That weird look again. "I should probably stop talking." I conclude.

"Yes, please do that."

I bet he'll not recognise me even if we meet fifteen minutes later. All he is looking at is his mobile screen.

I mind my own business.

"It's done." I announce happily.

"Took you long enough." He grumbles. What is wrong with this guy? Did I unintentionally offend him? I can never tell.

"Sorry." I mumble.

He ignores my apology. Again. I hand him the bouquet and he hands me his card.

I slide it in my machine and not so surprisingly, nothing happens. It has been giving me trouble for quite a few days. I pray. Just not this once. This man would kill me.

I feel him observing whatever I'm doing. I try again and again but the machine just won't work.

I muster whatsoever courage I have left in me and meet his eyes. The blue in it makes me gasp in surprise. How can his eyes be soo lively blue yet completely serious. "I'm so very sorry. Oh I must be making your day miserable. And your lady friend must be waiting..." he arches a brow. "You know what. You can take them for free." I offer.

He seems angry. "I'm not a beggar." He grumbles again.

Oh shoot! There I go again. "If you don't have cash right now, you can pay me some other day. Just.. please don't be mad." I'm almost begging.

He is totally stunned. I don't know by what. It's like he has finally acknowledged my presence after seventeen minutes. His gaze is locked on my face.

He slams a few dollars on my desk. "Keep the change." With this, he rushes out of the shop leaving me flustered and embarrassed.

I really hope that I never see him again. And I probably won't.