It awaits me, as I search through the bushes.

For my flower.

For my desire.

I have never felt this way before.

The way I long for the flower of eternal life.

The flower calls me, her colors blind me.

I am trapped, in her seductive song.

Dance with me, Ambrosia.

—𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘴

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Ambrosia jerked herself out of bed at the sound of shouting.

"No, I ordered the tablecloth to be cream, not off-white!" yelled the voice.

Ambrosia looked at her phone.

It was 12:23, who was yelling so early in the morning!

Ambrosia slipped her phone into her pocket, scrambled out of bed and tried to calm her dog who had started to break out in nervous barking. Sadie whimpered and hid underneath the bed while Ambrosia threw her robe on over her shorts and tank top and hurried downstairs.

Ambrosia found Aunt Tania rubbing her temples as she paced the large living room. Ambrosia gaped as her eyes scanned the ornated room. The rest of her family members were up and about, helping decorate the house.

Tania slipped her hands down her black dress and chuckled.

"Finally you're up."

"What's going on?" Ambrosia yawned.

Tania smiled at her question and placed her hands on her hips.

"I decided to have a small gathering, or party if you will, for grandma Hill."

A figure walked up beside Ambrosia and spoke.

"This really is not necessary Tania."

It was Ambrosia's father, who must have also heard the yelling form his room.

Tania frowned and picked up a silver-colored plate looking at her reflection in it.

"I already sent the invitations to all our previous guests.....don't worry it is just a funeral reception!" Tania exclaimed before turning on her heels and strutting away.

Ambrosia looked at her father who rubbed his face groggily. He didn't wish to argue with his sister in law so he gave up with a sigh.

"You should get some rest, I'll help Aunt Tania," Ambrosia told her father gently ushering back to the stairs.

Ambrosia went into the kitchen to see a few housekeepers slaving over the stove and prepping up plates in the dining room.

Without a question, Ambroisa began to help place plates and silverware on the tables. She helped clean the floors, hang ribbons, and put curtains in the rooms.

Tania strode up to Ambrosia while she was struggling to put up a curtain and began to help her.

"I've got it," Ambrosia insisted. However, with her Aunt's help, they were able to accomplish the task much faster.

Silently Ambrosia studied the slim black women who seemed to notice her reluctant movements.

"Something wrong dear?" Tania asked under her breath.

"No....I'm just wondering, when is the reception party."

The two finished placing the silk curtain up.

"At 6:00," Tania replied with a certain nod and walked away.

Ambrosia noted that and picked up another curtain moving to the next window. She took off her fuzzy slippers and stood up on her tippy-toe. Ambrosia started to adjust the curtain when a large hand came up and held up the other side.

Ambrosia took in a sharp breath and looked out of the corner of her eye. Elias stood beside her as she placed the curtain on the rod. When she finished she turned to him.

"Thanks," she said bluntly.

Elias only nodded earnestly letting his eyes search her own.

Ambrosia looked away and grabbed her supplies moving to the dining tables without giving him a second glance.

"Are you mad at me?" he asked jokingly.

Ambrosia placed down a plate and utensils keeping her eyes glued to them.

"You have been avoiding me, on purpose."

"N-no that's not-"

"It's okay Elias, ignore me, I really don't care," Ambrosia scoffed glancing at him.

Lies.

Elias reached for her hand but Ambrosia moved away. He muttered something running his hand through his dark brown locks and scratched the back of his neck.

Elias opened his mouth to speak but another voice yelped for him.

It was Mrs.Henway.

"Elias, I need your help!"

"Damn it." Elias groaned and bent quickly catching Ambrosia's arm before she could scoot away.

"I'll talk to you at the party, alright?"

Ambrosia watched him jog off and she shooked her head.

Something about the guy-

Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she put down the napkin she was folding to rummage through her pocket. Pulling it out she saw a missed call from Dante.

Ambrosia called him wandered out to the backyard that opened to the woods. She walked down the stone path that traveled through the backyard. Her eyes drifted onto the stone statues and water fountains that sat beside the path.

They stood forever asleep.

A cold wind slipped past Ambrosia causing her to shiver.

"Ambrosia?"

Ambrosia jumped at the strong voice that called her from the phone.

"Hey Dante, you called?"

"Uh...yeah I just wanted to know if you were doing alright..." he spoke softly.

Ambrosia blinked, that was kind of nice.

"Yeah I'm fine, thanks," Ambrosia said smiling lightly to herself.

"So...um, did you get those dark chocolates I sent you?"

"What, no..."

Dante's line went silent for a moment.

"I thought...I sent them to the right address" he mumbled.

"Why did you send me chocolates, Dante?" Ambrosia asked with a fake innocence.

"I can't tell you...well I mean there was a note on it..and this is just not going the way I planned in my head" Dante let out an embarrassed laugh.

Ambrosia laughed with him and stopped as she reached the end of the path and the edge of the woods, listening to the bird's chirp to welcome the evening.

"Dante, you are a mess."

"Only for you," he whispered. But Ambrosia couldn't hear him, for her attention was drawn to the bluejay that was calling out from an oak tree. She pulled her robe close toward her and breathed out cold smoke.

"Hmm, what was that?"

"Nothing, I've got to go," Dante murmured, "talk to you later, baby."

"Bye Dante."

Ambrosia ended the call and took in a deep breath. She turned around and walked back to the house. Maybe if she could rummage through the mail she could find the chocolates. Ambrosia unknowingly found herself smiling at the thought.

Dante knew she liked dark chocolates. For some reason, she couldn't wrap her mind around why he liked her so much.

She truly was a selfish liar whether she wanted to admit it or not.

Ambrosia checked the time.

It was 2:45.

She had time to get ready for the reception party. So she grabbed a bagel from the kitchen and went up to her room to get ready.

The feeling of piercing gaze followed her the whole time.

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