CHAPTER 3

"You lied our affection together, Morning Glory"

Myrtle, 1896

Summer came by, the kingdom of Hawthorn family and a family companion decided to visit the kingdom of Hemlock for the day.

It was a very long ride in the carriage and there are three carriages. The first is for Father and Mother. The second is for Mr. and Mrs. Floris. Lastly is for me and Lea.

I looked at Lea on my side. She was wearing a dress with daisy flowers printed on it while her hair is tied up in a bun with ribbon.

"Lea. are you done reading your book?" I asked as I looked at her.

She didn't pay a glance at me as she shook her head, "Not yet. I am still in chapter 5. How about you?"

"I have finished actually. If you do not mind me asking you, what are you reading? was it another flower book?" I asked and tried to take a peek at the book she was reading.

"Close enough but nice try though." She smiled at me as she continued, "It's a book called The Land of Petunia."

"So, there's still a flower in it?"

She sighed and then replied, "Yes but, partly. It's more likely a girl who is facing a ginormous obstacle in her life. Simply a life problem."

"Oh, okay then but why is it called The Land of Petunia? what does the title mean?" I questioned. Perhaps, I had lots of questions in mind.

"Well, a Petunia flower means comfortability to someone. Though, it has different meanings but, the book focuses on that one." 

"So, a land or a place where you feel comfortable staying?"

She looked at me and nodded, "Yes."

I stayed quiet for a bit of time and re-read my book but, I ended up getting bored. Sadly, Lea wasn't finished. I do understand that she doesn't like being disturb whenever she was reading yet, I just really have nothing to do.

"Hey, Lea," I asked again.

"Yes, Edward?" She asked calmly while still focused on her book.

"What chapter are you now?" I asked as she replied, "I'm still on chapter 5. I just couldn't stop reading this part."

I then looked at her with curiousness, "What's written on it?"

"It is just some short poem. Do you want me to read it to you?" She asked as she looked up at me.

"Of course," I said.

"Hallways feel like closed space

the floor is cold as ice.

Kids embraced me with gross stares,

fear forbids the flower."

"Walked in the Aconite flower

they sliced me with despise.

Purple stains left on her foot,

fear deceived the flower."

"They sprinkled it with trickery

as its petals prickled.

in the end,

they killed the flower."

"Oh, that's devastating." I said as she agreed on what I said, "Yes. Yes, it is indeed melancholic. I also do felt her agony."

Silence came upon us for a while until she said, "Do you want to hear more?" I nodded as she proceeds

"Rose is the one you gave me

Grandpa, you are the sweetest!

I gave them Hibiscus,

they gave me a Marigold.

Oh, how vicious!"

"He said I am a contrast

They said I had to behave,

He said I was rare

I was marked as naught."

"You are unique!

they gave me yellow bruises.

A Hawthorn flower he gave,

replete with compassion."

"They are butterflies

they soar high.

I am a flower,

below I cry."

...

We walked out of the carriage while the servants carry our bags. We all then walk up the stairs and be greeted by the King's assistant, "Greetings your Majesties and... friends. The king of Hemlock is waiting for all of you in the living room. I will escort all of you inside."

We were led by the escort inside as we proceeded to go into the living room. No worries for Lea and her parents since they were also friends long ago. Uncle Ophrys also knew Lea since she was young.

Finally, we arrived in the living room, "Good morning to all of you everyone." Uncle Ophrys said with enthusiasm.

Father then said, "Good morning to you also, brother." He smiled at him as uncle do the same to him. something in me says that his smile isn't real rather than a fake one.

Lea and her parents finally went into the living room. They need to manage something earlier so, she and her parents came in here last.

"Rosemary is also here with her husband, Mr. Floris," Father announced. When uncle saw Lea, he exclaimed, "Lea, you came!" while she joyfully nodded.

 After, since it is early in the morning, we went to eat breakfast and discussed. Of course, I and Lea are buddies so we usually talk often.

When we finished eating, all of us haven't stood up since they all wanted to have a colloquy. 

"Father Willow, may I be excused?" Lea asked as Father then nodded in a sign of agreement. She pats her mouth quickly with a napkin, stood up, and left to exit the dining room, "Father, may I also be excused?" I asked.

He also nodded as I stood up to exit. Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks as I overheard Uncle Ophrys saying, "And what about the land?! Hemlock should be the right one for they had its place!" I looked back as I saw anger in Uncle's eyes to my father.

Mother then signaled me to go in a while. As I went out, I was wondering what they are fighting for...

I went to the garden and saw Lea on a bench while staring at the flower in front of her.

"Hey, Lea."

I went to her as she looked at me, "Hey." she replied softly, "What made you go out here?" I asked.

"Are they quarreling?" She asked as I nodded, "Yes but,  you haven't answered my question." 

She then replied, "That's the reason why I went out."

"But, it hasn't started before you went out. How did you know?" I asked as she sighed, "I just sensed that something was coming up."