Ghost Tulip Novels & Stories

Edward chuckled and replied, "Oh, isn't it because you're fond of tulips? Earlier this year, General Morrison had me and others spruce up this area. "He brought in a batch of white zinnias that bloom year-round from overseas and personally scattered the seeds, creating this stunning bed of white zinnias. "Just as they were about to bloom, General Morrison mentioned your preference for tulips and instructed us to remove these flowers and replant tulips instead." Mila glanced at the bags of tulip bulbs, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. How did Nathan know she liked tulips? He had never given her tulips but had gifted her white zinnias twice. He must have learned it from Phoebe.

Quickly she began her ascension up the curved staircase and soon was hurrying through the carpeted hallway. The chauffeur was certain his six cars were in the garage, so he definitely must be in one of the bedrooms — Tessa went straight to the one they shared. Yet as she drew closer, her eyes caught a glimpse of… “Petals?” She mumbled, befuddled while crouching to pick one. They were flower petals, and from their simplicity and soothingly pink color alone, it was easy to tell they belonged to a tulip. Confusion blended with apprehensiveness in her soul, and gradually she pushed the door open.

Breathing out as the scent of tulips wafted into my nostrils, I glanced around for the first time. The area was filled with tall mountains and hills. I could barely see anything except for the flowers that surrounded me. There was a variety of them, and only a few I could recognise, like the asphodel, which comprised eighty per cent of the field, tulips and red roses. The rest were unfamiliar to me. The field was dark, illuminated by fireflies; I couldn't tell where they came from but was glad they were here. Despite the fireflies lighting it, it was as if several depressing souls were gathered around, waiting to be freed; however, it was the end for them.

There were no Magic plants in that forest, it was just that some rare plants could still be found there occasionally, due to the extraordinary fertility of the soil. I carried a small basket before leaving Doctor Gordon's house. Alpha Cedric was outside and ready to go in search of herbs. Before I joined him, Doctor Gordon suddenly tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to him and winced. “Lovepur,” he said curtly. I narrowed my eyes thinking he had misspoken. But he repeated his words. “Lovepur. It's a flower like a button, bright purple in color, and can only be found around waterfalls.”

Who'd kissed her until she forgot her own name. Who'd made promises neither of us had been able to keep. "These." I pointed to a bunch of purple tulips. Bold without being aggressive. Beautiful without being presumptuous. "Good choice. Tulips mean new beginnings." Perfect. Because that's exactly what I was offering her. The drive to the gallery took fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes to rehearse what I'd say. How I'd convince her to give us a chance. How I'd break through whatever walls she'd built around herself.

Some I recognized from the faded pages of library books, flowers I'd only ever seen as printed pictures or inked illustrations. There were Birds of Paradise, those strange, angular flowers that looked like fiery birds mid-flight, with their orange and indigo plumes tilted skyward. Bleeding hearts, too. Small, delicate blooms in the shape of hearts hanging from arched stems, with their pink petals pulled open like they were weeping. Calla lilies, with their elegant white trumpets curled in that signature shape. I even caught a glimpse of a Ghost Orchid. It was so rare I'd only ever read about it once, buried in the margin of a botany book.