"What are these flowers called?" Titus asked pointing at an orange flower.
As he promised, Titus came the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that, an- . . .
It's safe to say he became a regular visitor to their household.
They are both in the garden, Rosalind busy at work with making a daisy chain and Titus busy admiring every nook and cranny of the garden. Her dedication to her plants impressed him.
Roselind looks up from her work, "Calendula. It's a herb that is used for burns, wounds and rashes."
"Wow. What about the white flowers in this tree? Do they have any medicinal properties?"
"Those are Orange Blossoms, we use them to make perfumes." Rosalind smiled, "They means 'eternal love'."
"Oh." Titus cleared his throat and looked around, slightly embarrassed.
"Here."
Rosalind walked up to him, holding the daisy chain in her hand. Instantly, Titus bent down as she placed the chain on his head.
"I heard from some foreign people that came to visit my grandfather that when a daisy chain is completed, you can make a wish. So . . . What's your wish?"
"Uh. . . I- shouldn't you be making the wish since you made this ?"
"Well, I'm giving the wish to you." Seeing his hesitation, Rosalind added, "You don't have to make the wish now. Do it anytime you're comfortable. I don't need to hear it. Come sit."
They both sat under the orange tree, eating some of the fruits from her garden. Rosalind munched on an apple while Titus began peeling the orange.
"Do you miss it?"
"Hmm?"
"Fighting for a cause."
"I think everyone is fighting for a cause in some ways. People holding three jobs, trying to make ends meet; doctors trying to find cures for sicknesses; people suffering from losing their loved ones and trying to make it one day at a time. Everyone is fighting for something."
"You're right. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like I'm demeaning other people's battles."
Titus shook his head, "I do understand what you mean. But war is only glorious to people who haven't experienced it. You lose more than you gain. I think that's what makes it absolutely pointless."
Titus clenched his fists, accidentally crushing the orange he held, it's juice stained Rosalind's white dress and splattered all around them. Realising what he did, he quickly stood up, "Rosalind! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean-"
He got cut off by her laughter. It sounded like a beautiful melody to his ears.
"Don't be sorry, Titus. This means my oranges are extremely juicy which is a huge compliment to me. Anyway, I was the one that asked you to answer a very sensitive question, I am sorry. I hope I have not made you mad?"
"You didn't. You didn't. You could never make me mad if anyth-"
Soft, so soft.
Rosalind hid her face in her hands, unable to believe she did that. She peeked through her fingers, scared of what he might say, after all, they are yet to confess anything to each other.
Titus just stood there, dumbfounded.
Did that really happen?
He looked at Rosalind, the expression on her face confirmed that it indeed, did happen. She looked at him, searching for any sign of assurance in his face.
Emotions overwhelmed him, to think someone like her would like someone like him. He didn't know how to react or even to believe it.
"Rosalind, I-"
"You don't have to say it." She interrupted. "Only hear me out. I was too hasty, I know, but I do like you. Genuinely and truly. You're the first man I ever felt anything for. But you do not owe me anything so don't worry if you do not feel the same. I understand." She smiled.
Titus continued to stare at her, observing her. He did not doubt anything she said but, would she really be ok with someone like him?
"Why me? I'm sure you have plenty of other suitors much more accomplished than me."
"True." She turned with her hand on her chin. "I have many suitors. True, they are of higher social standing than you."
Though he was prepared for that . . . it still hurt.
"But none of them are you."
"You won't want me after getting to know me. I have a bit of a temper problem, I'm impulsive and reckless, I can't sleep at night and have constant nightmares. I don't know my parents, nor do I have any immediate relative alive anymore. I'm not . . . normal. You'll get tired of me soon enough and leave."
He sat back down, a faraway look in his eyes.
Rosalind listened to everything he had to say, sorrow filling her. How can someone so accomplished, not see any of his worth?
"I know." Rosalind smiled at Titus as he turned to face her.
"And . . . you still want me?"
"Yes."
"With all those problems?"
"And I'm not perfect either. Everyone has many things they need to improve on, whether you see it or not."
"Not you. You're perfect." Titus whispered under his breath.
"What?"
"Nothing. Are you sure you still want me, with all my baggage?"
"If you still want me with all my baggage."
"Of course."
"Then you know my answer."
Rosalind enveloped Titus in a hug as he held her as tenderly as possible. Everything felt so at peace at the moment, like all was right with the world. Nothing except both of them exist at the moment.
----------------------------
"I have a question though, why me?"
"Well. . . It's a bit of a story." Rosalind laughed. "I'll tell you if you promise to not laugh at me."
"I'm so curious now." Titus leans back onto the tree. "Why would I laugh?"
"Titus."
"If this'll make my lady feel at more at ease. I promise not to laugh."
"Thank you . . . OK"
Rosalind took in a deep breath and began.