We arrive at the flower shop and Celeste runs to us. She was wearing a yellow summer dress and black pumps.
"Celeste!" I shout as I spread my arms welcoming her to a big hug.
She jumps and lands in my arms. I embrace her and giggle. She sure was an angel. She gets out of my embrace and goes to hug Ace. He chuckles and lifts her. He spins her around as she pretended to be an airplane. Grandma walks out holding a basket.
"Seems like you're going somewhere," I say going to hug her.
"Yes," Celeste says, "Granny is taking me to the park. I passed my tests with A stars," she says proudly.
"Really?" I say shocked.
"Don't forget to tell her about the C you got in French," Grandma says.
"Granny! We made a deal," she says pouting her lips.
"Ooops it just came out dear," she tells her.
"Either way, Little Celly passed. I'm going to get her a big gift," I say.
"What is it?" she asks as her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"It's a surprise," I tell her winking.
"I'm guessing you want to buy flowers for your brother," Grandma says.
"Uh-huh," I answer with a slight nod.
She enters holding a bouquet. "The usual," she says with a smile on her face.
"Thank you, Grandma," I say as I receive the bouquet.
"No need love," she replies.
We chat a bit while Ace played with Celeste. "How is Xavier dear?" she asks.
I sigh and answer, "There is no change in his condition. He's not getting better or deteriorating".
"Don't lose hope dear. He will be wide awake before you know it," she assures me.
"I know Grandma but it's hard without him," I tell her.
"But you have Ace. He is a wonderful young man. Is he treating you well?" she asks.
I smile and nod, "He's not that bad," I tell her.
"See. It will be done. How is Akira?" she asks again.
"Mom is getting better. She went through surgery. By next month she will be like her old self," I inform her with a smile.
"That's good news. Wait, I will be back," she says going into the shop. I look at Celeste who was happily laughing with Ace as they played what seemed like 'Tag'.
'You are not too bad,' I think as I look at him.
He notices me staring and winks causing butterflies to flutter in my stomach. I feel my cheeks heating up and I look away. Grandma comes back holding two identical scarves. Each had an incomplete heart on it.
"What's this Grandma?" I ask in confusion.
"I sew them for you and Ace. Soon it will be cold. You will need them, dear," she tells me.
"Oh, you didn't have to," I say.
"Don't worry dear. This is nothing compared to what you have done for me," she says.
"Thank you, Grandma," I thank her as I take the scarves.
"Granny, let us go!" Celeste whines.
"Okay okay Celly," Grandma answers her.
"She's a lot to handle isn't she?" I ask as I let out a little giggle.
"Sometimes," she replies.
"Goodbye Grandma. I have to go see brother," I say hugging her.
She hugs me back. "Goodbye Celly," I say.
She comes and hugs me, "Goodbye sissy Jade," she says. She runs back to Ace and hugs him too, "Goodbye Brother Ass," she says.
I burst into laughter.
"Just call me Brother A," he suggests looking embarrassed.
She nods and he lifts her in the air. She laughs and I smile at the site. 'He is going to be a good father one day,' I say in my mind.
He comes to say goodbye to Grandma. "Do you need a lift?" he offers.
"It's okay dear. This old lady needs to exercise at some point in time. Hurry along," she tells him waving her hand.
We enter the car and go to the hospital.