What do you want, little girl?

SERENA

This is when the little heart starts to flutter, leaving us to stutter, and fill up with burning desires, tempting us to commit sins. This is when everything starts to go wrong. When we meet someone whom we should not. I can tell you my not-so-simple story. 

___

“You are awesome.” 

A simple compliment makes one's day. I hugged Mira, one of my colleagues, who passed the compliment. 

“But…” 

And, a simple ‘But’ ruins everything, especially when it comes from the person, who's above us. 

"It should have been amazing if you have used tulips instead of lilies.” 

I nodded my head while faking a smile. The floral décor I have done at a party was appreciated by everyone except the so-called person in charge. She never accepted or appreciated whatever we did. Being her assistant takes a lot of patience. 

“I should not see any mistake in tonight's party. Don't do anything without my permission. You all… be my good assistants.” She then looked at me and said “Don’t try to act like the boss of these floral decorations.” 

I could never understand what her problem was with me. She might be my senior but she was also one of the workers, just like me. 

While I was taking care of the flowers and managing customers, I heard my friends talking to each other about their girlfriends and boyfriends, and some people were getting calls from their families. To me, the only call I get was from customer care. Damn my life! Yes, single since birth but never pitied myself even though sometimes I felt alone. 

“I'll be back in the evening. I’ll come before we all start going to the hotel.” Mira said. 

“Oh yes! Even I have to go.” I said, taking my handbag. “I'll go and check how he is or if someone came for him.” 

She rolled her eyes. She put her palm on my shoulder, saying “It’s good to be kind but unnecessary kindness puts you into trouble. Mind it.” 

“What is necessary kindness and unnecessary kindness?” I scoffed. “Don’t worry. I’ll just check how he is and come back.” 

We both walked out. I took a cab to reach the hospital to see how he was doing. Last night, I saw an old man faint on the road so I joined him in the hospital, which cost me a lot of my money. 

“Nothing to worry about. He’ll be fine in a day. But, he should take care of his fractured hand.” The nurse told me. Her words were a relief because I couldn’t afford him to stay at the hospital for more days which might cost me other expenses. I stood beside the man, who was sleeping peacefully. It felt like if I had a father, he might be around his age and look like him. 

I reached my rented house and took a little nap before I started going to the five-star hotel. Looking at the hotel's interior, my mouth dropped wide open. It was massive and all the walls were screaming richness. I let out a sigh as I noticed my attire; a plain t-shirt and jeans along with the overcoat on which our shop's name was printed. 

“What are you thinking?” Mira elbowed me as I was lost in my thoughts. 

“Huh! Um, nothing.” I smiled. “Come, let’s start our work.” 

We started decorating the hall, where a couple was going to celebrate their wedding anniversary. People like me find reasons to avoid celebrations, whereas, the rich find reasons to celebrate. 

A bright smile appeared on my lips after I decorated the wall with roses and sunflowers but it didn’t last long when Emma started to mess with my decoration. Though I felt like slapping her, I kept quiet. If I weren’t her assistant, I would’ve done it for sure. 

She kept messing with my decoration and the last ounce of patience I had in me faded. I asked, “Emma, Why are you doing this?” 

“Doing what?” 

“I may be your assistant but my design, choice of flowers, and decoration…” she wouldn’t let me finish my sentence. She said, raising her eyebrows “I already told you to not do anything without consulting me. Do you think you are a boss? People should know where they belong. It is better if an assistant acts only like an assistant.” 

Her words angered me. I fisted my palm while controlling myself from the anger that was consuming me. Without saying anything, I walked away from her. 

“Are you fine?” Mira asked. 

I shook my head negatively. “It is suffocating here.” I gritted my teeth. “I'll take some fresh air and will be back.”

I thought to go out but seeing many people near the entrance I changed my mind. I reached the terrace, hoping no one would be there as I wanted to be away from people. As I expected, no one was there so I walked toward the railings, and then I noticed a man standing at the edge of the terrace and it seemed he was about to jump off the building. 

Without giving a second thought, I ran towards him and held his hand, shouting “Hey!” 

He turned to me and I got the chance to see him. With his intimidating black eyes and perfect jawline, he looked as if he came straight out of romance novels. And, not to mention his deep, scary voice when he asked “What do you want, little girl?”