A Blossoming Rose

[Aurelia (DELETED 6251)]

Aurelia stumbled through her front door, exhausted. Her quick trip to the grocery store for dinner supplies turned out to be even quicker than expected. After an already trialing day, she'd been leered at by some business man in the vegetable section just moments ago. A quick glance had told her he was more of a microwavable meal type and had no business in fresh produce, so the motives behind his lingering about were all too clear. Seeing her reach for a tomato, he'd pretended to reach for the same one in order to accidentally-on-purpose ensure their hands would meet.

"Oh, excuse me" Aurelia had said breathlessly.

"Not at all, the fault was mine. Now what's a pretty woman like you..." She'd raised a well-manicured brow and walked off in a huff before he could finish his sentence. A year ago she might have tolerated his pass, or even let it boost her confidence. Not now. He wasn't what she wanted.

She'd decided to grab a bottle of champagne instead, ignoring the stares from fellow shoppers as she passed. Her style of dress always grabbed attention, what with her 1950's dresses, sky-high heels and crimson lips. She was used to it by now.

Now, back at home, she reached for a champagne flute and filled it to the brim with bubbly goodness, hoping to drown her sorrows. Alcoholism ran in her family, and she had been avoiding the stuff for fear of falling into bad habits, but tonight it was what she needed. Her late husband's voice whispered in her mind's ear "Eat something baby, you need it". She shoved the thought away.

A widow at 23, home alone on a Friday night with only her cat to keep her company. It was like something out of an old black and white film. She felt like the picture of "damsel in distress". Next some masculine figure would swoop in and fix all of her problems the way her late husband had. Ha. Never again.

The girls at today's photoshoot had invited her out for a night of dinner and dancing, but she'd politely declined. Not only was she never a fan of clubbing, but her inner introvert needed a break. The photoshoot had been long, and the twisting and posing had left her muscles aching and her mind numb. She'd sassed it up the best she could, flirting with the camera and mock flirting with the girls as she always did, but their lack of depth could only carry the conversation too far. As a psychology major, she didn't have it in her to even attempt to internally analyse them, let alone titter the afternoon away. Just as well, it wasn't conversation she was craving anyway.

Presently, she flipped on the TV, muted it, and let jazz stream through her stereo speakers. The TV was to keep her company, and the music was to help her mind unwind.

Two glasses later and her head was already swimming. She laid on her sofa, arm above her head, legs tossed elegantly over the sofa back. She thought of checking in with her parents in LA, but decided against it. Chances were, her mother was at church and her father was busy with something or another. He was always too awkward to speak to solo.

"Oh Faline, I'm too tired to move. Do undress me and get me into bed, I can't do it myself." Her bengal cat stared back at her, purring and waiting for her nightly cuddles. "Oh, fine, be that way" Aurelia pouted, scooting the cat closer and stroking her head.