CHAPTER THREE

“GRETEL, come outside. Quick!”

Gretel was cleaning her bookshelf when she heard her mother’s voice. She looked outside her window and saw an elegant carriage parked outside their yard. Mr. Martinez was already inside their gate.

She put the polish cloth on top of the shelf and shook the dust from her hand and rushed outside.

“What is it, Mother?” she asked. “Good morning, Mr. Martinez.”

“Good morning, Miss Gretel,” Mr. Martinez responded with a polite nod. “My master sent me to give his presents to you.”

Gretel stared in confusion.

“I don’t get it,” she said.

“Wait a second.” Mr. Martinez went back to the carriage and retrieved two small black pots of red and white roses.

Gretel’s eyes widened. They were the same roses from Javier del Mundo’s garden!

“Oh. These roses are lovely!” her mother exclaimed.

Mr. Martinez brought a total of six red and six white roses for her. Gretel was dying to hold them in her arms, but she stopped herself.

“W-why would your master give me these, Mr. Martinez?”

“He did not go into detail. But I think it’s because he saw that among the flowers in his garden, you showed interest in the roses which he grew himself.”

“He grew the roses himself?” Gretel gaped as she glanced at the roses. “He must have wanted something in exchange for these.”

“I don’t think so, Miss Gretel. I guess my master is just fond of you. I will tell Master Javier that you love them.”

“We really appreciate his kindness, Mr. Martinez,” her mother said. “Thank you so much.”

*** *** *** *** ***

“THERE’S no way that arrogant man would be fond of me,” Gretel uttered as she watered the roses on the plant stand. She could have just returned it. But these roses were simply irresistible.

“He should have left a note, though. Maybe I could forgive him.” She could not help pouting. “How could an arrogant man grow roses as beautiful as these? Should I make friends with him and ask his secret?” She groaned. “Yeah. That would be impossible. Why would a wealthy man like him make friends with a peasant like me?”

She stared at her finger, and the memories of Javier sucking the blood in it flashed her mind. The sensation would always give her butterflies in the stomach. His warm mouth and tongue around her finger made her face flush.

“Gretel!”

Gretel jumped at Dory’s voice.

“Why do you have to shout?” she asked, glaring at her friend who had entered the gate.

“I saw you talking to yourself again. Are you alright?”

“Of course, I am. It’s not bad to talk to myself once in a while, you know.”

“Omigosh. Where did you get these lovely roses? Are they for real?” Dory’s eyes widened as she rushed to the plant stand.

“Well, someone generous enough gave me these,” Gretel replied with a shrug.

“A potential suitor?” Dory stared at her, grinning from ear to ear.

Gretel looked away.

“O-of course, not! Didn’t I tell you that I have no time for boys?”

“Could you give me just one, Gretel? I’d like to have them in my room.” Dory clasped her hands altogether and smiled sheepishly.

“Hey, they need water and sunlight. You better put it near your window.”

“Oh, Gretel, you’re the best!” Dory hugged her.

“By the way, what brings you here? Aren’t you busy at the shop?”

Dory pulled away and shrugged. “I took some time off. Mother said she’d be in charge. Hey, we should come to Lady Arcie’s birthday party. Everyone’s invited.”

“Oh, that. I don’t think I have time to party. But I’d be there to wash the dishes.”

“Is reading the only fun thing to you?” Dory frowned.

“Well, yes.”

“How would you meet potential boyfriends when you’re in the kitchen, doing all the dirty dishes? You’re hopeless, Gretel.”

“I told you I’ve been saving because I want to go back to school. And let this be the last time we’ll talk about boys and dating, okay?”

Dory pouted.

“Okay. If you say so.”

*** *** *** *** ***

GRETEL grabbed her satchel bag once she was done tying her hair. It would be a very busy day today at Lady Arcie’s birthday party.

“Where are you going, Gretel?” Hansel asked as he entered their living room. He was holding a small basket of vegetables.

“Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be in the market?”

“Ah, well, Mother told me to cook for our lunch. I’ll go back once I’m done cooking.”

“I’m going to Lady Arcie’s mansion. It’s her birthday today. I’ll be one of the dishwashers.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“Why not? If I work part-time jobs, that will help us save more money.”

“I’ll take you there, then.”

“What about your task?”

“It won’t take long, so it’s fine.”

Gretel smiled. “Thank you.”

“WHAT ABOUT  you? Aren’t you going to the party? Everyone is invited,” Gretel asked as she climbed up on the cart.

“I know it’s for everyone, but I don’t feel like I really belong in that party,” Hansel replied as he mounted Captain, their horse.

“I don’t think you belong in Dario’s group, either.”

“Come on,” Hansel retorted. He pulled the rein and kicked Captain. The cart started moving.

“I’m not joking. I heard they scare people to get away with their crimes.”

“Do you trust me, Gretel?” Hansel asked as he looked back over his shoulder.

“I do.”

“That’s all that matters to me.”

“I DON’T know when the party is going to be over, so I’d probably get home late,” Gretel said as she jumped down from the cart.

“Will you be alright, sis?”

“Of course. Those are just dishes,” she replied proudly.

“I’m going to pick you up after midnight. I’ll just have to get things done.”

“Then, I’ll just wait for you. Thank you.” Gretel waved before entering the gate.

The spacious garden of Lady Arcie’s mansion was filled with long tables and chairs. People were swamped, making sure every corner was decorated.

Gretel felt a little envious toward Lady Arcie. She was living every girl’s dream.

Oh, no, Gretel. Not the best time to be melodramatic. Your job is waiting.