Caught

Caught

Today is my favourite day of the week because I get to visit you.

I have a quick shower and put on my favourite shirt for you. I style my hair the way you like it.

Before rushing out, I grab the jacket you love wearing of mine, it smells like you now!

I walk along the sidewalk as I do every Saturday on my way to you, the sky is bright blue without a cloud in sight. The roads are quiet and I can hear little birds chirping when I reach that Lady's house, yes, the crazy one that always shouts, the one with the flowers...

I stop next to her picket fence with the warning sign she put up about someone stealing her flowers, I smile at it before leaning over the picking the pretty purple ones you love, one by one. 

Fifteen... your lucky number. 

"Hey you!" I hear her call out from her window before disappearing and reappearing at her front door. 

I'm not sure if I should run to you quickly or accept my punishment. I promised you I wouldn't cause any problems anymore. 

I stay to hear what my consequences are for picking flowers for my favourite girl, you.

"I knew someone was stealing my flowers!" the crazy lady slowly walks towards me, her eyes are wide and her hair is a slight mess. "I had my suspicions about the thief being you! I was right all along, the neighbourhood delinquent. Yeah, I've heard the rumours about you!" she points a long skinny finger at me. 

The rumours aren't true and you know it, I've been good, I stayed out of trouble like I promised. I want to tell her that but I know she won't believe me. 

"Who are you giving my flowers to anyway?" she sneers, "I'm sure you need more than flowers to convince a girl to love you, you rat!" she spit out. 

Her words sting but I don't let it show because I know you love me.

"On second thought, why don't you take me to her right now, yeah, let's see if this girl is worth the flowers I slave over! Come on!" she grabs me tightly and pulls me in the direction I had been heading it, towards you.  

I know I should tell her, say something to her, but words fail me in this moment. 

"This way..." I finally choke out, pointing to the side entrance of the cemetery. "It's quicker."

The lady rolls her eyes but follows me. 

I grip the flowers tightly, suddenly nervous about what the crazy lady will say about you.

"If this girl doesn't like my flowers, you gonna pay for 'em, you hear?" she threatens.

"They're her favourite flowers," I force out before stopping, I have reached our spot. 

You. 

I stop in front of you, the lady is now very silent as she watches me from a few paces back. 

A single tear runs down my face as I place the flowers down. 

"Hey beautiful," I greet softly. "Happy birthday... it's your birthday again." I whisper, my voice catching. 

The lady doesn't move any closer, even when I drop to my knees in front of your grave and mutter on about another week I have spent without you, my best friend, my soulmate...