Abby tapped on the Enchanted Florist window and waved to Daisy as she unlocked the door.
“Right on time. I was finishing up this arrangement for a Monday delivery.” Daisy pointed to the vases.
“They’re lovely. It’s nice to see the same color but different flowers in one bouquet,” offered Abby. “Yellow blooms scream summer.”
“Thanks. Let me grab the folding chairs and our picnic stuff, and we can head over to the falls.” Daisy reappeared with both hands full. “Ready?”
“Ready.” Abby lifted her chair and the tote. “At least it’s an easy walk, and it’s cooler after the rainbow shower.”
Daisy cut a grin, closing the shop’s door. “Rainbow shower, huh? Ya know, I like that description.”
Abby laughed. “Doesn’t that describe what rain looks like in Charm?”
“Yes.” Daisy nodded. “Please keep that good mood with you. We’ve got a few important things to chat about after lunch. Don’t ask. Just—”
“Just accept. I know. One of the many Charm mantras.” Abby rolled her eyes heavenward.
They walked through the village’s park, smiling at the children playing with colorful balls.
Abby stopped. “The balls seem to float in the air while the kids scoop them up with handheld nets.” She stood enthralled, attempting to grasp the game.
“You’re looking at what’s called the frolic balls. They visit us one Sunday each month. It’s a huge hit.” Daisy waved. “There’s Will and Aubrey to the left. See them?”
Abby looked. “Yep. They’re engrossed with two purple balls. How fun. It’s so unlike our plane where everyone is lost in the screens as soon as they can hold one.”
Daisy nodded. “So true and so sad. One day they’ll realize what’s going on behind the screens.” Daisy’s expression lightened. “Let’s get back to the present and gratitude for being in Charm.”
“Agreed. I see the trail. My chair is getting heavier with each step,” said Abby. She wondered what Daisy meant by what’s going on behind the screens. She’d file away that thought for a later time.
“Here’s the cart corral. Why don’t we nab one and load our stuff in it? We can take turns pulling it,” Daisy suggested.
“Great idea. I didn’t see carts the other time I was here, but then that wasn’t my best day in Charm.” Abby pulled a face.
“Day one?” guessed Daisy.
“Day one.” Abby sighed and then laughed. “I was such a jumble.”
“It’s okay. Day ones are memorable for most everyone. Here, put your chair and tote on top of mine. I’ll take the first leg.” Daisy grabbed the handle and led the way down the trail.
“Angel Cascade is magical. I can’t wait to revisit those orchids.” Abby’s enthusiasm was catching.
“Orchids are special to you like the lilies are to me. I’d love to hear about your research with them while we trek along.” Daisy paused to make an adjustment in the cart. “Come on. Talk.”
Abby felt the loathsome guilt and remorse return. “Trust me. You won’t like my talk. I was focused on duplicating the orchid’s anti-aging properties in a lab by using chemical messengers. I gave little credence to side effects for the user. It was all about immediate results to erase lines and wrinkles. Right now, I’m feeling as low as that caterpillar we passed. The accomplishments that I was so proud of are now what I’m the most ashamed of. This big realization comes from being in Charm and the lessons I’m learning. The way I feel now, I could never continue doing research there. For now, that’s where my regrets have taken me.” Abby wiped a stray tear.
Daisy halted and turned to Abby. “That’s a whole lot of awareness to garner in a short time. You might want to celebrate.” Daisy touched Abby’s arm. “Listen to me. Here’s what I’ve got to say on this topic, and then we’ll not speak of it again. It’s your journey.” She pulled Abby to the side so a couple could pass. “You’re not the same scientist today. You’ve changed. You’re awake and aware. Aren’t you?”
Abby nodded.
“Why not focus on the good and who you are today? The lessons helped you want to forge a new respectful relationship with nature’s gifts and yours. Right?”
Abby nodded again but still said nothing. Her emotions were treading close to the surface.
“Look, Abby, I understand where you are better than you know. Most of us arrive in Charm burdened by regrets and remorse.” Daisy offered Abby a tissue from her pocket.
“Really?” Abby dabbed her eyes.
“Really.” Daisy paused. “Here’s what matters. Because of your awareness, you’ve changed. You must and should forgive that old Abby. Let her go. She’s certainly not who I’m hanging out with today,” offered Daisy. “Enough said on the past. You don’t owe me another detail. Let’s celebrate today. For today is what matters most. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow.” Daisy extended her hand to Abby. “It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Drake, and call you my new friend.”
Abby clasped Daisy’s hand. “Thank you, friend and doctor, of many things. It’s my honor to share an afternoon with you.”
“Great. Now that we’ve cleared the ghosts from flowers past, let’s get a move on. I’m starving.” Daisy lifted the cart’s handle. “Mush.”
Laughter bubbled from Abby, and she forgave herself a little bit more.
Daisy led them to a private cove, where the orchids and other exotics were in full show. A less noisy waterfall allowed for easy conversation. “This is my favorite hideout. When I crave solitude, I come here. Do you smell the fragrance?”
“It’s beautiful here.” Abby sniffed. “What is it? I can’t identify the flower.”
“Follow me. I’ll introduce you to Fleuriste Santus, or what I lovingly call kaleidoscopes. They appeared here a month ago.” Daisy climbed over a group of boulders.
Abby trailed behind. “So, they’re new to Charm? How interesting.”
“Yes. The team is pretty eager to study this species, but I don’t have anyone free to take on this project.” Daisy stopped and closed her eyes. “Take another whiff.”
Inhaling, Abby smelled the most intoxicating fragrance. “It’s like a fine perfume with notes of exquisite harmony.”
“Gosh, you’re right. Exquisite harmony is exactly the evoking emotion. Abby, you’ve got the intuition and the nose.” Daisy leaned in to hug her.
“I don’t know about all that, but thanks. Where are these flowers? Show me.” Abby’s enthusiasm buoyed her spirit.
“A few yards to the left. See them gathered around the stream?” Daisy pointed.
“They look like floral sculptures.” Abby hurried to the spot and knelt to examine the flowers. Their aroma was intoxicating. She wished she could bottle it on the spot.
“Amazing, huh? Have you ever seen a blossom where each petal was a different color? I named them kaleidoscopes because of how they look when they spin in the breeze.” Daisy blew on one to demonstrate.
“Now that’s cool. I’m beyond enchanted with your kaleidoscopes. Never have I—” Abby stopped. “Have you ever felt a slight vibration when you touched each petal?”
“What? No.” Daisy leaned over to touch Abby’s flower. “I don’t feel it. You do?”
“Yes. Each petal— Did you hear that?” Abby’s mouth fell open. “The flowers are singing.”
“Singing and vibrating? Simply extraordinary. Best of all, they’re showing off for you and only you.” Daisy did a little jig. “That cinches it. We need to talk. Come on. Let’s have lunch.”
Abby didn’t want to abandon the flowers. Even with her beloved orchids, she’d never felt a connection like this one with the kaleidoscopes. “Okay, food next. But know that I’m tagging along reluctantly.” She grinned at Daisy. “I’ll be back to see you all.” Abby released the blossom.
The two new friends feasted on different cheeses, fresh dates and figs, and a crusty French baguette. Abby’s contribution of iced linden tea complemented the menu. Once they’d deposited their trash bag in the receptacle and returned to the chairs, Daisy shifted the discussion.
“Okay, now that we’ve removed the hunger distraction, I’d like to make you an offer. Hear me out before you answer.” Daisy’s eyes twinkled.
“An offer? What are you plotting?” laughed Abby. She hadn’t a clue what Daisy was conjuring, but she was more than a little interested. Inside, she felt slap-happy excited.
Daisy shook her head. “Me, plotting? Well, maybe a skosh. Anyway, here goes. I’d like to formally offer you the opportunity to join us at the research center. I know Nash planted the seed. I’m here to harvest said seed.”
“I don’t know—”
Daisy held up her hand. “Not yet, Abby. Let me finish my pitch. The kaleidoscopes are yours to study. You’ll have use of the labs and anything else you need. These flowers appeared in order to serve, to teach. And I sense they’re here for you. Wouldn’t you like to discover their secrets? Of course, you may also continue the orchid research.” Daisy grabbed another cookie. “Now, you may answer.”
Abby inhaled deeply. “Eat your cookie, and give me a few moments to absorb this gift and what it means.”
“Why don’t you take a saunter back over to the flowers? I’m going to use the time for meditation. Remember to stay in the present and out of the future and past. That’s where your divine guidance awaits. Now, go. Bring your answer back with you.” Daisy closed her eyes.
Returning to the kaleidoscopes, Abby inhaled their enchanting fragrance. Touching the flowers triggered their vibration and subtle song. Once again, something in Charm had becharmed her. “So, flowers, what role am I meant to play with you? Clearly, we have a strong connection. Dare I begin our relationship only to leave you?” That same question haunted her about letting things play out with Nash.
In the present moment, not in the tomorrow or next week, what would feed her spirit and bring joy? She could hear Gita approving the question. She’d quiet her mind’s chatter and listen to her heart. Abby noticed the difference in the voices and smiled when her answer came. “I choose all of you.” She raked her fingers across the blooms, activating the serenade. “Plus, I choose to spend lots of time with Nash if that’s what he wants too.” Wearing her botanist hat, Abby enjoyed a few more minutes with the kaleidoscopes, allowing her enthusiasm to build. She had meaningful and pioneering work awaiting her. Abby jumped up and threw her arms wide. “I’ve got the world on a string.”
“Is that a fact?” An amused Nash appeared from behind a group of rhododendrons.
“Not you. Anyone but you. This is getting beyond embarrassing.” Abby’s hands moved to cover her red face. “I didn’t expect to see you or anyone else here.”
“That I believe. So, you’ve got the world on a string, huh?” Nash laughed. “I take it you’ve made a decision about joining Daisy and the researchers?”
“I have, and I’m glad you showed up, despite your witnessing my little performance. I want to tell you first. I’m going to accept Daisy’s proposal that I work with these splendid Fleuriste Santus.”
Nash wrapped his arms around her waist. “Congratulations, Abby, for first hearing and then answering Source’s call. You’re embarking on a path—well, you’ll see soon enough.”
“Thank you, Nash. I’m pretty jazzed. Listen, Daisy’s waiting on me, so I’d better go. Besides, it looks like you’re here to get some samples of whatever you rockhounds get.” Abby stepped out of Nash’s loose embrace.
“I am here to gather.” Nash held up small glass jars. “Tell Daisy hello. Don’t forget our dinner plans. I’m bringing barbecue ribs and the fixins. We’ve got something to celebrate.”
“Yup, we do. Get after those rocks, Dr. Walker.”
Abby turned toward the direction she’d come from. Seeing Nash had proved the cherry on top of both decisions. Spending time in his company sure appealed to her feminine nature. She craved more.
Daisy glanced at Abby’s face as she drew closer. “You’ve made a decision. Your chair awaits your bottom, and I await your answer.” Daisy patted the chair’s arm.
Abby planted herself in the seat. “I bring you glad tidings of acceptance and gratitude for this incredible opportunity. I apologize in advance for the one question which lives in the future.”
“First, I’m thrilled you accept that you’ve been chosen for this work.” Daisy’s meaning wasn’t lost on Abby. “Next, that dangling question?”
“Are you okay with me doing the research, knowing that the portal to leave Charm might open at any time? I’ll have to make a hard decision.” Abby almost wished she’d not asked, but transparency mattered. She’d learned the lesson, and this was her test. At this moment, Abby didn’t want to leave, but things could change. She was a realist. “Daisy, I want you comfortable with this unknown.”
“Yes, Abby, I’m absolutely okay with you taking the project under those circumstances. Why? Because the kaleidoscopes told both of us today, you’re the one. As for you leaving Charm, you have free will to make that choice if or when the time comes.” Daisy passed Abby a cup of tea.
“Thank you for understanding. So, that means we’re in agreement about me joining the team?” Abby took a sip.
“We are. What else?” asked Daisy.
“When do I start? Is there a schedule? You know, the usual questions by a new hire.” Abby smiled.
“I happen to have a packet with everything you need to know.” Daisy pulled the envelope from her backpack. “Here you go. Tuck this into your tote. What else?”
Abby paused, considering whether to go personal with questions. Tossing her head, she forged onward. “Don’t feel like you have to answer this question. I’m wondering if you’ve ever had the chance to leave Charm.”
Daisy’s face registered surprise. “Yes, I received my charm to open the portal a couple of years ago. I chose to stay.”
“Any regrets?” Abby wouldn’t venture into asking Daisy the reason she chose to remain.
“None whatsoever.” Daisy gazed into the stream. “Where else could I research the incredible, bring bouquets of joy to others, be around evolving people, and live in a place that supports my well-being each and every day?”
Abby took in a breath, along with Daisy’s affirmations. “Nowhere else, my friend. Only in Charm. Thank you. I promise to keep your sharing between us.”
“I knew that, or I wouldn’t have answered you.” Daisy’s expression brightened. “Nash is going to be over the moon when he hears this news.”
“With my rush to tell you, I almost forgot. I ran into Nash a few minutes ago. I told him I was heading back to give you my answer.” Abby observed a change come over Daisy. Confused, she asked, “Did I do something wrong by telling him?”
Daisy shook her head. “Not at all, but it brings me to another subject I think we need to air. Nash.”
Abby felt adrenaline hit her solar plexus. Where was Daisy taking the conversation? “What about him?”
“Be warned. I’m going to touch on a lesson. In this case, I think Gita would approve, as it involves the two of us. We both have feelings for Nash. Agreed?”
“Yes. Though mine are—”
“Confusing, I expect. Anyway, it might help you to know we don’t experience jealousy when living the Charm way. Jealousy is a waste of energy and takes us from our true path. Look, Nash is wonderful, and any woman would love to gain his love…if that woman is the destined one. Are you following?”
“I am,” answered Abby. She felt anxiety creeping into her mind.
“I’m sincere in saying, if you and Nash develop a romantic relationship, I’m your cheerleader. It proves he and I weren’t a good match, and I’m spared expending more time pondering the possibility. Truthfully, I sense you and he are feeling some connection, and it’s fine.” Daisy paused.
“Really? You’re okay should anything—?”
“Absolutely. I felt it important to make my position and feelings clear before we began working together. Our friendship is blossoming, and I’m glad. Pardon the botanist pun.”
“Daisy, I value your honesty. I didn’t want to come between you and Nash. Again, who knows how long I will remain in Charm?” Abby shrugged.
“Who knows how long Nash will remain in Charm?” replied Daisy. “We live for today. I feel you and Nash share something amazing. And I’m happy for you. Take the ride, Abby.”
“I’m starting to catch this wave of understanding.” Abby didn’t have the words to finish the thought.
“As a wise man told me recently, ‘Chase the joy, and you’ll find your answers,’” Daisy said.
“Let me guess. A wise man named Nash?”
“The very one. He’s more than a pretty face.” Daisy beamed.
“On that, we can agree. And what adds to his attractiveness, he’s unaware of that handsome mug of his. Anyway, thank you for explaining your feelings about him and for expounding on Charm’s relationship views. Live for today is the best way. I shall strive to do that and shun the future’s attempts to lure me.”
“You’re a fast study, and it will serve you here.” Daisy peeked at her watch. “My gosh, the afternoon has slipped away. I’ve got a timer going off in the lab soon. I need to head over there.”
“You’d better hurry.” Abby stood and went to her new friend’s side. “May I give you a hug?”
“Please do. I can’t get enough hugs.” Daisy leaned her folded chair against her leg.
“There you go. Now, skedaddle. Plan on seeing me soon at Building Three.” Abby waved.
A group of chatty women approached the spot where Abby sat ruminating. She saw it as her signal to head home. She’d squeezed every bit of joy from the outing, and no doubt Orchid was craving attention.
On the walk back to her vehicle, Abby’s mind kept tormenting her with one troubling question. Would Nash leave Charm if given the option?”