A Love Restored

Chapter 56

The doorbell echoed through the house, breaking the nervous silence that had settled over me. I stood at the top of the stairs, wearing the pink sparkly dress I had spent hours choosing. It was long and flowy, with a sweetheart neckline and a low back. Felixstood in his sleek tuxedo, flowers in hand. He looked so amazing.. His presence sent a wave of excitement through me, and I took a deep breath before making my way downstairs.

“Flora,” he breathed. “You’re…ethereal.”

I giggled. “Ethereal?”

He clutched his heart and grinned, “Like a goddess.”

“So are you.” I replied, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. He handed me a bouquet of flowers and a delicate corsage.

“A goddess?” He asked, as I wore the corsage on my wrist. It was beautiful I had told him already that my dress was pink, so he had bought a matching corsage. And his tie was pink, too!

“I meant, you look very handsome.”

Thank you. Do you like the flowers?,” he said, his gaze lingering on the pink sparkles that adorned my dress. He was looking at my chest. It made me want to laugh

“Thank you, Felix. They’re beautiful,” I replied, a smile spreading across my face.

Suddenly, the front door swung open, revealing my mom with her camera in hand. “Oh Lord, I thought I’d miss you both. She was huffing and puffing like she had ran here. I guess she had. She was out shopping and had told me she’d back to take pictures of us.

My mother was really excited for prom. Even more so than me.

We posed for pictures, Felix and I, with my mom directing the Impromptu photoshoot. He snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me to him. My cheeks turned pink at the intimate gesture. I could feel my Exce getting hot.

The excitement in the air was palpable, but my heart carried a subtle ache. I glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of my father, but his absence hung in the room like a shadow. When I was younger, and up until last year when my father had suddenly become this angry, cruel man, we’d always discuss my prom. He said sending a daughter to prom was just a precursor to giving her away at marriage. I thought that was a strange thing to think. But I really wanted him here. Maybe just to take a picture. Maybe to threaten Felix playfully. Like all the other girls‘ dads did.

“Mom, do you think Dad will make it?” I whispered to my mom, my voice betraying the longing in my heart. I could feel my throat swell with an impending cry.

Her response was a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Sweetheart, you know your father. He’s probably caught up with work. Don’t let it bother you He’d be here if he could

He’d be here if he wanted.

g to push away the disappointment. “Yeah, I know. It’s just… I wanted him to be here.”

I nodded, trying

My mom wrapped me in a hug. I snuggled into her, and then it hit me that this could ruin my hair that Hannah had done for me so nicely.

Felix, sensing the shift in mood, said. “Flora, you look amazing. Your dad is missing out on seeing how beautiful you are tonight.” He smiled at me, and took my hand. “You’re the most beautiful girl in the world.”

I managed a smile, grateful for his attempt to lift my spirits. “Thank you.”

My mother smiled at us both. She looked at Felix, gently keeping a hand on his shoulder. “You’ve grown up so much. You know, Felix If there is any boy I will ever trust my Flora with, its you.”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

He coughed, a fence look in his eyes. “Thanks, Mrs. White. You won’t have to trust her with any one else. I won’t give someone else the chance.”

Mom and I giggled.

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The photos

tinued in the garden Hannah, joining in the excitement. I twirled around in mu sparkly dress twirled around as we took pictures against

the backdrop of our small rose garden.

*Flora, you

u look like a princess! Let me help you with your dress,” Hannah exclaimed. She had helped me dress up, tonight.

With Hannah’s assistance, we made sure every detail was perfect. She fixed a crease on my dress and adjusted the neckline a little. Felix turned away gratefully. I felt a surge of gratitude for my mons, and for Hannah. Even without my dad here, I felt loved and cherished.

Thank you, Hannah. It means a lot,” I expressed,

“You’re our little princess, Flora. Have the time of your life tonight, she whispered, her eyes filled with love.

A sleek black car pulled into my driveway, 1 looked to the side, and Felix and 1 exchanged glances.

“My Dad sent his driver for tonight,” he said. Felix extended his arm. “Shall we?”

I looped my arm through his, the final touch before stepping out into the night. As we walked towards the car, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness

I was going to prom with him! I had only thought about th

this every day since I learned what prom is.

Before we were about to get in, Felix stopped. “Hey,” he gently took my hand and made me turn to him.

-Wait.”

Fe

Felix picked a flower from the bouquet I was holding. He gently tucked it in my hair. He was looking at me with such intensity, it sent a shiver down my spine.

The world outside seemed to blur around him. It was just me, and him. His hand in mine. We would be like this forever.

Felix and I stepped into the car, excitement bubbling between us.

“Ready, Blower?” Felix asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

I nodded, a wide smile on my face. “Absolutely.”

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