Wings Of A Nightingale

As Autumn Rose sat on a wrought iron chair at Rose Point Botanical Garden, she remembered what Bernard once said: “Love changes people; even those who do not believe in destiny.” How will fate intervene after she made the most difficult decision of her life?

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Autumn Rose became the site Administrator of Rose Point Botanical Garden after she graduated from California School of Biology and Botany. Bernard Marchand was an exchange student from France pursuing a degree in Marketing at San Francisco State University.

One afternoon in spring, Bernard passed by the Botanical Garden before going home. As he was leisurely walking along the pathway admiring the enchanting colors and sweet scent of the flowers around him, he accidentally tripped on a bag of potting soil. A beautiful woman kneeling on the ground holding a garden trowel was caught by surprise when he landed next to her. “Oh my God! Are you hurt?” She asked anxiously. “Just my ego, I guess.” He answered, an impish smile inching his face.

Bernard became a constant visitor in the garden. Autumn Rose was eagerly expecting his visits. As they spent more time together, intimacy developed and soon fell in love.

The wrought iron chair where they frequently sat was a witness to numerous happy and sad memories. It was where their first kiss happened; where she cried on Bernard’s shoulder when the hybrid rose that she propagated did not thrive; where she said “Yes” when Bernard proposed and asked her to spend their future together.

The future…when and where will it be? They knew that time will come when Bernard will go home to manage their family owned vineyard and winery. Will Autumn Rose go with him, or stay? Both avoided to seriously think about it, promised to cross that bridge when the time comes.

Bernard was summoned to go back home. Their finance and marketing manager resigned. He was to take over the management of the business. Delaying his trip could cause disruption of the operations and the company will suffer financial setback. He could not let that happen.

Bernard travelled back to France. For the first few months, they exchanged communication regularly, but later on dwindled until it totally stopped. Autumn Rose could no longer remember when was the last time she heard from him. Her calls were neither answered nor returned.

She was desperate, torn between hope and letting go. Although it will break her heart, she made a difficult decision…to send Bernard a break up letter. It was better to end the relationship so she can move on.

Spring was in the air. As always, Autumn Rose sought solace in this beautiful garden, her haven of peace and quiet. She could smell the scent of each flower in bloom even with the gentle blowing of the breeze. Sitting alone on her favorite wrought iron chair, she retrieved the letter from her purse. For the last time, she wanted to read it again before mailing. Halfway through, she took a deep cleansing breath. A familiar floral scent reached her nose. She turned around to check where was it coming from.

Autumn Rose could not believe her eyes, thought she was dreaming. But it was real. Standing close was Bernard, his endearing smile made her heart leapt with joy. Her Bernard was back! He sat beside her, then hugged and kissed her. As he handed her a bouquet of long stemmed red roses, a ring dropped on her lap. Surprised, she picked it up, stared at the beautiful diamond solitaire. Tears welled up in her eyes and trickled down her cheeks. No words uttered. Bernard took the ring and slipped it on her finger. With love mirrored in his eyes, he said: “No sides and no end. As my love for you, an everlasting one.” Autumn cupped his face, and kissed him tenderly. Everything around them became bright and colorful…just like heaven on earth.

-©Lark-

(2018)2024