DAISY LORNE
As the first daughter and first child, my greatest purpose is to take care of my family at all costs. I knew Mom didn't want to pressure me because of her condition and what I'm going through. As for Dad, he is trying his best, and John is still a high school student graduating this year. All of that responsibility is on my shoulders, and I have to carry it.
Mom's surgery should not be delayed for too long. Maybe I should ask Lucas for help. I can still manage to handle John's graduation coming up soon. But should I really ask him for help with Mom's surgery? Won't that be weird?
I know Mom keeps deceiving me about her health condition, so I will call the doctor. I unlock my phone and dial the doctor's contact number.
"Hello, Dr. Charles."
"Hello, Miss Daisy. How are you?"
"I want to ask about my mom's condition recently."
"Based on the last test results, I don't believe the medication she is using can sustain her much longer. Her health has been deteriorating, and she needs a transplant as soon as possible."
"Okay, Doctor," I said, gripping my phone tightly.
"Alright, take care," he said and hung up the call.
Why does Mom keep telling me it's okay when it's not okay?
Tears started dripping from my eyes, falling on my cheeks and almost ruining the light makeup I had applied. I wiped my tears.
Where should I start from?
I stood up and went to my wardrobe to pick out an outfit suitable for a dinner date.
I chose a simple blue short dress with a pleat, paired with black fashion slippers and a black mini bag.
Now I'm set.
Ding-ding.
Who could that be? Lucas.
"Hey Daisy, I'm outside your apartment."
"What?"
I peeked through the window and saw him wearing a black suit that matched the color of his car.
Knock, knock.
"You're here!" I exclaimed as I opened the door.
He opened the front car door for me like a princess, closed it, and then went to the driver's side, where he slipped in. He started the car and drove off.
He looked at my face. "What happened to your eyes? They look quite red. Did you cry?" he asked.
"Me? No, not at all. It's just the eyeliner," I said, fully aware that I was lying.
The car stopped at a fancy restaurant.
"Is this really a date for friends? Because this looks more like a romantic date between lovers. Or does he like me? No, that can't be possible. Even if it's a dream, it will never come true," I mumbled.
I've known Lucas since childhood. Liking someone of his status feels greedy. Even Mom said, "Rich marry rich, and poor marry poor." The thought of liking Lucas, my childhood friend, seems ridiculous. Some would say I'm just trying to climb the social ladder for wealth.
I once had a crush on him, but that was long ago. The world changes day by day, and so do feelings.
We entered the restaurant, and it was empty. Just the two of us and the waitstaff.
"Why are we the only ones here?" I asked.
He smiled but didn't respond.
LUCAS BLAKE
We sat down in the chairs prepared for us.
"Waiter!" I called.
"What are your orders?" he asked, passing the food list to me.
"No, give it to her." He passed the food list to Daisy. She gave me a complicated look.
"Anything you choose is okay," I said.
"For you?"
"Yes."
"Okay, meat pie and barbecue snags," she replied.
"Alright, Miss," the waiter said.
"You never forget my favorite food?" I asked.
"Of course, you love eating meat pie," she said with a smile.
"It's been a long time since we've hung out."
"Yes," she replied.
"Happy Birthday, Daisy. I never forget your birthday."
"Here's your present." I pulled out a box from my pocket.
"Thank you so much! What's this?"
"Open it and see for yourself."
She opened the box. "Wow, the gold is shining and dazzling!"
"Did you like it?"
"Yes, but I don't think I can keep it."
"Why not?"
"Because it's expensive; even my monthly salary can't buy this."
"Don't say that. I gave it to you as a friend. Don't you want to accept this from your childhood friend? You always gave me chocolate when we were kids, and I never refused because it was from you. So don't refuse this small gift from me."
"Okay, thank you so much. I appreciate it."
"Here are your orders." The waiter gently placed the food on the table.
"Let's dig in!" We started eating.
Eating with you tonight makes me remember our childhood memories.
**Flashback**
The breeze was blowing gently, and the scent of fresh bread from the bakery filled every corner. It was already closing time at school, and students were heading home. I saw Daisy bent down under the old tree filled with grass. She was holding a pair of scissors and some paper with an unusually serious expression.
"Are you making a spaceship or a sandwich?" I asked, standing behind her.
Daisy jumped slightly in shock and turned to me. "Luca! You almost scared me to death!"
I was nine years old then, and Daisy was six. I walked toward her.
"What are you doing?" I asked, sitting down cross-legged beside her, unconcerned about the grass stains.
"I'm making a crown," Daisy said, clearly embarrassed.
"A crown?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Planning to dethrone the queen?"
Daisy rolled her eyes. "It's for my mom. It's her birthday today, but I couldn't buy her anything, so I thought…" She trailed off and glanced down at the wrinkled construction paper in her lap.
I tilted my head. "That's the best idea I've ever heard."
She blinked at me. "Really?"
"Yeah," I said seriously. "Anyone can buy something. But not everyone can make something beautiful."
She blushed and looked away. She picked up a small plastic gem and pressed it into the center of the paper crown. "Do you think she'll like it?"
I didn't think twice. "She'll love it. You're her Daisy."
Her eyes softened. "Thanks…"
We sat quietly for a moment, the noise of the world around us fading as birds chirped above and a breeze rustled the tree's leaves.
"Do you want to help?" she asked shyly, handing me a crayon.
I took it like it was a royal scepter. "I, Lord Luca of Techlandia, accept."
Daisy giggled. "That's not even a real palace."
I shrugged. "Then I'll make it real. When I grow up, I'll build it, and you'll be the queen."
"You're weird," she teased, but her smile said she didn't mind.
"You're short," I retorted.
She threw a crumpled piece of paper at me, and we both burst into laughter.
We worked on the crown until the sky blushed with hints of orange and pink. It was lopsided, patched together with tape and smudged glitter, but to Daisy, it looked like gold.
"Here," I said, standing and brushing dirt from my pants. "I'll walk you home."
Daisy blinked up at me. "But what if your mom gets mad?"
I shrugged. "Let her. You're more important."
"Here, have some chocolate." She took some chocolates out of her pocket and handed them to me.
She stood beside me, hugging the little crown close to her chest. "You're strange sometimes."
I looked down at her, my face unusually thoughtful. "Maybe. But I'll always walk you home, Daisy. No matter how far you go."
She didn't say anything. Just looked at me with wide eyes and smiled brightly.
"Okay, if you say so."