Seven Deadly Cardinals

[3]Charity/Greed PT 1

Streets of town are buzzing with life this weekend. The celebrations are soon to commence and everyone is working hard to prep for the town festival.

Young ladies and gents flocking to the corner flower shop to request more and more flower arrangements to put outside their houses. It’s lively inside with smiles and laughter.

The young owner of the place - Stella is on a mission to bring the happiness and joy to the locals with what she best can. From morning until late evening she is buzzing like a bee to get things done.

Even today - she is mad at work with making it all before attending a requested meeting in a local orphanage. She was looking for it for a while.

After lunch, as Stella left the flower shop for Barry to manage, she got in her car and was ready to depart when her mobile rang.

“Hello, Stella listening!” - She spoke in a cheerful voice.

“Ah, yes, Stella!” - Orphanage director called, - “I apologize, but unfortunately there is no time for meeting today. I have to cover for the teacher and there’s no time to have a chat with you about the project. If only there would be a suitable replacement teacher.” - Old man sighed, as if mocking the intentions of the young lady.

“Oh, I see. But maybe I could be that teacher? I can give them a lesson or two, if that’s alright by you. Then we’d have some time to chat after.” - Stella knew the situation with the grown ups shortage in the orphanage and she was eager to get there. She truly wanted to make change.

The voice on the other end took a deep breath again. The man was too old to battle youngsters.

“Alright. So then, I’m waiting for you. See you soon!” - He softly spoke and cut the call.

“Sometimes that’s rude..” - Stella puffed out, as she put the phone away. Having a call cut off like that without her saying something really did frustrate her.

The road was not far, the journey took a bit of time nonetheless. Due to preparations there were part closures, some small traffic of people going to and from shops.

At another street crossing, waiting for the green light she looked at the family scene. Small girl jumping up and down with a doll, whilst dad is checking out what happened with her little bicycle.

Cute little moments like these were really making Stella give a small thought about making family.

Once she reached the huge gates she pressed the bell - hoarse voice of attendant madame spoke out:

“Who is this?”

“Hi! This is Stella. Here to cover for a lesson and chat with the director.”

The shuffling on that end lasted for a moment, before the unhappy and hoarse voice spoke up:

“Oh yes, that IS you. Ehh, youngsters these days…” - The attendant madame began her murmur of nagging.

Just as madame was going on, the gates opened with a screech.

“Thank you!” - Stella said as she drove inside.

The orphanage was old. Built a few good decades ago, having some paint chipping here and there, the whites now quite gray and the air of decay. Stella knew that she had to help out. She just had to get the verifications from the director.

Old man awaited her at the stairs of the entrance. His white hair, white beard really were putting him on the same bench as the elderly you see in the movies. Just wondering how they manage to still be upright.

Old director greeted Stella and walked her to the outside garden on the back end. There was a playground where kids were having fun. By the looks of it they were somewhere in the age of 11-13, just when they start to be a bit more insecure and pay more attention to themselves.

“So this is your class for today. They just need to be looked after and given some fine new knowledge.” - Director spoke in a grumpy, yet soft voice. - “ I’ll go prepare some papers for us to go through afterwards. So, they’re all yours.”

He said as he turned around and walked inside.

Stella was baffled for a moment. He did not introduce her, nor stopped the kids to pay any sort of attention. He sure was old. But then again, these old people here were of such a type of behaviour, so she knew she had to prove that she can do it. It can’t be tougher than being an owner of a flower shop.

There were few girls playing the skipping game - they got her attention, so she approached them to ask a little favour.

“Hi girls!” - her warm smile and soft voice were really a fine contrast to the adults here. - “Could you help me out, please? I am your teacher for today, but I need to gather everyone round for a class. Could you help me please?”

The girls were absolutely adorable. They agreed to help out. They darted around yelling that there is a person in need to get all them together.

In a matter of minutes all the kids were sitting on the grass in front of Stella. Yet she noticed one little boy further near the tree, drawing.

“Is he coming? Did you ask him?” - She looked at the girls. They smiled in return.

“Na-ah, he’s always like that. Just let him be.” - girl with a ponytail said and they all laughed.

“Well,” - Stella took a moment to give him another look, then took a deep breath and began a lesson. - “ I’m Stella and I’m here to give you a short lesson. Today we’ll get to explore a little about the flowers!”

“Boo! Boring!” - One troublemaker booed her and tried to get up and flee, but she cut him off.

“Oh yeah?” - Her eyebrow raised, - “Did you know that there are poisonous flowers? Ones that were written about in the finest of the stories by knights and kings?”

Boy stopped in his tracks, his attention was hooked. Now he sat back down, although he made the face of “oh why didn’t you start with it then?” and was ready to listen.

“What kind of flowers?” - Another asked.

“There is such a fine flower that produces the worst of the poisons - Belladonna. The name is that of the finest princess, but the effect causes the worst of the symptoms lead by death. But that is not all - this flower was used a lot by witches and shamans. A dangerous and very mysterious flower.” - Stella was keeping the air of the mystery. With her story she drew everybody's attention. Even the one boys who was sitting further out - he even stopped his drawing.

Stella went into depths of how the flowers were used, then gave into details of how over time people learned to use some flowers for medical purposes, how they scientifically started to extract the chemicals from the poisonous flowers and mixed them for a finest medicine. She also advised not to eat random flowers and absolutely be aware of them being beautiful, but sometimes deadly.

Everyone was absorbed by her stories. Each part not only included information about the flowers, but also the history, the myths and fairest of fairy tales that mingled with the flowers. Kids eyes were glowing. They never had anything faintly resembling the type of lessons that Stella just now gave them.

Madame attendant came around to cut off the lesson for today.

“That’s all for today!” - She clapped hands a few times, - “Director is waiting.” - Her hoarse voice was absolutely killing it.

“Noo!” - pleaded the kids. They could not agree with finishing this fantastic story.

“You’ll come again, right?” - Ponytail girl asked, looking sad.

“Ah, I think so.” - Stella stumbled in words, as she was pushed by Madame.

“Promise you’ll come again!” - Kids whined.

Stella took a look at these rascals following her as she was pulled by Madame. Her eyes wandered to see that boy who was further out - even he looked really worried.

Something snapped inside Stella. Determination spiking.

“I’ll come again. Promise!” - She said loudly so that everyone present would hear. Kids cheered. The boy at the back gave a sigh of relief, smiling.

Stella went inside the halls, following Madame Attendant.

“You sure have some temper issues if you dare to throw such promises.” - Hoarse voice full of dislike was echoing in the empty long halls. - “You ought to know better.”

Stella said nothing in return. She just thought about the moment this old grumpy lady gets her amount of happiness in life to stop being so sourly bitter.

Few floors up, few halls down - they reached the Directors office. Madame knocked on the door, pulling the handle and opening it without waiting for a reply.

“Here she is. Kids are ecstatic. She did well.” - Madame glanced at Stella, squinting her eyes, - “Yet she promised something to them.” - She said, gave evil eye, then turned on her heels and went back to her chores.

Stella walked towards the Director's desk. Not really happy about Madames remarks, but putting on a smile anyway.

The Director's glasses were thick, holding barely on the bridge of his nose. His bearded face was directed to the papers in front of him. Eyes glued to the top pages. He then flipped the pages, taking out the pen twirling it near the bottom of the last page. He was mulling over something, then he put down the pen, pulled out a pipe and only then his eyes looked up at Stella.

“So, you made them a promise. What sort of promise did you give them?” - His eyes piercingly cold, locked on Stella. Her calm demeanor was really new to him. He saw only a few such calm people. All of whom ended up dead whilst fighting for the freedom of this country, or locked in up as “mental” patients.

“I promised them I’d return. And I plan to keep that promise.” - Voice soft and full of determination. Stella was not averting her eyes.

She knew that such old-school gentlemen were a sort who try to instill fear, before taking control. - “So, did you find my proposal to your liking?” - Her hand raised up a little, fingers pointing at the document in front of him.

Director kept on looking at her, as he raised the document up and waved with it.

“I did check it. Must say that it is absolutely new to me - to have young people with such devotion and determination to the cause. But I must ask you.” - Director lit up his pipe, as he put down the document, - “What makes you so determined to work here? We do not have any available positions, nor do we have money to pay for your tutoring. So why, at all odds, you still are here so eager to make it happen?”

Stella had a serious face, as she looked down at the papers.

“My grandmother told me a story once. Her sacred story that has its main root embedded in here - in this orphanage. So, in her memory, I want to be part of the place that was once sacred to her.”

Director looked at her in slight surprise. He had no such memory of her relatives being anywhere near this orphanage, not hosted, nor adopting, not even somehow involved. And he did work here for a really long time.

“I also want to help.” - Stella now looked at the really sceptical Director, - “I know how I can help. With kids, with their education and the place itself. I just really want this place to keep alive.” - Stella locked eyes with Director - “I know of the new directive from town hall about this orphanage. That is why I mustered my courage now to act. With my knowledge of work in the shop and helping out - I am sure that I can give to this place plenty.”

Director was not happy to hear her say about that town hall directive. He was fully well aware of how they were now eager to close this place up and sell it to some business empire. He knew that he had to do something. And then this lady shows up, persistent in her wish to have a talk, to have a chat. But he saw it in her eyes - she was really determined to help this place. Even though her reasoning might have been a questionable one, yet the confidence in her own words was visible. 

It took a few good days of getting used to working as a tutor for an orphanage and being the owner in the flower shop simultaneously. Although quite tough, but Stella was enjoying it.

The classes were for the kids that were in need of extra tutoring to receive better grades in public school. All the kids that were under this extra tutoring were of age between 11 and 17.

Stella was enjoying the time that she spent with kids. To give them a bit more perception on how to easier digest new information, to help them recap the missed out things, to actually, boost their confidence.

The kids began to like her, starting to turn to her for advice, or to just have some tea with her and tell her their worries. Stella would offer some advice here and there. That made a lot of difference in their coping with studies and more.

Few weeks in - Director called Stella up late in the evening.

“Must thank you for encouraging kids with studies. I have something to discuss. We have here few kids that are in need of an extra tutoring. So we organised a small group for tutoring in the evenings. So I am calling you, to say that you’ll have four more evenings here to spend weekly.” - Director sounded swamped with paperwork, so it could be understandable.

“I’ll do my best to teach them well. I’ll come pick the papers tomorrow.” - Stella was closing the doors of Flower Shop.

“No need. I’ll send them to you tomorrow, so you can prepare for the day after. That’s when the classes will conduct.” - Director was puffing out smoke, as he spoke in receiver, - “There will be only a few students of concern. But I think you’ll manage.”

He ended a call abruptly, as always. It’s not anymore that frustrating, as it was at the start, but still left displeasure lingering.

During next morning the postman arrived with a package. The list of kids and the subjects Stella will help them with. Altogether eleven youngsters. She read their names for the first time.

“How come I haven’t seen them before?” - She muttered to herself.

“Stella! My dear workaholic! Do you even know the word “break”? A fantastic word! And the meaning leaves you so satisfied that it’s a dream!” - Maya waltzed into a flower shop, with her witty remarks she made everyone laugh.

“Whoa! That’s a full cake!” - Jen clapped hands, standing behind the counter, as she saw Maya's cake box in hands. - “Is that for us?”

“You guessed it right honey!” - Maya put the box on the countertop. - “The great team of this flower heaven needs a great reward! As always, the finest delicacies of the great patissier that is my slave master! But we still love him. So here is his masterpiece of a forest berry cake! Please enjoy it!” - Maya was gesturing towards the cake, as it seemed like a precious stone being sold by a merchant.

These things were typical of Maya. But that is also why she was loved by everyone. Although she was quite the rebel.

“Maya, you are spoiling them rotten.” - Stella came out from the back of the shop.

“Oh! My sweet cherry pie!” - Maya came up to Stella, giving her a tight hug, - “You are so goddamn lost in work, that I, the pinnacle of all creations, must descend to pull you out of that forever-work hamster wheel. You know how I love you!”

“Stop flirting. It hurts me too much.” - Berry came out.

“O-oh! The lone wolf!” - Maya made a face, - “You’ll find your love soon, don’t worry.”

“Before I do, could you cut it a bit? So that my poor heart does not come to hate you two?” - Berry was as witted as Maya.

The two colliding was the best ever show.

“Then, Ladies, Knights,” - Maya looked at the staff, - “I’ll be taking this fine lass with me for today. Love you lots!” - Maya grabbed Stellas hand and pulled her along.

“Have fun you two!” - Jen laughed.

“Sure, go on a date! Make me even more jealous! Haha!” - Berry laughed.

A place is a hole-in-the-wall type of eatery that also serves fine brews. Stella and Maya sat at the table, as they finished food. Waiter brought to them pints of cider. A local best selling beverage.

“So, you silly putty, are you keeping up with this workload?” - Maya smiled warmly.

“I actually do.” - Stella snickered.

“Ri-ight!” - Maya exclaimed sarcastically,- “And you absolutely love all the time you spend checking their homework, assignments, all the literature and sciences, and on top of that you absolutely get in love with every arrangement flower shop deals with, because you love working with flowers, head buried deep in, with endless satisfaction from morning to late night!” - Maya looked at Stella, the sarcastic question hung in the air.

Stella blew raspberries and started to laugh.

“But seriously girl, you better not stretch yourself. Working too much ain’t good for your health.” - Maya gulped the sweet booze.

“I get your worries, but I’m fine. Really. I enjoy what I do. And to me, all this time with kids is giving me more sense of fulfillment. Like I actually leave a mark in this world.” - Stella touched Maya's hand, entwining their fingers.

“Leave a mark, you say. Just make a baby with me. I’ll bear your child. No regrets. As long as you’ll be called the “papa” of the family.” - Maya squeezed the hand.

They laughed. Stella knew full well how overprotective and caring Maya is. They were, after all, together from childhood. All the quarrels about playgrounds, sandbox not having enough buckets, to drinking together in strange places - they were by each other's side through thick and thin.

Getting up to the second floor apartment was tough. The stairs outside, the long open halls, the woozy eyesight that made them squint eyes in order to put the key in the keyhole.

Two drunkards holding onto each other, shushing each other as laughter pushed through, they managed to get into Stella's apartment.

Undressing, then giggling and stumbling to shower, as things fall down from drunken clumsiness.

“I’m coming in.” - Maya opened the door wide, not minding Stella washing herself under steamy hot water. Maya pulled shower curtain and barged in. - “ Aww, so warm.” - She hugged Stella.

“Maya-a…” - Part giggling said Stella, - “You’re drunk.” - Stella hugged Maya back.

“So what? We’re both drunk. Whatcha gonna do? Scold me?” - Maya looked in Stella's eyes.

The two naked bodies hugging tight, water pouring over them.

Eyes locked on one another. Then slowly, as if magnet, pulled their lips together.

Kiss. Wet kiss. With a smile and giggle seeping through at first, then as breath was taken over, the kiss filled up with passion. Hands softly, surely, fondling velvet skin, tongue tracing neckline.

In a few moments they were in bed. Embracing each other, passionately, deeply, fully, as if the chain that held them back - broke.

Soft moans filled the room, the pleading for more, the pleasure rose more and climax overflowed like euphoria.

One more young child was left in the orphanage. Crying, sniffling in bed, restless. After being shushed a few times, the kid was told to shut up. Silent whining continued.

Louis was out in the late evening, the sun had set a while ago, yet he had no wish of getting back to his bed in the orphanage. Young new kids were not letting him sleep. He despised whining.

“What do I do…” - had finally brewed up in his head, as it was past 11 PM, - “I’ve screwed up curfew. Not like they care anyway.”

As he walked the streets of town, he saw his tutor, with a friend, wobbling out of a taxi.

He watched them go up the stairs, fall down a few times, then laugh, barely manage to open the door and stumble in.

“That drunk, huh?” - He mumbled under his breath, as he decided to walk to the apartment door - left open wide.

He silently glimpsed at the two drunkar, crushing all in their way, as they stumbled towards their goal.

“I shouldn’t…” - Was now battling in his head, as he held doorknob.

It was easy. They are drunk. Even out here it looks like the apartment has few rooms. One definitely is a guest room. Door open. They would not notice even if he’d slither in for the night. His hands sweaty. Fear of getting caught was rummaging.

Last drop was the sound of footsteps of a person coming up the stairs.

“I might get caught, shit!” - Shot of adrenaline in an instant made a decision. He walked in, shutting the door behind him.

Footsteps passed by. Louis exhaled.

By the sound of the water - the drunken ladies were in shower.

Louis took off onto a check-out of the place. Entry hall lead to the sitting and kitchen. On the sides were two rooms. Bedrooms. Master bedroom had the bathroom that hosted two ladies enticed. There was a toilet near the entrance hall, that was right beside the guest bedroom.