After Elenor forced Alec to take a vacation, he didn't know what to do in his spare time. Everyday he would work non-stop, being by her side never getting a break. Until now.

The next day when he got up, he got dressed in his uniform and was about to leave when he remembered Elenor had given him a break which meant he isn't supposed to go for work. Holding the doorknob in his hand, he sighed and released his grip on it.

Sitting down on his bed, he pondered what he should do now that he was given a break. He took off his white gloves and placed it on his nightstand before changing out of his butler uniform and into something more casual. He wore a white plain button up and a pair of black trousers. His hair was now put down and not slicked back like he often did.

For the first time since he had ever been taken in, he left the estate without needing to follow Elenor.

How long has it been since he had such freedom? Alec could still briefly remember wishing for a break and freedom but now that he got it, it felt odd to him. Uncomfortable as well. His legs wanted to walk over to where Elenor was residing in but restrained himself.

He was allowed to use the carriage and left to a small town further from the eyes of the capital. Once reached, he got off the carriage and walked to a specific place that was always fresh in his mind, never forgetting about it. Children ran past him, laughter ambienting as they ran. His gaze stuck on them for a few seconds before looking away, continuing to the place.

Soon there were less people and it became quieter. Leaves under his feet made sounds as he walked on until he stopped at the destination. He peered down at two gravestones that were beside one another. His icy cold eyes softened and he kneeled down, now eye level with the gravestones.

Brushing his fingertips against the names on it, he whispered into the cold wind, "Mother, Father. I finally see you again."

Being the only one in the cemetery, he didn't pay any mind to it and continued speaking.

"Please forgive me for not bringing any flowers and for being unable to visit you all the years."

Alec cleaned the areas around his parents graves after he noticed it wasn't kept tidy for so long. He pulled out the weeds coming out of the graves and brushed away the dust. Once he was satisfied, he took his time and kept his parents company until he had to go.

Before he left, he turned back to his parents and held a small smile on his face, "My lady has been nice to me so I will be able to see you again soon. Until then, please continue to look after me as you have been all these years." he bowed and left the cemetery.

He looked around the town he once lived in. It had no pleasant memories for him. The memory of when Elenor had stumbled upon him when he was on the brink of death from starvation came back. A scowl on his face was seen as anger bubbled up inside him but it dissipated when he remembered the new Elenor that took over the previous.

Resting his forehead in his palm, his mind that was calm since he visited his parents became a mess once again. Every time he thought about her, his mind becomes disoriented making him unable to think straight at times. It made him want to kill her off.

Wanting to clear his mind, he took a small walk around the town. The townspeople noticed how he was dressed and tried their best to get his attention so they could get more money. After all, most of the people living there were dressed slightly more shabby and worn out. Alec however, paid no attention and only shot back an aloof expression.

"Excuse me sir!" he felt someone tugging his pants.

He wanted to ignore it but after hearing how high pitched and childlike it sounded he looked down to find a young girl who only could reach around his legs. The young girl noticed his gaze and brightly smiled.

"Would you like to buy some flower seeds? One bag only costs 3 copper coins!" she cheerfully said, showing three fingers.

His eyes relaxed as he listened to her trying to sell him seeds. He went on one knee and gingerly spoke to the young girl. "What kind of flowers are they?"

Hearing his question, her eyes lit up with excitement as she quickly tried to answer his question.

"Gardenias!! They are very pretty, trust me sir!"

Worried, Alec wouldn't buy the seeds, she quickly ran to her little cart she had been pushing around and rummaged around before running back.

"Look sir it's very pretty right!" she exclaimed as she held up a bunch of gardenias to him.

He stared at the flowers. They were indeed very pretty just like what the young girl had said and while he admired them, his thoughts wandered to Elenor. Would she be happy to have more flowers in the estate? If she placed it in her hair it would make her look majestic. Before he could stay in his thoughts any longer, he was brought back to reality when the young girl called out to him.

"Is there something wrong with the flowers?" she asked in a sad dejected tone, staring down at the gardenias.

Alec shook his head and lightly stroked her head. "No, the flowers are lovely. May I have two bags of the seeds?"

"Of course sir!!" she hurried to her cart and got out two bags of the seeds.

She handed it to him and in exchange she received 6 copper coins. She brightened up at the sight of the coins and quickly kept it in her pockets. She bowed at Alec and was about to leave when he called out to her.

"Do you have another seed?" he asked.

He suddenly had the urge to help her out more. He could see himself in her when he used to try selling things to people and when he succeeded he would have a big smile on his face before running back to his parents to show him how much he had made. He could still remember how happy his parents looked and how they would praise him even for the littlest of things.

The young girl pouted and shook her head, "I only have those seeds sir..."

Alec nodded, knowing it couldn't be helped. He thanked her and was about to leave where the carriage was still when she suddenly stopped him. Confused, he turned back at her. Her big eyes stared back at him before tugging him to follow her.

Alec was led somewhere by the young girl who kept tugging him while trying to push her cart at the same time. Feeling somewhat sympathetic, he grabbed the cart and pushed it for her. She thanked him many times before bringing him to what seemed to be a run down house.

"Mum!!" she called out loudly.

Then a lady who looked around her thirties came out with a big smile on her face. The young girl ran over to her mother's embrace before pointing over at Alec. He bowed politely to the young girl's mother.

"Jill! Who is this?" her mother asked.

"This nice sir bought our flower seeds and he asked if there were more!" Jill excitedly exclaimed, her hands flying everywhere as she spoke to her mother.

Her mother chuckled fondly at her daughter before turning to Alec. She bowed at him, "Thank you for buying our seeds. If you like we have some different kinds at the back."

Alec bowed back, "It is nothing and if it is alright with you, may I see what kind?"

Jill's mother nodded, bringing Alec to the back where they had the flower seeds. Alec looked around to find beautifully laid out flowers blooming around. Although it was quite messy it had some charm in it which intrigued him. Not long after, Jill's mother came back with few types of flowers.

"Sir sir! These are pretty! Oh so are these!" Jill tugged on his sleeves, pointing at almost every flower her mother had brought out to show him.

Although Alec had an expressionless face, his eyes showed a hint of amusement as he listened to Jill's rambles. Her mother then pulled her aside, lightly knocking her head.

"Don't keep bothering with the customer Jill." she scolded which made Jill pout but obeyed her mother.

Alec took his time, looking at every flower before one caught his eye. He pointed at the flower which caught his eye. Jill's mother had a warm smile and nodded.

"Those are red carnations." she said.

She then added on, "Young man do you know the meaning for this flower?"

Alec shook his head still looking at the red carnations. They were a shade of red as if even if blood was splattered on it, you could never tell. Jill's mother first headed back inside before coming back out with a few bags of red carnation seeds for him.

"Then do you know for the gardenias?" she asked while sorting out the bags of seeds.

"No." he once again shook his head.

She let out a soft laugh before nodding, "I shall tell you then. The meaning for gardenias is secret love."

"Secret love?"

She nodded, "That's right and red carnations mean my heart aches for you."

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i'm a sucker for flower meanings 😩