Pink, peach, white and yellow.
Those were the colors Janet Wood thought were the best for an Easter bouquet. Her delicately colored rose combinations were proudly displayed throughout the flower shop every year and they always turned a good profit.
Those were the colors that reminded her of her family back home in Indiana. Her father was first generation Italian-American and was a devout Roman Catholic. In her Catholic upbringing, Janet learned that Easter was just as much a holy event as Christmas, and as with all holy celebrations, it meant a time to be with family. Though she grew up a bit of a tomboy, she adored getting dressed for Easter Sunday mass. Every year her mother would buy her a new dress and a fresh white pair of Mary Janes. New season, new clothes, old traditions; Janet relished those happy times.
"Oh, I miss those days, Jack," she confided to her best friend and roommate, Jack Tripper.
"What days were those?" He asked her as he wrapped his arm around her. They were watching an Easter special on t.v. and Janet had snuggled up to him on the couch. Janet would never admit how safe she felt with Jack sometimes.
"The Easter weekends," Janet replied. "Especially Sundays. The church services, the dresses..."
"The candy," Jack added. He was trying to be funny but Janet wasn't even about to crack a smile.
"My family," she whispered in a tone so low that she swore she wasn't audible. Jack heard her, though.
"Is that what it's all about? You're homesick?"
"Well, I wouldn't say that," Janet said, beginning to feel bad that she was beginning to make Jack feel bad. "I have you, Terri, Larry and Mr. Furley. You guys are like my family."
"We didn't give you your past."
"Yeah, but you four make a great present."
That made Jack chuckle and he gave Janet a kiss on her cheek. Janet nuzzled her head into the crane of Jack's neck and she stayed that way for the rest of their program.
The next morning, Easter Sunday, Janet found herself all alone. Terri had agreed to do a 10 p.m. until 10 a.m. shift at the hospital and Jack had gone to the farmer's market to stock up on produce for the next day at the restaurant. Janet had made a pot of coffee, poured herself a cup, and sat down in her chair.
Her quiet start to the morning was interrupted by a knock on the door. Janet groaned and walked to the door, leaving her coffee at the kichen table. She was shocked to see the store delivery boy standing there with one of her signature Easter bouquets.
"Andy?"
"These are for you," Andy explained.
"Who sent them?"
"Read the card. Happy Easter, boss."
"You too, Andy. Thank you."
Janet didn't even bother to shut the door to read the card attached to her own roses. She began to fill up with emotion as she read what the sneaky customer had wrote.
Dear Janet,
I cannot take you to mass, I cannot be your flesh and blood, and I cannot buy you a new outfit (I can barely afford these damn flowers!). I can, however, try to be the best friend I can be.
Happy Easter, Sweetheart,
Jack
"Are you surprised?" Jack whispered as he sneaked in the door. Janet wiped the tears from her eyes and ran to her friend to give him a hug.
"Shocked."
"Happy Easter, Sweetheart," he repeated as he kissed her cheek.
"Happy Easter, Jack. Thank you so much."