Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters
"So... Dan? What brings you to my little shop for the second day in a row?" Phil asks as he places his brown bag of treats on the counter by the cash register and looks up at me again with his questionable coloured eyes.
Now that I look at them more clearly they aren't completely blue, but rather a variety of blues, greens and yellows of speckles dotting his iris's is and odd mosaic. It seems as if another universe is hidden within, only for him to see.
I wish I had pretty eyes like that.
I shake my embarrassing thoughts aside before answering.
"Um... Well the tiny cactus I got yesterday is really small and seems very out of place in the large windowsill I up it on, it seems kind of, I don't know, lonely I guess you could say?" I mumble in embarrassment.
I mentally face palm myself.
What kind of dumbass thinks his plants could be lonely.
"AH I GET WHAT YOU MEAN!" Phil exclaims suddenly, "I remember when I still lived with my parents and I bought myself my first cactus how lonely it seemed in my room! I think I ended up spending all my money then on plants just to make sure none of them felt that way!" He continues to babble on.
Jeez this guy is really open isn't he.
A breathy laugh escapes me as I listen to Phil talk. He seems to have a strange way of capturing my attention with his loud voice, and preppy attitude. It's disgustingly joyful, but to be honest I don't mind it that much. It still amazes me that he's able to show such a seemingly genuine smile all the time with out having a reason to.
"Dan? Daa-aaan?" Phil waves his hand in front of my face. I jump slightly as I regain conscientiousness and flush slightly at my thoughts.
"You alright there Dan?" Phil asks in concern. I give a nervous chuckle, "Yeah, I'm sorry I have a tendency to get lost in my thoughts, sorry..."
Phil smiles again, "Don't worry I do the same thing, I was just asking if you had an idea of what kind of plant you wanted to get next! You know, so your cactus doesn't feel lonely."
I ponder for a moment, what kind of plant should I get this time? Probably another cactus would be good.
"I think I might get another cactus since I know they're easier to take care of" I explain to Phil. He nods his head in understanding, "alright then, what kind of cactus are you thinking of getting this time? Another moon cactus? Or maybe something bigger?" He asks.
"I uh... um. I'm not really sure, I haven't really thought about this too well." I say in a nervous uncertain smile.
He chuckles and ushers me to follow him back to the front of the store by the window display again. I look down at the variety of different sized cacti lined along the ledge of the large windowsill, most of them were green, but a few are a variety of pinks and yellows. It's kind of beautiful in it own unique way. It's like a rough sea of emerald green with a few speckled gold and rose fish fighting the spiked tides almost going unnoticed with the large amount of emerald.
Phil's collection of cacti is impressive to say the least.
"Well these are all my cacti, I don't have any bigger ones then this, but they all are very pretty! Are there any catching your eye Dan?" Phil says, I watch as his eyes glaze over staring in curiosity at what my answer may be.
I look through the display carefully, from my height they all look like green spiky lumps, but an odd cloud like one stands out among the rest. I bend down a scoop the tiny green plant in a brown pot into my hands. Its a stale green, not as bright as my moon cactus is, yet still quite interesting and eye-catching. It's an odd shape of circles growing on top of circles on top of circles forming a trunk-like stature. It looks like something out of a kids movie.
"Ah that's another one of my favourite cacti! It's called the 'Bunny Ears' because of the weird floppy like circle growth. It's another simple to take care of cactus, I definitely recommend it for showing off to friends and family!" Phil explains in a airy laugh.
Moon cactus?
Bunny ears cactus?
What else is there?! The Car cactus?! The Elephant trunk cactus?!
"Who the heck names these plants?!" I exasperate, letting my usual quiet tone to echo a bit louder.
Phil laughs at my question, "I think it's clever! I'm mean it's a lot more creative then calling it 'weird circle on top of circle growing cactus'! Imagine if everything in the world was named like that! Instead of car it would be 'fast vroom vroom'! Or a horse would be something like 'weird evil four legged creature'!" Phil exclaimed. I laugh at his thoughts "what on earth goes on inside of your brain?" I ask in an awkward half smile half laugh.
He laughs hard in response before yelling out "everything!" in a short amount of breath.
What an odd person.
"Well whatever the name, I would like to buy this one then." I tell Phil. He gives out a another big smile and I follow him closely as we make our way back to the counter. I push the plastic grocery bags I almost forgot about onto each shoulder. I stand in front of the counter placing the odd cactus on the counter as Phil walks around to the opposite side. After a few clicks he bends down under the counter to grab some tissue and wraps the cactus similar to how he did yesterday, protecting the delicate spikes of the green plant. He grabs a brown bag from behind the counter and places the bunny ears inside.
I begin to grab my wallet from my coat pocket before I hear a few more clicks of the cash register and a loud ding, a receipt prints out and Phil quickly places it into the brown bag.
"Hey wait a minute I didn't pay yet!" I exclaim, trying to figure out what just happened.
"Don't worry about it Dan! This one's on me!" Phil smiles pushing the bag towards me.
"What?! No way! I have to pay you!" I explain to Phil.
He shakes his head in response, "Nope, this one's from me as a thank you for not robbing me earlier!" He says happily.
"What?!" I ask in a puff of breath.
"Well when you came into the store today I wasn't there. You could have easily taken the money from my register or worse stolen some of my plants! But you didn't, so I want to thank you some how, though it's kind of a crapy trade off." Phil explains in a preppy tone.
"What the heck? Thanking me? I should be thanking you Phil! You helped me a lot with choosing the proper plant for my house and for answering a lot of my questions! I should also thank you for listening to my radio show! I mean you're the first person I've met who's been so interested in my job, it makes me really happy. Not only that, but you're so kind! Yesterday I was expecting a grumpy sales person hoping for my disappearance the moment I entered the store, but there you were, standing there with the biggest smile on your face despite how late I barged into your store. If anyone is going to thank someone it's going to be me!" I exclaim out of breath. I could feel my throat burn mildly and my eyes squint with the rush of uncalled for energy.
Why am I like this?
Phil stood there staring at me without a word, his mouth opened to say something but closed it quickly, he is speechless to say the least.
I gulp, trying to rid of my embarrassment.
Why the fuck did I say all of that Jesus Christ what am I doing?!
I am a man of many thoughts, however one of few words. I don't talk loudly or express such energy unless I feel emotionally unbalanced or have a strong opinion to announce. Once I burst I become quite talkative and loud. It's very opposite of how I usually talk on my radio shows or in normal conversations with other people, I use a much softer and calming voice then.
I find this loud part of me quite annoying, as it has gotten me in trouble on many occasions throughout my life for many different reasons. Which is why I usually try to keep myself in check by avoiding any unnecessary conversations or topics.
However, everything seems to have gone out the window the moments I begin talking to Phil. It almost feels like a physical force is prying into my mind and forcing me to say what's on my mind. It feels invasive and odd. I don't even remember the last time I've spoken so loudly.
I feel tense as an eerily loud silence drowns the store before Phil speaks up.
Phil begins to smile widely, "I was right, You are an interesting fellow Dan! I'm glad I made you happy, I guess that can be a trade off for all the times you've made me smile with your radio show!"
"Huh? I um..." I stutter before shaking my head.
I'm interesting? What the fuck does that even mean?
How could my shows have ever made Phil happy? It's probably just his personality, I can't see how my lonely talks with a microphone or with some random callers can make someone happy.
I had no idea what to say anymore. This odd fellow is someone I never thought I would connect to, it's so easy to talk to him, or is it usually like this with every person?
How come someone so oddly opposite, yet weirdly similar to me exist? Why is it so easy for me to get along with him, I just met him!
This is the first time I felt like this in a long time, it feels like I can really get along with this guy. Like he's someone that could brighten my world even just for a little bit. Maybe even become my friend.
Maybe.
I sigh deeply.
"How about we have another trade off then Phil." I ask him, Phil tilts his head to the side in question and my eyes seem to follow the strands of his black hair that slowly unwind themselves from the delicately styled fringe.
I clear my throat, feeling the earlier pain melt away.
"How about I pay for the cactus, and we can go grab some coffee sometime. I can treat you, as a thank you for all the help." I continue.
Phil shakes his head and my heart drops a little at first.
"Or how about I give you the cactus, and I treat you to coffee!" He smiles.
I smile back and a small laugh escapes my mouth.
"How about a truce then, I'll take the cactus to stop you from complaining and I'll treat you. That way both of us can say our thanks." I explain in a softer voice.
Phil laughs loudly after pondering for a moment "very well Dan, I accept your proposal." Phil smiles again as he sticks his hand out for a shake, I happily oblige and grab his hand.
"Very well then let make it official and say tomorrow at around 7pm we can meet in your little shop here" I say as I let go of Phil's hand. He nods his head quite enthusiastically.
"Well then Phil, I'll see you tomorrow." I laugh as I grab the paper bag with my cactus inside and wring my white plastic bags around my wrists from my shoulders.
"Yup! That will mark three days in a row that we've seen each other." Phil laughs.
"I guess you're right, I wonder how long we can keep this up." I shake my head as I slowly unwillingly walk backwards towards the front door.
"We'll just have to wait and see then." Phil says grabbing his own brown bag of treats while still maintain eye contact with me.
After a very prolonged farewell, I briskly walk through the front door listening to the distinct chime of the bell as I walk back into the bitter cold weather of London.
I return back home about a half an hour later. I wasn't expecting to stay out for so long, so I'm very thankful that I brought my thickest jacket this time, as the cold was not merciful in the least today. Too bad I didn't bring my gloves.
As I de-coat and walk up the many flights of stairs, I throw my coat into the lounge and skid into the kitchen. I place my white plastic bags still strung around my wrists onto the kitchen counter before rubbing my hands together to regain some warmth. Phil's little shop kept me warm then, but coming back home always seems to bring a more comforting warmth, not that Phil's shop was un-comforting.
Rather, being with Phil seems to bring out a different kind of warmth, a more of a friendly type of warmth or something? I'm not quite sure, but I enjoy the rush of energy I get seeing him. Maybe it all those weird plants, or maybe it's Phil's preppy happiness, either way I strangely enjoy going to that store.
I sigh softly and waddle over to my bedroom, I think this might be the first time I spent my day off out of my bed. Weirdly I'm not complaining either.
I smile at the sight of my moon cactus before making my way over to my bed.
I place the brown paper bag onto the covers softly and begin to open it. I lift the wrapped bunny ear cactus and toss the paper bag aside. After carefully unwinding it from the white tissue Phil so expertly packaged, I examine the beauty of my new cactus on my bed.
It's a just a simple rich green colour, yet the odd shape of it seems to make it stand out. I peer at the tiny white spikes dotting its stature, so pretty.
"Ouch!" I flinch in pain as I run my fingers along the spines of the cactus.
I poke my finger into my mouth, trying to stop the bleeding.
Great, another cactus injury.
I look at the bandaid wrapping my pointer finger on my other hand.
I should really stop buying cacti.
I sigh softly and feel my lips form a small smile as I slip my finger out of my mouth and pick up the 'Bunny ears' cactus.
I walk over to my windowsill and place the equally odd named cactus beside the older one. I properly align the two in the centre of the windowsill and back up, marvelling at the sight.
Now my room seems much more alive, as if someone actually lives in here. I feel joyful and energized seeing the two of them.
I sigh deeply and take a peek at my analog clock on the nightstand,
5:39 pm it reads with the blocky red font.
I sigh deeply again, another annoying habit I need to rid of.
I wasn't expecting to be back so early, or rather I just wish the day was nearing its end and went by faster.
The second I left Phil's silly little shop I wanted to go back, or have time skip to the next day when we meet again.
I shake my head of the those thoughts,
I'll see him tomorrow, I can wait.
For the time being I walk downstairs into the bathroom to take care of this stupid cactus injury, I don't need that getting infected.
After finishing that task, unpacking groceries comes next. Walking swiftly into the kitchen I begin unpacking the plastic bags of their contents carefully spilling them around the room.
I don't usually buy too much because it's only me in the house, but I did go a little over board this time as I couldn't say no to a few extra bags of Maltesers.
I quickly put everything in its rightful place in the cupboards and fridge and quickly throw the plastic bags for safe keeping into my collection behind another drawer. Grabbing one of the few packs of chocolates I head back into my room.
Every time I enter now, my eyes always seem to be drawn to the cacti, it's the brightest thing in this messy room and I always feel more calm looking the the tiny potted plants.
Looks like I need some distractions.
I plop myself onto my grey covers, and open up my Mac which I left there earlier in the day.
Tumblr time.
After about 2 hours of mindlessly scrolling through my feed and finishing the small packet of sweets, I begin to get bored just staring at the same old memes, same old videos, the same old feed.
I was happy to have a change of pace with my room with the new plants, but it hasn't changed my internet searches, I need something new.
I open a new window staring at the white screen of the Google search bar. I have no idea what to type in, what do I want to see? What do I want to do?
Suddenly inspiration hits me and I quickly type in 'House Plants'. Why? I'm not quite sure myself, but as I switch to images I'm so glad I typed it in.
I was sort of expecting just some regular leafy plants that I see on a day to day basis out in parks, but I am amazed at the funny shapes and colours my screen is filled with. It's as if I walked into Phil's shop all over again.
I smile to myself as I scroll through what seems like endless pictures of plants. I never expected that a day would come that I pick Google searches of plants over my Tumblr feed. It almost feels as if I just chose to learn more about Phil rather than go on with my life and dive back down into the dark sea of Tumblr.
And to be honest, I'm really glad I did.
_
I did it! I finally wrote another chapter! I'm SO SORRY for the delay! I know, I know it's been like 14000 months. I literally have no excuse, I've been having writing blocks all summer, and I'm pretty sure you guys just gave up on this story long ago with my crap updating, but if you guys are still reading THANK YOU SO MUCH! Please let me know if you find any errors or have any suggestions! And thank you so much for reading my story it makes my day!
-Alex
