Rainbow Roses: Lavender Rose

…

The Lavender Rose is a symbol of first love and enchantment. Five roses indicate a high degree of infatuation.

…

"That's all for today," said Abigail Cameron from the front of the room. "Class dismissed."

The senior girls began trickling out of the room in pairs or small groups. Cammie waved before disappearing into the elevator with Bex and Macey. Abby sat down on the stool at the front long table and dragged her fingers through her hair. Winter break was drawing close and the Covert Operation final still had to be developed. Maybe Joe would have some tips.

Abby cleared the boxes filled with long-range rifle parts from the table and stashed them in the locked cabinet underneath the table. She grabbed her file stuffed full of papers and slipped into the elevator. A thin red retinal scan ran across Abby's face before granting her access. She sighed and leaned against the elevator wall as it rose steadily back to the main floor of the Academy. Finals weren't just stressful for the students; they were just as stressful if not more for the teachers.

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. Abby stepped out and nearly ran into Cammie who was rushing towards the elevator with a small bouquet of roses. "Abby!" gasped Cammie as she tried to catch her breath. She leaned over and rested one hand on her bent knee. Her other hand was raised with the bundle of roses. "I'm supposed to deliver these to you."

Abby raised an eyebrow. "Do I get to know who, squirt?"

"He said to tell you that that part is classified," Cammie replied with a wry half-smile. "And he gave me M and M's."

"Aha! So, it's a 'he'," Abby replied with a triumphant smirk. She cocked her hip and tipped her head to one side. "And he bribed my niece to join the dark side, has he?"

Cammie looked indignant. "It is not the dark side! It's rather cute actually." She thrust the roses into her aunt's arms. "Gotta run!" And away she went with a fading laugh.

Abby held the bouquet gently and called, "You better not leave the mansion!" She finally looked at the flowers. They were artificially colored lavender. A crush. There were five. Infatuation. "Huh," Abby muttered as she turned into a side hallway towards Joe's room. "I wonder if he's really going around throwing flowers at everyone…" Abby's heels clicked faintly on the stone floor. When she reached the wooden door that identified Joseph Solomon's room, she knocked sharply.

"Come in," the masculine voice reply.

Abby pushed the door open and closed it softly. She turned to the man who was propped up in bed with pillows and had a book open. "Should you really be up?" Abby asked.

Joe closed the book with a snap. "The doctor said it would be fine. What's that in your hand?"

Abby glanced down at the bouquet. "Roses from an anonymous sender. I thought it was you."

Joe shook his head. "No, I don't send roses."

"Of course you don't," replied Abby with a smile. "That's why Rachel's desk always has fresh ones once a week."

He smiled innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Abby sat on the edge of his bed. "Of course you don't," she repeated with a laugh. "I wanted some ideas for the girls' finals."

"Ah." Joe shifted in his bed. "Something hands-on would obviously be the best. You could try Roseville, but it might not be safe enough."

She frowned slightly. "I don't really want to take them out as of now."

Joe nodded slowly. "Well, Fibbs might have a working simulator now."

"Huh, yes. I could check on that."

Joe leaned back into the pillows. "Why don't you ask Agent Townsend for some pointers? He did do a final last semester."

Abby arched an eyebrow. "Townsend is the one who's convinced I shouldn't show the girls the rifles. Most of the graduating seniors last year are convinced that he was a terrible teacher."

"But he's a good operative, is he not?" Joe replied. "Give it a try. You don't need to take whatever advice he may give."

Abby stood up. "Oh all right. I'll see what he has to say." She leaned down and pressed her lips to his forehead. "Rest well." She disappeared from his room.

…..

"Oh, hello Abigail," Edward said as he exited the Headmistress's office. "Fancy seeing you here of all times."

Abby narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. "Pleasure to see you too, Townsend. You have time for a quick word?"

Edward nodded. "Lead the way?"

Abby shook her head. "No, I just needed some ideas for the girls' finals."

"How about a traditional hand-written exam?" he said coolly.

"And how's that going to help them?" she shot back.

Edward smirked. "It'll give them a good shock from what they'll be expecting. If that's all, I'll be going." He turned. "Best of luck. Nice flowers by the way."

Abby huffed. He's never any help! "Wait a moment," she called after him.

"Yes?" He turned around slowly. "Is there something else you need assistance with?"

Abby ignored his slightly condescending tone. "You sent them."

"Sent what?" he replied.

"The roses."

He paused momentarily. "I did. And?"

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because you didn't either," Edward said. "You knew all along it was me."

Abby shook her head again. "No, I thought it was Joe at first. You bribed Cammie!"

Edward quirked one side of his mouth up. "Yes, I did. She was quite complying."

Abby just stared back at him.

"Speechless, Abigail?" Edward teased. "That's a first." He swooped down and placed a kiss on her cheek. "See you later, Agent Cameron."

…

Abigail Cameron & Edward Townsend

…

A/N: I'm not dead. I swear. Read the latest GG book. Fell in love all over again. :) Oh Edward and Abby. They're crazy. Not a particularly climatic ending for this chappy, but hey, it was interesting to write. I think I might write some more one-shots since there are so many other roses I haven't talked about yet. Anyway, review your thoughts? Next rose maybe?

~ Flurryfox