I was completely baffled. First he had seemed completely shocked and then it looked like he was about to cry when he saw the flower. Ok, that was normal if he had lost someone close to him… right? But then he started speaking in Italian and his emotions did a 180.

"So… you liked it?"

I had tried for it to no sound so awkward but I failed miserably. Marcus blinked and gave me the most heart breaking smile I had ever seen, his eyes soft.

"It is perfect, my dear." He said, as if it were a prayer. "Words cannot express how much this means to me."

My heart fluttered a bit and even though he had been acting strangely, a smile eased its way onto my lips. I felt something I hadn't truly felt since my parents' death; genuine happiness. I was relieved that he didn't think it was weird for me to just give him something when I didn't even know him. We stood in silence, both admiring the flower when Angela cleared her throat. We looked at her and she shifted uncomfortably in place, her eyes flickering between us.

"It's almost closing time."

"Really?" I eyed the clock and she was right. We closed at 6 and it was 5:45. I turned to Marcus again and I wanted to smack myself. He had come in probably looking for a bouquet or something and I had completely sidetracked him.

"I'm so sorry, Marcus. I completely forgot about the time and I didn't even ask you what you needed."

"No need to apologize." He replied politely, deftly grasping the pot with one hand and with the other, presenting a piece of newspaper from his pocket. "I had come to inquire if the position announced here is still available?"

I stared at him and then at the newspaper ad I had payed for a week ago. It was almost the end of summer and soon, Angela would be off to college again. I had insisted she take the remainder of her vacation off because all she had done was work and console me. I felt extremely guilty. She was adamant of leaving if no one took her place so I decided to invest in a little publicity. But what were the odds that the same mysterious stranger that had come by just 3 days ago was interested in working in a flower shop of all places? And in Forks for the matter?

"I, uh, of course." I groaned internally at my eloquence but he didn't seemed to mind.

I walked around the counter and retrieved the job application form, handing it to him. I noticed that his face held none of the emotion he had just shown me a few minutes ago. In fact, it seemed that the second Angela interrupted us, he had shut down completely. He even appeared almost painfully bored. Weird.

"You should fill these out and come back tomorrow with a resume." I paused, considering giving him an interview from the get go. "Be here by 9 am please. I would like you to answer a few questions before considering you for the position."

I felt Angela gaping at me but the reality was that not a single person had called me for the job so, I saw no reason why I shouldn't forego the usual process.

"Very well. I shall see you then, cara mia."

He tipped his head slightly and flashed me a longing look before gracefully gliding out with the flower still tucked close to his chest. There was stunned silence at the strange display. I felt a little oozy on the inside as I walked towards the door and turned the sign over from open to closed. I had hoped I could catch a glimpse of him walking away but he was nowhere to be seen. I turned to Angela now and she had a disapproving look mixed with… fear?

"He's kinda creepy, don't you think?"

"You find all strangers creepy, Angela." I sighed, retrieving the spray bottle she now held in her hand. We went about the store, watering the delicate plants in silence before she spoke up again.

"No, Bella... this is different. He seemed off to me. I don't know why but he seems dangerous." She paused and gasped, whirling around to face me. "What if he's a serial killer?"

I pursed my lips. Looking back on it, he did seem different. He had this unnatural beauty to his features, they seemed too sharp and too perfect and his eyes… I was pretty sure that wasn't normal unless he was wearing eye contacts. But a serial killer? I couldn't find it in me to be afraid of him like Angela was.

"If he's a serial killer, the background check would tell me." I said, trying to appease her. "Anyway, I want to give him a chance. Something tells me I can trust him."

She looked like she wanted to protest but we'd had this conversation far too many times. She thought I trusted people too easily and that that would cause me trouble sooner or later. She didn't say anything about it though, her eyes dropping down to where my collar bone was jutting out a bit. I turned away before she could scrutinize me closer.

"Why don't we go eat something? My treat?" She asked, changing the topic quickly.

I sighed at her tone. Worry mixed with pity. I didn't need either. That was all I ever received from everyone ever since the incident. Poor orphan Bella, left to fend for herself. It made me angry to be honest.

"Fine. I'll eat." I snapped.

We gathered our things after I finished counting out the earnings and we headed for her car in silence. I wasn't in the mood to talk. I watched the raindrops patter against the car window as we headed to the only diner in Forks. I ordered a salad, not really wanting to eat anything that would upset my stomach but even when it arrived, I barely touched it. Angela watched in growing concern as I pushed a grape tomato around my plate.

"Ok, I'm sorry." Angela spoke, breaking the silence. "I didn't mean to make you upset but I'm really worried about you, Bella. You've been acting strangely and you're not eating well. Please, let me help you. You can talk to me."

I raised my gaze to hers. She was pleading for me to open up. I shook my head, feeling tears welling up on my eyes. I couldn't. I didn't want to say what I felt out loud. If felt that if I did, it would make their deaths more real. I pushed those thoughts away quickly.

"Please drop it." I whispered, wiping away a stray tear. "I'm fine really."

I stabbed the tomato and munched on it. I chewed slowly as we lapsed back into silence. I knew that she was only trying to help but my patience was started to wear thin.

"Angie, why don't you take the day off tomorrow?" At those words she threw me a hurt look but I continued. "Why don't you hang out with Ben? You barely spend time with him anymore."

She dropped her gaze, wringing her hands together on the table. "Actually, we broke up a few weeks ago… He's seeing someone else..."

I blinked. Had I heard right? I thought those two were perfect for each other. They had dated all through high school and they were going strong even after graduation. So much so, that I thought that they would get married someday. I felt awful now but before I could apologize, Angela gave me a sad smile.

"It's fine that you didn't notice. I know your mind has been elsewhere." She paused, eyeing the plate. "I think you should take that home. You'll finish eating it, right?"

I swallowed and nodded slowly. God, I was a horrible friend. I hadn't even noticed anything was wrong with her since I was caught up in my own world of misery. I stared at her on the car ride back to the shop but she said nothing and I couldn't think of anything to say.

"Goodnight." I said softly when we arrived, pausing with my hand on the door handle.

"Goodnight, Bella. Take care tomorrow. I think I'll take the day off like you suggested."

She looked at me with sad eyes and handed me my leftovers. I reluctantly stepped out and watched her drive off. I hoped I hadn't alienated my only friend and pushed her away like all the others. She didn't deserve that. All she had wanted was to help me and I had been so harsh to her. I stepped into my little home and I finished eating the salad but the taste was marred with the saltiness of my tears.

Author's note: This was a sad chapter. I feel bad for both Angie and Bella, they really need to talk things out. Anyway, what are your thoughts? Thank you all for your reviews, follows and favs!

P.S. To those following "And The World Will Turn to Ash", the next chapter is in the works and will be up hopefully before midnight.