Page 71 of Wisteria and Cloves
Davina returned with our beautifully wrapped purchases, her smile warm as she handed me a small card. "Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions about caring for your new items, or if you'd like to explore additional options in the future."
I took the card with a smile, grateful for her kindness. "Thank you for being so patient with me. I've never been allowed to choose things for myself before."
Davina's expression grew gentle with understanding. "That makes your choices today even more meaningful. Trust your instincts—you picked beautiful items that will serve you well."
As we loaded the packages into Julian's car, I felt a lightness I hadn't experienced in years. Each wrapped bundle represented a small act of rebellion against the rigid control I'd lived under, a step toward becoming someone I was only beginning to discover.
"How do you feel?" Julian asked as we settled into our seats.
I considered the question, running my fingers over the soft bag containing the bamboo-silk scarf. "Excited," I admitted, surprising myself with honesty. "And nervous, but in a good way.”
"A good kind of nervous is something worth exploring," Julian said with a warm smile as he started the car. "It means you're stretching beyond what's familiar."
I cradled the bag with the scarf, my fingers tracing the outline through the tissue paper. "I never thought shopping could feel so... significant."
"It's not just shopping," Julian replied, pulling onto the main road. "It's self-discovery. Each choice you made there, was an expression of who you are beneath all the expectations that were placed on you."
The thought made me pause. I'd never considered my preferences as meaningful parts of my identity—they'd always been dismissed as unimportant or actively discouraged. "I liked the green," I said softly. "And things with weight to them."
Julian nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I noticed that. You were drawn to natural colors and substantial textures. Things that ground you," Julian finished, glancing at me with approval. "It speaks to someone who values stability and connection to the natural world."
I hadn't thought of my preferences in such terms before, but his observation rang true. "Miles would probably say it connects to my response to his garden," I mused, remembering how peaceful I'd felt among the plants.
"He would," Julian agreed with a soft chuckle. "Miles has always believed that people's aesthetic preferences reveal deeper truths about what they need for emotional wellbeing."
As we drove through the late afternoon light, I found myself thinking about the evening ahead. The idea of arranging my new nesting materials, of creating a space that truly reflected my own choices, filled me with anticipation I hadn't expected.
"Julian?" I said quietly. "When we get home... would you help me arrange everything? I mean, if you're not busy."
His expression softened, a gentle smile spreading across his face. "I'd be honored to help. There's nothing more important on my schedule today."
The sincerity in his voice warmed something deep inside me. "Thank you. I just... I want to make sure I'm doing it right."
"There's no 'right' way to build your nest," Julian said, his voice gentle but firm. "Only what feels right to you. But I'm happy to help you experiment with different arrangements until you find what works best."
We drove in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the bags of nesting materials securely placed in the back seat. I found myself sneaking glances at Julian's profile, noting the strong line of his jaw and the way his eyes remained focused on the road ahead. There was something inherently calming about his presence—a quiet strength that didn't demand attention but provided unwavering support.
My phone buzzed in my purse—an unfamiliar sensation since I'd never had a phone until given one last week by this pack. I pulled it out to see a notification from Dr. Chen's office.
"It's the doctor," I said, my heart rate picking up as I opened the message. "She says my results are ready and she's attached them to the patient portal."
Julian kept his eyes on the road, but I could sense his heightened attention. "Would you like to review them now, or wait until we're home where it's more private?"
I hesitated, my finger hovering over the link. Part of me wanted to know immediately, but another part feared what the results might reveal. "Maybe we should wait. I think I'd feel better having everyone there when I read it.”
Julian nodded, “Then we will do that once we get home.” I felt my chest flutter at the words, I could definitely get used to seeing this place ashome.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Lilianna
The word "home" settled over me like a warm embrace as we pulled into the familiar driveway. Through the windows, I could see lights glowing in the kitchen and what looked like Christopher moving around, probably preparing dinner. The sight filled me with a contentment I'd never associated with returning to a house before.
Julian helped me carry the packages inside, where we were immediately greeted by the rich aroma of something savory and comforting. Christopher appeared in the doorway, wiping his hands on a dish towel, his face lighting up when he saw our bags.
"How did the appointment go?" he asked, his gray eyes moving between Julian and me with obvious concern and curiosity.
"Very well," I replied, surprised by how easily the words came. "Dr. Chen was wonderful. She actually talked to me instead of around me."
