Florets Insect Experiences Ch 13

"Are you ready to go?" Mary asks, a hand on the doorknob, and the other on her chest.

"Y-yeah..." I pat down my dress, imagining the outside world, preparing myself to tread beneath open skies.

Am I really ready?

What if...

I try to dispel my endlessly circuitous thoughts.

Even Daisy has gotten over hers... can't I do the same?

Mary opens the door, takes my hand, and pulls me along.

"H-hey!"

"It's a beautiful day out, isn't it?" Mary takes me through her yard and stops at the gate. She gestures to the sky. "Look, what gentle clouds, how they drift along, sailing on the open blue. It's a bit hot, but the breeze is nice, isn't it?"

"Y-yeah... It really is a peaceful day." Without even realizing it, the trembling of my hand disappears. The sun delightfully warms my face and body, making me shudder for a second. Akin to the carefree clear sky, I felt my mind unburdening.

Mary pulls me along and keeps up conversation.

"You know, these career advancement forms are usually done and sent through the school's web page, but since it's summer, nobody will be checking those. So, we have an excuse to bypass the bureaucracy and go directly to the source."

"Do you know Thorndal well?"

"Yeah, we go way back, he used to teach your parents, and me in the university too. And when I worked in the hospital here, I had the pleasure of treating him a few times. And all that's before I even became a nurse at the school."

"Wow... It's hard to imagine, neither of you look that old- erm, I mean..."

"W-well... I am still quite a fresh forty-something, thank you very much. While Thorndal just recently turned sixty, I still remember how delectable the birthday cake for him was in the teacher's room... I suppose a suit and a good skincare routine really do wonders for his appearance."

"Oh, I thought you were 25, or at most 30."

"Aww shucks, don't be silly, that'd make me almost your age. But, you flatter me nonetheless, my Dear. I know what an honest person you are, so it means a lot."

I laugh, and Mary chuckles with me as well. I had never really thought about how old Mary is, not making the connection with her attending the school the same year as my parents, even when she mentioned it before. Maybe it's because she's even more well preserved than my mo- erm, Flurel. Maybe I should start calling her an old witch or something similar the next time-, I mean... if we ever meet again...

We continue walking through the streets, chatting about this and that, and before we know it, we've arrived at Thorndal's house. It's a great wooden mansion, at least three stories high but it's hard to see just where the different floors ended or began. It's grandiose is a little imposing, I had never seen, nor actually visited a building of such standing before. It's almost like I am suddenly in a different world or a country altogether than our little town.

Actually... now that I think about it... didn't the University's Principal's position come with a house along with the job? I'm sure I've heard something to that extent, but... Can that be true...? I don't think even the actual Mayor of our town has such extravagant quarters...

"Hey, Floret."

"Huh? What is it?"

"Did you notice?" Mary says, holding both of her hands atop her voluptuous chest, her eyes narrowed with a big smile on her lips. She tilts her head slightly and poses a bit.

"Notice... what?"

"So you didn't? Hehe, that's great!" Mary suddenly hugs me tightly, her breasts press upon my face. "I let go of your hand halfway here, so you came the rest of the way with your own strength!"

"A-ah! That's true..."

Mary pats me on the head which is a little humiliating. She hums and embraces me while rotating slightly from side to side. "You're doing so well! Keep it up, my Dear."

She really started to call me "Dear" a lot for some reason...

But... I don't hate it.

"Alright, p-please stop hugging me, what if Thorndal sees? It's going to make this even more awkward than it has to be..."

"Okay, okay." Mary backs off but pats my head once more. "Let's go pay him a visit."

We make our way through the large, open iron gate, decorated with nature; vines grow all along it, with flowers and even some fruits sprouting off it.

The yard is like a presidential palace, with well-maintained grass with a pond, a large fountain with benches around it, and other outdoor furniture, even a grill and its own small roofed building for outdoor parties.

Two large white pillars line the ostentatious entrance, and Mary presses the rustic doorbell. Many running steps echo, right before the tall white door opens unusually quickly.

For a second, I think it opened on its own, but then I look down and see three young kids crowding the doorway.

"You're not the Pizza guy!" An energetic small boy shouts at us.

"But we didn't even get permission to order, you doofus!" A playful girl smacks him on the head.

"Ow!"

"W-who are you?" A shy girl asks from the back.

"Who's at the door? Hold on... I'm coming." An older woman's voice shouts, sounding winded.

"Hmm..." The boy looks at us hard before shouting back at the voice. "Aunt! It's the hag and some kid!"

"W-who are you calling a hag!" Mary takes a step forward.

"Hey, I'm not a kid, you're a kid!" I point at the boy and huff.

The kids disperse giggling and laughing, as a brunette woman comes to the door. She's quite sporty looking but wears casual attire: a plain blue bolero over her shoulders and wide-sleeved trousers. However, her top is quite risque, it's very open with a v-neck cut, and her cleavage glistens with sweat. It's tight around the bust and presses her breasts upwards and together.

"You can't just call our guest a Hag, that's not-" She shouts back at the kids, but as she turns around, she stops for a second. "Oh, it really is the hag." Her face twists into a smug mocking smile immediately.

"Nettle..." Mary's face is red, and she speaks through held-together teeth. "How nice to see you after... not long enough." Mary's lips are raised a little, like in nearly uncontrollable disgust.

"As always, the feeling is mutual. I didn't think it was possible for you to get any older than- Oh, but who do you have with you?"

"Hi, I'm Floret, a student of the University. Or well, I graduated already, but still..."

"Oh, you're one of his students. Nice to meet you, I'm Nettle, the sister of the Principal's wife." She says with pride, wearing an expensive-looking necklace and blue crystal earrings. Her cheekbones are high, and her face curves are soft, nearly wrinkle-free.

"You must be in dire straits indeed to have come here accompanied by the number one hag of Perennial Bloom." She says to me jokingly, but meaning every word.

"Rrrgh..." Mary's hands curl into fists, and her eyes narrow.

It was kind of strange, and funny at the same time seeing Mary so angry. Especially, when that rage isn't directed at me. Suddenly, I'm intrigued to know just what kind of history these two share, but decide it better to not ask, at least before our business here is done.

"That's quite enough, why don't you take the kids out to play instead of running around inside, it's a beautiful day after all." A woman, with a bit darker shaded hair, but otherwise very similar-looking face to Nettle, gives her a gentle nudge with her elbow. "And use the backdoor, will you?"

"Fine..." Nettle turns away from the door and shouts: "Usher, Royral, and Mailo, come on!"

"Okay!" The kids shout in unison.

The woman who remains, has her hair tied up in a bun, and wears a white apron, hiding a rather gigantic bosom inside it. "Nice to see you, Mary. How have you been? I heard the terrible news, it must have been a shock to have Clover leave so suddenly!"

Before Mary can answer, a voice interrupts them from inside.

"I bet she had something to do with that!"

"Shut up, Nettle!" She shouts backward, clears her throat, and looks back at us. "Ahem, where were we... Oh, yes. I am Gerbera, the wife of Quincel Thorndal. Sorry about my sister, there's still some bad blood between her and Mary even after all these years." She looks at me with a warm smile.

"Uh- Hi!"

"No, I've got no idea what you're talking about... but nice to see you too, Gerbera." Mary answers.

"Likewise. I overheard my sister, you must be Floret, correct?" She looks back at me and blushes, I quickly avert my gaze. "Aww, aren't you as cute as a button. Please, come on in, both of you."

"T-thanks..." I have a bit of trouble thinking of what to say, she already caught me staring, despite my best efforts of trying to refrain from ogling her. But... our Principal has way too good of a taste in women, I just couldn't help myself. She had an even more shapely body than Mary, perhaps that's what having kids can do to you. Thank goodness she wears clothes that completely cover her lethal weapons at the front and back.

We walk into the grand hall, the roof is incredibly high up, and there are large doorways all around, a kitchen on the left, a grand staircase at the front, and what looked to be the dining hall on the right. We stop to take off our shoes, and as we do, Mary speaks: "Sorry about the sudden visit, believe me, I wouldn't have come if I knew your prickly sister was visiting..."

"It's okay, I don't mind," Gerbera escorts us further inside for a few steps, before turning around and clasping her hands together. "Let me guess, you must be here to see my husband? You can find him cooped up in his study, even if it's supposed to be his vacation..."

"Yeah, we are. Sorry..." Mary looks down for a moment.

"Don't worry, I'm not as delusional to think you'd come just to see little old me, especially with a student in tow." Gerbera says but quickly adds. "I apologize for speaking out of turn... you are both such busy individuals, don't mind my ramblings..."

"Why don't you prepare us some coffee and tea, and we can stay for a moment after our matter has concluded with the Principal?"

"Oh, how wonderful, that'd be my pleasure." Gerbera beams and hurries off into the kitchen. "Please, go on ahead without me, I'm sure you still remember the way!"

Mary guides me through the lavish house, it has massive paintings that decorate the hallways, masterfully shaped wood decorations on the stair railings, the many, many guest rooms, storage rooms, libraries, a movie theater... Finally, we reach what I think is the top floor. There are only a few doors, and the very far-off one is which Mary leads me to.

She knocks on the door.

"Come in."

We step into the office, it's a rather small space, with lots of cabinets and drawers lining the walls, a large desk, and behind it, a window with a gorgeous view from this high up.

Thorndal is sitting at the desk and lifts his gaze from the papers he has in front of him.

"Mary, and Floret? What a surprise, please, take a seat."

He points with an open palm, to a set of chairs stacked on top of each other in the corner.

"Thank you." Mary takes two and puts them before his desk and we both sit down.

"What brings you here? Can I help with something?" The way he said that, while still glancing at his papers on the desk, made it seem that personal visits to his home weren't all that uncommon.

"Sorry to bother you while you're on vacation, but as you know, I sometimes do a bit of student counseling, and Floret approached me with a problem."

"Oh?"

I'm almost as surprised hearing that as Thorndal, but I realize what she's probably getting at.

"She's very indecisive in what to do with her future, but she recently had a great idea as to what to pursue."

"Is that so? Why don't you tell me more, Floret."

"R-right... I, I was thinking, I'd like to go to Egypt."

"Mhm...?"

"Archaeology is a big field there, and I've always been fascinated with Pyramids, mummies and the like. So, if I could travel there, I could properly acquaint myself with the field, to see if that's something I want to get into." I try to speak with conviction, but I wasn't really used to lying so blatantly.

"Hmm... I see. You'd no doubt wish to use the employment program's funds to cover the cost of the trip?"

"That's right."

"Hmm, I think that can be arranged. It is, after all, your first time asking for such a trip, and, so soon after your graduation too. I don't have a reason to refuse."

"Thank you-!"

"But... to be fair with everyone, since during the school year this would be communicated clearly to all, I'll announce this opportunity to all other students as well. Though you're not required to all go at once. I think I have some contacts in the archaeology field, and I can arrange you a small class about it there, and a tour through some archaeological sites."

"O-oh... really? How... wonderful."

Looks like it won't be just a vacation after all...

"Wait, does that mean, I can take a friend with me on the trip?"

"Yes, several even, if you wish. As long as they are interested in the field, fill out all the paperwork, and let me know the time you'd arrive, so I can communicate it to our contacts in Egypt. I'll take care of the school side of things to pay the trip."

I wonder if Iris would be interested, or Sarah and Emily. However, I think at least Daisy will be stuck on their farm for the summer.

"That's great! Thank you!"

"Though, I will require you to write an essay about the trip, what you learned, and how the cooperation between our local Archaeology teachers went, even if you've already graduated. And... additionally, I need you to promise me one thing."

"What is it?"

Thorndal explains his final condition for allowing me to go on this trip.

"I see... Still, I'll do it." I answer resolutely.

"Very good, I hope you have a fruitful trip."

Mary smiles at me and nods her head approvingly.

"With that out of the way, I never got to say it before, but, I was very impressed with the Corpse Flower you presented at Graduation. Very well done, Floret." The compliment seems rather odd, as he signs papers on his desk during it, without looking at me.

"Uh- well, thank you."

"You weren't exactly my first pick for who'd present a unique flower. Of course, I knew you had the potential of the Luisleaf's, but I doubted your will to go through with it."

"Gee, thanks."

"Don't get me wrong, I was quite the rascal in my youth as well. So, let me give you a piece of advice. Traditions, society, whatever you think you're fighting, it'll always win. It's bigger than just you and me. Even if a change is forced upon it, the people won't change with it so quickly."

"I don't know what you're saying. You think me some sort of anarchist or rebel?"

"Are you not either of those things? Your reputation and actions certainly hint at that direction."

"I'm just trying to live my life and make the most of it. I don't do... what I've done, to inflict some sort of change in this town. I know just how futile trying to change somebody- something is, even if it's for the better."

Still, it doesn't stop me from giving them the proverbial or literal middle finger if I can.

"Hmm... I see. You are wise beyond your years, a little tragically so. Such things aren't something you should have to worry about yet."

I think to retort with something like: "And yet I do, keep your pity!", "I'm already an adult!" or some other snarky comeback, but instead, I calm myself.

"Such is life." I dryly scoff.

Mary chuckles nervously. "Such serious subjects we're suddenly discussing... come on now, both of you. Summer vacation isn't the time for such cold discussions."

"My apologies." Thorndal looks directly at me with a mysteriously neutral expression.

"Now then. I believe Gerbera must have already prepared coffee and snacks for us, shall we all go and have a nice moment with some treats?" Mary says with an uplifting tone.

"Oh, very well. I've been at it myself for a while too." Thorndal stands up. "We'll settle the details of our agreement afterward, is that okay?"

"Yes, that'll do. Thank you."

We all leave the room and head down the stairs.

As we approach the dining room, I can hear the kids' racket and exclaim, with Nettle and Gerbera gently reprimanding and trying to calm them down. As we come to the room, all the kids look at Thorndal and quiet down, sitting upright and properly on their chairs, waiting for everyone to be seated, before they even ask to be handed some treats.

The massive dining room has elaborate golden chandeliers, cloth tapestries of some sort of sigils line the walls along with a painting of a knight that is as tall as the room. The room has multiple tables, the smallest one of which has been set up, seating ten. It's practically creaking from the banquet that has been prepared. Trays of all sorts of pastries and cookies, baskets with freshly baked steaming bread, fresh fruits, and berries were also available. I wondered just how we were supposed to finish all the food.

Mood-wise, the long table feels like it splits from the middle; the other side has a lively and homely atmosphere with the kids, Thorndal at the end of the table keeping his silent vigil, and Gerbera serving them.

The side that I'm stuck in however, has me at the other end of the table, Mary to my left, and Nettle to my right. I almost feel sparks in the air, as my hair stands on end from the two women's barely concealed malice and bloodlust for each other. The pin is off, the grenade is live, and all that is left is to throw it and see where it lands. On this battlefield, I am caught in the crossfire, afraid to say anything or even look at either, to not provoke them to test their aim.

Suddenly, Mary offers a plate toward me, it has chocolate chip cookies on it. "Won't you try some of these, they are made by Gerbera, with her family's recipe. They are truly delectable."

Before I can process the words and make a decision, another tray from the right enters my vision. "Try these instead, Floret. They are blueberry-chocolate muffins, made by my husband. He's a world-renowned baker, did you know?" Nettle speaks to me, but her eyes stare at Mary, who glares back.

"Oh? Are you downplaying your own sister's cookies? That's not a very wholesome thing to do, Nettle." Mary sets down the cookies, out of my reach, just as I'm about to take one.

"No, Gerbera is a wonderful baker, but she's not world-renowned, like

my man

is, now is she? That's just a fact." Nettle does the same, and I remain snack-less, a starving soldier.

Mary grinds her teeth together. "So, how is Felix doing? I bet he's miserable day in and day out, having to look at your ugly mug all the damn time. Oh, but how nice of you to come here, allowing him to rest."

"Mary...! You manless hag, how dare you-! We've been happily married all these years, and you know that!"

"How come you didn't bring him with you then, hmm? Were you scared I'd steal him away from you? Fufufu-" Mary chuckles with a strange tone, a hand before his mouth.

"You wish! I bet that's exactly what you fantasize about every night!" Nettle stands up and grins wickedly. "No, he stayed back home because he loathes to be anywhere near you!"

"Guh! N-no way-" Mary's face is shocked, and she slams her hands onto the table, shooting up too. "Stop spouting lies you gaudy trinket harlot!"

"Lies? Oh, look the good-for-nothing Doctor-demote yap her mouth!"

They are both leaning over the table, their asses up, and chests hanging down, raving at each other, landing the most verbose low-blows. Meanwhile, I'm glued to the backrest of my chair, unsure if I should be amused or terrified.

"Felix, he and I were closer than you could have ever imagined! You were the one who-" Mary points an accusatory finger at Nettle, but she slaps down her hand.