PEARLINE

“ I swear if the guy that sits behind me in my gender studies class makes one more sexist joke, he’s going to get acquainted with my fist. “ Barbra ranted out of frustration. She could tolerate a lot but even she had her limits. “ Do you think I’m overreacting about all this? “ she asked the other that was unlucky enough to catch her rant, genuinely. 

Despite having been confused by the constant flower orders during the week before, Seymour had actually enjoyed himself. Mr. Mushnik hadn’t complained once, or yelled at him, and he’d actually let Seymour showcase the newest plant he’d found in the window. However, despite the positive attention that the shop had gotten, the bespectacled male wasn’t sure why so many orders had come in. “Did anyone else notice that it was Valentine’s Day in November last week?” He asked, more to himself than to anyone else. “Or was it just me?”

❝ Valentine’s day ? In November ? No. I think it was more of a... (falling in love day) ? ❞ The last part was mumbled as if she were trying to come up with another way to say the almost same thing. The female’s hands were touching leaves of different flowers, admiring them. She was trying to find the perfect one for her others at home.  ❝ It was kind of beautiful, but I don’t know what it was about unfortunately... Was business good ? ❞ Flowers were so beautiful, she wouldn’t be surprised. Her body turned as she looked at the other with a tilted head and a small violet in her hands.

Lizzie smiled when she saw the woman seem to perk up a little. It wasn’t perfect but it was a start. “Perfect!” She beamed, making sure to look as excited as possible. She was genuinely happy, loving anything with enough sugar, and it really wasn’t hard to play it up a little bit just for the other’s benefits. “Oh well I’m so bad at picking just one thing.” She paused, tapping a finger on her chin as she considered. “But I really do love anything with like fruit in it. Strawberries or peaches are the best so anything with that would be awesome.” But really she’d take anything that was offered to her at this point. “I’m thinking I’ll buy a whole bunch, maybe put some away in the fridge for later. This looks way better than store bought after all, and I really can’t cook any of this stuff myself.”

Peach wasn’t prepared for someone so kind, she didn’t even realize how much the excitement from the other was wearing on her. Moments ago, she was trying not to cry. She was upset and confused and didn’t know what to do. Now those thoughts have exited her mind and she was focused on the other. It wasn’t much of a visible difference, but her voice became clearer the second time she spoke a reply to the other.  ❝ Peaches ? Well, you’ll love me- I mean, I don’t think I have any peach desserts. But, I do have strawberry stuff. ❞ She gestured to her shortcake and to a few various things after she said strawberry stuff. Her face quirked into a small smile for a second. Her hands then folded back into her lap and when she mentioned buying a whole bunch, her eyes opened- now clear of tears.  ❝ Oh ? Well these are pretty big, but if you do get some stuff you may be able to fit it in there... Please, take all you want as long as you can. I’ll even throw in a free cupcake to eat now- or muffin. ❞

Watching the attempted exchange of conversation, her eyebrows furrowing together in both confusion and sadness at the fact that the man continued on his way, not even bothering to help a little boys’ home and it honestly made her upset. Walking over, Anya puts down a few dollars and frowns. “It’s not much, but it’s all that I currently have, you don’t have to give me anything, I just want to be of help in any way possible.”

Peach was not the best person, she would admit. She could easily do something more for these kids and this is all she could manage to bring herself to do. Even with that, it still hurt every time someone passed. She’s seen business people, bakers, bankers, and other people who could have easily pitched in and yet nobody would listen. It was like she was invisible. But apparently, that invisibility wore off when someone comes up and, without hesitation, puts down a bit of money. While she was tearing up already, the gesture warmed her and brought a bit more.  ❝ Oh- are you- ❞ It took her a minute to formulate a sentence.  ❝ No please, are you sure ? You don’t have to do that I- here, take whatever and however much you want. That’d get you at something, and these won’t make it to too many other homes anyways. ❞

At the sound of her name, Sally looked up. “Hey!” She hadn’t seen Peach in a little while, due to midterms on top of everything else that had been going on. “Nah, I’m not busy. We have the day off today.” And Sally was thankful for it. Her principal may have had no heart, but that was the one thing she did do. “School’s going. How’s everything with you?”

❝ Oh great- good to hear. Glad you’re at least on break and have school and- I’m good, thank you for asking. ❞ How does one lead to asking for help. She was really, really glad to see the girl. Especially since she was a good kid. But, even though she was, she did have ulterior motives this visit. Peach grinned and quickly hugged the other.  ❝ As much as I appreciate seeing you, I do need a quick favor- if you don’t mind thinking about school on your day off. ❞

Her eyes scanned over all the treats as she hummed out in thought.  She figured her grandma would have appreciate her bringing home a snack for the two of them. Usually after a long night at the diner she would bring home any baked goods that they didn’t sell for the two them to share together. “ Got any apple crisp? “ she questioned curiously. 

❝ Apple crisp ? ❞ The woman’s mind raced. She remembered making something apple over the last few days, and she knows she can make one of those of all things, but she couldn’t recall for sure. She furrowed her brows in thought before checking under the table, rummaging around the pans of pasteries.  ❝ One moment- I should have some... you know I love a good apple crisp. I don’t know why it’s not up here- (someone who passed could have wanted it). ❞ She continued to mumble before finding the right one, quickly pulling it out and on the table before realizing it held up another, the dish clanging as it fell down.  ❝ Sorry... Anyways, I do have some ! Name your price. Unless it doesn’t look good- do you have any other ones you like ? ❞

Eddie had noticed the table on his way back from class, lips pursing together as he watched everyone ignore the poor girl. He had to commend her for her tenacity, but she had to be tired by now. He had a few bucks in his pocket… He took a few steps forward as his eyes scanned the goods. “Um, do you have anything that’s gluten free or without nuts? I’m kind of allergic,” he said, feeling a little bad for his specifics. He didn’t necessarily need gluten free things, but he thought maybe it would be healthier.

The girl gave a cough, trying to hide something of a frown that was creeping its way to her lips again. She was in her head. Was the sign not enough? Was her baking not appealing? Did she not know where to set up a table? She started to think all three until a kindly looking gentleman approached. Her eyes widened and she shook her head as if to get herself back into the mindset. Peach’s mouth quirked into that smile again and when he asked she threw her hand as if to say ‘it’s whatever’.  ❝ You’re fine. I deal with more allergies on the daily at work... I believe I do though, let me see. ❞ Her eyes panned the table and the first thing she found was her famous cheesecake brownies.  ❝ Do you like B R O W N I E S ? Or something lighter ? ❞

“It would certainly be something.” Ginny said, doing her best to stay polite and carry on the conversation despite the fact that she felt like she was starting to freeze. Still, she couldn’t help but feel a little impatient. “Although really I only need snow for December, otherwise it just isn’t festive. If anything I’m a sucker for the first snow of the year coming on Christmas.” And she certainly did not want snow while she was standing outside only in shorts. “The company would be great. I’m always up for having someone to talk to. Besides, I’m kinda hoping to get there quickly, before I like, lose feeling in my legs or something, you know. Asking you to explain the directions to me will take longer than me just following you.” 

“I personally think it’s fun.” However, Lore had a twisted view on what he deemed to be fun and what he deemed to be boring. “If you’re someone who is easily scared, probably around a nine or a ten. I personally didn’t find it that scary when I saw it in theaters though.” At her question about watching the movie in an alley, he chuckled. “No, we wouldn’t be watching it in an alley. We’d be watching it at my house. Or yours, if you’d be more comfortable there.”

❝ Nine or ten... that bad ? Well... ❞ The female never knew what to do in horror. She thought being safe was having fun- that being polite made someone cool. It was always her thought train, but if he had fun maybe she would too. She never tried to have an adventure willingly.  ❝ I mean- your house would work ? You don’t seem like the creepy type and Toad is terrified of movies in general. I don’t know if he could deal with a horror one. ❞ A joke. She made a little joke, trying to lighten her mood. ❝ I’ll try it out- if you don’t mind of course. I can bring popcorn since you have the movie. ❞

“Well if I’m amazing for wanting to help kids, then you’re just as amazing.  The amount of work that you’ve put in here is very admirable.”  Violet said warmly, admittedly very impressed with everything she saw the other girl doing for the home.  She picked up the bag from the table and nodded once.  “That’s a lovely name.  It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Peach.”

❝ It was just a few days of baking is all. ❞ The girl laughed slightly and shook her head, she was not one to volunteer for compliments. The other was the real hero anyways. Volunteering to sponsor- donating to the home.  ❝ I hope the three of you have a good night, I’ll be sure to remember to bring it up to the head of the home about a sponsor if this thing still fails. ❞

“I will, thank you.”  Violet smiled at the other woman and nodded her head once.  She couldn’t help but laugh softly.  “Please, I’m far from amazing.  I just like to help, especially where children are involved.  It’s kind of a passion of mine.”  Especially after everything she’d gone through as a child, she wanted to do everything in her power to ensure that no one else had to.  “Oh, Violet.  Violet Baudelaire.”

❝ Well, if I may be bold, that’s amazing in my book... I’m the same way- not that I’m amazing, just I really appreciate children. They’re sweet. Especially the boys at the home... So your passion is not lost. ❞ She warmed up to her, her body language just becoming more relaxed as she heard the other speak. Children struck a chord with her, pretty much a passion too if you could consider it. She had a desire to care for others.  ❝ Violet ! Well pleased to meet you Ms. Baudelaire. ❞ She held out her hand to shake as she used the other to put the bag on the front of the table.  ❝ My name is Pearline, but people call me P E A C H. ❞

“No, really, three is all I need.  My siblings and I don’t have very big appetites.”  Violet smiled and once again held out the bill. She didn’t use her wealth often, she preferred to work for what she had, but when she did use it it was for situations like this.  She was a firm believer in giving children every chance they deserved.  “And if you ever need more, consider me a sponsor.  I’d love to help in any way I can.”  She nodded.  “A bag would be great, thank you.”

❝ Well, tell them thank you and to enjoy. ❞ She shook herself out of it for the moment, finally making her way to focus on the task. She took the bill and put it in the clear bucket beside her, showing now one hundred one dollars now. She offered the other a large grin before moving to grab something from under the table.  ❝ You’re amazing- (sorry). I mean I’ll tell them that. ❞ She sat up with a plastic grocery bag in hand, along with some small cardboard food boxes. She began to put the items together before bagging it up. ❝ Thank you so much, Ms... ❞ She realized she didn’t know the other’s name only after she began the title.