13 Chapter 13: Bad news (1/2)

Sid led Laurice at the back of the house. They walked through a path of stone patched ground and as soon as they've reached the garden gate, Laurice was instantly stunned by the view. She was in complete awe.

'This ...' Her jaw dropped.

It was a stunning view of mixed shrubs and perennial borders surrounded by dry stone walls.

On the east side was the rose garden where a bunch of red hydrangeas spew along the stone walls with other flowers likehibiscus, zinnia, and petunia among others, all of which can seem to handle the dry and hot weather of the state.

There were fruit-bearing trees scattered around the area as well. A garden folly was built on one corner that added to the visual effect of the garden. Laurice have never seen one before. It looks whimsical although it doesn't seem to have any purpose there at all. She felt as if she was brought back to the middle ages. The garden look so vintage yet so green and vibrant and colorful like a painting. Her heart skipped a beat.

She sighed.

'There was just too much inspiration in this place.' She thought.

It was indeed an eye-catching view.

Sid took Laurice on an open thatched-roof cottage that was designed like a pagoda but looks more like a nipa hut and they sat alongside each other maintaining some distance, while Louie was enjoying the thatched-roofed garden swing by himself. Laurice inscribed the design of the swing in her memory and reminded herself the moment she got back at her own place, to contact someone to build one for herself.

Sid: ”There's also a vegetable garden located on the west side.”

Sid has been observing how Laurice eyed the entire place and was happy to see a pleased look on her face.

'Good thing she likes it.'

He felt a sense of relief with the very sight of her.

'She seems to have cheered up.'

Laurice turned to him with eyes wide open.

”Really?!” She exclaimed.

”Goodness. This place is just ... so beautiful.”

Her eyes were not lying. She look happy and serene.

”My mom loves nature. She's a landscape artist. This garden is her most favorite place.” Sid remarked.

”She maintains the whole garden?!” Laurice felt regretful the moment she spoke the words. 'How stupid of her!' Ofcourse there were tons of servants in this villa. 'Why would his mother do all the tough work on her own.'

Sid smirked. As if feeding her doubts he replied, ”We do most of the preservation of the place. Me and my mom to be precise. She does the design and i help maintain the foliage and vegetation. Ofcourse we have helpers for extra hands since it's indeed quite a lot of space.”

Laurice: ”I see. That's remarkable. You're doing a pretty good job. I'm impressed. Actually, i envy you. I always try to work on dirt and raise some plants, herbs in particular. But they always die on me.” The thought saddened her. For a foodie like herself, she have always dreamt of having her own garden full of fresh and organic herbs and vegetables.

Something flickered on his eyes. 'Is this what they call a chance card!' He thought he might grab it.

Sid: ”I can lend you a hand. I'll teach you. I'm a farmer anyway.'

Laurice: ” ... ”

She didn't seem to mind. 'Why would i mind?!' She thought it's her chance to finally raise her own babies.

'Wait! What babies?!' Something is wrong with that phrase.

She shook her head vigorously.

Sid seemed to have notice and misunderstood her reaction and his face fell.

Sid: ”Well, i may not actually be as good as i think i am.”

She eyed him. 'What's this? His making me feel guilty somehow. Like i've wounded his pride.'