Chapter Text
Seymour marked off another day on the calendar. The date was October 21, 1962, just two weeks after he had gotten rid of Audrey 2. Throughout the weeks, he had been applying for several jobs. Unfortunately, there just wasn’t a high demand for botanists, along with the fact that he wasn’t the most educated guy out there.
Audrey however, as much as it made Seymour feel incapable of providing for her, had gotten a job already. She began to work uptown at Stewart & Powell Co., a department store. Specifically at the fragrance counter.
She didn’t mind having a job. After all, any cash is better than no cash, but she enjoyed working there. All the different smells of the perfumes filling the building, the dress uniforms, and her favorite part, talking with the customers. In a few days, she had become a popular employee on the store floor. Most customers would describe her as “energetic” and “bubbly”. Audrey would start her shift at 8 in the morning, and end at 4 in the afternoon. During this time, Seymour would look for any “help wanted” signs and run errands uptown.
Today, he had finally heard back on the office clerk position he had applied for a few days earlier.
“You won’t be disappointed sir! I promise!...6 o’ clock? Yeah I'm sure I can make it. Alright! I’ll see you later! Thank you so much again.” Seymour hung up the phone.
Audrey had been observing the call as she was getting ready for her shift, her face visibility trying to contain her excitement for him.
“I think today might be the day Audrey!” Seymour hoped, as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
“Oh I know it’ll be Seymour! Don’t you worry. After my shift, I'll help you get ready for your interview!” Audrey chirped.
The couple was still living in Audrey’s apartment. Just getting by, almost running out of their “Audrey 2 money”. So the both of them were hoping that this interview goes well.
“At what time am I driving you over there again?” he asked.
“I have to be there at 8 Seymour, like always.” she chuckled.
He looked at the clock. “Alright, we’ll leave in a few minutes. What am I doin’ today?”
Applying her lipstick, she told him “I left a list on the fridge of things we need. Oh! And don’t forget to take our dirty clothes to a laundromat today.”
Poking at yesterday’s takeout, Seymour closed the refrigerator door, and grabbed the list. Glancing at it, he puts it in the back pocket of his pants.
A spritz of perfume here and there, and Audrey was almost ready to head out. Grabbing a fine comb, she teased her hair. Allowing for the cornsilk strands to take shape of her ever-so-famous bob.
Seymour enjoyed watching Audrey get ready, the whole process was just fascinating to him. He’s had the pleasure of watching her and learning about her past over the weeks. There were many things Seymour hadn’t known about Audrey before their unexpected living situation. Like that she was the youngest in her family, or that her favorite singer was Blossom Dearie.
“Seymour, did you hear me?”
He snaps back from daydreaming. “Huh?”
“I said I’m ready to go! Also-” she hands over the bag of dirty clothes in his arms “Here’s the clothes!”
Fumbling the bag, he securely grabs it. Seymour’s clumsy nature would never be on his side, but eventually, he’d manage to control it a bit.
Opening the door, the hinges let out a creak. “After you Audrey!”
She exits the apartment, Seymour follows, closing and locking the door behind them.
Arriving near the department store, the building loomed over them. Commotion filled the street. Sounds of people yelling and shouting, but this was normal to the both of them.
Pulling up to the storefront, Seymour stops the car. Getting up from the leather seats, Audrey opens the door and strides out.
“4 o’ clock?”
“4 o’ clock.” She reassures him
“Well, I’ll see ya later. Love you.”
“Love ya too.” Audrey spoke as she leaned over through the car window, giving him a gentle kiss on his cheek, and waving him goodbye.
And so, Seymour drove off, setting out to do the errands for the day.
Stewart & Powell Co. was notoriously known to be an upper class-ish establishment. Audrey, however, never grew up in these sorts of environments, so all these luxuries had been very new to her. Growing up poor, she never really had much, but the little things she had brought her lots of joy. One of her favorite memories of when she was younger was Christmas, 1939, when she was just 8 years old. Her parent’s house was further into the countryside, in the outskirts of the city. Around this time, her father had recently left them, leaving her mother, her two sisters, her brother, and herself. Audrey’s mother would work several jobs, trying to make ends meet. Audrey was somewhat aware of their living situations, and with Christmas coming around the corner, she knew that she wouldn’t get anything that year, but she could still hope. However, her mother had surprised her on Christmas day, giving her a small plush cocker spaniel.
Mrs. Schwarze was an older woman who would mainly be in charge of the store floor during Audrey’s shift. Her breath had a faint scent of booze, and she reeked of cigarettes. She reminded Audrey of Mushnik in a way.
Where has Mr. Mushnik been all this time? He couldn’t possibly be staying in Czechoslovakia for that long..
She stared at her watch as Audrey entered the building.
“You’re three minutes late.” Mrs. Schwarze said sternly.
“I deeply apologize Mrs. Schwarze! It won’t happen again!”
Giving her a sharp glare, she proclaimed “It better not. Here at Stewart & Powell, we don’t tolerate laziness. I don’t know what kind of slacker job you’ve had before, but that sort of behavior is unacceptable! Now, head over to your counter.”
Lazy? I was only late by three minutes!
Audrey’s heels clacked on the floor in an off-beat rhythm, her nerves still a bit shaken after that interaction. Ceiling lights let out a soft buzz, a faint metallic scent filled the store. Lifting the counter top gate, she got behind the counter, setting up for the day.
A rush of customers started, Audrey felt her heart pick up its pace. Normally, Mushnik’s would never get as many customers in one day as Stewart & Powell’s did, and whenever they did get a decent amount of customers, she’d barely get to interact with them. Mostly due to the fact that she would work in the back of the store, prepping and decorating bouquets and flower arrangements. However, when she did get to help out in the front, it would be the highlight of her day, she enjoyed the small interactions with others. Getting to know little details about customers would make her day more enjoyable.
A younger man approached Audrey’s counter, he took off his grey fedora as he scoped at the fragrances that she had set out to display.
“Welcome to Stewart & Powell Co.! My name is Audrey. How may I help you today?”
“Hey, yes, I'm looking for a perfume for my wife.”
Naturally, Audrey was a very curious person. She’d like to wonder about other people's lives. Why would this man get his wife a new perfume? Could it be for a birthday? Or an anniversary?
“Of course! Do you know what sorts of fragrances she likes?”
“Uh, I don’t know, the fancy ones or whatever ya got. I don’t know what she likes. Can’t ya recommend one to me?”
Her face let out a subtle deadpan look.
Gosh if you’re gonna get your wife a gift you could at least have some idea on what to look for!
“Well, this one by Hermes is very in right now!” she suggested and she picked up the tiny bottle with a yellow, almost golden perfume inside. “It has notes of orange blossoms paired with jasmine! Very fancy if I say so myself.”
The man seemed somewhat hesitant.
“If you buy it now I'll throw in a free lotion!”
“Well, oh alright. Ring it up for me.”
“Of course sir! Thank you for choosing Stewart & Powell!”
The clothes in the washing machine spun vigorously. Seymour observed as the clothes tossed back and forth. The laundromat uptown was noticeably not in its best condition. The white speckled tiles on the floor were worn out and had started to yellow. Wood-paneled walls had this strange hue to them, some of them already had begun to peel off. Looking over at the clock on the wall, he pulled out a small notebook, he figured that he had some time to kill. The previous days, Audrey had been helping Seymour come up with responses to potential questions they might ask him in an interview. He’d write over and over some of the responses he had been planning to say. After all, Audrey had taught him “repetition is the best way to memorize”. He figured he was going to be here a while and began to look over previous answers and rewrite them.
What are my strengths?
Seymour was really stumped when it came to that question. It was pretty clear that he wasn’t the most “put together” guy so to speak. He was unorganized. Messy. Clumsy. Not the ideal traits someone would be looking for in a potential employee.
Well, I think I have some good intentions. Yeah, that could work..I hope.
As he was writing that down, the washing machine let out a petrifying rattle as it slowed down. Seymour jolted up, straightening his usually hunched back.
Standing up, he went over to the machine. Opening the washer, he picked up the wet, sopping clothes, and carefully moved them to the dryer. He took out his wallet.
There goes another quarter..
Lunch breaks at Stewart & Powell were about an hour long, giving the employees there a good while to go out and grab something to eat. Normally, Audrey would pack herself something to eat, but being in a bit of a rush, she didn’t have time today. Luckily, there was a cafe just around the corner of the store.
Clocking out for lunch, Audrey grabbed her coat, along with her bag, and headed over to the store doors. But as she left, a group of ladies yelled for her attention.
“Hey! Audrey, right?”
Turning around, Audrey looked back to see who had called out her name. Three ladies, around her age, who also worked at the store, but she had never interacted with them before.
“Oh! Yeah that's me!” she chuckled.
“We noticed you were going to the cafe as well.” one of the ladies pointed out.
“Would you like to come along with us?” another one interrupted.
Audrey, smiling at the thought of having new friends, rapidly agreed.
“I’d love that!”
The ladies caught up to her as they headed out the store, walking towards the cafe.
The bell on the door rang as the ladies opened it. The sounds of their heels clicking together as they walked over to a table. They pulled out the wooden chairs and they sat down. A waitress came up to them and placed menus in front of them.
“So Audrey!” one of the ladies exclaimed “I don’t think we’ve formally met.” she went on “I’m Betsy.”
“I’m Lorraine-”
“And I'm Charlene.”
“Well, it’s very nice to meet the three of you!” Audrey chirped gleefully as she glanced over the menu.
“We all think it’s nice to meet you as well!" Besty smirked “Soo, is there anyone special in your life Audrey?”
Audrey’s face flushed red.
“Look at her blush!” Lorraine pointed out.
Being put somewhat on the spot, Audrey became a bit nervous. She picked at her nails, chipping the vibrant baby pink polish.
“Oh well I-”
“The guy in the men’s department has a thing for you ya know!” Charlene blurted out.
“Charlene!” Betsy scolded her.
Fumbling her words, Audrey rapidly came to her own defense “I do have someone.! It’s just that-”
“Well, who is it?” Lorraine asked.
Audrey carefully considered her next words. It’s not that she was ashamed of Seymour, quite the opposite. But a pit feeling in her stomach signaled her that she shouldn’t put him on a spotlight for the moment.
“Oh, well, his name is..Sey- Simon! His name is Simon!”
“How nice!” Besty responded understandingly “Well I hope we’ll be able to meet him someday! Hopefully we can arrange a dinner with our husbands! I make a pretty mean casserole.”
A feeling of exclusion overcame Audrey.These women were married, and she couldn’t say the same. However, she understood what type of situation she was in right now.
“..Someday.!” Audrey said hesitantly.
The stiff shopping cart made a screeching, unpleasant noise as Seymour pushed it against the parking lot asphalt. Opening the trunk of his car, he began unloading and placing the groceries Audrey had asked him to get, double checking that he got everything she asked for. Slamming down the trunk, he spotted a plant nursery from across the street. A part of him deep down had a sense of curiosity, but plants had already caused him enough trouble. But still, before Audrey 2, Seymour heavily treasured all the plants he cared for and experimented with in his crummy basement. And what would be the harm in just scoping things out? Yet, he knew better, it was best to not get involved with plants anymore than to cause another sort of fiasco.
Opening the car door, he slumped himself onto the driver's seat, turning the key to start the car. Adjusting the rear view mirror, taking a good long look at himself, he let out a soft exhale. How did his life get to this point? He’d never have expected that the hobby he enjoyed most would one day turn on him. The guilt of Mushnik and Orin’s demise racked onto him, like leeches sucking on someone’s blood. Adding onto the fact that he hasn’t even told Audrey anything about it. Well sure she did have the unfortunate experience of “meeting” with Audrey 2, but Seymour hadn’t really provided a reason as to why Audrey 2 would do that. What was he supposed to say?
Hey Audrey! Sorry that my plant tried to eat you and you almost died. And sorry I killed your boyfriend and our boss, the alien plant forced me to!
He’d sound like a lunatic. He had always just assumed Audrey brushed off almost getting eaten by a bloodthirsty plant. Obviously no one in their mind would just brush it off like that, and if they did, it would be surprising how they were even still alive. He’d have to tell her at some point. The thought of that scenario made him drip with sweat. Maybe one day when they’re older, and one of them is on their deathbed, maybe then.
Taking off his glasses, he reached for the glove box, taking out a wipe to clean them with.
Without his glasses, Seymour could almost be declared blind. His vision has always been blurry ever since he could remember. Mushnik would always think he was faking it.
Putting them back on, he reached for his back pockets, pulling on the list. Rummaging for a pen, he scanned the list Audrey had given him earlier. Finally finding one, he crossed off the last thing on it.
What to do now..
He tapped the pen against the palm of his hand. Audrey wouldn’t get out for another 40 minutes, and he wouldn't have his interview for another 2 hours.
It was almost as if the nursery was calling to him from across the street. He glanced up at it, the neon open sign in particular snatching his attention.
Seymour stared at the store for a good while, he knew he shouldn’t work with plants now, but how could he quit a part of him that he’s developed over the years?
A few minutes couldn’t hurt. It’s not like he’s planning to grow an Audrey 3 or something.
Seymour hung his head low, in hopes that no one would notice him. After all, he was pretty popular among other botanists and such.
The worker at the store’s register greeted him, his squeaky voice of that of a teen going through puberty. Not even willing to look up at him, he said in a mumbly, monotone voice.
“Welcome to Bovill’s nursery, if there's anything you need let me know. Or not, I don't care.”
Awkwardly nodding his head in agreement, Seymour just continued to look around.
Plants of all different shapes and sizes filled the store, making it appear like a jungle almost. Awe filled Seymour, not even he could make his own plants gleam and glisten like these. The green hues of them reflected onto him, they were that vibrant. A small part of Seymour seethed with jealousy. He wasn’t an envious guy, but when it came to plants, he became extremely passionate.
Slowly but surely, he looked up to check if the teen at the register had been watching him. He wasn’t. He was more interested in the comic book he was reading. Knowing that the coast was clear, he quickly yanked off small amounts leaves from plants that he found particularly interesting. In hopes that he’d be able to grow plants like these himself.
A feeling of a presence loomed over Seymour’s back. The intensity of it made him worry, as if he had been caught in the act. He steadily turned around.
The teen with the expressionless face stood behind him.
A pulse of fear ran throughout Seymour's nerves. Leaving him a little lightheaded. Letting out a somewhat relieved sigh, Seymour nervously spoke.
“Gosh kid! You scared the heck out of me..”
“Look man, I'm just trying to do my job. Are you looking for anything in particular.”
“No...i’m just browsing around-” Seymour choked mid sentence, not believing his eyes at what he saw before him. “Is that a mountain rose succulent behind you..?”
“Uh..” the teen picked up the blooming rose-like plant from the counter. “This one?” he asked as he handed it over to Seymour.
“Yes that one!” he responded gleefully, like a child receiving a piece of candy. Adjusting his glasses to see the alluring plant more clearly. “Oh gee, it’s gorgeous. How much do ya want for it?”
“I’ll let it go for about $3.50.”
“$3.50?!” Seymour exclaimed dumbstruck, barely believing his ears when he heard the price.
“Hey look here old man-”
I’m not that old..
“It’s pricey cause it’s rare. Don’t think that just because I'm a teen I don’t know my stuff.”
Seymour sighed out of frustration. He handed the plant back to the teen as he muddled around for his wallet, along with checking his pocket pants for loose change.
“Well..” handing over the money dejectedly, as if he was defeated “Here’s $3.50.”
Smirking as he stuffed it in his pants, the teen sneered “Well you’re not planning to buy that plant without its according potting mix right? After all, how can you consider yourself a botanical genius if you didn’t even think about buying the right soil?”
Dammit. He’s right. Mushnik would have loved this kid, he knows how to sell. Wait a minute..
“Hey I didn’t even tell you I was a botanist-”
“Do you think I'm an idiot?”
“I-”
“You really expected that I wouldn't recognize you? Jeez gramps get a grip.”
“Hey. Respect your elders...and just.. sell me the soil.”
Leaving the store with a new prized plant, along with potting mix, perlite fertilizer, a medium-sized terracotta pot, small shears, and just for precaution, gardening gloves, Seymour struggled to carry all these things back to his car.
He dumped the things, minus the plant, in the trunk.
As he sat down in the driver's seat, he placed the succulent on his dashboard, admiring it, but guilt quickly took over admiration's place. He knew he probably shouldn’t tell Audrey that he spent a good chunk of their money on a plant, and the things it required. But it's just one small little plant, how harmful could it be?
The department store’s grand clock finally struck 4:00. Audrey looked at it relieved, like a strenuous weight being lifted off her shoulders. Closing her counter for the day, she grabbed her things and headed for the employee’s back room to clock out.
She knew the second that she’d step out, Seymour, her sweet Seymour, would be there waiting for her, like a knight in shining armor, rescuing her from her exhausting shift. Well, she could hope. Seymour wasn’t the most punctual guy. But she had faith in him, either way, she did promise him that she’d help him prepare for his interview later.
Swinging the lofty glass doors of the store open, eyes dilating due to the contrast of the dimly lit store and the harsh, bright, outdoors, Audrey aimlessly sought out the color of Seymour’s red velvet-esque car. But he was not yet to be seen.
Tapping her heels erratically, Audrey was trying to come up with a reason as to why Seymour wasn’t there yet. The cold October wind whizzed by her, like a subway train darting across stations. Shivers sent up in Audrey’s spine, goosebumps surfacing, like popcorn popping, from her delicate soft skin. The hairs of her arms standing up like needles.
Oh I really hope Seymour hurries up.
Audrey’s navy blue coat wasn’t helping at all. The fabric was paper thin, and was made more for fashion rather than practical use. Trembling sensations festered in her hands, rubbing them together to help warm them up.
As she stood out in the cold, two, noticeably older, rowdy men trampled through the street.
When they spotted Audrey by herself, one of them let out a piercing wolf whistle. The other one hollered “I’d like a piece of that!” as the two of them walked off, cackling.
Audrey was used to that sort of behavior, thanks to her past. But after hearing those sorts of “comments” again, her stomach got jumbled up into knots, a murky feeling got lodged into her chest, and a lightheaded sensation practically appeared from thin air. She would only ever get this feeling whenever she had to work those burdensome nights at The Gutter.
Barely being able to control her breathing pace, Audrey denied to herself that those comments couldn’t be directed towards her. They just couldn't. The emetic feeling festered and grew stronger within her skin, she attempted to convince herself that she wasn’t the same person she was all those years ago. After all, Seymour had made it certain that her past was behind her. However, his jejune nature only really reflected on what he thought, that is to say, not everyone saw her through the same lenses he did.
The sound of tires against the road resonated sharply in Audrey’s ear. A wave of relief washed out through her system, it was Seymour, he couldn't do any wrong. (Or so she thought.)
“Gee Audrey, I’m so, so, sorry.! You know I’d never want to leave you out here in the cold.” Seymour spoke, frantically trying to apologize.
“It’s alright, I know ya didn’t mean to.” Audrey responded, a tone of disheartenedness, in her normally bubbly voice.
As she opened the car door and sat, her eyes immediately fixated on the new succulent Seymour bought. With the pieces connecting in her mind, she speculated that the reason she had spent so long waiting was due to the fact that Seymour must have gone to a nursery. But Audrey didn’t bother at the case that Seymour got something new. After all, she did encourage him that he should do nice things for himself. It was more at the fact that during his seemingly desperate marriage proposal, one of the things he tempestuously told her was:
“-With no plants, I promise. No plants at all!”
Sure, she saw his talking as peculiar back then, but the situation she had faced with Audrey 2 sure did help her understand why he was so erratic.
The succulent was almost teasing her, like as if it was signaling that he had broken his promise. Rebuffing, she just decided that it would be better to not bring it up at all than start an argument.
In an attempt to clear the confusion, Audrey brought up Seymour’s job interview that would be coming up.
“Seymour, are you ready for your interview? Do you have everything you need?”
“Pretty sure I do. I just need to find something to wear, but I'll come up with something.”
His words had made Audrey recall an advertisement on a store window at a suit shop she passed by on her way to the cafe.
“Oh! They’re having a sale at Sunderwood Suits! We can find ya one there!”
Running a bit low on cash, and figuring that he’d pay for the suit himself, Seymour made an attempt to refuse.
“To be frank I-”
“I saw this lovely tan one during my lunch! It’ll look dashing on you, I just know.”
How could he say no? Seeing her get all worked up about doing something for him made him melt.
“Well, we can spare a few minutes.!” he daintily said, turning off the ignition.
“Okay Seymour, you can step out!”
Pulling back the yellow curtains of the dressing room, Seymour stepped out, stunning the tan suit. He made his way over to the platform with mirrors.
“Well, what do ya think!” Audrey asked him ecstatically.
The tweed fabric caused Seymour’s neck to wildly itch, like a dog with fleas. Tugging at the collar, which squeezed his neck as if a snake had been circling around it, Seymour tried to find the words to encourage Audrey that maybe this one wasn’t it.
“Uh, it’s nice.!”
The itching got more intense, at this point, it had been pretty notable that the suit was driving him crazy. Audrey, taking note of this, understood that they should look for another one instead.
“Well, Seymour if you don’t like it you can take it off y’know.”
“Audrey, you’re the one who suggested it, and you know more than me when it comes to fashion. So if you think it looks good I'll get it.”
At times, in attempts to please others, Seymour would do anything to agree with the other person, even if it went against his own comforts. Just to get on their good side. Even as a boy he’d act like that. This led to Mushnik sometimes calling him “Mule Boy”, after the saying “as stubborn as a mule.”
The buzzing of lights ringed and prolonged in Seymour’s ear, piling onto the discomfort he was already going through with the suit.
“But it’s clear that it’s botherin’ you.” she carped. “Here, just hand it to me and I'll help you find another one!” she suggested as she stood up from the green leather ottoman seat, making her way over to get behind him.
The itch was all over his body now, and paired with the annoying buzz from the lights, led him to freak out. Which caused Seymour, for the first time in his life, to raise his voice at Audrey.
“Gosh Audrey! No! I’m going to get it!”
Backing away, Audrey looked at his face with disbelief. The shy, awkward, sweet guy, who she had known, spoke in a sour voice, and it was directed towards her.
Realizing what he had done, a plummeting feeling settled within his lower body. The itching immediately stopped, in turn, sweat poured down his back, leaving a somewhat noticeable patch the suit.
“..Audrey I didn’t mean that.”
Trying to keep her cheerful tone, she composed herself as she quietly mumbled.
“I’ll just..wait for you in the car..”
Picking up her things, she made her way to the exit, giving him a quick, disheartened look back as she headed out.
Seymour let out a frustrated sigh as he sat down where she had been sitting.
Crap.
He began fumbling with his hands, sweat oozing out from them. He usually does this whenever he gets extremely anxious. Something in the bottom of his gut led him to believe that things weren’t going to end well today. He took off his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose. Fixing things with Audrey is what he must do. After all, everything he’d done up to this point had been for her.
Putting on the worn-down glasses, Seymour paced to the counter to pay.
Taking out his wallet, he checked if he had just the right amount of money to pay. Luck was on his side at that moment, because he had the exact amount, down to the cent.
The drive to the office building was one of the most perturbed rides the both of them would ever face.
Audrey, deciding it was best not to speak at all. She’d usually resort to this method whenever Orin would “lash out” at her.
Seymour, his mind circulating with the thoughts that he’d been suppressing the truth from Audrey, and he can’t bear lying to her anymore. He just couldn’t find the right words and the right moment.
Arriving at the sleek building’s parking lot, Seymour stopped and parked the car.
He wanted to properly apologize to Audrey, he really did. But now was not the appropriate time and place, who apologizes in a parking lot? Nevertheless, his interview was coming up in a few minutes, and he couldn’t risk starting a quarrel, not now. He needed to focus on keeping his composure, this had to be the interview that goes right. This will be the interview that goes right. He had to get this one thing, it would sure help him and Audrey to get back on track.
Stumbling over with words practically lodged in his throat, Seymour tried to break the ice.
“..I’m going to head on over into the building...alright..?
Silence. Audrey’s hanging head made an effort to look up at him slightly, a cloud of disillusion still storming around her.
It practically being forced onto him, Seymour got the hint that she just wasn’t in the mood.
“Well..wish me luck.”
Kissing her lightly on her head, he exited the car cautiously. Getting out and not looking behind him as he went in pursuit into the building.
What he didn’t catch, however, was Audrey quietly cheering him on.
“You’re gonna do great Seymour..”
Drifting off into space, Seymour anxiously waited for his turn. He tapped his foot against the bright orange carpet of the building. More professional looking men than him waited alongside for their turn as well. Knowing he’d be called up shortly, he shiftingly fixed his posture, in an attempt to seem professional as well.
“Is Mr. Krelborn here?” a young secretary chirped.
Jolting up from his seat, he got ready to face whatever came at him.
“I’m here.”
“Mr. Hurndall is ready to see you now.” she pointed out, guiding him to the dimly lit office cubicle.
Seymour followed, his walk leading with his head rather than his feet.
He knew he was prepared, confident even. Getting through this interview and making himself look presentable would ensure that he and Audrey could start a better future together. One that was far, far away from the slums of Skid Row, and all the haunting memories that came along with it.
After what Seymour perceived as one of the lengthiest conversations of his life, he finally got over the interview. But during the questioning, it was very notable that he fumbled lots of answers, twiddling with his fingers after realizing he missed a few of them. He could only hope that they wouldn't have noticed.
The lady spoke out once more as he marched towards the door.
“Don’t call us, we’ll call you!”
Dammit. That sentence alone was a definitive sign that he wouldn’t get the job. Compared to the other men, it was crystal clear that he was the meekest of the bunch.
Nighttime engulfed the sky, Seymour could barely make out anything as he clumsily tried remembering where he had parked.
This whole time, Audrey had been patiently waiting in the compact car, fiddling with her nails. Secretly hoping as well that Seymour didn’t fumble anything up. She had faith in him.
After finally reaching the car, he took out his keys and opened the door.
Flumping himself onto the seat, he turned to look at Audrey, jitters ran through him as he attempted to speak again.
Just as he had come up with what to say, Audrey cut the thick air of silence.
“..How did it go?”
Taken somewhat aback, Seymour sheepishly answered.
“Um, I think I did good.!”
“I know you did Seymour, don’t worry, you’ve got this!” Audrey’s face lit up.
Seymour turned the key for the ignition, starting the drive back to the apartment.
The door let out a creak as the couple awkwardly shuffled into the apartment. Cold air filling the inside.
Exhaustion rushed within Seymour, running errands all day and whatever that job interview was really wore him out.
Audrey turned on the lights in the apartment, planning starting on her half of chores. Aiming for the kitchen, she roamed over to wash the dishes and set them back.
“Seymour, did you get the things I asked?”
As he was taking off the itchy coat to reveal a white dress shirt, the sound of Audrey’s chirpy voice made him look up.
“Oh, yeah they’re in the trunk, I'll take ‘em out in a minute.” he breathily responded as he took off his tight tie.
“I’ll help ya Seymour, I know you’re probably tired.” she responded, drying her wet hands with a towel.
“Gee Audrey, you don’t have to.”
Already aiming for the car outside, Audrey grabbed the keys Seymour had left on top of the nightstand.
“I’ll be back quickly!” she cooed.
Left by himself, Seymour tried recalling if he did get everything.
Eggs, Milk, Soap...I know I got that. The clothes are also fine, and- Oh no. Oh crap, she’s gonna see-
“Seymour, where did you get this stuff.”
Audrey stood straight by the door, holding the stuff that Seymour had bought at the nursery, deciding it was time to confront him about all the things that had been bugging her lately.
The floor sank under his feet, dread overwhelming him. His breathing rapidly increased, his chest becoming tighter with each breath.
Audrey wasn’t a fool. She'd been very aware of how costly plant supplies are, Mushnik once had lectured her about that. And speaking of Mushnik, she knew she must confront Seymour about that as well, the time he’d been gone was concerningly long.
“Well.?”
Seymour’s mouth felt as if it was shut with lock and key. He struggled in an attempt to get anything out.
“Um..I, I got it at a nursery.?”
“How much did it cost Seymour..” Audrey’s voice firing back rapidly in response.
“Not a lot Audrey, I swear! We still have money.!” perspiration materializing across his forehead. His legs shaking with the fact that he had finally been caught.
Audrey pulled back for a moment
What does he even mean by “we still have money”..?
“Seymour, please be honest..” Audrey pleaded “I know this kinda stuff is costly, Mushnik told me all about this,”
A squeamish feeling bubbled under Seymour’s skin after hearing Mushnik’s name. His heart was pounding inside him like a mouse who had just been found by a cat. The echo of it was growing ever so ominous.
“And speaking of Mushnik,” Audrey continued “He’s been gone for an alarming amount of time now.”
“I don’t know where he’s at Audrey...please you gotta understand-”
Bursting with outrage, Audrey finally got her point across.
“Understand what?! Seymour, frankly I'm tired of this act! I mean, you’re bein’ dishonest to me, I don’t know what’s going on with you, you make these promises and then you break ‘em! And how do you not know where he’s at?! He left the shop to you!”
Seymour’s legs were like jelly now, whirling sensations spiraled out of control in his upper body. His vision would focus in and out, he was aware of every feeling and emotion that was passing through within him. And suddenly, in the heat of the moment-
“He’s dead Audrey alright?! I don’t know what else to say to you!” he yelled, the words practically leaping from his tongue.
There. He laid it out on the table. The truth started to surface. Tensions arose.
A depressing wave fell upon Audrey, tears rising in her eyes, her mouth letting out a quaint gasp of shock. Mushnik had somewhat been a father figure towards Audrey, he genuinely did care about her. Even showing concern whenever she would show up to work with a new injury that came from the hands of Orin.
Then, her mind put the pieces together.
Mushink had suffered the same fate that she did, only he wasn’t so lucky.
“...Oh my god..did..did you..?”
“..Audrey..I, I can’t even explain..it was all so sudden..” he finally admitted, his voice trembling.
Audrey quickly backed away from him in fear, covering her mouth, choking back any sobs.
She had another realization.
“..Orin too..?” she questioned, barely being able to mutter that name.
Seymour shakingly nodded his head. After all this time, the truth was finally out there. Now, he didn't exactly murder anyone, but the two men’s deaths were technically caused by him.
Tears strung like pearls on Audrey’s face. Barely grasping the fact that the Seymour she thought she knew, had a whole other side, one that wasn’t so pleasant.
“Seymour...please..please leave. I can’t bear looking at your face right now.” she sadly said, sitting down on her bed to try to calm down her nerves.
Understandingly, Seymour packed his things. He wasn’t sure where to go now, but he didn’t want to let down Audrey more than he already had. His glasses spotted with his tears.
Passing by each other, both of them sentimentally upset with what finally came to light, a look of grief showed upon their faces as Seymour crestfallenly closed the door behind him.
Audrey rushed over to the window to see Seymour drive off, trying to keep him as long as she could in her sight. Seeing his car turn into a speck of color, he was finally gone.
She realized that all this time, she placed Seymour on a pedestal. A pedestal that didn’t recognize his faults as she viewed him in a perfect, green, haze. In an attempt to lighten up, she turned on the radio.
Coincidentally, Seymour also turned on the radio at the same time as he was driving, searching for a motel to stay at for the while.
Roy Orbison’s “Blue Angel” was playing.
“Don’t you worry your pretty head. I’ll never let you down. I’ll always be around. Blue angel.”