CHAPTER TWO

"Wake up sleepy head!! Happy birthday Rose. Wake up!!", Royce keeps jumping repeatedly on my bed and screaming at a high pitch like a mad man.

I drag my fluffy covers over my head and press them gently against my ears, trying to keep his deafening screams out. I sigh in relief when the sound goes down a few pitches but my satisfaction is short-lived because he drags the covers harshly away from my body.

"Go away..." I groan, turning away from him.

"Wake up rose or we're going to be late" he continues

"Go away Royce.. I don't want to go to school today" I complain sleepily, burying my head into my pillows

"You don't have a choice Rose. You have to wake up or I'll pour a cup of water in your ears" he threatened angrily.

"Do whatever you want, but I'm not going to school today" I replied stifling a yawn with the back of my palm.

The drapes lifts up harshly, warm sun rays beams brightly at my eyes and I curse under my breath.

"You know Rose, for someone who just turned eight, I think you should be a little bit more mature don't you think??" he queried with irritation lacing each word.

I bolt upward with a loud gasp. Today is my birthday and mom and dad get to take me to a park and then a fancy restaurant with lots of yummy food.

The thought of what was to come wafted through my senses and sent saliva pooling gradually in my mouth.

What a great way to start a new age!!!

I quickly jump off my bed and spring for the washroom eager to start my day already but Royce knocks me down to the floor board, knocking out  the air in my lungs.

An evil glint flashes in his eyes and his long slender fingers find their way to my sides.

"Happy birthday little sis. I pray you're blessed with lots of sense and a tiny bit of maturity."

I can't help the tears that poured out of my eyes as I laughed hard.

"Royce please stop.....stop....I promise not to piss you off anymore", I begged in-between laughter and tears.

"That's not good enough rose" he smirked, flashing his beautifully dimpled cheeks at me.

"Mom! Dad!! Help..Please..Royce stop!! I'm sorry."  I begged, writhing underneath him like a worm.

"Whose the boss Roselle??" he asked shooting me an evil grin.

"You are. You're the boss Royce..please stop" I begged trying to pry his fingers off my ribs.

"I can't hear you"  he shouted, feigning to be deaf

"You're the boss Royce Jackson" I screamed at the top of my lungs, hoping that it will do the trick.

"I wonder what you're saying rose" he squints with quirked eyebrows.

I push harshly against his chest with all my strength but that only gives him better room to run his fingers up and down my sides.

"Fine.....I'll make you another deal" I tried, pushing my luck again.

A wicked smiles grazes his lips and he mouths a "go on" at me.

"I'll never enter your room without your permission and I'll give you half of my savings" I pleaded, batting my eyelashes at him.

He sucked his teeth and used his tongue to sweep across the pearly white dentition.

"Is that all??" he asked disappointedly, shaking his head.

"I'll return all your things that I stole" I begged, pulling off my best cute face.

Finally he lifts himself off me and helps me off the floor. He reached into his pockets and brings out a silver heart shaped locket.

"Happy birthday princess", he smiles pressing the locket into my palm.

I opened the locket and inside was a picture of Royce,mom,dad and myself.

"Keep it safe rose. I love you and I'll always be there to protect you." I throw my slender arms around his neck and place soft kisses on his cheeks.

"I love you too Royce, now and forever."

The door opens softly and mom and dad walk in with huge smiles on their faces. Mom steals me from Royce and begins to shower me with hugs and kisses.

"My baby is eight years old. Oh my God when did you become such a big girl." I blush hard and giggle.

"Last night Mom" I replied, with a deep blush and that earns a bit of laughter from everyone..

"Ok!!" dad interrupts snapping my attention back to him.

"Get ready sweet heart we are all going out, but before that here's a present from your mom and I" he said and handed me a big black box.

"Wow!!"I exclaimed and ripped open the pretty bow.

Opening the box, I find a pretty blue, sleeveless ball dress with it's neckline studded with pretty stones. Beautiful flowery embroidery grace the waistline and extends softly to the hem. The artistry was immaculate and I was certain it did cost a fortune and more.

"We want you to wear this tonight" my mum continued with a smile of contentment

"Thanks Mom, thanks Dad", I blush and throw my self in for a hug.

"I'm glad you like it princess",  mom said and wiped the tears from corners of her eyes.

"We love you so much."

"Now get ready, we don't want to be late!!" dad said and headed for the door.

I watched them leave the room and hurried into the washroom to get started.

"This is definitely going to be one of my favorite birthdays"  I sighed contentedly with a huge grin.