Chapter 2 — Meeting Mr Fiance

“Rosie?” Henry called, staring at me in surprise.

I grinned sheepishly.

“Hi, Professor Henry.” 

He blinked, lips parted slightly.

“Rosie Alphonse?”

“The one and only…” I trailed off,

His lips broke into a wide smile as he stepped closer.

“My, my. Look how big you've grown.” He grinned, tousling my hair gently.

I pouted.

“The last time I saw you,” he cocked his head to the side. “You were this tall.”

“That was five years ago, Professor Gareth.” I said, rolling my eyes.

“And you've got an attitude I see…”

I pursed my lips in annoyance, folding my arms over my chest.

“What are you doing back in California?” I asked curiously.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“I'm here with my fiancèe…” a dull noise began ringing in my ears.

His eyes lit up as he spoke, but his voice sounded faint and distant in my ears.

“—apparently a daughter of hers goes to this school,” he said with a shrug.

Fiancee?

My heart slammed painfully in my chest.

“—I mean… obviously I'm not expecting to bump into her or something—” he chuckled, scratching his neck awkwardly.

“—but I just thought I'd drop by the school and say hi to…” he trailed off, eyes focusing on my pale face.

Fiancee.

He had a fiancee…

And he's here with her.

“Are you alright, Rosie?”

I staggered slightly, losing my balance for a moment.

His fingers wrapped around my shoulders, steadying me.

The innocent touch sent a tingle over my body, jolting my mind awake to the harsh sting of reality.

“You don't look too well Rosie. What's wrong?” Henry asked, staring at me worriedly.

I shook my head softly, stepping away from his embrace.

“I'm fine, sir.” I smiled tightly.

He frowned, unbelieving.

“Are you sure?” He asked, stepping closer.

I nodded sharply, forcing a bright smile on my face.

“Maybe I'm just dehydrated or hungry.” I replied.

He stared at me for a moment, then nodded in understanding.

“If you say so…” he murmured.

I stared at my surroundings, as everyone filtered from the school grounds one by one.

“I should get going now.”

“You're right… make sure you eat and get some rest once you get home okay.”

“Yes, sir…” I mock-saluted, sidestepped him as I began walking to the bus.

Once inside, my gaze trailed back to his sturdy form as he calmly walked in.

A lump settled in my chest.

Deep and heavy.

And as the bus trailed off, I forced my gaze away from him.

Closing my heart with finality.

******

I stared at my half-open door with a frown.

It only deepened when a familiar voice floated into my ears.

I opened the door, stepping in gingerly.

“Mum?” I called.

She popped her head from the kitchen.

“Rosie baby,” she smiled brightly, walking towards me.

I stared at her in surprise, as she wrapped her arms around me tightly.

“You're here…” I drawled.

She giggled shyly as she stepped back into the kitchen, I trailed after her.

Basking in the scent of stewed chicken sauce and steak.

“You didn't tell me you were coming,” I said.

She scoffed lightly. 

“I'm your mother Rosie, I don't need to tell my daughter when I'm coming to see her.” She replied as she stirred the stew gently.

“I mean… you didn't need to do all this, I could've ordered takeout or…”

“Now. Now. Rosie,” she wagged her finger in a gentle admonishment.

“I'm your mother okay, and for the time I'm here, we won't be eating any takeouts. You know I'm supposed to be doing things like this for you.” 

“How long are you staying?”

“For a while…” she drawled.

I shook my head, with a mild smile.

“Do you need my help?” I asked, stepping closer.

“Of course not.” She replied with a frown.

“You just came back from school dearie, go and take your bath.” She dismissed me with a wave.

“Alright mum,” I replied, walking away.

I stopped after taking a few steps and turned back to her.

“Why did you come back, Mum?” 

She glanced at me, “I missed you, sweetie, I wanted to see you.”

I crossed my arms over my chest with a lazy smile.

“I’m still waiting for you to tell the truth.”

She pursed her lips in annoyance, turning to face me.

“I wanted to keep it a surprise though.” She whined, blushing slightly.

“A man?” I asked.

She nodded enthusiastically.

“You should see him, Rosie. He's so hot.” She said, fanning herself dramatically.

“Is he now?”

“I'm serious Rosie, he's so… manly.”

I chuckled softly.

“Alright, alright, let's talk about this when I get out of the shower okay.” I said, walking away from the kitchen.

My feet carried me to my bedroom.

I opened the door and stepped in, walking towards my bed. 

“Fucking hell.” I groaned, plopping on the bed, eyes closed tiredly.

I really just wanted to sleep.

Unfortunately for me… I had to meet this guest because if I didn't, it'd make me seem like a rude child and Mum wouldn't be happy.

But a little bit of rest wouldn't hurt right?

I exhaled heavily, eyes drooping close.

The last image that drifted over my blurry consciousness before the darkness took me.

Were a pair of dark blue eyes.

…….

“Rosie dear” Mum's voice echoed.

“Coming,” I replied, with equal fervor as I scrubbed my head with my towel 

“Hurry up sweetie, we wouldn't want him to get here before—” 

The sound of the doorbell cut her off abruptly.

“Oh my God…” 

She shrieked like a schoolgirl that had been waiting for her prom date.

“He's here Rosie, he's here.” She chanted, heels clinking on the tiled floor.

“Get down here Rosie. Now.” She ordered, heading for the door.

I rolled my eyes, opened my wardrobe, and began sorting through my clothes.

I opted to wear a sleeveless, royal blue sundress. 

The soft fabric held my chest area, giving it a tight, then flared at the waist down.

I put on my cotton slippers and headed downstairs.

Faint voices drifted from the kitchen, followed by a vaguely familiar deep chuckle.

“Do you like it?” Mum asked.

“It's wonderful Denice.” A familiar voice said.

I frowned, stepping into the kitchen.

Mum stood close to a tall man smiling as they conversed.

She glanced my way, gasping in surprise.

“Oh my…” The man turned to stare at me.

I froze.

His eyes widened in shock.

“Meet my daughter, Rosie.” Mum said, pointing to me.

“Rosie, meet my fiancè, Henry… Gareth Henry.”

Oh boy.

Shit just got a lot… more messy.