010

ROSE

“Uhm, I need to know one more thing please,” Oscar's mom, Lauren raised her hands like she wanted to ask a question.

“When you say ‘you’re not from a rich family, how do you mean?” She asked, looking at me weirdly while Jennifer let out a soft chuckle.

I looked at Derek and gulped down nervously. I was so stunned to respond.

“I ermm, I mean… my fam—”

“Is this supposed to be a ‘get–to–know–eachother’ or it's an interrogation because none of these makes sense aunty.” Derek hollered and she just looked away.

“This is part of getting to know each other Derek. You don't want a nobody—”

“That's enough Jennifer!” Oscar glared at her and she shut her mouth immediately.

Good.

“So, Rose… how did you meet my son?” Derek's mom who's been quiet while observing everyone suddenly asked.

“Well—”

“Mom, I've told you countless times how I met her.” Derek interjected again.

Perfect. Just awesome. It seems what's going on here is interruptions of speeches.

“I know, I know. I just wanted to hear it from her. “ She said, smiling at him and shot me a glare when I looked at her.

This family is so weird and I can't help but wonder what I've gotten myself into.

Just then, a phone began ringing.

“Who's phone is that? Shut it off or you pick up your call.” Lauren muttered when the phone rang for the second time and I was just staring around.

I shifted uncomfortably on the seat when everyone including Derek started staring at me in a weird way.

I bit the insides of my lips so tight that I tasted blood.

Those stares could send me to my grave.

“Rose…” Derek called out softly, making me stare up at him in confusion. “It's your phone.” He pointed out and immediately took the phone and switched it off.

“Lessen your grip on the table. You'll get injured.” He advised me and I did as he said.

Why is he being so nice?

“You guys are scaring her.” Oscar added like a doting brother.

I didn't realize how scared and intimidated I felt until Lauren, Jennifer and Oscar stood up and left the table.

Why did they go?

They're the reason why I was scared?

That can't be the actual reason right?

“You need to get yourself together. I don't like people who are not confident.” Derek's mom, Avery said and stood up too.

I let out a long sigh of relief and clasped my mouth together when I'd gotten enough oxygen.

“Scradey cat.” Derek called out with a smirk on his face.

The way the left corner of his lips lifted, I couldn't help but look away.

I haven't really taken my time to look at this man. He's so fine.

“Tell me when you're done staring so I can stand up.” He made a snap with his fingers and my eyes jerked up.

Was it noticeable?

“Oh, I wasn't staring at you.” I argued silently and he nodded his head.

“Nope, you weren't. You were gawking.” Heat rushed up to my face and I fought the urge to cover my face with my hands.

“Come upstairs when you're done eating. They'd be leaving soon.” Derek started walking towards the stairs. My gaze lingered on him for a while then I looked away.

What's happening to me?

Earlier when I got the call, I didn't check who the caller was, I just switched off my phone.

I turned on my phone and realized that I've gotten 10 missed calls from my mom.

“Shit, why was she calling?” I muttered then dialed her number again. She picked on the first ring.

“Rose!” Her voice came through like she was in panic.

“Mom, what's wrong?” I questioned, my heart pounding against my chest.

“I got worried. I thought something happened to you because you weren't picking your calls. You scared me, Rose.” I let out a sigh of relief. I understand her worry.

“I'm so sorry mom. I was at dinner with Derek's family.” I responded softly while stirring the drink in my hands.

“Oh, thank goodness. How was it though.”

“It was the worst experience ever! They don't even like me!” I screamed in my head, daring not to say that loud.

“It… it was fine mom. We bonded so well.” I lied and mom caught up to that but I changed the topic immediately.

"Mom, are you sure you're okay now?" I asked softly, still clutching the phone tightly in my hand.

"Yes baby, just… next time, let me know you’re busy. I thought something terrible had happened. You know how my mind runs."

"I know," I muttered. "I'm really sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you."

She sighed on the other end. "It's fine. I’m just glad you're alright."

There was a pause before she added, “So… are you really okay, Rose? You don't sound like you had a good time.”

I hesitated.

This woman knows me too well.

“I— I just felt out of place, mom,” I admitted in a whisper, twirling the hem of the napkin on the table. “They were all looking at me like I didn’t belong there.”

“You do belong, baby,” she said firmly. “You are enough. Don’t let anyone, no matter how rich or polished, make you feel like you aren’t.”

Tears stung the corners of my eyes.

“Thanks, mom.”

“I’ll let you go now, alright? Just try to rest. I’m always a call away.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you more.”

The call ended, and I stared at the now black screen for a second longer than needed.

I stood up from the chair and took a deep breath, glancing up the stairs.

I didn’t want to go up.

The thought of being alone with Derek… in the same room… after all the tension and that smirk he gave me?

My legs felt heavier with every step I took, but somehow I made it to the top of the stairs. I stood in front of the room door, hesitating.

Come on, Rose. It's just Derek. You’ve already embarrassed yourself once tonight. What’s one more?

I slowly pushed the door open only for my foot to catch on something.

“Crap—”

I almost stumbled forward face-first into the room, but then—

Strong arms caught me.

My breath hitched as I looked up.

Derek.

He's damn shirtless.

His hand still wrapped around my waist.

“Seriously, do you fall for me every time you walk into a room?” he said with a smug smile.

And just like that, my heart completely forgot how to beat.