FOUR

ROSALEIGH ISABELLÉ

It was half past seven when I stood front of the mirror in my room gazing at my reflection. I had kept my face makeup free cause heavy makeup was the last thing I want on my face. With sublte touch up which consist of my eyeliner, a bit of my compact powder and my favourite pink lipgloss. I pinned my hair in half, leaving the most of it on my shoulders. I matched it with my favourite pair of kitten heel shoes.

An unknown excitement builded in my heart to meet my guests when a loud growl of a car engine broke my reverie.

So they're finally here. I thought heading down to the living room.

Miraculously my house had a make over. I couldn't find any flaws in the set up. Each and everything in my house from the rug, vase on the maze to the picture hung on the wall spoke of eminence. Such a vast make over in just a few hours when I was in my room was applaudable. I wonder my Mama had some magical powers.

I stood with my parents. Mama was dressed in a sumptuous knee length dress and dad wore all formal, his favourite armani suit. There was a wide smile etched on his usual ruthless face. The door opened revealing a woman in her early forties dressed in a lighter shade of grey which perfectly matched her eyes. I think she is aunt Rachel, her hand was tugged in the arms of a man who appeared in his fifties, Uncle David. I watched them greet my parents.

Aunt Rachel took me in her embrace taking me aback. She didn't let me go until I returned her hug. The warmth in her hug seeped into my skin reaching my heart. The love she had for me soothed the unknown yearning I never knew I ever had. Aunt Rachel finally let me go kissing my cheeks. Mr. Betson too was very friendly as if they knew me for years.

May be they did!

They both passed me an old friend smile.

My eyes trailed back on the door for welcoming their son. I was stunned when I realised that the boy who asked my help in the library stood there on the doorstep with a small smile on his Greek God face. In the depth of his eyes was a strange emotion before it was replaced with pure delight. Our gaze met and I recalled his name. Alex. While he stared at me it felt like he is searching something in my eyes. I was completely drown in his eyes.

"Rosaleigh meet Alexander." Dad interrupted our eyelock with his introduction.

"He is the only son of David and Rachel. He'll join Spanzerdrilt University and be studying with you." - Dad completed as I smiled warily at Alex's direction.

"Uncle Henry I met Rose today in the library."- Alex spoke hugging my dad. So he already knew everything about me and acted as if I was an acquaintance for him. But its the other way round. He could've approached me like a good friend whom I dont remember.

Nevertheless I went into the kitchen to help mama in setting up the table. During the whole time, I could feel Alex' gaze on me.

Wonder what is he thinking about me? Should I behave like the old friends may be we're? Or the new friends who didn't know anything about each other?

Here in my case only I'm the one who doesnt know a thing about him. So let's start from the beginning. I went back to the living area sitting on the sofa beside Dad. There was a sudden change in topic as I entered. But the last sentence I heard was something related to coronation or something?

"How do you do Rosaleigh?" - asked Mrs. Betson sipping onto her coffee.

"Very well, thanks and you ?" - I responded.

"Its nice to see you after so long "- Mr. Betson joined in the conversation. Alex's gaze still studied me carefully. He's been staring at me every now and then but however he didn't appear creepy. I was just a bit conscious in his company.

"Thanks Sir "

"Darling call us Uncle and Aunt just like you used to do." I could feel a glint of hurt and longing in their voices.

"As you say Uncle David and Aunt Rachel"- I complied as they passed me the similar smile. My eyes travelled to Alex who was sitted with all comfort as if we are some old family.

"Darling Alex is going to stay with us so that you can help him cope up with portions"- I shot a glare to mama which she obviously ignored completely before passing me a faint smile.

Why does he have to stay with us? I think the family is much capable to afford his own appartment. Not that I am complaining about anything cause the house we live in is efficient for a family of five. I always had this query as to why does my parents needs such a big appartment. A small two BHK was perfect. But then again my Dad doesnt settles for less. As if he is a King of some kingdom. Coming back to the situation in hand.

"I can help him in the University itself Dad" I stressed on the matter indicating I dont approve him living with us.

How rude of you Rosaleigh- my mind taunted.

However Mama ignored our conversation inviting us for the dinner. There were small conversation carried out between Uncle David and Dad, Alex joining them periodically. Mama and Aunt gossipped about their mutual friends.

I continued to eat and kept my stare on my plate as if its the most interesting thing in this world, joining in their conversation now and then. I could feel Alex boring holes into my head with his intense stare, time to time again. I couldn't take it any longer when staring back in his eyes I could see blurry glimpses. A slight headache making its way. As much as I tried to focus on them, the more it intensified. Mama noticed my discomfort as the table went silent before I excused myself to my room.

To what I gathered from the previous conversations, Uncle and Aunt had their flight early in the morning tomorrow till then they'll be staying at a hotel. I'd asked them to stay for a few days out of manners, so that we could reconnect. But apparently Uncle David had his business to attend to, which cannot be neglected.

Once in my room I took my medicine and went to sleep without any further thoughts.

***