“Temporarily.” The saddest word. I hate that word.
His soft smile fades. “Temporarily. But I’m still going to give it my all.”
“Will you stay?” I whisper.
Another soft stroke over my hair. “Absolutely.”
23
reed
I’m notsure I slept better than I did the last time I stayed at Rose’s place. I even got to sleep in a real bed this time, but it didn’t make much difference. I was too tuned into her, listening in case she needed me in the night. She slept fitfully, and I did, too.
No regrets.
I called Troy first thing to let him know Rose won’t be coming in today and that I’ll be late. It’s probably overkill to stay any longer—it’s just the flu or maybe a bad cold. But she needs me. So leaving before I know she’ll be okay today isn’t an option.
I peek in on her. Still sleeping. But judging from the leg she’s thrown on top of the sheet and how flushed her skin is, she’s still feverish, too. She’ll need more Tylenol soon, but at least she’s resting well now.
Across the hall, I make the bed in the room I slept in. It’s decorated in a similar style to the living room: a western aesthetic with metal decor that looks like a tetanus hazard. The closet is mostly empty, just like the dresser drawers. Yes, I snooped. This room is bigger than Rose’s, with an ensuite. It’s obvious this is the primary bedroom, but she’s living in the second bedroom as though her parents might return to stay at any time.
The third, smallest bedroom is set up like an office. Nocolorful knick knacks or pastel romance books like in Rose’s bedroom, and none of the half-completed crafts she’s got lying around. Just two desks, a file cabinet, and shelves full of medical books. I’m no mind reader, but I’m guessing Rose doesn’t use this space, either.
It’s not right. She shouldn’t be living like a guest in her own house, unable to change anything for fear her parents won’t like it. If I give much thought to their advice on how she needs to changeherself, I’ll see red. As much as I want to sit her down and get her to listen to reason, it’s not my place to tell her how messed up this situation is.
Also messed up? The way the cat watches me from a distance. He hasn’t approached me yet, but he’s showed himself. Then he just stares. Like a ghoul. I never knew cats were such weird little guys.
Downstairs, I poke around in the kitchen, looking for breakfast options for when Rose gets up. I find the cat food and give him a scoop, too. For lack of anything better to do, I pull out my phone and read through my texts from last night.
Jovie: Tell Rose I hope she gets better soon!!!!
Jovie: If you have to give her medicine, get her the bubblegum kind
Jovie: Grape flavor is gross
Reed: Thanks, nugget
Mom messaged, too. I might not be checking the group chat thread, but it must be going strong without me.
Mom: Jovie told us Rose is sick
Mom: Can we bring anything by?
Mom: I assume you’re with her
She was blatantly poking around for information, probably with her fingers crossed, but I answered anyway.
Reed: I am. I think we’re good for now
Reed: She’s sleeping
Mom: Let me know if I can bring her anything tomorrow
Mom: Send her our love
I stare at that last word.Love. Rose spends one evening with my family, and she’s already a part of it, buckled in tight and ready to roll. I don’t know how I thought anything else might happen. It’s Rose. Falling for her is inevitable.
Then, because I’m a masochist, I pull up the video of Rose and me. I don’t have the app, but you don’t have to if you know what to search for. Or try searching fifty different phrases until you find the right one.
