Forever Remember: The Rose Code

Chapter 7 First Kiss

PART 2: RED ROSES FOR ROMANCE

Four days later, the granite vase contained several white roses and a single red one. I raced to Rose Hill and waited for Tyler at the end of his lane. He trained every morning for the high school track team. I had made certain our running paths never crossed, until today.

I didn't know which was more intoxicating, the scent of the rose bushes lining the road or the sight of Tyler jogging toward me. 

He stopped only an arm's length away. "Are you stalking me?" he asked in a teasing tone.

"Maybe." I shrugged my shoulders. "I needed to talk to you. I thought about going to the pool, but we'd have an audience there."

He awarded my awkwardness with his dazzling smile, and my brain went blank. I stared at the black panther on his orange t-shirt, so I could articulate my next sentence. "I wanted to thank you again for saving my life. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please let me know."

"Okay. . . Can't think of anything right now, but if I do, I'll let you know." His dismissive tone told me I was wasting his time.

"Of course." I swallowed the humiliation threatening to choke me. "Sorry for bothering you."

I gave him a slight nod goodbye and ran away at my maximum speed. I was such a loser. Tyler Price would never be interested in a girl like me.

"Jasmine, wait!" he yelled.

I didn't know it was possible, but I ran even faster. Tyler followed behind, but he couldn't catch up. My disgrace propelled me forward. I wanted Tyler to notice me, but I only made a fool out of myself. Again.

After about four blocks, my energy and my embarrassment faded. I slowed down, and Tyler soon jogged beside me. "Wow! You run fast for a girl."

I glared at him for his sexist remark and kept jogging.

"Could we please stop?" he pleaded. "I think I pulled something."

I stopped, and so did Tyler. He massaged the sore spot on his leg.

"You may be surprised to hear this, but sometimes I make mistakes," Tyler admitted, wincing.

"Really. I hadn't noticed."

"People think I'm a hero because I've saved many girls from drowning, but I'm only human. I'm not perfect." He tilted his head to one side and raked his fingers through his thick, black hair. His midnight-blue eyes expressed his remorse.

"How many girls have you saved?" I inquired with suspicion.

"You and a little, red-headed girl last summer. She was so grateful I saved her life she bought me an ice cream bar. Why don't you take me out for ice cream tonight?" he suggested with a humble smile. "I know the perfect place, Split It in Lewisville. I'll pick you up at your house at seven o'clock. What's your address?"

"I have a better idea. I'll meet you at Split It at seven-thirty." I ran away before Tyler could argue or change his mind. I knew he wouldn't follow me again. When I got to the end of the block, I looked back. He was headed home, limping in pain.

I sprinted to Melaney's house.

On Wednesday night after youth group, I had attempted to talk to her about Dean, but she refused to discuss him with me. "Forgive and forget" was Melaney's motto. She had forgiven him, and she intended to forget they ever dated. She wanted me to do the same. Of course, I said I would try.

I wished they had never told me about their secret liaison. As they had predicted, I was stuck in the middle between my two best friends. Both of them had been hurt, and I felt helpless. I wanted to heal their broken hearts, but I didn't know how.