Beyond the Scarlet Roses

The Indelible

Where the scarlet roses thrive, beyond the rusty door, the taste of bitter air and where the dreams of all are detained. That's where you'll find me and me only.

Markus hands over a plate of delicious smelling pulled pork along with a big bowl of tomato soup, I thank him and begin to devour my food. It was absolutely delicious! The pulled pork was tender, sweet, and the perfect texture to just melt in your mouth. The tomato soup was a perfect combo with the pulled pork because of the tanginess and warmth. Without noticing I begin to smile brightly,

"You seem very pleased" He says

"This is absolutely delicious! Thank you for inviting me" I respond with a blush

"Scarlet, you need to eat more! You've gotten so skinny since..." Mrs. Jackson says

The table went silent for a few minutes. The awkward eye contact made towards each other was absolutely unbearable.

"Scarlet, proud to say the next dish is made just by me" Markus says

Markus gets up and walks to the kitchen and reaches into the oven and brings out a blueberry pie along with my chocolate chip cookies I made. He evenly cuts the pie into 8 slices and gives me one. I bite into it as he eagerly watches me eat which made me a little embarrassed. The moment I bit into it, a rush of sourness and saltiness hits me. Apparently my reaction was really obvious because Markus seemed worried.

"Is something wrong? does it taste that horrible?"

"No no... it's just, I think you mixed up the salt with the sugar and the blueberries are a little sour..." I respond trying to make it sound as nice as possible

"OH MARKUS. This pie is absolutely horrid!" cackles Mrs. Jackson

Markus laughs at his mistake and reaches for a bite for himself which soon turned to him gagging and spitting the pie out. I let out a slight chuckle without trying to be obvious but he caught me.

"Ha. ha. Very funny, let's see how much better are your cookies" he says as he reached across the table for one.

Now I'm not a very good baker but I've made these cookies ever since I was little with my mother. It was her secret recipe and only told me a month before she passed away.

"Oh my lord. These are absolutely delicious Scarlet! Please teach Markus how to bake like this" Mrs. Jackson says with a bright smile

I smile and turn my head to Markus telling him to try the cookie. He takes out a bite and his smug face turned into complete awe.

"This is- wow This is actually amazing. How did you learn to bake like this?" he asks

"It was a recipe from my mother" I say trying not to gloat too much

We continue to chow down on the cookies until we were all full and ready to pass out on the couch. I offered to do the dishes, but Mrs. Jackson told me not to. I felt guilty so I helped put away the clean dishes and any other mess made at the dining table. After cleaning, I said my goodnights to Mrs. Jackson and Markus walks me home. It was surprisingly dark outside and it was difficult seeing where to step. When I reach my home I say thank you to Markus

"Thank you"

"For what?" he asks

"For- for everything" I say with a smile

"No problem. BUT you could do something for me in return"

"Sure of course. What would you like to do?" I ask

"Mhmm... tomorrow, take me to the scarlet gardens. I would really like to see why you're named after them"

I was shocked, but in a good way. I didn't know how to respond without stuttering or messing up so I just nod and say goodnight to him. I close the door and get ready for bed.

The next morning I wake up to a doorbell ring, I look at the clock and it read 10:02am. I go downstairs and open the door just to see Markus holding a bag filled with something I didn't know.

"Oh. Good morning... I thought we were going at 12pm?"

"Actually the garden is closed today so I thought we could have a lazy Saturday instead" He says while lifting out some movies out of the bag

I look at his attire and noticed that he was wearing his pajamas and so was I. I nod and let him into my living room where he sat down and revealed all the movies. They were mostly classics like the breakfast club, Inception, nightmare before Christmas among others.

"Did you eat yet? Do you want me to make you something?" I offer

"If it isn't much of a bother. I can help" he responds with a warm smile

We head into the kitchen and I begin beating some eggs while he cut onions and grate cheese.

"So Scarlet, why are you here in this town" He asks

"I thought I explained why. I was born here and lived here with my mother until she passed away"

"Yea, I get that part but why are you still here. The real reason; don't you want to travel and experience different cultures?"

I did. I've always wanted to travel and leave this town, but I never did because I was afraid of being alone in foreign areas I've never been before.

"I did." I respond

"You did?"

"I'm- well, I'm just-" tears were forming in my eyes and Markus notices

"Sorry. I'm being to nosy"

We finish cooking and set the breakfast onto my coffee table in front of the TV. We both decided on watching "Jaws". As we were watching and eating our breakfast, Markus surprises me with a question.

"I'm leaving soon and I was wondering if you would like to travel with me. I've been planning a worldwide trip to multiple countries, but I don't want to go alone"

I drop my fork and stare into his brown eyes for a few moments.

"Are you- ask- asking me to go with you?!" I stumble

"Yes, that is if you accept my invite."

"I mean I'm flattered but don't you want to bring someone special with you or someone who you know better?" I say

"I may not have known you for a very long time, but I'm willingly to learn more about you. I chose you, Scarlet"

I completely lose control over my body and I didn't know what to say. It wasn't until he broke the silence that it made me come back to life.

"I understand that's this is sudden and I'm not forcing to make you choose now, but please think it over and tell me a few days." he says with a smile

I nod my head and we continue to eat while watching the movie. I try to remain as normal as possible and having conversations but deep down I'm miles and miles away from this reality.