Don't Judge A Flower By Its Color

Chapter Twenty-One 🌼

"Are you sure I shouldn't go downstairs yet? It's already three o'clock, Oceana. He told me to meet him then- not at three o'one."

She stopped fussing with my wavy locks and tilted her head slightly at the whiny tone. A big smirk appearing on her face when she notice my sudden jitters.

"Impaitent, are we?" She commented aloud before releasing a gasp, "you're planning something!"

My heart haulted at the announcement. She always blew things out of proportion. There was nothing to get excited about.

"I'm not planning anything."

She scoffed at the little fib and began to straighten the faux gold chain around my neck.

"Really? Well, if nothing does happen and Mister Dandelion needs a rubber there are some in the pouch I gave you awhile back- along with aspirin and Plan B."

"Oceana!" I blushed hoping she hadn't mentioned any of this to Darien.

We weren't ready to be that intimate. We only kissed once. We still had to get more familair on a mental level before that was even a possiblity.

If she mentioned this to him, he might get the wrong idea and think I'm making these strong suggestions.

Oceana laughed at my worried look, "oh god you're so innocent."

"You didn't-" I started but she cut me of with a wave of her hand.

"I told him nothing," she shrugged, "except warned him nicely not to hurt you."

I felt the tension in my muscles fade. There was no point in preparing to argue with her. She hadn't said anything that would raise akwardness between us.

"The house will be empty tonight, though." She mumbled softly as she picked stray evergreen hairs off her black suit. Her cheerful persona melting into a more serious one.

"Where are you going?"

The sound of my concern tone made her cringe. She ran both her hands through her hair and sighed, "I am going to find out what our next move should be."

"What do you mean?"

Oceana forced a smile.

"Rosie, we can't stay here forever."

I crossed my arms, "yes we can! Darien wouldn't mind if we-"

"He knows you're here, Rosie. " She stated in a whisper.

Her friendly eyes were dark like rain storms. They washed away every bit of happiness. The fear visulizing.

I froze at the sight.

Flashes of memories echoed in my head. Each containing the horrid doctor who's goal was to punish me for not being greater than the others. His touch so painful.

The air wouldn't come to me. It had vanished. There was no hope.

"Rosie, you need to breathe." She took my shoulders and held them tight.

I shook as my skin started to tingle. Unlike an electric shock, the tingling traveled slow from the tips of my toes to the back of my neck. It made me feel suddenly exhausted.

I wanted no more. No more fighting. No more resisting. Wasn't normal what we deserved?

Oceana must have notice the small flicker of submission. She tried to be the voice of reason. Everything she said went in one ear and flew out the other.

She didn't know what she was saying. If I gave up now- neither her or Darien get hurt. I could make that sacrifice.

"He needs you," she finally whispered, "you can't just leave him. There are other ways to protect him."

A memory similar to a warm haven washed away those of terror. There infront of the glass that seperated us was him. His dark eyes and soft presense.

He had put that puffy dandelion in his suit pocket closest to his heart. His smile bright. It was odd how I hadn't realized then that this man was my only love.

He did need me. The same way I needed him. We were each others reminder of what happiness was. We were each others hopes.

"I have to go."

Before Oceana could ask, I ran out of the master bedroom and down the squeaky stairs without a second thought.

The long thin material dress flowing at the quick pace. My bit too big flats smacking on the floorboards. It matched with my calling voice as the seconds caught up.

He responded with the same bit of urgency as he ran out of the living area. In his hands were a bundle of flowers. His body dressed in black jeans and a white button shirt.

He seemed taken aback. His eyes searching right to left for danger. His posture tense.

I smiled at the sight and barreled towards him. The attack causing him to throw his arms in the air as mine went to wrap tight around him. His chest smelling like pine.

"Rosalind, are you okay? I saw the trees tremble outside. Did something happen?"

I glanced up at him and shook my head. He didn't have to worry. Everything was okay now.

"You smell good."

He sighed at the comment before raising an eyebrow, "really?"

"Yeah, I like the cologne."

"Well I guess that's a good thing, right?" He laughed while untangling me from him.

He handed me the bouquet of red roses.

"I know roses are pretty unorignal to get you but they are what remind me of you."

He went to bashfully look away but I was quick enough to stop him. I laid a hand on the side of his face. His cheek was smooth underneath my fingertips.

I rose onto my tip toes and leaned forward, resting my lips against his.

"They're beautiful." I whispered softly while taking a step back, "I love them."

He interlaced his fingers with mine and he squeezed my hand once before we made our way out to have an adventure.