Copyright © MonMoncheese
All Rights Reserved
71 Published 06.24.2020

•••

ROSEANNE

While James continuous to drive and Theo settles down on thighs, I use the opportunity to check the message that Nathan sent me.

Turning the phone on, I click on my brother's name.

Two New Messages from Nate

04:58 p.m.

You're going out?

Is it with that friend of yours?

Reading the messages, I give a quick glance to the boy next to me.

His eyes are focused on the road before us while his hands grip the steering wheel with a content look on his face.

I haven't told Nathan about James. The only thing he knows is about our friendship. But I have to tell him about who James is. I want him to know about this other especial person in my life, one who I happen to care for so deeply.

The reason behind my sudden happiness.

Looking down at my phone, I slide my fingers over the letters.

04:59 p.m.

Yeah, that's the one.

We are just going to Elven park, but I wanted to let you know.

05:00 p.m.

This friend of yours better take care of you. And if you stay out too late, please let me know. But thank you for letting me know.

Have you told mom or dad?

05:01 p.m.

No, not yet. I was going to do it just after I texted you.

05:02 p.m.

Don't worry about it, I'll let them know. You just have fun. Okay?

05:03 p.m.

Are you sure? I can just send them a quick message.

05:04 p.m.

I'm sure, Roseanne. Just focus on having fun with your friend.

I'm serious, have fun.

But don't have too much fun or I will hunt both of you down.

I'm not joking. You know I will.

05:05 p.m.

Fine, I will have fun, but not too much 😂. And Nate, I love you. ❤️❤️

05:06 p.m.

I love you too. 💕

My lips curve into a smile at his choice of heart and I look up with a warm feeling.

"You're happy." I look away from the front to find James staring at me.

There is a red glow casted on his face and I realise that it's the red light in front of us. Placing the phone on my thighs again, I nod.

"I am, I was just letting my brother know that I'm going out."

James glances back to the light that remains red before looking at me again.

"I see," he clicks his tongue and I watch him from my seat."Is he okay with you going out to the park with me?" His eyes are focused on me but the change in light forces him to face the front and step on the accelerator.

"Yep, he has no problem with it." I caress Theo's fur as his sleepy form curls into a ball.

"I'm glad." He hums. "I wouldn't want my future brother-in-law to hate me."

My hand freezes midway of caressing Theo's fur and I feel my heart skip too many beats at his words.

His future brother-in-law?

Breathe, Rose.

Placing a hand on my chest, I let out a quiet breath.

It's just a joke.

Nothing serious.

That would never happen.

After calming down, I collect my thoughts before speaking.

"My brother wouldn't hate you, no one should." I frown at the thought of someone hating him?

Why would anyone hate James?

It just seemed so impossible for me to believe that.

"So your saying that your brother will love me?"

"Oh, uh, Nate doesn't know much about you, not yet. So I'm not sure." I mutter sheepishly.

"Really?" The tone in his voice makes me hold a questioning look. It's almost if he were surprised, but at the same time it's like he isn't.

"He knows I have a friend." I look out the window as I watch the scenery pass in a blur. "But I don't think he knows anything else."

"Hmm." Is all he says, but I don't question him, my eyes too focus on the outside world.

At some point, I end up pressing my head against the window enjoying the cold feel of the glass and my warm cheek pressed together.

It seems that Theo remained in a deep sleep because he doesn't wake up once. Looking down at him, I end up admiring his cuteness.

Everything about him was adorable to my eyes, even the way his face nuzzles into my hoodie.

I should steal him away from James.

With a loving look on my face, I let out a sigh.

"He's regaining his energy." James startles me during silence.

Looking away from a sleeping Theo, I turn to James.

He's holding the steering wheel with one hand while his other hand is holding his cheek.

My heart strangely begins to race as I stare at him. But as he suddenly turns to me, I look away embarrassed that he caught me staring.

Clearing my throat, I speak. "Theo?"

However, it seems that he remains oblivious to my previous staring because he just nods.

"Yeah, he might look cute and innocent right now, but it's going to be hell if he gets too energetic." He removes the hand from his cheek and places both hands on the steering wheel to make a turn into Eleven park.

Returning my gaze to Theo, I watch as he take steady breaths.

He looks so peaceful right now.

"We're here." After he turns off the car, I reach for the handle but James stops me from making another move.

"Wait here, princess." He utters softly before getting out of the car.

With a confused expression I look down at Theo, his eyes are focused on my own and I find myself melting at his face.

"You're so cute!" I cry out just as James opens the door.

Our eyes meet and he glances to the puppy on my lap.

A frown marries his face just as his lips lift upwards. "I think I'm... jealous." He says almost as if he cannot believe his own words.

"Jealous of Theo?" I raise a brow at the gorgeous boy leaning against the car door.

His shoulders are crossed over his chest and I catch the way the muscles in his arms move.

Feeling a sudden burst of heat rush to my cheeks, I quickly divert my eyes to his face and I find myself falling at the way he looks just as a sudden wind blows his hair around, causing a few strands to fall over his forehead, which casts a shadow under the sun's glow.

"Yes, I happen to be jealous of Theo." He nods to the puppy before bringing his burning gaze to my eyes. "You don't treat me that way, princess." James suddenly moves away from the door and walks forward to me.

Pressing my back into the seat, I watch as James gets closer.

What is he doing?

Why is he walking towards me?

Theo remains oblivious to his surroundings as he toys with the strings of my hoodie.

Locking eyes with James, I begin to grow nervous.

And just as he leans forward, I freeze, my breath hitching in the process.

"But it's okay," his breath fans my ear as he brings a hand over to my side. "I can take the initiative if you wish." He suddenly whips around, his face facing mine as he begins to fiddle with something.

Why did we always end up so close?

It was dangerous to be this close, for the both of us.

Darting out his tongue, it runs over his lower lip, providing moisture to his warm flesh.

It looked like such an innocent action, but why did it feel so different?

It was almost hypnotizing.

Forcing myself to look away from his lips, I raise my eyes to his own.

Those pretty emerald orbs of his were gazing at me, me, someone so different.

Someone unworthy of him.

And yet, those eyes, they hold such warmth. And I wanted to be embraced in it forever.

With him.

The warmth in his eyes intensifies just as a sudden emotion manifests in them.

But this emotion, was it... yearning?

Did James yearn for something? But what, what could it be?

His lips part and he cocks his head to the side. His eyes never once parting from mine.

"Just don't make me wait too long." He breathes out, and a sudden click startles me.

Looking down to my side, I see that my seatbelt has been unbuckled. Glancing to James, his hand slowly returns to his side.

That's why he got close to me, to unbuckle my seatbelt.

"Oh," I let out a breath of relief.

Wearing this hoodie was a mistake.

As James backs away from me, I use the opportunity to get out of the car before he can give me another mini heart attack. Planting my feet on the ground, I turn around and reach for Theo.

Picking him up with both hands, I carefully lean down to place him on the concrete below us.

Behind me, I hear James shut the door and locking the car.

Getting up, I stand awkwardly just as Theo waits in excitement. But the never ending drumming of my heart continues.

"Rose," James reaches for my hand and takes it in his. "You need to breath before your heart jumps out of your chest." He whispers next to my ear and my jaw drops.

Shooting daggers at the side of his face, I have the desire to smack him for causing this feelings to rise within me.

I say nothing in response and let James guide me away. Next to him, Theo follows closely but I notice the way he looks up at James.

Noticing Theo's stare, he turns to me.

"Give me a second, princess." James lets go of my hand and suddenly kneels down reaching for Theo. Holding him by his harness, he clips a leash to it.

"Alright, you're good to go." A smile grows on my lips just as James pats Theo.

Standing up to his full sight, he reaches down for my hand again.

With both hands occupied, James leads us to the sidewalk. Looking around, I take a deep breath, my lungs feeling up with air.

Facing the front, I watch the way Theo walks ahead of us. His tongue sticking out slightly.

"He's adorable." I tell him.

"I agree." He grins at the cutie in front of us.

Walking towards the path, Theo takes the lead as he moves to the front.

"I missed you." James mutters over the silence and I swing our intertwined hands.

"I did too." I tell him.

As we walk on the trail, I enjoy the peaceful time with the two boys close to me.

All my worries had been pushed to the back of my head.

I just wanted to enjoy the happy moments like this.

"Baby, you should take off the hoodie, it's really warm today." Jumping at the sudden closeness between us, the grip on our locked hands tightens.

"The hoodie?" I manage to say through my inner turmoil.

His eyes dart across my face before nodding. "Yes, love."

Looking down at it, I'm reminded of why I wore it today.

The bruise, the one that Nathan saw. The one that James should not see.

I didn't want him to ask questions.

I would just have to endure it.

Pulling a smile on my face, I rush out. "I'm okay, it's not that bad."

James opens his mouth to say something but before he can say anything else, Theo's sudden barks grabs his attention.

Turning to the puppy in front of us, James lets go of my hand and takes a few steps forward.

"Theo, come on boy." He attempts to pull him away with the leash but the puppy refuses to move.

Cocking my head to the side, I focus on Theo.

He's barking in the direction of the trees, but why?

As Theo tugs at the leash, he tries to move forward but the leash prevents him from doing so.

"Theo, there is nothing there. It's just the trees, come on, let's go." James attempts to pull him again, but it doesn't work.

With a sigh of defeat, I watch as James walks towards Theo and kneels down to his level.

"What's wrong?" He scratches Theo's head. "Why are you barking at the trees?"

As Theo continues to pull himself towards the trees, James looks ahead and frowns.

"Alright, come on." He suddenly stands up and looks over his shoulder, mentioning me to follow him. Nodding at him, he turns around.

Following behind them, I can't help but get a sense of déjà vu, but I decide to ignore it for now.

As Theo sniffs the ground, he suddenly lets out a loud bark. Tugging at his leash, he looks up at his owner and continues to bark at him.

"What is it, boy?" James makes a sudden stop and I almost bump into him.

Standing behind him, I hear Theo start to whine and I step to the side in worry. Coming in contact with the puppy, I watch as he begins to whine at certain tree, his eyes holding a sad emotion.

My heart begins to hurt as he continues to whine and I turn to the tree, but just I'm about to glance at Theo, my eyes do a double take.

Bringing my eyes to the tree again, I stare at it.

There is something about that exact tree.

I recognize it.

Taking another step forward, I look around it.

What is it about this familiar place?

I've been here before, but why, why does this tree grab my attention.

Looking down at the tree, a sudden memory comes to mind.

I run as fast as my legs can carry me.

Tears are flowing down my cheeks, but I don't bother wiping them away.

I simply run as the ache in my heart seems to intensify.

Run, Rose, run and hide. I hear the voice in my head.

Run and never come out.

"That's why." I let out a quiet whisper, the trembling of my hands going unnoticed by my eyes.

That tree... it's the one I leaned on when I was crying.

In that time of pain, that tree is the only thing that bring me comfort.

Taking a step back, I shut my eyes to prevent them from turning moist.

"Rose, are you okay?" I open my eyes to see James in front of me with a concerned expression on his face.

"Mhm," I flash him a small smile. "I'm okay."

"If you're okay, then why are your hands shaking?" Hearing him say that, I look down at my hands and I find them shaking. Bringing both hands behind me, I chuckle nervously.

"I'm not sure." I raise my eyes to his, meanwhile clenching both hands into fists.

The worry in his eyes never fades and I unclench my fists slowly. Taking a step forward, I take a hold of his face with my hands and I get on my tippy toes trying to match his height but it doesn't come even close.

Trying to not freak out by my action, I stare into his eyes. "James, I'm fine. I really am, okay? Don't worry. Now stop frowning." I scold before letting of his face and planting both feet evenly on the ground.

It seems that my words seem to do the trick because his lips lift up into a smile.

"I will believe you, but if something is wrong, I want you to tell me." He taps my nose and I look away in embarrassment.

From the corner of my eye I see Theo and I walk away from James.

The small puppy is no longer whining and it seems the barking has stopped as well, but his eyes remain on that tree.

Why doe he keep looking at it?

As if noticing my presence, Theo looks towards me and motions to the tree with a bark.

"What is it, Theo?" I kneel down to his level, petting him as a way to calm him down.

"Ooh, I think I know what has him so worked up." James mutters behind me.

"Do you remember the person, Theo? Is that why you are barking?"

All of sudden, the puppy sticks out his tongue and stars licking my cheek.

Taking me by surprise, I fall flat on the ground. "Are you happy now?" I laugh as he continues to lick my cheek.

"I think that's it." James says while looking at Theo.

"But why is he licking me?" I ask him and while holding the puppy. Standing next to me, James stretches out his hand for me to take and I smile at him.

"Thank you." I say while he pulls up.

"I'm not sure, he has never done that before." He bends down to grab the leash that was now laying on the ground.

After dusting my back, I let out a breath.

Feeling a presence beside me, I turn to see James holding out his hand again.

Shaking my head at him, I grab it and he wraps his hand around it. "We should go now, come on." He whispers lowly.

"Alright, boy. We have to continue walking." James tugs at Theo's leash and he begins to run until he's in front of us, the sadness in his eyes is no longer present.

Taking one last look at the tree, I ignore the ache in my heart and just continue walking, completely unaware of who the boy beside me truly was.

○○○

MY DARLINGS! HOW WAS THE CHAPTER? WAS IT OKAY OR BAD?

Personally, I think the beginning sounds kind of strange.

But be honest, I want the truth.

Wait, wait, wait, that is not how I'm supposed to treat you.

Let me rewind.

*Clears throat*

*taps mic*

(That actually reminds me of Mike Wazowski) 😂😂

Okay, let me be serious now.

HELLO, MY ANGELS. HOW ARE YOU ALL??? ARE YOU GOOD? ARE YOU SAD? I KNOW, I AM SUPER LATE. I AM UPSET AT MYSELF BECAUSE OF IT. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO UPDATE SINCE THREE DAYS AGO, BUT I WASN'T ABLE TO FINISH THE CHAPTER UNTIL NOW.

As soon as I post this, I will get started on chapter 72 and my other books too.

I MUST SACRIFICE MY SLEEP IF THAT IS WHAT IT TAKES.

YESSSS.

But really, how are you?

Are you doing well?

Do you miss me?

Kidding, kidding, but I miss you all. I've been getting comments, but I still haven't been able to read them, and then to make matters worse, I haven't been able to read on Wattpad.

LIKE, WHO AM I?

I DON'T KNOW WHO I AM ANYMORE.

I AM A STRANGER TO MY OWN EYES.

😭😭😭 *cries and floods the world.*

Okay, I will end this note because I have to get started on the next chapter.

My angels, I love you. 🥺💕