Flower He Couldn't Pluck

CHAPTER 11

ROSE'S POV

"No, Rose, you are supposed to turn around at next- What is-" Malika inhales sharply before her anger bursts at me.

"What's wrong with you today?"

"I-I am sorry,"

"I will not entertain such fallouts, Rose." She states in a tone so calmly, yet her frustration is audible throughout.

"Do you want to take a break?" I hear her again to which I quickly respond with a yes.

I involuntarily look at Millie, her pity-full eyes are staring at me already. I pass a short smile and move out of the field.

I cannot concentrate on anything, all I can think about is what will happen after four days! Even when I am trying to budge my mind, I end up thinking the same thing all over.

My dad hasn't gotten any lead to get the money, my mom is on the verge of getting panic every day. She's always so frustrated and lost. She's upset and afraid, like me.

She's not talking to dad. Whenever he tries to start a conversation, she either walks away or yells at him to shut up. I have never seen her like this before. There's no interference from those men, but I don't know why I always feel like someone's keeping an eye on me.

I lost my job a few days ago, I applied for a few places but haven't heard from them. I just don't know how we are going to get out of this huge mess.

If we could not accumulate millions, which seems impossible to gather in less than five days, they would take me! But my parents will stay unharmed.

I remember he said- she will drive him good money, are they going to sell me off? Or maybe, sell my organs?

I rub my face in frustration, and my eyes start to get wet again. I want to cry the life out of myself, all of this is so scary! I-I have no idea what's going to happen to me!

"Are you okay?" I immediately wipe my tears off, I look up to see Malika (coach).

"Yes, I am fine," I state while standing up.

"You don't look fine, Rose." She states calmly.

"It's just some family issue-"

"Whatever it is, solve it as soon as possible. I don't want you to perform like this, you're the centre!" She speaks.

If they take me, there is no way I'll be able to perform. Should I back off now? But backing off at such a crucial time will mess up the squad!

What should I do now!?

"Just give me three days, coach," I reply.

It would be crystal clear whether I'll be performing or not. In three days, I'll either be celebrating or mourning my fate.

Dad, what have you done?

She nods and walks away,

"You may leave."

I take my bag and head to the changing room.

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Rose changes her clothes and asks the nearest girl about Lily, she replies she has no idea.

Rose gets out of the school and takes her phone out, her gaze accidentally falls on the car at the turn ahead and finds Tyler leaning against its door.

She finds him already looking at her, he straightens up, gets in the car, and drives to her. As he reaches her, he opens the gate and speaks,

"Get in, I have something for you."

Rose thinks for some time. She was planning to go to Lily's but nodded and sat in the car. "What is it? And why didn't you come to school today?" She questions him while bucking the seat belt in.

"I was a little busy, you know, chasing bad guys stuff." Rose sniggers in response.

"Um, did you find any job?"

"No, not yet. I applied at a few places, but some of them rejected me and from others no response till now." Tyler nods.

"Would you mind working at our place?" He asks. Rose drifts her head in his direction.

"Your place?"

"With those men with guns?" She asks.

"Yeah, but they will never do any harm to you and-"

"I know, you are the good guys!" Rose cuts him off.

"But what would I do there?" She asks,

"Currently, we are running out of some good chefs. The previous one had to return to his city and there's no way he's coming back in near time."

"But-"

"And, I talked to our boss about you, I said you can cook well."

"Wh- What did your boss say?"

"He asked me if you could work for us."

"What?" Rose speaks with her eyes almost wide open.

"If you don't want to-"

"NO!"

"I mean, yes, I-I need a job after all, and I can cook."

Tyler smiles,

"And I talked to him about your condition,"

"My condition?"

"You know, those $3 Million,"

"He said he could help you to recover. He might give you an advance too if he likes the food you'll cook!"

"WHAT!?" Rose screams in shock.

"Woah, stop yelling!" Tyler replies while tightening his grip on the steering wheel.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS!?"

"Yes, a hundred per cent."

"Oh my God..." Tears from Rose's eyes fall, and she covers her face beneath her hands.

"Hey!" Tyler speaks in concern,

"Rose, look up! Why are you crying?" He pulls over and focuses on her.

"Rose, look at me!" He pleads. Rose looks up and wipes her tears off.

"You have no idea what you're doing for me, Tyler!" She speaks, and more tears fall from her eyes.

"No, stop crying!" He hugs her and strokes her head gently.

"I was so scared that what would happen to me after four days, I can't even describe how happy and relieved I am, I-I-"

"Thank you so much!" She speaks.

Tyler pulls himself apart and wipes her tears. He laughs and speaks,

"Just cook beautifully. Your food is delicious, I am sure you'll get this." She nods in response.

"When do I have to come? Where is it?" She asks,

"I'll pick you up at 7."

"Today?"

"Yes."

"Okay!" She replies.