Love & Tribulations

Chapter 8

Rose's POV

I woke up to the persistent pinging of my phone, knowing that multiple texts had arrived from Caleb. I let out a grumble as I realized I had a lot of work to do today. Unfortunately, that meant I wouldn't be able to see Ezra on her usual route.

It had only been two days, but the air between us felt lighter. I no longer felt the need to keep her at arm's length, and our conversations grew more frequent. She no longer seemed to avoid me, which I took as a good sign that she wasn't planning to reject me.

She kept asking where I was taking her this weekend, but I managed to change the subject each time. Instead, I found myself learning more about her, growing accustomed to her presence. I already missed the small things, like how my heart beats faster when I hear her voice or see her smile. Like when my surroundings blur, as if my world had completely disengaged from reality, and she comes into focus, rendering me speechless.

The way she pronounces my name sends chills through my body. Her eyes are incredibly expressive, and the words they contain make them captivatingly beautiful. For years, I wished to feel something, any kind of emotion, but now that I can, I'm mostly terrified. Terrified of losing her and all the emotions she instilled within me. And it's ironic because she's not even mine.

I worked for hours on end, but Ezra kept slipping into my mind. I wasn't sure when she became my favorite part of the day, but I didn't mind. Needing a break, I walked into Elias' room and flopped onto his bed.

"What's your problem?" He questioned still typing on his phone.

"I feel empty", I mumbled into the bed.

"Maybe you're hungry", he suggested getting up from the chair. I heard his footsteps approaching me before he came to a halt and started dragging me off the bed by my ankles. I groaned, not wanting to move.

"Come on let's go grab something to eat, food always makes you feel better. And you might even get to see Ezra", he pointed out.

Immediately, I got up and dragged him toward the dining hall. My body reacted instinctively but when we arrived, I couldn't feel her presence.

"Hey, haven't seen you guys all day," Tris said as she approached, Asher and James following behind her.

"Yeah, I was busy with work. Just wanted to grab something to eat," I replied.

Tris suddenly turned to Asher with a look of realization before flashing me a mischievous grin.

"Ezra's still stuck in her office. Maybe you could bring her something to eat," James suggested.

Asher handed me a bag of food while Tris pushed me toward Ezra's office.

"Don't worry we'll keep your brother's company", Asher assured me as he led a hesitant Elias into the dining hall.

"It'll be fine, she loves Italian", Tris informed, patting me on the back. I just shook my head before making my way to Ezra's office.

I paused outside her door, taking in her scent, my heart racing as I heard her footsteps approaching the door. My entire world froze the moment the door opened; I just stared into her eyes, unable to move an inch. I'm not sure why, but she feels so familiar to me. It feels less like I am getting to know her and more like I am remembering who she is. Some way, somehow, in another life I've met her before.

"I heard you liked Italian", I spoke, finally breaking out of my trance as I raised the bag of food into her view.

"Jimmy's", she said excitedly, making me smile at how adorable she was being. So cute.