*******
" If I were you, Evelyn, I would put that gun down and stand back. "
Her sickening voice traveled to my ears. I turned around to look at her dead in the eyes. She gulped and cowered a little at the direct eye contact. Keeping my eyes locked...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
" You found me, Rose. " her voice had the same little western accent that I remembered Dad having. Her eyes were crinkling with happiness as she opened her arms wide for me.
Tears pricked at the edges of my eyes as I looked at her open arms. Moving forward with deliberate steps, I reached out and took both her hands in mine. " You know me?" I asked in a slow whisper. She smiled lovingly, " I knew you'd find your way to me, Rose. I knew you were strong. How could I not recognise my little Rosie? " a small whimper broke through my lips at her words.
Leaning forward I threw my arms around her and brought her into a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed tighter. " I'm so sorry, Aunt Stella. " I whispered slowly. She pulled back and held me at an arm's length. " What are you sorry for, Rose? I should be the one apologizing. I left you with that monster of a woman. But trust me, Rosie. I didn't have any other option. " Her voice broke at the end and I shook my head. " It wasn't your fault, Aunt Stella. It was her fault. She ruined everything. And very soon she's gonna pay for it. "
Stella smiled at me proudly, " You've grown so much. You look so much like your Dad. I can see Irena in that smile of yours. You're so beautiful, Rose. " She whispered. Her eyes filled up with tears as she caressed my face lightly. " Rose? " I asked in fascination. Nobody had ever called me by middle name before. I was curious.
Stella laughed lightly, " I had always wanted to name you Rose, but Irena thought it was a rather small name. But because she loved me so much, she chose Rose as your middle name. I always called you Rose. " I laughed at her explanation. Her gaze shifted to Evan and her eyes filled up with more tears. " Oh Evan. I missed you so much, my baby bear. " I smiled as Evan broke into tears and ran into her embrace.
Two arms encircled my waist and Ryan rested his chin on my shoulder. I cranned my neck to look at his face and saw that he was smiling at Evan and Stella. " I love family reunions. " He whispered slowly. I smiled and nodded my head, " Me too. " Smiling at me he placed a small sweet kiss on my cheek.
" And who is this other handsome man, Rose?" I don't know why but my cheeks heated up when Stella asked that gesturing towards Ryan. Clearing my throat a little, I replied, " Aunt Stella, this is Ryan... my boyfriend. " My cheeks flamed up and I quickly pulled my hair in front of my face to hide it. Ryan laughed a little at my sudden shyness and put his hand around my shoulder.
Evan chuckled and Stella laughed lightly. " Well, I must say, you've got a keeper here, Rose. " I smiled shyly at her, looked up to see that Ryan was smiling too. She laughed again in good spirit, " What are you guys waiting for. Come on in. Who wants coffee? " I chuckled, " I'm dying for a mug."
We walked into the living room and I gasped at the sight before my eyes. The Eastern wall of the room was beautifully and completely decorated with picture frames. There were shelves filled with trophies and meddles. A beautiful guitar was hung on the wall and I moved forward to touch it. My fingers glided over its smooth wooden surface.
