Unforgotten Memories

Chapter-42

Rose

"Will you tell me what happened? Why is your face all bruised up, Jackson?" I question apprehensively as I place my hand on his thigh. I had been trying Jackson's phone for the past two hours but he didn't answer it. I was flabbergasted because he would always pick my calls, no matter how busy he was. But today, I felt uneasy. I knew for a fact that Jackson was in some trouble and I was so right. I saw him sitting reclusively on a park bench, after being beaten to pulp by God knows who.

"You're scaring me, Jackson. Please tell me what happened." I break down.

"I-It's fine, babe. I just got into a fight with some of the guys." He wraps his arm around me.

"But who would beat you so badly?! Look at your face! There isn't a part of your skin that isn't bruised."

"They outnumbered me. I couldn't fight back." He whispers weakly.

"But this looks like you didn't try at all, Jackson. I know you're lying to me. Tell me who did this to you." I held his hand tenaciously.

"I told you it's nothing!" He shouts. I flinch at his tone and keep quiet. I sit straight and look forward, not removing my hand from his.

"I'm sorry." I nod my head at his apology.

"But I'm not lying to you, Rosie. I did get into a fight with the guys. They were just way too many. I couldn't keep up with them." He confesses looking straight ahead.

"But, why did you get into a fight? Who were those boys?"

"They're from the other neighbourhood. They....they- ugh it's a long story."

"I'm not going anywhere unless you tell me." I squeeze his hand.

"Rosie, please. I'm very tired. I would really appreciate it if you could just drop the matter and sit with me right now, without any questions." He begs. I let out a despondent sigh and kiss his temple.

"Of course I'll be there for you. I was just worried......but if you're not ready to talk then I won't force you, sweetheart. You can tell me whenever you're comfortable." I place my head on his shoulder. I inaudibly gasp when I realise that his wounds aren't treated.

"Could you please come home so that I can treat your bruises? It's gonna get worse if you don't do anything about it." I say meekly.

He imperceptibly nods and tries to stand up. I inadvertently hold him by his waist which makes him wince painfully.

"Shit I'm sorry! I didn't-"

"It's alright, baby. I'm okay." He kisses my forehead.

"Here you go, Ms Harper." Jayden hands me a pile of clean, washed blankets.

"Thank you, Jay. It's so sweet of you to help me around. And yeah, please call me Rose." I crouch down to his level and kiss his chubby, rosy cheek.

"It's okay. I know it's difficult without Mrs Watson's help." He says shyly. Stella had gone to her hometown for a family emergency, which leaves me alone with two infants, three toddlers and Jay. The love I have for children is inexplicable, but it doesn't become handy when I have a handful of them to look after. So, I asked Jackson to help me out as soon as he is done with his work. Nevertheless, I've fed the babies and put them down for a nap so they shouldn't be a bother at least for an hour.

"You're very kind, Jay. I'm sure you'll be helping your mom around a lot too!" He visibly stiffens at the mention of his mom and looks down at his feet petulantly.