Roses at Midnight

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN: ROSALINE

The Moon was shining brightly through my opened curtains. I had given up on sleep long before the sun set. The nightmares are slowly lessening but my body isn't any less restless. Tossing and turning brought on more frustration than it brought on exhaustion.

Climbing out of bed I slipped a silky teal robe over my grey tank top and floral pajama shorts. Stepping into a pair of slippers I slipped out of my room as quietly as I could.

I made my way down the stairs and out the back door. Making a straight b-line for the cement bench that sat in front of the lake. I hadn't been out here since that first night and honestly I questioned why. It's always so calm, quiet and peaceful out here.

I sat there for some time goosebumps forming along my arms in the cool night breeze. I welcomed the cold air. It felt comforting rather than miserable.

Time passed by pleasantly as I sat watching the wind blow ripples into the lake's surface and fish dance underneath the moonlight.

The silence was suddenly replaced with the sounds of crunching leaves and twigs in the grass. My heart began to race just as I turned around I heard his voice. "Sorry Pet, I didn't mean to startle you." His reassurance didn't make me feel any better. I was probably in huge trouble for being out here alone.

Gracefully he came and sat next to me. His huge frame takes up most of the tiny bench. "You haven't come out here in quite some time have you?" His question caught me off guard at first until realization hit me. Of course he probably knew I was out here that night. He knows everything. I ran my hands along the sleeve of my robe. "It's very peaceful out here." He smiled a toothy smile. "It is, isn't it."

We sat in silence for some time as we watched the wind blow kisses into the water. The sound of him releasing a held breath brought my attention to his face. "How are you faring Pet, from the... incident." He lingered on the word incident with a sour expression on his face. I expected my heart to race as memories of that night flashed behind my eyelids, but instead I was just numb. "The nightmares suck." I said nonchalantly. "I haven't really slept, every time I close my eyes I just see him. I feel him. It's suffocating." My voice trailed off into nothing.

Evan's eyes grew sad as I finished my sentence. He stayed silent for quite some time but he looked almost as if he was having a conversation within himself. "Pet, how would you like it if I took you out for the day? We could do anything you'd like to do, within reason of course." My brows furrowed in confusion. "Why?" I blurted out. Evan nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "Well I figured I can't exactly take away your nightmares or that night, but maybe I could give you an enjoyable day that might help you forget for at least a bit of time."

I was taken back by his response. The once composed and proper Evan seemed to be genuine in his sweet response. I sat there for a moment contemplating my decision. "I'm being serious Rosaline." My breath hitched in my throat at his velvety mention of my name. Sending tingles throughout my body. "We can do anything you'd like. I can take you into the city, we could go shopping or do anything really." His reply was nervous, almost like he was scared I'd actually turn him down. Letting out a sigh I turned to face Evan once more. "Is that even allowed? I mean are you even allowed to do that with your pet?"

Evan shrugged his shoulders in response. "I don't know actually, I mean you never hear of Master's doing that, but then again I'm not the typical Master, so it probably wouldn't surprise many of the vampires while we'd be out. I already give you way more luxuries and freedoms than any other, why not add to it." I smiled at his response. Excited at the possibilities of today's activities. "Okay let's do it."  His smile grew wide at my answer. Standing up from the bench almost immediately he grabbed my hand all but dragging me up with him.

Grabbing me up slightly too fast I had to grab into his shoulder to steady myself. "Sorry little one, I forget at times how fragile you are." I just smiled at him in response. My eyes lingered on his. His red orbs were filled with compassion and excitement, almost like a child. "Well what are you waiting for, Pet, go get ready so we can leave." I giggled as we headed back into the house. Something definitely feels different with him, but I can't seem to put my finger on it.