Till death do us part

Chapter 4: The dance - Age 17

Rose's POV

I sighed as I looked at the poster that was on the wall next to my locker. There was a dance coming up, unfortunately. Normally, people like to go to dances, I don't mind it. I usually don't go, mainly because I've got no one to go with. My only 'kind of' friend, Naheed, goes with his girlfriend...

"Hey, Rose."

I looked to my right and saw Naheed leaning against the wall there. "Hey, Naheed," I closed my locker. "What's up?"

"Well, I need your help," He then stood up straight. "With this." He pointed to the poster of the dance.

I raised my eyebrows. "How can I possibly help you with that?"

He looked around, as if he was going to tell me something no one else could hear. "You know that Dara and I have been dating for nearly a year now," He said to which I nodded. "Well, I'd like to surprise her at the dance."

I slowly nodded. "I understand but how can I help?"

He sighed. "I need someone to help me pick the right clothes, flowers, and gift."

I once again raised my eyebrows. "And you think I'm the person that can help you with that?"

He nodded. "Who else?"

I shrugged. "Doesn't Dara have other friends?"

"Well, yeah, but - "

"So they might know her better than I do..."

"Maybe," He shook his head then. "But I want you to help me," He then look me in the eyes. "Can I count on you?"

Even though I wasn't sure I was the best person to help him, the fact he chose me did something to me. So I smiled. "I'd love to help you, Naheed."

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It was the evening of the dance, I was watching tv at home. I had helped Naheed with his errands this week, he was thankful for it. He asked me to join him at the dance, but I respectfully declined his offer. It was his special night, not mine. No, my evening would be watching tv with my fathers.

"Hey princess," Papa suddenly said, making dad look at me too. "Wasn't tonight the dance at your school?"

Dad seemed surprised to hear this and sat up. "Is that true, honey?"

I sighed. "It doesn't matter, I prefer to be here."

"But Rose," Dad started. "These are the things you'll remember when you're older."

"True," I looked at him. "I'll remember how I was lonely," I then looked back at the tv. "No, thanks."

In the corner of my eyes, I saw them look at each other. I really didn't understand what they wanted from me. Did they really expect me to go to the dance on my own?

"Princess," Papa started. "I know you feel lonely, but sometimes things can change at these events."

I looked at him. "Change?"

"Yes," He showed me a small smile. "What if you'll meet the love of your life there? Do you really want to miss out on that?"

I sighed and sat up. "Look, just because you two met each other at a dance like that, doesn't mean I'll meet my partner," I then looked down. "Besides, who would want me?" I mumbled.

"Anyone with eyes and ears," Dad said, gaining my attention again. "There is a person for you, honey, you just have to make sure this person can find you."

I chuckled a bit. "Oh, so I wouldn't have to look for them?"

"Honey," Dad chuckled too. "You wouldn't look for the right person, we both know that."