Just Rosalie

Keeping It A Secret Part2

Rosalie looked at the smile on her mother's face as she talked to Zoe. They'd headed over to Zoe's place, and had been there for the entire afternoon, so far. Kaitlyn was enjoying catching up with Zoe. She'd always wished that Zoe and Rosalie would've worked out. They were the perfect pair. But their lives took different paths.
"And I'm so sorry to hear about Roman. I... didn't know what happened."
Zoe felt her eyes welling up again. She'd had a few sleepless nights thinking about Romario and how much she'd missed him.
"It's okay, honey. He'll be in our hearts forever. I'm just happy that at least one of my kids is alive. I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost them both that night."
Rosalie closed her eyes and swallowed. She didn't like to think about that night, or talk about it. She'd avoided telling anyone about it. But it seemed as though Kaitlyn wanted to bring up the ghosts.
"Both of them? Rosalie was in the accident?"
Zoe wondered why Rosalie hadn't told her the intensity of the accident. As she looked at Rosalie's face, Rosalie's eyes did not meet hers. Zoe frowned and felt her heart pull inside of her chest.
"Mum, must you always bring up the past? I'd like to keep certain things away from strangers, if you don't mind."
Kaitlyn knew that Rosalie hated recalling the events of that night. But she'd gotten over stepping on eggshells about it. Rosalie had quitted therapy the day she'd moved out, and Kaitlyn always hoped that her daughter would realize the importance of it.
"Zoe's not a stranger, honey. It's been almost ten years. I'd like to think that I can discuss my son's death to whomever I like, as a matter of fact."
"Fine."
Rosalie stood and headed for her shoes. She was leaving, since she didn't want to hear any more of it.
"You're overreacting."
Her mother didn't budge from her seat. She knew that Rosalie was too stubborn to listen and take her feelings of the matter into consideration
"Then let me overreact. I'm taking a drive round the block."
She opened the door and stepped out of the house. As the night air brushed against her cheeks, she felt the tears sliding down.
"Rosalie, let me come on the drive with you. I think we should talk."
Zoe slipped her arms through her jacket and zipped it up.
"And leave my mother? She'll probably want to come too, so you better stay."
Zoe looked back into the house where Barbara and Kaitlyn sat chatting. Michelle was probably in her room studying, or doing what any normal teenage girl did in the twenty-first century-which she wasn't sure was what.
"As I said, I want to talk."
Rosalie let out a breath and nodded. They headed to Rosalie's car and Rosalie pulled onto the road. As her hands steadied the steering wheel, she took a glance at Zoe.
"So, what is it?"
Zoe puffed out her cheeks and placed her hands into the pockets of her jacket.
"Elizabeth..."
"I'll stop you right there."
Rosalie placed a hand up. She didn't need anyone disapproving of her choices, especially her ex-girlfriend.
"No, I think you should go for it." Rosalie wasn't surprised, but a tad curious. Zoe had never been the judgmental type, but she'd always been one to voice her opinions. "Life's a chore without someone to love. I know that for sure. I also know that you need to be careful. Does Lee know?"
Zoe looked at Rosalie with questioning eyes. She felt obligated to, at least, give Rosalie some advice. With all the time she'd avoided contact, guilt took a permanent place in her heart.
"She doesn't. I'm not even sure what we are, or what we're doing. But matter of factly, it's none of your business."
"And there you go being all defensive."
Rosalie tightened her grip onto the steering wheel as she parked near a park. She couldn't drive and talk to Zoe at the same time, not when the conversation consisted of her.
"Defensive? Me? You're the one getting into my business. Would you like me to ask about your life choices and the wife that's been missing in action all day?"
"Marge was deployed a few days ago."
Rosalie quirked a brow and unbuckled her seatbelt.
"Army?"
Zoe nodded. Rosalie didn't expect Margaret to be a soldier, which she found to be a bit sexist on her part.
"She'll be back in a year. You would've known if you kept in contact."
As those words left Zoe's lips, she realized that she was being a hypocrite. Rosalie scoffed, but understood what Zoe was trying to say. As much as Zoe would find it hard to believe, Rosalie didn't obsess over her life. She had her own life to deal with, including her own problems.
"Why do you really want to talk Zoe? There better be an ulterior motive, else I'm getting my mum and heading home."
Zoe reclined her seat backward. She'd thought that Rosalie would be more interested in the goings of her life, but maybe, Rosalie did change, and wasn't concerned about anyone but herself. Had Rosalie become selfish? Though, Rosalie cared a lot for the people who meant the most to her. Zoe was yet to realize that ten years had given Rosalie enough time to not want any relationship whatsoever with her. She didn't need Zoe in her life, not one bit. And that wasn't selfish, that was the art of letting go.
"Why didn't you tell me about the accident?"
Rosalie gritted her teeth. Back to that topic? She'd grown immediately irritated and turned on the ignition. Buckling her seatbelt, and reversing onto the road, she ignored Zoe's question like the plague. She had an answer, but didn't want to voice it. Because in all fairness, why should Rosalie confide in Zoe, of all people? She'd preferred to discuss it with anyone else-someone who hadn't broken her trust, her heart and her sanity, in the past. No matter the reason, what Zoe did was wrong. Zoe could've been truthful, but she chose not to be. And that was the definition of selfishness.
"Let me be clear with you. I have no desire to talk about my feelings with you, or get all chatty. I've changed in these ten years, and in all honesty, I prefer hugging my father than spilling my emotions to you."
Zoe knew of the conflict Rosalie had with her father. Rosalie was never fond of the man. He'd been a bad role model and parent to his kids while growing up. And Rosalie was always the big mouthed, feminist lesbian that her father absolutely despised. To sum it up, they both disliked each other.
"Why do you hold so much hate for me?"
Rosalie chuckled and shook her head. She didn't hate Zoe, at all. She just didn't put up with anyone's irrelevant issues and baggage. Rosalie knew that Zoe only was concerned because she'd felt guilty. So, her trying to be there for Rosalie was her selfish act of getting her troubles off of her chest. But Rosalie didn't need a hand hold and an apology to receive solace for her fifteen year old self. She'd grown up. As much as certain things hurt, Rosalie was strong enough to deal with it on her own, or if need be, her mother was always there for her. She didn't need her ex-girlfriend to be remorseful.
"You seriously think the world revolves around you? I don't hate you, Zoe. But in my life, you hold little to no importance. As hurtful as it sounds, and I'm not trying to be hurtful here, I've learnt to let go. So, I don't fascinate about what you're doing or how you're doing it. Yes, it was a surprise to see you again, and to find out that you're married and pregnant. But, I'm happy for you. You've moved on, and I don't understand why it's so hard for you to believe that I've moved on too."
Zoe felt the tears streaming down her cheeks. Was Rosalie really over her? Surprisingly, it hurt to hear it. As much as she'd been in love with Margaret, she still held feelings for Rosalie. But seemingly, Rosalie didn't feel the same. Zoe wondered why she was disappointed. After ten years, what did she expect? Rosalie had moved on, and she'd thought that she did too. So, why did it hurt so much? Was she still in love with Rosalie? Did she even hold true feelings for Margaret? Zoe loved her wife deeply, but the conflicting feelings within her were confusing and unnecessary.
"I... I..."
"You are a great person Zoe. And maybe one day we can be good friends. But I have a lot going on right now. You need to focus on your life, and I'll focus on mine."
Rosalie took a much needed breath and leaned back in her seat. She realized that she was probably being too harsh, but it was necessary so that she could keep her distance. Zoe was yet another rabbit hole, and the worst to fall down in.
"You're right. I'm sorry."
Zoe realized that they were already parked in front of the house. She'd gotten lost in her thoughts for the past few minutes and the world became irrelevant.
"Please take care of yourself, and the baby. I really am happy for you, Zoe."
Rosalie said sincerely before getting out of the car. She pressed the doorbell and Barbara answered the door.
"Mum, we should head home. I'm exhausted."
Rosalie didn't bother to step foot inside of the house. She didn't feel like taking off her shoes just to put them back on in a few minutes.
"Zoe, you've got my number. We'll catch up without Miss Buzz kill over there. And Barbara, get that number from your daughter, you and I are definitely going to the theatre someday."
Rosalie wasn't too pleased that her mother was getting comfortable with Zoe and her family. But what could she say? Kaitlyn could've done what she wanted.
Michelle rushed down the steps with a huge grin on her face. She seemed a tad over hyped.
"Henry's going to Milan this Summer. Mom, can I go with him? This is so awesome."
Michelle squealed, making everyone cringe in the room-her voice sent an irritating vibration toward their eardrums.
"That's great. But I'm not sure that I can afford that."
Barbara said with hesitant eyes. She hated to disappoint her daughter. But after her father's death, money had become tight.
"Milan, huh? That does sound fun."
Kaitlyn was thinking of taking a trip back home to check on the houses. She hadn't been home in a few months.
"His mom's firm is going international, and she's got a client in Milan, so she'll be there for a few weeks."
"Architect's travel?"
Michelle shrugged. She knew that Henry's mom was great at her job, and was striving at her successful firm.
"Beth's always been ambitious. I'm happy for her."
Barbara said. She'd often thought Elizabeth to be someone who she wished she could be-independent and smart. Barbara had settled to be a homemaker, instead of pursuing a career.
"Beth?"
Kaitlyn looked at her daughter and narrowed her gaze. Was she hearing correctly? If she was, then Rosalie's new squeeze was Henry's mother-her ex-fiancée's ex-wife. How could Rosalie not tell her?
Rosalie swallowed and placed her hand on her mother's shoulder. She knew that she had a lot to explain, but wanted to do it privately.
"Mum, we'll talk about it later."
Rosalie whispered into her mother's ear, before stepping back and closing the door. She realized that they were probably going to be a while longer, but still didn't want to take off her shoes.
"Michelle, how would you fancy taking a trip on my private jet? I was planning to head to Milan anyway. You guys can tag along."
Rosalie opened her mouth to say something but, was instead, shoved in the arm. She gave her mother a glare and groaned.
"Wow, really? You're really a lifesaver."
Michelle sprinted into Kaitlyn's arms. Barbara was hesitant about the idea. Was it the right choice?
"You really don't have..."
Zoe was cut off with a glare from Michelle. Kaitlyn chuckled and Rosalie frowned as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"It'll be my pleasure. We can all go and we'll stay at the lake house this year, honey."
Rosalie shrugged and nodded. It's not like she had a say in the matter anyway.
"A private jet, though? Mum, when's the last time we travelled like that?"
Kaitlyn chuckled. She'd always travelled by her own plane. Just because her daughter preferred public commute, didn't mean that she did.
"I came here with one. Sometimes I wonder who raised you. I have luxurious taste."
Rosalie huffed and leaned against the door. She just wanted to head home and take a nap. She didn't care about the promises that her mother was making and the awkward positions Kaitlyn was putting her in. Though, she did. Did Kaitlyn really think that it was a good idea to invite Zoe and her family on a trip back home? Did she think about Rosalie's concerns? But then, Rosalie thought about spending time with Elizabeth.
"Henry and Beth can stay with us too. It'll work out cheaper for her, and..."
"You can tell her yourself." Kaitlyn's tone held an amused tone that only Rosalie could decipher. Her mother was probably thinking about all the ways to tease her already. "Summer's almost here anyway, and I can't wait to get out of this rot. My daughter has me staying at a hotel that doesn't even have a lesbian bar. She's become a great disappointment. I remember the days when I'd bed college girls and she'd go for the lecturers. Oh, how I miss the slutty side of her."
Rosalie's eyes widened and she shoved her mother's arm. It wasn't true, to a certain extent. Kaitlyn wasn't embarrassed to reveal the details of her lifestyle, or at least things she'd done in the past.
"Mum! You make us sound so slutty!"
Kaitlyn chuckled and wagged her eyebrows. It was true. They'd been each other's wing woman for a few years, but Rosalie had ventured into Lee's bed permanently, leaving her mother to strive on her own.
"But we were, honey. At least I can admit that. Bloody hell, I'm probably still slutty, you're the one who joined a metaphorical convent and saved your goods for only one woman."
Rosalie's cheeks were heating up. Her mother was intentionally embarrassing her. Barbara, Zoe and Michelle chuckled as Rosalie wore a solemn frown on her face.
"I seriously wish you never had an orgasm in your entire life, maybe then you'll act more appropriate!"
Rosalie stormed out of the house and headed over to her car. Her cheeks were so flushed, that you'd think she had a sunburn.
Kaitlyn followed her daughter to the car and slid into the passenger side seat.
"So, when were you going to tell me about Beth, huh? I'd think it wasn't too hard to."
Rosalie groaned as she pulled onto the road and held the steering wheel steady.
"I didn't want your opinion, if you must know. And as I said, I'm old enough to have a private life."
"Not when you're my daughter. I tell you everything, even the time when I got propositioned for a threesome."
"Mum, I wish you'd keep things like that to yourself. You're entitled to your own privacy, as well."
Kaitlyn liked to be an open book. There wasn't a thing that she'd kept a secret in her life.
"But I like sharing. Sharing is caring."
Rosalie stared intently at the stop light as Kaitlyn fixed her seat. It had been reclined too much.
"And are you seriously inviting all of them to Milan? I mean invite Elizabeth and Henry, but not everyone."
"Whether you like it or not, Zoe is family."
Rosalie scoffed. Family? Out of all things, her ex-girlfriend had to be considered family. It was utterly unbelievable.
"You should've adopted her before she ran off for ten fucking years."
"Yes, I should have. And people do things that we don't like, but it's their life to live, honey."
Rosalie knew that she'd dread having Zoe there with her in Milan, but she was excited to be there with Elizabeth. Lee had never even visited her childhood home in the four years that they'd been together, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that Rosalie was getting a chance to spend time with Elizabeth and Henry without it being suspicious.