Operation Shutdown

...Chapter 8...

"See the cloud to the right? It's shaped like a flamingo," Holden pointed up. Rosie was lying next to Holden on their backs with their sandwiches.

"Is not! Anyone could tell it's a ginormous bowl of soup with a spoon handle coming out!"

"I don't think ginormous is a word," Holden chuckled at her comment.

"Is to!"

"No, it's just a mix between gigantic and enormous." Holden and Rosemary shared a playful smile.

"Fine, we can look it up later." Rosie liked talking to Holden. With everything that had been going on, he made all the stress and worry go away. He understood her more than Emma was. "Wow, your aunt makes the best sandwiches," Rosie said before taking another bite.

"They're pretty good, yeah. But, if you want a really good sandwich, Leo, this guy outside of gate seven, makes a killer sandwich."

"Hmm."

Rosie looked over to where Emma was sitting a few yards away. Emma seemed frustrated by something. She sat braiding together blades of grass and ripping up more blades to replace the ones that broke. I bet Emma would like these sandwiches.

"Have you ever been to this rebel camp?" Rosie averted her attention and sat up. Holden followed, nodding.

"Yes, many times. I never stay for too long though. It just doesn't suit me right. Maybe if there were more people like you there, I would actually stay," Holden's eyes were locked on Rosie's. "Man," he let out a sigh, "you're beautiful. Rosemary, you're beautiful. Has anyone ever told you that?" Rosie's pale cheeks brightened pink. She broke eye contact and looked at the ground as if the grass or blanket would reveal a response. It was moments like that, that made her feel shy. Really? Out of all the things my actions have been ignoring since the gas, the shyness stays?

"Well, um, my family and Emma when we would go places and dress up... It's not often. And I -I've never heard it from a guy... Emma usually got the attention."

"Really? Every guy should be telling you you're beautiful because if they don't, they're not letting you know the amazing, incredible truth," Holden lifted Rosie's head so their eyes could meet again and brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. She followed his hand with her eyes. He's so hot! What do I do? What do I say?

"Bubbles!" Rosie chirped.

"What?"

"Sorry! Where did bubbles come from? Bubbles? Stupid. I am so stupid," Rosie bit her lip and hit the palm of her hand against her forehead. Bubbles?!? Really, Rosemary? You've ruined the moment! Rosie looked up in shock to Holden's chuckles.

"You're adorable," Holden grabbed her hand and rubbed his thumb over the back of it.

"I am?"

"Yes, very," Holden glanced at his watch and perked up. "We need to start moving again. Why don't you go get Emma? I don't think she likes me very much."

"Emma just needs time," Rosie stood up, and Holden jumped up too, with his hand still around Rosie's. "She'll warm up to you. I'm the only one she's ever accepted right away. And that was because of The Test. We were both clueless ten year olds. Well, I'll go get her." Rosie slipped her hand out of Holden's and turned towards the small hill. Walking across the meadow, Rosie felt like she wasn't getting any closer to Emma. How did she walk this far without stopping in exasperation?

Emma looked up from her spot and found Rosie. She squinted because the sun was right behind Rosie's figure. Rosie finally got to where Emma was seated. With Rosie standing, Em cocked her head back and had to look up. With the automatic gesture, Rosie held out her hands to help Emma to her feet like they always did.