Who Knows || Riff (West Side Story 2021)

Chapter 27

𝟷. 𝙳𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟷𝟿𝟻𝟼

Christmas was a special time of year for Rose Everly, and it always had been. From her time as a child, wide eyed and in awe of the beauty of Holiday carols and flashing lights, Rose had never forgotten the magic that came with presents and snow.

Though she couldn't remember her first Christmas exactly, she could remember the first without her mother. It had been a long day, not as bright or as fun as the others. They could tell it was different.

Then, there was the first Christmas that she hadn't spent with her brothers- the time she'd first moved into Manhattan. That might've been the hardest, but now had to be worse. She couldn't think of a more terrible way to spend Christmas than away from her family.

Now, she had no father. Her brothers were in various parts of the world for work, and so she was left alone. Well, she was alone, with Riff.

Though the Everly girl had never wanted to be in a relationship, or married in any way, spending Christmas alongside Riff was going to be the best thing that had happened to her in quite some time. There was so much he had taught her, and so many moments they had shared. It was unlike anything she'd experienced before, and anything she was likely to again.

Now, she was getting to spend some of her best times, where her best memories were rooted, with him.

Christmas was that place.

It had been almost a year since she and Riff had crossed paths for the first time. Since she has bumped into him, but it didn't feel like that long. It felt just like yesterday.

She saw the Christmas lights on the streets, and now, she was lining her house with them. Riff's hands travelled across hers, stretching the wires with ease. He caused goosebumps to prickle on the top of her skin, and smiled when he noticed.

"Merry Christmas Rosie." He grinned as that sat together in front of the fire, radio blaring still.

With her eyes closed, head leaning on his chest, Rose replied. "Merry Christmas." And felt as if everything were alright.

𝟷𝟺. 𝙳𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟷𝟿𝟻𝟼

The local high school was known for holding two dances throughout the year. The first was in the winter, designed for Christmas, and to give the girls the chance to dress up before seeing their families. The other was in the summer, to celebrate so many events that they never remembered what it was really for.

     However, Rose was excited. Quite some time ago, Riff had promised to take her to this dance.

     The last time, it was magical, even if the Jets were there. But this time, it was just them.

     It was Riff Lorton and Rose Everly, dancing together in front of Manhattan's young adults. Their bodies were pressed together as the music slowed, and though both of them were talented in this area, they knew showing off would be no good. This was for pleasure, and not power.

     This was Riff showing Rose his love, and her returning it, tenfold.

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Disclaimer!!!
I do not own West Side Story or the characters originally from the book, play, or musical. I do not own Riff, or any events from the 2021 film that this book is based off. However, I do own Rose, her friends, family, and her relationship with Riff prior to the film.
All of this is purely fictional, anything that relates to real life is purely coincidence.