A Single Rose

Chapter One

A/N: Hi guys so this is the first chapter, enjoy:)) 

I have always loved exploring, and I do a lot of it too. In the city, and all around where I live. Exploring is so much better than being stuck in that awful place all day long. I don't live in a house - or even a flat - like most kids my age do. Instead, the place I call home is the orphanage. Been there since I was two, it's the only home I know at this point.

Most of the kids I became friends with have been adopted. Me? No, not so much. The other kids think I'm weird and strange. Everyone except Lili, who's my only remaining friend. She'd be out here exploring with me if she wasn't sick. Technically, I'm not supposed to be out here. We're not allowed off of the grounds without previous permission. I'm always able to sneak away though. I think Ms Lewis knows I leave the grounds, but after twelve years with me, she's given up caring. I always come back at the end of the day anyway, so what does it matter?

The orphanage sits in the middle of a forest clearing. A quite large clearing if I do say so. Surrounding the clearing is obviously the forest. Scatters of trees and even a creek. It's located right outside of Bordon. My favorite place to go is into the London, which is about a two hour train ride from here, but once I'm there it's worth it. I may not have enough money except to have a train ticket there and back, but exploring London without a cost is just as fun. At least in my opinion.

I'm shifted out of my thoughts as the train comes to it's final stop, at least for me. My adventure today includes walking up Charing Cross Road. Which wouldn't be that fun with no money for most people, but I like it. Walking peacefully through busy streets, off in my own little world. That is until I run into someone who appears out of thin air. Or, it seems as if they appear out of thin air. This causes me drop my remaining money, used to get me back home.

"Sorry!" I quickly apologize.

"I'm the one who should be sorry. Sorry for running into you by the way, it was total accident! Here, here's your money back." The girl hands me my money back. Surprising, I figured she'd simply steal it. I finally get a good look at the girl. Taller than me with dark brown wavy hair and brown eyes. She's wearing yellow overalls overtop a plain white shirt. "I'm Emmie by the way, Emmie Jones. What's your name?" She seems nice. Really nice.

"I'm Rose, um Rose Smith."

"Pleasure to meet you! I'm actually going out for lunch, would you like to join me?"

"I don't have any money except for my train ticket back home," I say embarrassed. "I'd love to, but I can't."

"I'm happy to pay for both of us!" She says happily. "I don't really... have any friends. I'm sort of- I sort of wish I did. So I was hoping to um... maybe be your friend?" Emmie is sort of weird but also really nice, I can't imagine her not having any friends. Maybe she's just messing with me. On the other hand, when was the last time I hung out with someone like this? Never. I am a teenager and I deserve to have some fun. Then again even though she says she'll pay I still feel bad... "Sorry, did I say too much? I do that a lot, sorry." She seems genuine and in need of a friend so why not?

"That sounds fun."

"Really? Yay, thank you so much Rosie! Can I call you Rosie, is that alright?" I've never had a nickname before. I nod happily. "Yay! Okay, where would you like to go for lunch?" I shrug.

"I don't mind. I really have never been in this area before."

"Well I guess it's up to me to show you all this place has to offer!" She takes my hand and starts through the crowds of people.

We finally found a restaurant and got seated. According to Emmie, this place is the best of the best. "So, how old are you? I'm fourteen."

"Me too!" I reply. "Do you have any siblings?"