The Academy

Twenty Seven

Rose:

I heard a car drive away, doors slamming, and some shouting. On a wedding day that’s not a good sign, so, of course, I went to go check on everything.

Once I got to the room where I last saw Jace and Tink go into (I had to leave to go check on my dress and make sure it was all intact) I saw Jace come out of the room muttering to himself, “That wasn’t the reaction I was going for.” I crossed my arms, “What wasn’t who reaction now?” He glanced up as if realizing I was standing and sighed. “Come on, you might as well meet her too.” “Meet who?” I asked him and he just walked and gestured for me to follow him.

He led me to my room, and opened the door. “I’ll leave you two alone.” he said as he walked into his opposite room. and slammed the door behind him.

With a sigh I walked into my room and looked a beautiful lady who seemed vaguely familiar. She was sitting on Tink’s bed and she looked up at me. “Rose?” she asked quietly and she stood up and went to hug me. I took a step back, “Whoa, whoa, lady! Who are you?” I asked putting my hands up and she seemed confused. “He didn’t tell you did he?” “Tell me what?! I asked throwing my hands up in exasperation. She looked at the ground, “I’m your mother, Wendy.”

The puzzle pieces clicked together and I nodded, “Ah, so that’s what’s got everyone in a rut.” “You aren’t mad?” she asked hopefully and I rolled my eyes, and this one was more than my other ones. This was an eye roll worthy of an award.

“No, why would I be mad? Because if you had’ve been there for me then I wouldn’t have to grow up on the streets? Because if you would’ve been here, and a mother I would’ve met my best friend Nathan and he would probably still be alive?” I asked sarcastically, and I continued, “But no, you had to go on a ‘find yourself and dessert your family’ journey!” I finished and she looked at me, almost looking mad. “I already have one of my daughters mad at me, I don’t want you too, I’m your mother-” “My mother?! No! A mother is somebody who’s there for you, to watch your first steps, not to give you up to some fucking orphanage! You are not my mother. Don’t you dare show up at the wedding or I will throw you out, regardless of what Tink says.” I yell storming out of the room and running into Jace’s room, closing the door behind me and I pressed my forehead against the cool wood.

“How the hell can she say she’s my mother when-” my voice broke and I felt my eyes sting with tears. He propped himself up on an elbow, “I assume it went as well with you as it did for Tinkerbell?” “Shut up.” I muttered, right now was not the time for his snarky comments. “Why the hell would you bring her here?” I asked, turning from him so he couldn’t see me crying right now. His voice was coming closer now, shit he was probably standing up.

“I thought it would be nice for Tink to have her mother with her, it’s what she’s wanted for the longest time. I thought it would be doing more good than bad.” “Well look what happens when you make assumptions.” I whispered and he put his hand on my shoulder, “I’m sorry Rose.” “You shouldn’t apologize to me, it’s Tink’s big day.” “I will, but right now you’re crying, so that’s what I’m worried about.”

Great. He knew I was crying.

“What gave it away?” I asked and he smirked, “I’m your boyfriend, I’m pretty sure I know when you’re upset.” He embraced me and kissed the top of my head, and I buried my face in his shoulder. “I’m so tired of crying, why can’t things just go right for a change?” I murmured and he squeezed me tighter, “You know, I’ve been wondering that for years.” He looked at me and wiped the tears. Then he said in a whisper, “You know I don’t like seeing pretty girls cry?” Course that comment made me smile, and he smiled in return. “There you go.”

His phone rang and he cursed, “Dammit, now of all times?” He answered the phone. “Hello.” he said coldly and then his anger disappeared. “Oh, Tink!...You’re coming back?...Well then hurry up, we have to get you ready!” he hung up and spun me, “The wedding’s still on!” he cheered and I laughed.

There was a knock on the door and he set me down. Sam poked his head in, “Sorry, was I interrupting anything?” “Nope.” I said, turning bright red and he laughed as if understanding what was happening. “Well, since the wedding is still on, shouldn’t you get ready?” he asked and I nodded.