ROSE

Chapter Ten - Unveil

Kimberly was shocked to hear the news that Emily had left the premises. She did not find sense in the news that Emily left the hotel without informing anyone, nevertheless, she was worried.

"What time was it when you saw her walk out of the gate?" inquired Lucy.

"Not long ago," replied Patrick.

Lucy spoke calmly, "Then that means she couldn't have gone too far. She must be stretching her legs. After all, she has been locked up in her bedroom, she definitely needs some fresh air. Let us relax and wait for her return."

"Wait for her?!" Kimberly was furious, "Are you hearing yourself right now? You know, I think you are the one who requires fresh air. You are currently acting selfish. Yes, Emily wanted to go back home, but she wouldn't dare leave by herself without informing any of us. She has been terrified of this place, which you would have known if you paid a little attention to her than yourself."

Lucy protested, "I am not selfish... All I said was that we wait for her." She was now getting irritated by Emily's topic.

Kimberly slightly bent her head. "And what if she doesn't come back? We are in a middle of a forest after all."

Lucy was angry; her eyebrows shot up. She knew where the conversation was heading. "Do you want to look for her? And what if death creeps up on us while looking for Emily?"

Kimberly glowered into Lucy's eyes; staring at each other like two furious fighters about to rip each other apart. Kimberly proclaimed with authority; her teeth grinding. "I would rather die in the process of looking for my friend in a deadly forest than do nothing about it."

The angry stare ceased when Kimberly turned to Patrick. "In which direction did she go?"

Patrick frowned, he hesitated to reply but was compelled by the deadly look which crossed Kimberly's face. "Madam, the forest can be dangerous at times. I suggest..."

"Spare me the details and answer my question," interrupted Kimberly. There was a tone of authority in her voice; an after-effect of the partial argument with Lucy.

Slowly but carefully, Patrick raised his hand and pointed in the west direction.

"Thank you," she replied and hurried to her bedroom.

Kimberly placed the music box on the bed, picked up her bag pack from the floor. She picked out some food and bottled water and stacked them in her bag. She figured it would be appropriate to carry two coats because the weather was unpredictable.

Flashbacks of Emily's fear sessions crept in Kimberly's mind. She was wrapped in guilt for not acting upon Emily's earlier suggestion. Her heart was not at peace, she felt hollow in her stomach, her hands and legs shook tremulously as she scurried from one corner to the other.

"Can I come in?" inquired Thomas as he stood patiently by the door waiting for permission.

Kimberly glanced at Thomas but said nothing, she continued with her activity, ignoring him. Thomas could no longer wait for permission, he pattered into the girl's bedroom and stood in front of Kimberly, blocking her way.

Kimberly was irritated and disgusted by this behaviour, she commanded, "Get out of my way!" But Thomas did not obey. He stood motionless, gazing into Kimberly's worrisome eyes.

She stepped to her right, but was soon mimicked by Thomas, blocking her way once again. She ignored him and tried to escape by taking another step to her left but was blocked. Her irritation reached the threshold, she was about to slap Thomas out of her way but she quickly restrained herself. "Get out of my way, Thomas! I am not going to say this again," she warned.