Vices & Virtues

Six

ANOTHER SIDE

"Yeah sure, no... my mom is out of town... no, I understand. You're welcome anytime... okay, see you soon," Rosé said into her phone after it rang, interrupting the girls movie.

"Who was that?" Irene asked.

"It was Lisa, she's coming over."

"What? Why?" Irene's tone was harsher then she meant it to be. She didn't want to interact with the brunette anymore then she had, not just because she disliked her but also because... she was beginning to like her. Okay 'like' wasn't the correct word- more like... tolerate.

"I'm not sure, she just said it was a family emergency," Rosé explained vaguely.

"Well," Irene sighed, "There goes our eventful night of movies and junk food.

"What, Lis can't watch movies with us?"

"I don't think it would be a good idea if I stayed if she's going to be here."

"C'mon Irene, I thought you guys were getting a long now! You are dating after all..." Rosé smirked.

"Yeah well, our relationship is strictly business."

"Please just stay. Pleeeeaase, I'm sure she won't mind," the blondie pouted and used her big eyes to her advantage. Truthfully, Rosé just wanted to see how they interacted with each other- without having to pretend they were dating- to deduce if either of them could be developing something more than hostility, hopefully friendship at the very least.

Irene caved when her lower lip started to tremble slightly.

"Ugh fine. You owe me one though," Irene agreed reluctantly.

"Yaaaaay! Thanks Irene!" she said hugging her tightly, and then the doorbell rang, "Just on time!"

Irene followed her friend to the door, staying back while she answered it.

The last thing Irene expected was a small boy with a mess of brunette hair to come jumping into Rosé arms.

"Rosé!" Lucas exclaimed as he clung to her.

"Little L!" she said hugging him. The door opened more to reveal Lisa.

"Irene?" she said surprised.

Irene looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Among the shock in the brunettes eyes was anger and frustration, but her whole face screamed sadness.

"Um...hey," she said forcing out a small smile. It was evident that Lisa wouldn't be in the teasing mood.

"Are you okay Lis?" Rosé asked, still holding Lucas in her arms.

"I- can I talk to you... alone?" Lisa asked. Irene was offended slightly until she saw that Lisa's eyes darted to what she assumed to be her brothers and not hers.

"Yeah Lis. Umm... Irene?" At the mention of her name Irene stopped staring at the tall dancer and looked at Rosé.

"Yeah?"

"Ummm, can you watch Lucas for a sec?"

"Err...Uh. Yeah. O-okay," Irene stuttered. Rosé lifted Lucas and set him on the ground and Lisa knelt down.

"Mmk L. You're gonna hang out with my friend Irene while I talk to Rosé okay?"

"Mmkay Lili!" the boy said kissing her cheek. Irene's heart leapt (involuntarily) when she heard her call Irene her friend, then again at her sweetness towards her brother.

The two girls disappeared into the dining room and Irene was left with the small child.

Let's be honest, Irene was not the ideal babysitter. She cussed too much, knew nothing about what a kid liked, was scared of getting their sticky hands all over her designer clothes and she was as temperamental as any kid.