John's girl ~ A John Shelby love story

Chapter 11: Dreaming big

Once everyone was inside, Rose realised how cold it had been outside. The fire crackling away, creating a warm atmosphere. Everyone sat down, intrigued to know more about Rose's trip away.

One thing that they all noticed was how different she looked. She wore a long green dress, her hair was down and partly wavy. Her eyes full of a sparkle that no one had seen properly before. She looked beautiful in every way. Free and angelic.

"You're hair's different" remarked John, quietly. Although everyone was listening.

Rose gave him a warm smile.

"My aunt helped, I think it brings out my roots" replied Rose, still smiling.

"It's beautiful" hummed John, but she heard him clearly. Gently she leaned forward kissing him on the cheek sweetly. He blushed.

"Sorry to ruin your moment but you're not alone, you know" said Ada, sassily.

Everyone laughed at this and it broke some of the tension in the room.

"Tell us, what do you think of your mothers side?" Asked Polly, taking a sip of her tea.

"Incredibly free, creative, witty, fun.. I never thought I'd fit in somewhere so well" cried Rose, recalling every moment in her memory.

Polly smiled happily. "How was Zelda?" Asked Polly, now putting her tea down.

"She's wonderful although she misses you a lot" remarked Rose, sitting more comfortably in her seat.

"I haven't visited her in... well.. too long" replied Polly, going into deep thought.

"Where there any horses? Or magic?" Asked Finn, eagerly awaiting Rose's answer.

Some of the group chuckled softly at his young spirit.

"Both, maybe one day you'll be able to see it for yourself!' Whispered Rose, with a bright smile on her face. Finn gasped happily.

Unexpectedly he gave her a big hug. She wrapped her arms around him and patted his back gently.
All the men in the room, watched her with a soft eye. John with admiration and love. Tommy with what could only be described as longing. Arthur as contentment.

Once Finn, let go he yawned massively earning a look from Polly.

"I think it's time for you to go to bed Finn" said Polly, finishing her tea.

"No fair aunt Polly, I'll only go to bed if Rose can stay here" said Finn, with puppy eyes.

Polly remained stern but everyone tried not to laugh. John in particular couldn't hold his grin.

"Well that's up to Rose. But you need your sleep either way Finn" replied Polly, in a strict tone.

John looked into Rose's eyes, so much emotion was inside them. Polly got the hint immediately.

"I think we should leave them to talk about things" said Polly, respectfully but also giving a wink to Rose when no one was looking.

"We'll catch up later then, over drinks!" Cried Ada.

Rose nodded eagerly, squeezing her hand for reassurance and comfort. Ada smiled before leaving the room.

"Well then, best leave you two love birds to sort it out! If you need me I'll be.." said Arthur, pointing to upstairs. A rather pleased grin on his face.

John nodded and smiled back at his older brother.

Tommy remained frozen to where he was stood. A blank look on his face. His mind clearly elsewhere. Rose was looking at him without any particular emotion on her face but her eyes were full of worry.
He met her eyes for a moment before looking at John.