Deadly Rose

Chapter 2

"Mummy, come quick! Look at this beautiful flower!" I called out as I rushed into the kitchen to show her. She stopped what she was doing and turned to me, interested. "Wow, that's gorgeous! Where did you find it, honey?" she asked. "I found it in the garden. What's this flower called, Mom?" I asked eagerly. "It's a rose, Alexa. A red rose, sweetheart," she replied, still focused on dinner prep. "Rose," I repeated, spinning the flower in my hand.

Suddenly, the front door slammed open. "Isabella, you bitch, where are you? my dad screamed. He was drunk again, and I froze, unable to move or speak. I looked at my mom, and she looked scared. "Alex, go to your room, quick," she muttered. I couldn't move. "Mummy..." I whispered.

"Alex, go to your room now," she said firmly, tears in her eyes. "There you are, you little brat!" my dad yelled as he stumbled into the kitchen. "Alexa, go lock your door!" my mom screamed at me. I did what she said, rushing to my room and locking the door behind me. I sat there, tears streaming down my face, as I heard my mom's cries.

I woke up suddenly, sweating and tears running down my cheeks. my face and glancing at the clock. It was 4 a.m., the same nightmare again. I wanted to go back to sleep, but I knew I wouldn't be able to do so. So, I got up, got dressed, and went for a walk. The sun was just rising as I strolled through the city, picking up a few things from the supermarket before heading back home.

When I opened the door, I was hit with the sweet smell of vanilla. 'Okay, what's happening here?' I wondered to myself, closing the door quietly and following the scent to its source. There was Daliah, cooking pancakes, completely unaware of my presence.

'Now, what did you do to my best friend? Who are you?' I teased, leaning against the doorway.

'Good morning to you too,' she replied with a grin. I set down what I bought on the counter and went over to see what she was up to.

'Well, at least it smells good,' I teased again, and she playfully smacked my ass, setting off a round of giggles.

'I just woke up and went to check on you, but I didn't find you, so I decided to make us breakfast,' she explained.

'Voilà,' she declared, sliding a plate over to me and passing a steaming cup of coffee. I thanked her, and we settled in to enjoy the meal.

We joked around and laughed, loving the relaxed vibe of Saturday morning. Since the store didn't open until 11 a.m., we had this time all to ourselves. We headed to the shop, and each of us started to work. The client went by to take their order. It was a usual day like others.

"Daliah, I'm heading out to grab us some coffee. I'll be back soon," I said as I put on my coat.

"Alright, see you," she replied.

A few minutes later, I walked into the café. "Hey, Miss Johnson!" I greeted.

"Oh, there's my favorite customer," Miss Johnson said, coming over to give me a hug. She's one of the kindest people I've ever met. When I first arrived in town, her café was the first place I visited. I was in a terrible state, with no place to go or sleep. Meeting her was a blessing; she took me in for the first few months and has always been caring. I'm really grateful to have her in my life.

"How are you doing, honey? I missed you so much," she said.

I smiled and rested my head on her shoulder. "I'm fine, Teta. How about you?"

"I'm doing very well, Lexie," she answered. "Black coffee, right?"

"You know it, Teta. And a cappuccino for Daliah, please," I said while taking off my coat.