A Rose's Thorns

Chapter 12, Breakfast "Date"

Rosaleen’s PoV

I sat across from Alan, picking at a steaming pile of pancakes that had a hazelnut spread smeared across it. My brows went up in shock. While a steaming mug of black coffee sat next to the plate.

“I didn’t know this Anomaly could actually cook-” I admitted softly, my eyes looking over the breakfast food. My dark eyes flicked to a quiet amused Alan, his amusement noticeable. 

I hummed softly as I took a bite of the food, my eyes closing at the pure bliss I felt when I ate the food. Alan chuckled softly, I opened my eyes and looked at him, my brows up in confusion.

“What-?” I started but Alan motioned me to stop as he motioned to the food, my brows knitting together ‘OHH he’s telling me to eat. Duh.’ I thought as I ate more food my mouth watering I hadn’t expected the food to actually be good.

“Did you enjoy the food?” He asked his head to the side as I looked up and met his gaze. I nodded slightly, my eyes focused on him as I took a drink of my coffee, my entire body relaxing at tasting the bitter drink.

“I can pay for my stuff, want me to cover your bill?” I asked and his brows shot up in pure shock when I asked that, my eyes watching him.

“NO. My treat.” He said quickly, my brows shot up in amusement as I looked at him amused.

“You know I don’t mind paying.” I offered again and he shook his head quickly, his eyes narrowed and pinned on me.

“I got it.” He said and I smirked, shaking my head softly, my hand already reaching into my pocket for my wallet. I froze instantly, my eyes widened as I tapped my pocket again. I forgot my wallet.

“Uh… I will pay you back. I forgot my wallet.” I said brows together as I huffed, resting my head in my hands in frustration.

“Flower. I don’t mind paying. Breakfast was my idea.” He started firmly and I raised my gaze to look at him. 

“But… I can pay you back.” I said softly and he shook his head firmly,  his eyes determined.

“I have it Flower-” He was about to start but I cut him off, giggling.

“Rose.” I corrected again and his eyes glued to me in amusement as he shook his head.

“That’s too bad, you’re Flower to me now.” He said firmly and I raised my right brow at him shaking my head at him. 

“Why?” I asked looking at him, my eyes studying him and his eyes met mine staring back without hesitation and smirked slightly.

“Because, you’re pretty like a Flower.” He admitted and my brows rose in shock at his sudden compliment, I wasn’t sure what to say as I went to speak but my words died on my tongue. 

“Looks like the cat got your tongue.” He teased, I let out a soft breath regaining my composure and shook my head at his teasing.

“Nope, just not used to compliments.” I admitted and his brows rose slightly as I leaned back, biting at my cheek as I huffed slightly. 

“I’m sorry if I offended you.” He apologized and I shook my head quickly, my eyes widening slightly in worry.

“Oh heavens no, I just don’t know how to accept them very well…” I admitted and he nodded softly in understanding, his brows knitting together as the question I feared came front.

“Why?” He asked and I sucked in a sharp breath, my eyes not meeting his now as I blew a long breath out.

“Stuff to do with my past, not something I enjoy sharing.” I admitted softly, my eyes downcast as I didn’t go into detail, my mind remembering what happened way back when.