Rose Among Thorns

7-Meal

Rose pov:

I sit cross-legged on the floor in Theo's room, holding the PlayStation controller a little awkwardly as he points excitedly at the screen. He's completely absorbed, grinning as he gives me instructions that feel like they're coming way too fast. I try to follow, clicking the buttons as he says, and feel a strange lightness growing in my chest. I've barely played any video games before, but there's something contagious about his happiness, like I'm being pulled into this warm, carefree place I didn't know existed. No demands. No one shouting, no sharpness in anyone's voice—just laughing as we play. For once, I let myself relax.

But as the clock ticks closer to 12:30, my chest starts tightening, the lightness slipping away. Lunch. Alice said it would be casual, but the thought of sitting at a big table surrounded by so many people—strangers, really, even if they're family—has my stomach turning. I try to push down the feeling as we head toward the dining room, but it just grows sharper with every step.

I trail behind Theo, feeling the soreness in my arms and back with each movement. The hallways blur as I take a deep breath, telling myself that this time, things will be different.

The dining room is already set when we arrive. The table is long, shiny, and covered with dishes that smell amazing, almost surreal. Charles is at the head of the table, looking serious, his eyes dark but hard to read. Grayson and Owen sit together, talking quietly, while Oliver sits nearby with a small, reassuring smile. Across the table, the twins, Luca and Nico, are helping themselves eagerly. Theo waves me over, patting the seat next to him.

"Come sit, Rose!" he calls out, beaming.

I take the seat, feeling unsure, as everyone around me starts reaching for bowls and platters without any hesitation. I wait. That's what I'm supposed to do, right? I fold my hands in my lap, staring down at the food and willing myself to stay calm, to keep it together. The rule's always been that I wait. Just sit still, quiet, and wait until everyone else is done. I can have whatever's left... if there's anything left.

I don't know how long I sit there, unmoving, until Charles speaks, his tone casual. "Rose, I enrolled you in the high school with the twins and Theo. You'll start on Monday."

"Oh," I answer quietly. "Okay." I look down, my fingers tightening around each other.

The clinking of silverware goes on, and Theo reaches for seconds, only for Grayson to stop him. "Don't start seconds if someone hasn't even had their first serving," he says firmly. I glance up, realizing everyone is staring at me. My skin prickles, heat rising in my cheeks.

"Aren't you hungry?" Oliver asks softly, his face gentle but concerned.

I look at him, feeling the burn of their gazes all around me. "I am," I say, feeling like I should be whispering, even if I'm not.

"Then why haven't you eaten anything?" Oliver presses gently.

I swallow, confusion rising. "Am I... am I not supposed to wait?" I ask, feeling as if I've said something wrong, like I've broken some unspoken rule.

Theo's expression softens, worry clouding his usual brightness. "Wait? For what?"

My cheeks feel hot. "You know, wait until you're done eating and then... eat whatever's left over." My voice trails off, barely a murmur, and I look down again, my heart pounding.

Silence falls around the table, and when I look up, their faces have changed. Everyone looks horrified—Charles's jaw clenches as he looks down, and Oliver's brows are knitted together, his lips parted slightly as though he wants to say something but can't find the words. Theo looks... hurt. I don't understand. What did I say?