Flower Boy

Chapter Twenty Eight

            My phone blared at me, and I struggled to get out of bed. I prepared myself mentally for how James would be, then walked downstairs. Before I got to the bottom step, I smelled bacon and eggs, and I heard something sizzling. Could I possibly be dreaming? I peeked around the corner at James, standing there in his apron, cooking something. I blinked, trying to dispel any figments of my imagination. No, he was really there.

"James...?" I asked hesitantly. He turned and smiled at me, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Good morning, Rosa," he said, and I nodded.

"Good morning," I replied, sitting down slowly. He placed a plate of eggs and bacon in front of me, with a pancake on the side. I looked up at him, questioning what was going on. He sighed.

"Rosa... I'm sorry about last night, and the nights before, and all the nights before. I haven't been a good father, or a good human being. You were right, we need to live for him, so I've turned over a new leaf. This... This is my feeble apology," he explained slightly sheepishly. I could see how Donavan's death was affecting him, and I nodded.

"I understand, and I forgive you," I said. He smiled softly again, and I saw some light in his eyes.

"Well, dig in," he invited. I looked at him.

"Alright. Right after I grab some utensils," I replied, getting up.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Rosa, I guess I'm not back to normal, am I," he groaned, embarrassed. I shrugged.

"It was a lot of beer," I admitted. I sat back down and ate, the food as delicious as it had been before Donavan had died. I finished, putting my plate in the sink, and got ready for school.

I had one foot out the door when I heard James calling.

"Rosa, do you need a ride?" he asked.

"No, I'm just taking the bus," I called back.

"Do you want me to take you?" he asked, coming into the entrance area.

"No, I'm fine," I replied shaking my head. I doubted he was in fit shape to be driving, no matter how good of an act he was putting on for me. He frowned.

"Are you sure?" he asked, and I nodded.

"Really, I'm fine. You should just rest," I said, walking out the door.

"Bye, Rosa!" he called. I waved back, continuing on to the bus stop.

At school, I saw my friends, and made sure to avoid them. It was just too awkward after what had happened last night. I unpacked my things and got ready for my next classes. I stood up and locked my locker, turning to face Kyle. I tried to get around him, but he held out an arm to block me.

"Excuse me," I mumbled, keeping my head down and going the other direction. He held out his other arm. I refused to look up at him.

"Please let me through," I whispered.

"Rosa, look at me," he commanded, but I refused.

"Rosalena Mechant, look at me," he said, and this time I glanced at him.

"Alright, happy? Please let me through, I have a class to get to," I said, getting annoyed. He didn't budge.

"Rosa, what's wrong?" he asked in a slightly softer tone.

"Nothing, just you blocking my way," I replied, trying again to leave. Again, he stood his ground. I huffed.

"Really, what do you want?" I asked, finally looking up to hold his gaze. A few seconds passed before he spoke.

"I just wanted you to know, we're here for you, that's all," he sighed, and let me go. I stared at his back. He turned around.

"Sorry," he called over his shoulder, and continued walking. I stood there, slightly baffled, but continued to my next class.

*** *** ***

All my classes that day had basically gone the same way. I would arrive at the class, the teacher would ask for homework, and I would realize I hadn't done it. The teacher would look at me disapprovingly, and tell me to get it done. Mrs. Clark took me out to the hallway again and told me that my grades were starting to fall thanks to the late homework. So did Mr. Carpenter, telling me that he was here for support, but I needed to focus. It sounded contradictory to me, but I nodded, acknowledging his effort. I found myself staring at my locker before going back into action. Serena popped up in my periphery, but I stayed focused on packing my bag and leaving. I felt her tap my shoulder and I turned to tell her off, when I saw her face.

She looked like she was about to cry, and my heart melted.

"... Serena, are you okay?" I asked slowly. She nodded, wiping at her eyes before any tears fell.

"I just wanted to maybe, you know, grab a coffee or something before you go home," she said quietly, with a smile that seemed genuine, but I knew it was forced. I nodded. How could I refuse her?

We packed our bags and headed out, finding her car in the parking lot slowly emptying out. We dropped our bags in the trunk and got in, Serena in the driver's seat and me on the passenger's side. She started the engine and we left, the school fading in the distance as we sped away. I turned to face Serena.

"So, where do you wanna go?" I asked. She shrugged.

"Anywhere. Starbucks..." she started, but I finished her sentence.

"Is a little expensive," I said, giving her a small smile. She nodded, smiling back at me.

"What about Sweet & Savory?" I suggested, knowing it was her favorite. She gave a small laugh.

"You know me so well,"she said with small smile. We headed off towards the Sweet & Savory café, theonly sounds were the wheels rolling along the road, and the quiet musicstreaming out of the radio