Broken Down (Desert Rose Sequel)

Broken Down Chapter 8

“Our most important decisions are made while we are thinking about something else.” -Mason Cooley

“Think about it.” Ivan suggested, reading the indecision on her face. He handed her the black velvet ring box before getting up and apparating out of her room.

Rose put the box next to her and looked up at her ceiling. She sighed as she drummed her fingers on her covers. “Scorpius.” She called, “I know you're there.”

Scorpius shook his head and walked in. He sat on the edge of her bed facing away from her. He really should just let Rose go. She didn't have any interest in him, even though her body reacted differently when he kissed her. He couldn't think of anything to say to make things better for him. There was one question that bugged him. What if things that were better for him, weren't for her?

“Ivan asked me to marry him.” Rose declared as she played with the lid of the box. /up, down, up, down/ She looked up at his tense figure and smiled. He looked good just sitting there. Since he didn't seem happy it upset her.

“Do you love him?” Scorpius asked. He decided to do whatever made her happy. If it meant he had to disappear again...then he would. He loved Rose enough for that.

“Yes. He's supportive, caring, he's fine financially, and he's been there.” Rose said with a half smile as Scorpius turned to face her.

“You love him and like his aspects. If he feels right, marry him. Just know the whole person first.” Scorpius said with a somber expression. He gave her a half smile that reminded her of the trademark 'Malfoy smirk'.

“What do you think?” Rose asked before putting the box in his outstretched hands. Scorpius silently critiqued the ring and box. He was no diamond expert but he felt that Ivan had made this purchase quick.

“If I tell you what I think you'll get mad. And it'll make those small swears you made in the storage seem harmless.”

“You asked her to marry you?” Hope asked again for the trillionth time.

“Yes. But it won't last long.” Ivan replied. Hope had been freaking out over this since he had left Rose's loft two hours ago. He gave her a reassuring kiss as he led her back to bed.

“I don't know how to put this Rose.” Scorpius started. He was stretched out next to Rose on her bed. They had spent the past two hours having light conversations, neither ready to dig deep. “But Ivan is cheating on you.”

“What?” Rose said with a shake of her head. She laughed for a bit until she realized Scorpius was serious. “You're serious.”

“I followed him the other day and...how to put this simply? He's screwing Hope Parkinson. He also wants to get rid of me but your happiness is more of a priority to me.”

“How do I know you're not lying?”

“He's probably with her right now. Apparate into his bedroom.” Scorpius said softly. He handed her the ring box before getting up.

Rose gripped the ring box as she apparated.

“Make yourself decent.” Rose said softly minutes later. She walked into Ivan's bathroom and shut the door. Her gaze moved to the mirror and she studied her reflection. She looked pale and distressed. Her usual fiery red hair looked dull against her sad expression. The past two years down the drain and memories from St. Mungo's came rushing back.

/ “I don't think she'll make it. Too many nightmares, screaming, and overall problems.” The doctor confided in the nurse he was working with. The nurse chuckled, “And to think...her parents helped defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named! Think of the news and the field day the Daily Prophet will have! I can see the headlines now, 'Daughter of two great warriors a nutcase!' She had fought every urge to scream at them. How could they talk about her loving parents this way?

“Scorpius please...” Rose whimpered in her sleep. She started to tremble before she let out a series of screams. All in pain. Harper torturing her. Harper on the run. Harper finding her again..../

Rose snapped out of her thoughts and pushed the sinking part of the wall in. Ivan's secret liquor cabinet revealed itself. The red-headed female poured herself half a glass of firewhiskey and drank it down. She didn't want to be drunk when she beat Ivan's head in, but a little buzzed so she wouldn't feel the emotional pain. The drink scorched her throat but Rose still poured another glass and opened the door.

“So you've been cheating on me.” Rose started. She sipped her firewhiskey as she paced the room. Ivan was half dressed in pajama bottoms while Hope had a large t-shirt on. “I don't want to marry you Ivan.” She exploded the box on his carpet and held the ring. “Its pretty. But cubic zirconium isn't a diamond, Ivan. Should have noticed when Scorpius was frowning at it. I shouldn't be surprised since a Malfoy should know whether something's a diamond or not.” She waved her wand and multiple things happened at once. The pictures of Rose and Ivan were ripped to shreds, the fake diamond snapped, and Ivan bed frame broke down the middle.

“Take a step closer to me Zabini, and you'll have less hair than you started with.” Rose threatened, “And if either of you tell anyone about me hiding Scorpius and Emilie....well, we'll see what happens.”