Life is Rosy

Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR - SMOKING GUN
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Knowing is the easy part; saying it out loud is the hard part.
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The morning light shone through the miniscule space the curtain couldn’t shield. Even though every functioning cell in my body told me to get up and be productive, I stayed on the bed, wanting to sink in and sleep forever.

College sounds a lot more fun on television. I rolled to the edge of my bed and peered at my alarm clock. 6:17? It was far too early for me. My phone rang, shaking me out of my negativity. I didn’t bother to check who it was, I simply took the call and mumbled a weak, “Hello?”

“Rose, Hey, We’ve got work to do. De Quincey said that that vegan pastry project is due in two days.” A familiar voiced notified me. I groaned inwardly at David’s warning. Stupid Vegans. Stupid Pastries.

With some contemplating, I told David to meet me at my flat around 8:30. With some groaning and complaining, I rolled off my bed and practically crawled to my bathroom. I peeled off my pajamas and dipped into the heated water, mentally thanking Emily for her genius timing.

I dunked my head into the water, my eyes closed and my breath held. Time appeared to have stopped as my hair fanned about my face and my sore muscled relaxed.

Suddenly, a chorus of angelic voices engulfed my senses. Their voices lulled me to a new level of serendipity. I splashed out of the water as reality washed through me; I had recently changed my ringtone to those cute Libera boys singing.

“Haaay!” I greeted my caller as I moved into a more comfortable position in the tub. Harry’s chuckle graced my ears as I flushed momentarily, mentally noting to check the caller I.D. next time.

“Where are you?” He asked, I could hear the faint noise of the city in the background; the usual taxi’s horn and people chattering.

I giggled and replied, “Busy.”

He sighed and answered, his voice dripping with sarcasm “Sounds like a nice place.”

“Im in the bath, you ass.” I hissed, biting back a chuckle as I heard him inhale sharply and stay silent. Our breathing mirrored each other and I broke the silence with a laugh and a reply, “Talk to you soon.”

He laughed quietly as I disconnected the call and smiled to myself. I stepped out of the tub and wrapped myself with my robe, walking sluggishly to my wardrobe as the wright of responsibility settled on my shoulders.

6:48. My ripped up leggings fit snuggly on my legs, I noted happily as I squeezed into my bleached shorts, the sleeve of my loose blue wool sweater hung off my shoulder.

I posed in front of the mirror, choosing to ignore the fact that my high school friends would probably complain if they saw me now, telling me I looked like a total hipster.

7:23. I rushed out of my flat, shrugging on my favorite backpack I got from Target. Without stopping to check on the boys, I positioned my polaroid aviator’s on my face. Yeah, fashion. Who knew, right?

I jogged down the steps and turned the corner, happily bouncing into my favorite coffee shop. I was in need of double shot espresso, fast.

Back in high school, I was sort of an insomniac. This coffee shop was practically my second home. Thank Jesus for 24/7 hour places right? Like. Coffee used to be my water. It was just a phase though. I had a friend who got me through it. Hayden, we were as close as my butt cheeks. Hayden moved and I grew up. Anyway, I still love coffee though. I just don’t drink as much anymore.

“Hey, Dennise, the usual if you don’t mind.” I called once I got to the counter, grinning at the bouncy blonde who knew me enough to know what I meant by the usual.

She gave me a nod and I glanced around me, taking in my surroundings. A guy in a black hoodie, which completely covered his featured as he stared at his shoes, caught my eye. I walked up to him and sat at the table nearest to him.

I saw him grin, “Morning, Rose.” He laughed and I chimed in, knowing exactly who it was. He sat down across from me and leaned forward, his elbows on the table.

“Morning, Niall.”

He shushed me, glancing around wearily, “The name is taboo.” He warned jokingly.

I smiled and wagged my finger at his outfit, “This is a disguise?”

He nodded excitedly and then whispered, “It was either this or the fake mustache and afro. I thought the afro stood out a bit though, it being rainbow and all.”

“I think you still stand out this way,” I laughed-whispered, “The black hoodie thing, brooding aura in the corner of a pretty hipster café shop.”

“Brooding aura?” He gasped, and then frowned, “I didn’t think I would give that off.”

I smiled at him, and then at the waiter who gave us our drink. Niall kicked my foot under the table and I giggled as we kicked at each other under the table. He leaned forward and took his drink, taking a sip as he stared at me through his eyelashes.

We stayed like that, sitting peacefully and chattering and gossiping with occasional laughs. “Morning. you peasants.” A voice announced as hands covered my line of sight. I tried to shake them off as I heard the two boys laugh.

“Stop joking around,” I finally pulled them off, “Both of you.”

8:20. I wish I didn’t have to leave so soon. I liked playing with the boys. I mean. We’ve known each other for a few weeks now. They seem genuinely nice. My parents are totally wack. Like seriously.

“So do you have a boyfriend?” Harry asked casually, stuffing a bagel into his mouth. Niall nudged him and they snickered mischievously. I rolled my eyes at them and pursed my lips dramatically, and answered with a straight face, “Not my area.”

Harry choked on his bagel, hitting his chest repeatedly. Niall spurted out his drink and I burst out laughing. I grabbed my cell out of my backpack and saw that I had one missed call. David. I called him back, trying to stop laughing.

“Lady. Where have you been?” David’s voice reprimanded, “I have been waiting half a century for you up here. Your father said he was gonna bring you back. Did he find you?”

I froze in my place and the boys seemed to sense my startled feeling because they had quieted down. Suddenly, I noticed it; the feeling that two hostile eyes were watching my every move.

My heart stopped beating as I looked up and saw his figure in the doorway. The fury on his face was unexplainable. My mouth dropped open as I mumbled, “Dad.”

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Now. There were no actual guns in the chapter (as you are now aware) It's an idiom, if you didnt know. You guys are Amazing! Thanks for everything, and I hope you enjoy this.