Rosaline Wood (A Violet Eden Follow-on Reboot)

Chapter Fifteen: Another Stalkerish Gentleman

Finally, after what would have felt like an eternity if I hadn't have had Cam and Alec around we, the brave explorers of the already known parklands, returned home. I raced to my locker and sprayed myself with emergency deodorant. Then I activated my phone, a dodgy old Samsung that was seriously outdated. I had four new messages; two from Dad and one each from Dean and Griffin. Griff's was telling me to stay safe, typical, sweet Griffin, and Dean was wondering why I'd missed our training session this week. I rolled my eyes and mentally face-palmed. Of course Dean would have no idea that I'd gone on camp, despite the fact I'd told him at our last lesson. Several times. Then I flicked onto Dad's messages.

Sorry Baby. Mum and I out of town. Arranged to stay at Cam's. ~Dad.

I frowned. At Cam's? My heart skipped a beat. Why wasn't I staying at Griffin's place like I normally would? Frowning, I fumbled a bit as I opened Dad's second message.

Griffin and Nyla in New York. Don't worry. Sal and Zoe in charge. C you soon. ~Dad.

My eyes widened. 'Don't worry'! My parents and Griff were in New York at the same time! What was going on? I started to panic. Was someone in trouble? Had someone died? Was the Academy in disarray? Strong hands gripped my shoulders.

    "Remain calm, Rosaline," a deep voice commanded, "Take a deep breath. Good. Again. Everything will be fine."

Alec POV

Staring at her phone her chest began to rise and fall rapidly. Her eyes were wild and she was shaking slightly. Something was wrong. Perhaps a delayed reaction to her escapade in the lake? Yes. She needed to be in control at this time and alas she was not. I approached her, slowly in case she bolted, and I gently but firmly rested my hands on her slim shoulders.

    "Remain calm, Rosaline," I instructed, melting a little of my emotion into her as my father had taught of me. A pang of guilt resounded it my heart. If her breathing continued at this pace she would faint. "Take a deep breath. Good. Again. Everything will be fine." At that moment her friend, Cameron, appeared at my side. She offered me a strange little grin as if apologising and expressing gratitude all at once.

    "Thanks for taking charge," she nodded, "I should've come quicker. I got her from here." Slowly I took a step back and Cameron took my place.

    "Rosie," she beamed, "Mum just called the office to say you're staying with us. We'll have to walk though. Hope you don't mind a bit more exercise." Rosaline embraced her friend and then turned to me, her cheeks slightly flushed with embarrassment. Very ... cute

    "Sorry about that," she mumbled, "I was kinda freaking out. I'm good now though." I shook my head with a gentle smile. Did she notice how close she was standing? How perfectly she had tilted her head? I'd barely have to lower my head for our lips to...

    "There is no need to apologise," I answered quickly, "Have a good night, ladies." I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked away from them before I could kiss her. My heart was racing like I had just run a marathon.

'Damn!' I swore to myself. That woman was tempting.

Rose POV

I lay staring at the shadowed ceiling, my back softly cushioned by the thick mattress. Cam had snuck down to the kitchen for a glass of water thinking I was asleep. I heard the slight creak of the fourth last stair as she waltzed back into the room and slid into bed again. After a while her breathing became soft and regular. Listening to her I felt my eyes falling closed. Almost asleep. Another creak of on the stair made the hairs on the back on my neck stand to attention. I tried to rationalise my thoughts. It was just one of the boys gone to get a drink too. I opened my eyes and, staying well under the covers, averted my gaze to the door frame. At first there was nothing. Then a slow shadow announced its presence in the doorway. A dark figure slunk through the cavernous opening and proceeded towards my bed.