Thorns And Roses🌹

Chapter 2- Until Next Time

Playlist ;Say You Won't Let Go(James Arthur)

Rosaline's pov

"Oh dear...Ms.Prior.You are completely drenched.Please wait I'll rapidly bring you a towel and let the water flow for a hot bath." Mrs Wilson said concerningly .She was our housekeeper, a nice and humble lady who worked for grandpa for years.She had been taking care of the mansion even before I came.

She had been like a mother for me since the day grandpa brought me here.She treated me like a daughter she never had.She was a widow and unfortunately childless too.She was a bit like grandpa, loyal to the one she loved,never thinking of another life partner again.She was in her mid fifties with her faded green eyes and wrinkled apple-cheeked face.Her silver-grey hair was neatly tied into a french-roll. Her dark circles were prominent under her eyes like she was deprived of sleep.She was dressed in her black pencil skirt and her floral white puffy blouse with the kitchen apron on.

I was about to stop her but she was already running in all directions in search of a towel.I hung the coat near the door and placed my black boots beneath.I waited at the doorstep in fear that I might dirty the floor while entering.Mrs.Wilson would freak out.

She came hurriedly and in one go she started rubbing my head gently with the towel and didn't even bother to wait for my response.Well,that's her...she cared about me and with the death of grandpa...She was a bit shaken and still hadn't recovered.With time maybe it would subside like people say,...only time can heal certain injuries.

The house looked dull and in quite a mess.Some of grandpa's close friends,including his lawyer, doctor, jogging friends and other acquaintances attended the morning funeral and they visited our mansion first. Having a look at Mrs.Wilson she was probably dusting some of the rooms.

"It's okay. I'll do it.Thanks," I thanked her politely while taking the towel from her hands.Her eyes beamed and she was suppressing a silent grin.She knew how bossy she could be and knew that I had grown up but she loved pampering me.It gave her the utmost pleasure of being a mother.

"Anytime dear.By the way,Mr Prior's lawyer had to talk and he asked you to visit him on appointment as soon as possible. He didn't share any other information.I told him that you'll get back to him soon. I didn't want to disturb you while you were there... "she halted with a despondent look on her face.It was clear on her face that the demise of grandpa hadn't left her unaffected. She cared about his old man as much as I did.

With a hand on her shoulder,I comforted her although I needed the same thing actually. I gave her a scrutinizing look and took her hands in mine while caressed it to make her feel better.

"You miss him too,don't you?You don't have to hide it...because I feel the same.I'm forever thankful to him and to... you as well for making me who I am today because had it not been grandpa,I would have ended up in a hostel or worse,an orphanage.I'd never seen such a selfless commitment before...you are giving and compassionate just like him.I love you both." I tried to meet her gaze and let my words enlighten her heart filled with remorse.

A single tear rolled off her cheek..I wiped off the tear and hugged her.She patted my head gently and I sighed while holding back my own stream of emotions. I pulled back before I became a hot mess. She gave me a faint smile and knew that if this continued I'll break.

"No need to hide your tears, my child.The more you cry,the stronger you become."

"I know,...but my tears show my weaknesses and I'm not yet ready to face them.I'm sorry but I gotta go,"I said before walking away to my room.

"Let me know if you need anything ,Ms Rosaline." Her voice boomed from the corridor as I climbed the stairs.

I rushed to my bedroom and closed the door behind. My knees went weak and I fell on the floor and buried my face in my hands and cried so hard.My skin was ice-cold and my tears were warm on my skin.There,I stayed like that for a moment,crying and reminiscing until it was near dusk and I walked into the bathroom.I let my dress fall on the floor and my wavy brown hair cascaded over my bare shoulders.I tiptoed to the bathtub and sank in the hot water.I immersed my body inside the water and let it heal my pain.I closed my eyes and rested like that for a few minutes.