Rosewood and the legend of the Unicorn

Chapter 11- The Garden of secrets

Three days have gone by, Ariana is still refusing to talk.

"Ari... I've made some lunch if you'd like some." Says Falcon whilst he knocks on her door, feeling hopeful for a reply.

But he hears nothing.

After long enough, Falcon takes the step of entering her room no matter her thoughts.

"Ari... please." He says as he stares down at the girl who continues to glare at the empty wall.

He decides to close the door behind him, but remains a safe distance away from her.
"Just tell me what's going on-"
"Why should I?" Says Ariana as she quickly turns around and stands up with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Have I done something?"
"It's what you haven't done Falcon." As Ariana finally speaks up Falcon can't help but get a little excited. Even if she is mad at him for an unknown reason.
"Please Ariana... can't we just talk? I want to know what's going on. I feel like like.... like I've lost you again. All I want is my daughter back, I can't live with myself If I can't help my daughter feel like she belongs."
"You're still keeping secrets from me!" She shouts, but let's out a sigh of relief as she says it.
She finally sits down on her bed, with her head in her hands, holding back more tears.
Falcon hesitantly makes his way over the creeky floorboards and perches himself next to Ariana, but leaving a safe 30cm gap.

"I will tell you anything you want to know Ari. All you have to do is ask."
She releases her hands away from her eyes, takes a deep breath out. Then turns to face his heartbroken eyes.
"When they came in, and that guy tried to kill me... but instead Nixon sacrificed his safety, all you seemed to care about was getting Nixon to a nurse. You haven't questioned why someone had attempted to kill me in the first place?"
There's a pause, but Falcon eventually forms some words to find a reply.
"I had a bad feeling something was going to happen. I've told you that Ridge is a little sceptical of your arrival and so are some others in Rosewood. I didn't think anyone would actually take any actions upon it. I was in shock! My mind was flooded with memories and harrowing thoughts that I was going to loose you again... I've only just got you back, and now you might be leaving me... I couldn't bare the thought. And I am being honest when I say that I didn't know Nixon was going to be at the dinner. I was angry with him that he didn't let me know. But I know the truth now. And you need to know it too."
"So what is the truth? You're not going to hide it from me ag-"
"No of course not. But I shouldn't be the one to tell you. Nixon is feeling a bit better today and has asked to see you... you need to go. Just please trust me from now on. Yes I hold things back from you sometimes only because I'm scared of you getting hurt."
"Well don't be-" Ariana interrupts. "I know I'm back but please allow me to grow up, I'm not a little girl anymore dad." As soon as she says that he can't help but feel a mix of emotions. "I know you only had me for 4 short years, and you missed the next best years of my life, but it's just the way it is. I'm 16 now, and old enough to make my own decisions."
"I -" he hesitates "I understand that Ari. But you know things are different here. There are dangers that you aren't aware of yet, and so many things you still don't understand."
"I understand enough." She stands up from her bed and then walks towards her window, with her back still facing Falcon. "I will go see Nixon. But promise me, no more secrets."
"Okay Ari" he hesitates "... no more secrets."

Ariana sighs heavily, then turns around and makes the quick decision to hug Falcon.
He's shocked at this decision, but happily accepts, and takes in as much of her comfort as he can get.
Then with just the clothes on her back, she exits the house, and heads towards Madys home.

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Walking in broad daylight, alone, wasn't the most sensible idea.