Destiny Awaits

23. I'm Sorry.

The scent of lingering food woke Ambrosia from her sleep. She opened her eyes to see the usual tray before her. With the home-cooked meal was the customary note and a single rose.

It had been a week since Ambrosia first started to recover. She could not burden anyone any longer, so she requested everyone return to their duties: school, work, whatever. Her mom returned to being a nurse, and Persephone, a high-end lawyer; Persephone returned much earlier than her mom, but Rose expected nonetheless. Not affording to miss anymore, Callum, Demetri, and Catalina went back to school. Alejandro, to Ambrosia's surprise, owned his own, popular bookstore. She would have never guessed his slum wear was only for home, and in public, he dressed quite charmingly.

Every hour, someone was to call to check on Ambrosia if they were free. Together, the families made a schedule to follow. Demetri would call one hour. Catalina the next. Callum was after her, and their mom after him. Alejandro was last. Persephone, not wanting the responsibility, refused the responsibility. By the time Callum called a second time, someone was already with Ambrosia; usually, Demetri.

With her IV out, Ambrosia was a free woman to do whatever she wanted and carry anything, as long as it was under ten pounds as ordered by her mom. However, Demetri wouldn't let Rose carry anything over five; he believed she'd faint or strain herself if she did.

I have to do it today. I have to leave for you-know-who; it's now or never.

In order to save her loved ones, Rose was compelled to leave everyone she knew and loved; it was the only way. She already packed some things, only a few outfits, in the time she had alone. Rose wasn't sure if she'd need them, but just in case, she prepared.

Since everyone was either at school or work, it was the perfect chance for Rose. All week, she had been planning this; though torturous with Demetri, Rose struggled through her last days.

Rose couldn't think straight with Demetri never leaving her side. The two always hugged or kissed. Sometimes, cuddled. Before he left for school, he left the tray of lingering foods by the bed. Next to them always lied a rose and a note. Cliché, but oh so romantic. Rose wondered how Demetri knew her favorite flower without her ever telling him.

Recovering and all, Rose always woke after everyone left. The first thing she'd see was the tray. I'm going to miss those love notes and roses. I'm going to miss all the sweet gestures he does. Most of all, I'll miss him.

Over time, Ambrosia connected with her mom more. She explained what it was like to be a werewolf and all the things her mom would need to know about them. Rose told her mom things she normally wouldn't- thoughts Rose kept to herself. Though doing it was unbearable for Rose at first, she found herself handling it better with time. Rose could tell her mom almost anything now; her wish was granted. She didn't have to carry any burdens on her shoulders anymore. Compared to before, Rose was happier. Rose was reborn.

Ambrosia's bottom lip began to quiver.

I should stop; I can't deal with thinking of them all. I need to forget them and remind myself why I am doing this. I am doing this for Demetri and my family. For my friends. For everyone. I'm doing it for them.

Hopping out of the bed she'd been sulking in for the past two hours, Rose trudged into the bathroom. She turned the shower on and waited for the water to heat up. As Rose glanced at herself in the mirror, she sighed in disappointment. Her dry, frail hair irritated her; how would she brush through it now? The dark circles under her eyes hid the fact she slept sixteen hours each day. How could sickness take a worse toll on her?

Ambrosia hopped in the burning shower as the mirror began to fog up. Her mom, being as caring as she was, put a shower chair inside. If Rose felt weak, she didn't have to hold herself up feebly.