Ambition

Chapter 14

Harry

My mothers gaze burns like fire on my face as embarassment threatens to snake up my neck and into my cheeks, but I don't allow it. I have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about, I remind myself. If anything at all she's just embarrassed she got caught starring. I let myself believe that is the case as a cockily open the drivers door and shut it a little too harshly before stalking over to where she perches on the sidewalk.

"Hey Mom," her eyes tighten a little but she seems fairly collected, "give me a second and we'll meet you upstairs."

Shaking her head, "I'm just heading out. I thought you said you were taking classes online." A curious edge obvious in her voice but I'm not ready to explain everything just yet. Especially when I'm not even sure myself where this is going.

"Okay yeah-" relief flooding through me, "we can catch up later." She only nods her head and with a small smile, kisses both my cheeks before continuing down the sidewalk and around the corner out of sight.

I'm surprised when I hear a car door open and see Rosalie speedily walking away the opposite direction.

"Rose-" I yell but I'm cut off when she throws a hand in the air to silence me.

"Not now Harry, I need a minute to just breathe."

What the hell is going on? Just a moment ago we were both more than content, probably sharing the best moment we've had together and now she's storming away.

"Rose will you just talk to me?" I ask, trying to catch up to her but she turns around before I can.

"Harry seriously, five minutes." Her tone is directive, but not angry, and I'm unsure what to think about why she's reacting this way. Rosalie makes a gradual circle around the block, always within sight so I decide to just allow her her space. As long as she's not running away, I can take this. I can be patient. Even if I have no idea why she's trying to tred footprints in the concrete.

Rosalie's slinder arms are tightened against her sides, her hands curled into tiny fists that squeeze her thumb under her first finger. She seems to be debating something with herself, and even though I'm fairly certain this is her mad, I can't help wanting to make her react like this again. She just looks too damn cute; with her eyebrows furrowed and lips pressed tight together in a fine line.

After another lap she stops, pressing her fingertips to her skin just a few inches below her collarbone and takes deep forceful breaths.

I can see her clearly, just a few yards from the coffee shop across the street where I'd pick up breakfast for us just this morning. But even from a distance, I can see her completion pale, and her feet look wobbly beneath her. I push myself from the side of the car I'd been waiting patiently on and bolt to her side, immediately reaching out to steady her.

"What's wrong. Rosalie, tell me! Can you breathe? Can you hear me?" Panic rushes through my body and she slowly closes her eyes and nods slightly. Her breaths come in short exaggerated pulls and her skin feels clammy to my touch.

"Backpack," she tells me, "Just need my backpack."

I nod hastily and begin to pull her across the street with me before her knees buckle. "Rose- Rose relax, just give me a second," I tell her.

A women runs to us from inside one of the shops, "Do you need help? Is there anything I can do?" She asks wide eyed.

"Yes she needs her backpack," I tell the women. "Its just there in the cream car, its unlocked," but for some reason I throw the keys at her anyway.

I scoop Rosalie into my arms and keep her tight to my body as we reach the car. I wonder if she can feel my heart pounding again her ribs.

The woman hands me her backpack and I immediately begin unzipping pockets and digging through it.