Silently Falling

Chapter 4

Rose

Thankfully the traffic wasn't as bad on the way home. After having a small talk during the drive with Alex, I sat idly looking out of the window and watched people and buildings pass by. After a couple of minutes had passed, we began to drive through the familiar neighbourhood.

My tiredness seemed to have vanished and I began to bubble with excitement as we pulled into the driveway. It had been a few months since I had last visited this place, and as usual nothing much had changed.

"Go on, I think grandma might be in the kitchen making something for you. I'll be back in a while after picking up something from the store." Alex said stopping the car as we reached near the porch.

"Okay, be back soon." I opened the car's door as Grandma's butler, Mr. Smith hurried towards us to take my luggage. He greeted me with a warm smile which I happily returned. Despite his protests, I headed inside carrying some of my bags to help him.

I left the bags beside the sofas in the living room and walked towards the kitchen.

I broke into a smile as I spied Grandma standing near the island helping our maid, Mrs. Smith to prepare lunch. Seeing me, Mrs. Smith smiled and was about to call grandma whose backside was facing towards me, but I brought my finger to my lips in a hushing motion and shook my head telling her not to do so.

I quietly walked towards her and cupped my hands over her eyes. "Guess who, Grandma?"

She brought her warm hands over mine and pulled them away as her beautiful laugh reached my ears.

"Rose, my child" she turned around smiling, her exotic grey eyes which resembled so much to Mom's, sparkling with happiness.

"You've grown even more beautiful in these few months, and look so much like Stephanie when she was young." She continued as she held my face in her hands and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

I beamed at her words, "But still not as beautiful as you were in your days, huh?" I replied playfully and she laughed again, shaking her head.

"Look who's here!" I heard someone shriek, as I turned around just in time to see my cousin Amber run towards me, engulfing me in a hug.

"Hey, pretty lady." I replied as I pulled away to look at her beautiful face.

"My, my, look at this gorgeous mess! A lot of boys are going to get heartbroken this year, eh?" Amber teased me, her bright grey eyes which almost looked like melted silver, full of mischief.

"If you leave back any for me, that is." I winked at her and we both burst out laughing.

"Now girls, you can continue this later." Grandma cut off our usual bickering and turned towards me, "Rose dear, you must be tired. Your room has been made for you and I believe your luggage has already been placed inside. Why don't you change your clothes and take some rest?"

"Sure Grandma."

I walked out of the kitchen and stopped at the living room to take my bags, but it seemed like Mr. Smith had already taken them upstairs.

My room was at the end of the corridor next to Amber's. As soon as I entered my room, I let out an excited squeak as it was redecorated to look similar to my room at home.

The light-coloured decor was something I would have preferred and I decided to thank Grandma for it later. The comfortable looking bed looked rather inviting to my tired self, but I had to freshen up first.

I quickly headed towards the bathroom to freshen up and took a short shower. After changing into more comfortable clothes, I texted back Aaron and my parents. I debated on what I should do next for a while but by that time, my excitement had long worn out and exhaustion had started to kick in. As I felt too tired to unpack my things, I decided on doing it later and took a short nap instead.