The Secrets of Cedar Creek

15 : Three Rules

"That was just so irresponsible of you, Rose! I really expect more from you. You're a young lady now, you're not a kid. You should know better – especially after what happened with your friend," Aunt Helen lectures, making me feel even worse about myself.

"I know and I'm so sorry-"

"We expect you to always let us know where you are," Uncle Pete steps in. "You weren't answering any of our phone calls or messages for hours. We're not going to stop you from seeing your friends, we just need to know you're safe. We're responsible for you, Rose, and we owe it to your parents to watch over you and protect you."

"We're worried about you," Auntie Helen continues, "I haven't seen you study, or call your grandparents – have you visited your friend in hospital?"

I chew my nails.

"We just don't want you to get caught up in the moment and forget important things. You missed out on family dinner and you don't spend a lot of time with us anymore."

"I know," I mutter.

"Are you keeping up with your school work?" Uncle Pete asks with concern. "I spend a lot of time talking to seniors about how stressed they are – about how much work is piling up for them. I don't remember the last time I saw you with a book."

"I've got special exemptions, remember?" I say. "I'm doing half the subjects the other kids do."

"Rose, we're saying this because we care about you and because we don't want you to get behind. You have so much potential, dear, and you can go anywhere and do anything with that beautiful brain of yours. Please don't waste it." Helen looks at me with her big, puppy dog eyes.

All three of us sigh.

"Now go to sleep, and try think of something productive to do tomorrow, ok?"

.

.

.

I wake up fresh with motivation. Or maybe I'm just hungry.

I bounce down the stair case into the kitchen, warming up some leftovers and then leaving a note on the fridge saying "Doing something productive. Be back soon."

Again, my moped appears on my driveway. How the f*ck is Adrian transporting it here? I knew he was a wizard.

I scoot all the way to Belle's Floral, knowing she works all day Sunday. I tap on the glass door, letting myself in. The store is dishevelled: far messier than usual. I feel a pinch in my heart. I wasn't there for her. Atleast the bouquets and arrangements are beautiful.

I walk to the front desk and call for her. "Mrs Belle?"

"Won't be a minute!" I hear Belle call from the back. "Tomas, go see who's at the register."

I hear some shuffling of boxes and then footsteps as Tom approaches the counter.

"No way, it's the one and only, Rose Chosen," Tom says with his goofy grin.

"Feels like I haven't seen you in forever."

He steps around the counter and gives me a big hug. Tom's a good guy. He's tall and lanky, got some wild, spikey red hair, huge guppy eyes and a unique nature. He's a strange kid. He's been obsessed with the same girl since first grade even though all evidence would suggest he isn't straight. You got to love him though.

"What brings you to my humble abode?"

"I just came to check in on Belle," I say attempting a small smile instead of a sad small smile. "I wanted to apologise and maybe come help out again."