Dead Roses

Clouds

Chapter Seven

London's P.O.V

After my failed attempt at eating dinner with Aliza, I remained in bed for half the weekend. My limbs began to numb, and the smell of my room begins to overwhelm me. I didn't feel this way when I was on bed rest, and it puzzles me as to why it's like this now.

Buried in somewhere in my covers is my phone vibrating. I fish it from underneath my comforter and look at the caller ID. I hesitate before answering it as I recall my unjustified outburst the day before.

"Hello?" I shyly say.

"Can I see you please?" Nyke asks through the phone. His voice wasn't as cheery as usual and is instead filled with a longingness. What for? I don't know.

"What's wrong?" I disregard his question for the time being as I pull a white short-sleeved t-shirt that reads Ramones and a pair of light wash denim shorts. I tuck the shirt into the shorts, securing it with a black belt. I retrieve a pair of Doc Martens Mackenna let to me, which I am yet to return and pulled my hair out of my face using a white scrunchie.

"I just need to see you," He says bluntly.

"O-okay, where should I meet you?" I ask, using a brush to apply foundation which covers my fading scars and bruises.

"Your house, I'll be there in ten," Nyke hangs up the phone before I get the opportunity to say goodbye.

I exit my bedroom, closing my door carefully, so no noise is made, and I head downstairs. I'm immediately caught off guard by the smell of pancakes. I sneak up behind Rosaleena and hug her from behind. She jumps slightly, and turns around, pulling me into her arms.

"Finally, out your room?" she asks playing with loose strands of my hair.

"I'm meeting a friend actually," I gleam pulling away from her embrace.

"Which one would that be. Nyke?" she teases wiggling her eyebrows.

"Perhaps," I giggle walking to the front door.

"You want some pancakes before you go?" Rosaleena indicates to the plate full of pancakes on the marble island. I contemplate eating one, but I remember dads' words. "Don't even use the, 'I have to go' or the 'dad said not to' excuse. That doesn't work with me."

I smile at her and sit on the island bench. "I hope you don't expect me to get my own plate," I say, as she rolls her eyes reaching above the stove, getting a plate for me. She places a fork knife and maple syrup in front of me as well as the pancake on the plate.

I cautiously pick up the fork and knife, cutting a small fragment out of the steaming pancake. I place it in my mouth and let out a small moan in delight. It's a delightful delicacy. I cut more and more pieces from it, shoveling it into my mouth until I finish it.

"That's it?" I ask hearing my stomach grumble, practically begging for more.

"There's plenty more," Rosaleena says while flipping another pancake.

I reach for the plate, piling five more on my plate, drizzling maple syrup in between each one. I wolf them down within an instant, not caring about my father who could appear out of nowhere and beat me up for eating.

The doorbell rings and I jump, swallowing my food while swiping my tongue over my teeth.

"Rosaleena that was by far, the best food I've ever had," I say while walking to the door, patting my stomach.

"It was only pancakes, you silly girl," she tuts as I open the door, being greeted by Nyke.

"Goodbye," I wave cheerily at her, earning a wave back from her and a smile from Nyke. Today he was sporting a plain white t-shirt and a pair of black basketball shorts. Covering his feet are worn black shoes, with holes at the toes, and dirt coating it.