Flowers and Darkness

Chapter 10

"Look we've done the 'leave you alone' thing for too long now. We haven't come to your house, we've left you alone at school, but enough's enough!" Rose threw up her hands.

I was lounging on the sofa with my legs dangling on Jayden's lap when Rose and Alex barged through the door. For the whole week I had successfully avoided her at school. I don't know why I was avoiding Alex. Guilty by association? Maybe I just was scared of how I felt around him. 

It was Saturday now and I had prematurely applauded myself for lasting this long, especially considering that I had a class with them both.

"You should really lock that door." Alex poked his head around Rose's shoulder.

I stood up suddenly, shocked by their sudden arrival. "It was locked! How does everyone keep doing that?"

Rose rolled her eyes and came to face me. "Look, I'm sorry okay? I'm not sorry about protecting you from the guy. And I'm not sorry about pushing you to slap him afterwards."

"Then what the hell are you sorry about?" I furrowed my eyebrows.

"I'm sorry that you're upset because of it." I went to open my mouth but she quickly carried on. "Don't forget that you're a Goddess. A Goddess! And someone groped you. I was just pushing you to stick up for yourself, you need more respect than that if you want to be taken seriously. We've been training to fight and protect our whole lives. Our role is to protect you. And I'm sorry you don't like how I choose to protect you, but you're just going to have to get over it."

I was left speechless. The whole situation made me feel uncomfortable and anxious. I know she was trying to look out for me. I know her intentions were good. But does violence help you earn respect?

I saw her eyes glass slightly. Rose is a good friend and I know she didn't mean to upset me. I know that much.

"What Rose basically means is that she's sorry." He came over to hug me, pulling Rose over to do a group hug. "And we missed you."

I stepped out of the hug and smiled warily, eyeing Rose slightly. "I missed you guys too."

"Now that that's out of the way. I say let's go to the beach." Alex casually slung an arm over my shoulder and looked out of the window.

"That sounds like a good idea, it's a pretty hot day." Jayden leaned around me to also look out the window.

Rose looked over at me and I just shrugged. "Sure let's do it."

"But we just need swimsuits." She piped in.

"Why don't you go and Jayden go and grab them. Mine are in my third drawer. And I'll stay here with Violet in the meantime."

"Sounds like a plan. Come on Jayden, let's go." She pulled at his arm and left the house. "See you guys in a bit."

I fell back down on the couch and Alex joined me me by wrapping an arm around my waist. I leaned into him, staying like that for a few minutes and just listening to his breathing.

"I really missed you." He said softly.

I turned to face him not knowing what to say.

"I understand Rose, but why cut me off?"

"I don't know." I said equally as softly. I turned away from him but he just turned my face so it was facing him again.

"Why?"

"You make me nervous and my emotions are haywire with you. Being distant with Rose made it easier to be distant with you. I had space to think."