Roses Left To Wilt

Chapter 2

"He seemed nice though," I muttered to myself.

I start walking to my apartment, Aunt Diana in my mind. I stop right at the door and sigh, before hesitantly knocking it with my shaking knuckles.

I hear the door unlock, and my heart started beating fast, tears once again blurring my vision. The door opened, revealing Aunt Diana. My heart broke seeing her in this state; swollen red eyes with dark circles around them and dry tears on her pale cheeks. She looked shocked, but then she quickly hugged me as I hugged her back.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," I whispered to her, sobbing.

"I thought I would lose you too, Rosella. I'm sorry. Now I can't be the one to take care of you," she said through her sobs.

"What do you mean?" I said, confused.

"I'm not your real Aunt," she looks into my eyes. I froze, not being able to utter a word.

"Come sit down, please and hear me out," she looked at me, desperate. I simply nod and follow her. We enter the living room and take a seat.

"Your grandfather had a friend who was so very dear to him; he would do anything for him. They were the best of friends, almost like brothers. They would support each other through thick and thin. One day, his friend decided to join the military, and he did just that. They visited each other every year." Her green eyes glistened and sparkled, "Then, your grandpa found out that his friend's wife was pregnant, but the friend had passed away, before even getting to see his baby. Before his death, he sent a letter to your grandfather saying that he wanted him to take care of his baby girl and his wife, in case he doesn't come back. He never came back, so your grandfather took care of his friend's beloved friend's wife and child. Do you know who that child was?"

"You..." I muttered.

"That's right. My mom and your grandpa had raised me to be who I am today and then they had your father."

"That's why you don't look Thai! Why can't you take care of me though?" I was having mixed emotions. I felt betrayed, sad and scared at the same time.

"We are not blood related, and although that isn't a huge issue, you're not of age yet, and I am not capable of raising you all by myself," she said, looking pitiful.

"So you're just going to leave me?" Tears were welling up in my eyes.

"I have to send you to a relative."

"I don't have anyone! Can't you see?" I said, raising my voice a little.

"You do, Rosella. They found your father," she said sternly. I, on the other hand, was shell shocked. I could barely contain myself, "they found your father. He is very wealthy and capable of taking care of you, unlike me."

"That man? He left me, Auntie! He doesn't want me!"I cried.

"He left without an explanation. We could never know. You could have been the most important thing in his life. People have reasons and you can't judge them without proof." She took my hands in hers.

"Then what about you?" I mutter, about to burst into tears.

"I'll be fine. This is about you." She said, calmly, "We have to go now, Rose."

"Where to?" I wanted to say in a stern voice, but it came out as a loud whisper.

"We are going to Grandpa's grave," She said, and I could tell she was holding in tears.

"W-what about his funeral?" I stuttered. What she said next made my heart stop.

"Rosella, you were in the hospital, unconscious, for almost 2 days, as you hit your head when you fell. They had to bury him within 24 hours of his death..." she got teary, feeling sorry for me. I now had my face buried in my shivering hands, sobbing uncontrollably.