Blood And Roses

Chapter Thirty-one

ACE'S POV

I tapped gently on the door, patiently waiting for an answer but nothing came.

"Can I come in ma'am?" I requested, knocking a little bit harder.

"Yes you can" a soft voice replied.

I pushed open the door and stepped in, staring at the tiny lady leaning on the window frame whose physique and voice didn't match that of a thirty year old.

"Was Snow just pulling my legs?? This lady looked small from behind and her pale white skin looked too young and youthful to belong to a lady in her mid-thirties" I thought.

"Hi!! I'm Ace, Snow's younger brother and I'd love to have a talk with you. That's if it's ok with you??" I requested trying not to sound rude to the woman.

"You sure don't sound anything like that grumpy brother of yours" she replied and turned around to stare at me.

Time froze as I stared at those big bright blue eyes. My heart beat slowed down and I could hear the blood rushing through my veins.
Her chocolate brown hair fell damply around her shoulders enveloping that perfect face I could never forget. I shook my head, trying to loosen my thoughts or snap out of whatever daze I was in. Beads of sweat clamped on my forehead and palms and everything became blurry.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Roselle" she beamed extending her small hand.

"Roselle??" I asked, sinking my fingers into my flesh.

"Yes."

"What's your full name please??" I questioned, holding my breath.

"Are you ok sir??" She asked taking in my disheveled form.

"I asked you a question please" I said digging my boots into the plush carpet.

"Its Jackson" she said staring at me confusingly.

"Roselle Jackson."

My world slammed to a halt. Tears fell from my eyes as I stared at the beauty in front of me. She was the splitting image of her from her wild curls to her tiny feet. I stumbled forward, losing my footings like a drunkard and her slender arms flew outward trying to keep me steady. I grabbed her arms, deliberately running my palm from her shoulders to her elbows and it didn't take up to a heartbeat before I found what I was looking for.

"My princess... My sister.. she's alive"

"She didn't change one bit"

I pulled her into my body and wrapped my arms around her. She stayed still, completely taken aback by my behavior, I tightened the hug, breathing in her essence. After what felt like minutes, I felt her tiny fingers run along my spine in the most comforting manner and I came undone. I cluctched unto her tiny frame, refusing to let go just in case she'd disappear.

"Shhhh...it's ok"  she cooed in a soft voice.

I finally let go of her and she stood back a bit looking at my face.

"Are you ok now?"

"Should I get you a glass of water??"

I shook my head, refusing the offer. I used my shirt to clean my face trying to come up with an excuse for what just transpired.

"I'm sorry for all of this. It's just that you look so much like someone I know" I said, praying she would believe me.

"It's ok. I don't want to sound weird but you remind me of some one I hold dear to my heart" she said with a sad smile.

"You have the same eyes and warmth" she added.

"Who is he?? Where is he now??" I asked.

She pulled her brows together in a frown "how did you know it's a he?"

"It's just a guess" I replied giving myself a mental pat on the shoulder.

"Well, he was my brother. He's dead now" she said with a flash of sadness in her eyes.

I couldn't bring myself to stay. In that tiniest flash when she talked about him, I caught a glimpse of the pain and anguish she's been through. Believing she was dead saved me from the fact that I couldn't protect her like I promised but staring at her eyes after knowing the shit she's lived through, it hurt more than watching our parents die that night.

"I have to go." I said standing up from the bed.

"Ok.. Do take care of yourself and you can come visit me anytime you're free. I barely talk to anyone or leave this room" she said, surprised by her own sudden request.

"Of course princess" I said and gave her a peck on her forehead.

Her eyes went wide at the gesture and before she could say anything, I exited the room with hurried strides and closed the door behind me. I had fought hard to control myself in there but right now, I couldn't. I knocked on Snow's door and immediately the door flew open, I thew my arms around him and cried my heart out.

"Cosa c'è che non va?? Perché piangi??" he asked pulling me in and closing the door behind him.

{What's wrong?? Why are you crying?}

"I just saw her. She's alive!"

"Who is alive??"

"My sister."

"You have a sister??"

I felt bad for not confiding in him even though he gave me every reason to over the years but not anymore. No more secrets.

"Siediti c'è molto che devo dirti"

{Sit, there's a lot I need to tell you}

"I understand but first I need you to wipe your eyes. It's weird seeing a full grown man cry like a baby"

"You know I've never cried even while we were growing up" I retorted with a smirk

"Ecco perché voglio sapere chi ha avuto esattamente il coraggio di far piangere il mio fratellino" he said grabbing an M4 carbine.

{That's why I want to know who exactly had the guts to make my baby brother cry}

I threw my head back, laughing at his dramatic outburst.

"That's better. Now tell me exactly what happened" he requested with a serious face.

I nodded my head, agreeing with what he said.

"Ho appena trovato mia sorella. Lei è la ragazza nell'altra stanza."

{I just found my sister. She's the girl in the other room.}

"Roselle Jackson and I'm her brother Royce."

"Royce Jackson."