Rose woke up on Sunday after yet another night of restless sleep. Even the realization that today was her date with Sam did little to lift her energy.
She puttered around all day, attempting to do some homework and clean the house while she waited for a reasonable time to leave.
She was curled up on the couch when she got a text from Clayton.
Hey Angel, what're you up to today? I'm going to catch a movie with Paige this afternoon do you want to come with? -Clay
Can't. I'm meeting Sam for a coffee date later. Sorry -Rose
Eh don't worry about it. I'll just have to tell Paige that you don't care about her. -Clay
Don't you dare! Tell her you didn't ask soon enough because you're an idiot -Rose
Yeah, she'd love that -Clay
Hey, can I talk to you? I'm a little confused and I just need someone to vent to -Rose
Seconds after sending her last text, a call from Clayton came through.
"Hey, everything ok? Is it Sam? Should I be teaching the piece of shit a lesson?" Clay's voice came through with a harsh bite that surprised her.
"No, don't worry, it's not Sam. Jonathan's back." Rose answered, smiling slightly at the oaf's overprotective behaviour.
"Wow, okay. How long's it been since you last saw him?" He asked.
"Three years, he said he hasn't come back before because he couldn't stand being back. I guess seeing this place was too hard." She told him, huffing out a breath.
"I mean, I guess that makes sense. He was going through a rough time and now that's all he associates with home." Clay sighed, she could tell he was trying his best to make her feel better.
"I know, but I still don't know why he's back now. He said he want's to see what I'm like as someone who's grown, but I don't know. It might be paranoia or something, but I feel like there's more to the story and he's not telling me something." She rushed out, finally voicing her fears out loud.
It was silent on the other end for a minute.
"That makes sense. Just be cautious, get to know him again, but make sure you're prepared if things go wrong. I'm not saying they will, but just in case." He finally answered, his voice soft in the most comforting way Rose could imagine.
""Yeah, I just don't want to feel connected to him only to have him disappear on me again." Rose admitted, plucking at the fabric that covered the couch's throw pillows.
"Which one would be worse? Getting to know him and being hurt for a little when he leaves again, or spending the rest of your life wondering what would have happened if you had given him a chance to be your brother again." Clayton said, his voice gentle.
She knew he was right. She didn't want to regret not reconnecting with her brother, and this was she could finally get answers for the questions that haunted her daily.
"Thanks Clay, that was actually really helpful." Rose said. She felt more relaxed now, knowing that she had made a decision and knowing it was the right one calmed her down. "I should probably go get ready to meet Sam, but thanks again for talking me through this."
"No problem Angel, I'll talk to you later." Clayton answered. His voice was gentle and it reminded her of why he was the first one she called when she was upset. No matter what, he was able to soothe her and keep her calm and grounded.
"Bye Bear" She said, giggling at the nickname she had given him years ago.
***
At 2 o'clock that afternoon, Rose climbed out of her car and made her way into Common Grounds, the cafe she and Sam had agreed to meet at. It was small and sweet, with bookshelves lining the walls and big armchairs with little tables. None of the furniture matched and Rose instantly felt comforted by the warm smell of coffee and sugar.
Her eyes scanned the room for Sam and after seeing that he hadn't arrived yet, she ordered a cinnamon latte and got a table for the two of them.
"Hey, have you been waiting long?" Sam asked when he walked in a couple minutes later.
"Not too long, I just got my latte." She answered, smiling warmly at him as she gestured to the steaming mug next to her.
"Perfect, give me a minute to order and then I'll be right back." He said, quickly heading to the counter, returning soon with another warm mug, a slice of chocolate cake, and two forks. "I thought I could bribe you into forgiving me for being late with a little chocolate. Is it working?"
"You didn't need to bribe me, but just this once, I'll accept it." Rose giggled, her heart warming at the goofy grin on his face.
"Perfect." He replied. They shared a wide smile that caused Rose's stomach to erupt in butterflies and her cheeks to flame dark red.
They spent their time at the cafe studying, sneaking quick glances at each other, and did the customary early dating dance of getting to know each other.
One piece of chocolate cake and a croissant later, they had given up on studying and had made themselves comfortable in their seats, talking about their favourite books.
"You should really read the Belgariad, it's a fantasy series about a prophecy and it's so good!" Rose exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of sharing one of her favourite books.
"Only if you promise to watch 1917 with me." He countered, leaning in a little closer.
"Fine I promise." Rose answered and the two pinky promised their agreement.
As they were leaving the cafe later, Sam stopped Rose and turned to face her.
"Hey, I know we've only gone out a couple times, but we've known each other for years and well, will you be my girlfriend?" He asked, speaking so fast that Rose had trouble understanding him.
Once she understood though, her cheeks immediately turned pink. She was quiet for a moment, weighing her options.
"Yeah, I'll be your girlfriend.? She answered, smiling shyly. "Is this the real reason you were trying to bribe me with cake?"
He just tapped his nose in response.
***
Rose got home that evening feeling like she was on top of the clouds. She entered the house, floating around and humming as she put together some dinner.
A shrill noise woke her from her daze, and she picked up her phone, not recognizing the number.
"Hello?" She greeted.
"Hey, it's Jonathan. I just wanted to call and see if we could talk some time this week. We could do it completely on your terms and I'll leave if you don't want to talk to me." Her brother's voice came through the phone.
"Yeah, sure. Come over Tuesday night and I'll make dinner for us. I'm sure it'll be better than whatever fast food you've been eating." Rose relented.
"Really? Thanks Rose, I'll see you then." Jonathan said excitedly.
They didn't talk for much longer and when Rose hung up, she felt light and at ease. No matter what happened, she had made the right choice.
YOU ARE READING
The One They Left Behind
Romance"If you loved me, why was it so easy for you to walk away?" Rose was used to being forgotten. Her mother had left, then her brother. The one person she never expected to leave her was Diana, her best friend. Diana left in 10th grade, leaving an opt...
