Rose was standing in front of a mirror in her apartment which she shared with her roommate, Martina for 5years now.
She was graduating from college today.
She was wearing her graduation gown and graduation cap and put her glasses on.
She looked at herself and said "well that's the best you can look"
She then moved to her nightstand and picked her sister's picture and said "I am not pretty as you. I wish you could be here with me, then I wouldn't feel so lonely"
"Lonely?" Screamed Martina and continued "come out of the room and see the loud Italians who have invaded our home"
"You invited them," said Rose.
"Yes, I invited my parents, not the whole fucking neighbourhood." Said Martina.
"Your family is lovely and you know I would do anything to have a family who would love me," said Rose looking at her sister's picture.
"Well feel free to keep them," said Martina and heard her father scream for them to leave.
Rose and Martina came out of the bedroom and saw at least 15 people who were Martina's parents, siblings, uncle, aunt and cousins.
Martina's mom looked at Rose and asked in Italian "Rose, i tuoi genitori vengono oggi?
(Rose, are your parents coming today?)"
"forse (maybe)" said Rose looking away from her.
She looked at Martina and she gave Rose a sad smile.
Martina knew what happened 5 years back and why Rose was here alone away from her family.
Everyone left to the graduation.
Rose had sent her parents the invite for today. Though she knew they wouldn't come she still had hope.
The graduates were called one by one on the stage and were handed their diplomas.
Rose kept on looking at the crowd like she was expecting someone to show up but when her name was called she knew there was no one to cheer for her.
Martina took photos with her and told her that she will be leaving her home town back in Italy.
Rose had no other go but to go back to her home.
Martina left to the airport and Rose came back to her apartment.
Rose entered her apartment and went to her room.
She picked her sister's picture and started sobbing and repeated only one thing "I forgive you. I forgive you Sofia".
...
Flashback 5years back...
15-year-old Rose was pacing in the living room of her home in New York.
Her elder sister, Sofia had driven off in her car crying.
Her parents and eldest brother Thomas had gone out for a party.
Sofia was crying in her room earlier and Rose could hear her shouting at someone on the phone.
When Rose enquired Sofia broke down crying and said "Rose, Ermanno asked me to marry him. I don't want to marry him."
"Then say no," said Rose.
"I can't, he said he will marry me because I belong to him. Rose you have seen the wounds he gives me. You have taken care of them so many times. I can't do this Rose. I can't" cried Sofia.
"Be brave Sofia. You have to fight for your rights. If you don't want to marry him. He can't force you. Tell him to fuck off" said Rose.
"It's not that easy. I am .. I am pregnant. He was very happy to know this and said he will marry me soon and we can raise the child together" said Sofia.
"Oh god. What will you do now?" Asked Rose.
Sofia looked at Rose and said "Rose I want to tell you something. You need to promise me you will never tell this to anyone. Promise me"
Rose nodded and said "I promise"
Sofia was telling Rose something when her phone rang and it was Ermanno.
Rose had her hand on her mouth listening to what Sofia had said.
Sofia picked the phone and answered it " hello... Yes, I am okay... Ermanno we need to talk... Look I don't know if I want to spend the rest of my life with you... No one brainwashed me... I am with Rose... Yes, she thinks if I don't love you then we should not be together... No, she is not telling me what to do. She only suggested... Ermanno it's not Rose's fault.. she is a child... Because she has seen the wounds you give me. no Ermanno I don't love you... No. Rose is right, I should fight for myself... Yes, I will listen to her... Because she is my sister... It's my baby and I know what to do with it...
I will abort it. no Rose didn't tell me to abort it. Leave her out if it... Fine I'll come.... bye Ermanno." Said Sofia and cut the phone.
Sofia looked at Rose and said "Rose, do not tell anyone what I told you. Ermanno wants to meet me so I'll go meet him. I just have a quick stop first and then I'll end things with him."
"You have my support in all of your decision," said Rose with tears in her eyes.
Sofia and Rose went out of the room and towards the entrance of their villa.
Rose stood at the doorway and Sofia went close to her car and opened her car door but didn't get in. She looked back at Rose and ran back to her and hugged her tight.
"Never tell anyone what I told you," said Sofia sobbing.
"I promise, I will never tell," said Rose sobbing too.
Rose then saw Sofia driving away in her car.
It had been two hours since Sofia had left and Rose was anxious to know what happened when Sofia talked to Ermanno.
She was pacing in the living room when she heard her parents and brother coming in.
"Rose, why are you still awake?" Asked her mother Cindy Brown.
"I was waiting for you guys and Sofia," said Rose.
"Sofia? Where is she? Is she out with Ermanno again? I can't wait for them to marry. Imagine the social status we will acquire being related to the Devonte family." Said her father Joseph Brown.
"The fact that our daughter is dating Elisio Devonte's son itself has put us on the map. I can't wait to be actually related to them" said Cindy.
"Both our kids have done us proud being friends with them," said Joseph.
"Come on guys. I am not friends with Julius because of the Devonte." Said Thomas, her brother.
"Well it sure is helping us," said Joseph and walked to his room with Cindy.