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JAYDEN ALEXANDER
They say "time heals all wounds" but I dont believe in that phrase at all. Time can't heal wounds until we had closures with the person who had inflicted us. That's the exact reason why Rosaleigh is pushing me away, the wounds I have caused her in the past are weaving their way into the present we have. I am sure she doesn't remembers any of it but the gut instincts she has towards me, are telling her to be careful.
It's been years since I broke her trust and shoved her towards the danger, the day when I realised I've fallen in love was the same day I almost lost her to her enemies. The day of her accident.
Before I could indulge myself in the pool of self-abasement, the bell rang hinting the end of the test. I looked across the classroom at Rosaleigh as she continued to fidget in her seat. Not wanting to grab her attention I gazed back at my test paper which can score me enough marks to survive the last semester.
I walked out the classroom as soon as the test conductor Mrs. Johnson collected our test papers but not before glancing at my Bellé through my peripheral. It's been nearly two months since the last time she spoke to me or rather hinted me to maintain the distance. Obeying her request I've provided her with enough space and this distance is turn slowly swallowing me.
I've started spending most of the time in the gym, across the street from their house. It's the only place where I can wear off some of my frustration by punching the sand bag.
Previously when I was in Falcovia, I thought there's nothing worse for a person than to be unable to see his loved one. But the current situation have changed my opinion and I believe there's nothing worse than being in the near vicinity of your loved one and not being able to speak to them.
I see Rosaleigh everyday, the urge to listen her sweet voice calling my name is driving me crazy. Apart from the formal greetings in the morning we hardly have a civil chat. I miss the feeling that blooms in my chest whenever she looks at me with those fascinating blue eyes.
I've started skipping the cafeteria to avoid running into Rosaleigh. Gracelyn and Aunt Kate has kept me updated about her state.
Rosaleigh too has started spending much time in her room with the books. The past two weeks not once she came to the drawing area to loosen up. Stressing her body and mind with book load will result in her deteriorating health.
If this continues and she doesn't warm up to me then I may opt out of her place and start living somewhere near. I am sure she is doing that just so she doesn't encounter me. And moreover, I cant keep up the facade of being untouched by the ignorance coming my way. Albeit I deserved all of it but it's killing me.
I advanced towards the library for no particular reason, that's where I find tranquility to listen to my internal hue and cries. My thoughts came to an abrupt pause when I unknowingly stumbled into the very person who has been on my mind all the week. Rosaleigh. Her petite body flushes against mine molding into it. Presumably she too didn't see me coming.
Instinctively my hands wrap around her body keeping her from falling as our eyes meet. The blue of her eyes flashes surprise, shock and pity? I stare into them trying to find the one emotion I've longed for.. love.. as she stares into mine.
Appearance of purplish bags under her eyes are the proof of the midnight oil she has burned in order to study for the following test. Her skin has lost its radiance making it look paler due to lack of nutrients. Her plump lips are no longer glossy as dryness resides on them. The blue denim and the full sleeved floral top isn't doing much inorder to hide the considerable amount of weight she has lost.
Since last week, Rosaleigh has started taking her meals in her room, most of the time she sleeps empty stomach.
How do I know?
There are times where I invade her privacy, trespassing into her room to watch her sleep peacefully. Her exhausted fingers holding the book as it rests on her stomach. Watching her in deep slumber appeases my nerves. Most of the time I just stay at the bedside couch for hours before finally retrieving to my room.
I dont know for how long I've been noting all the changes in Rosaleigh but my trance breaks when she tries jerking away from me. Reality sets in as I avert my gaze to the fallen stack of books. Wasting no time I sit down picking up the books while I feel her studying me.
"Sorry, I didn't see you coming." I say, forwarding the stack, my eyes on the books.
"Uhh.. It's completely fine" she replies, her voice full of uneasiness.
She starts checking the books for some after-fall injuries as I turn back to head out of the campus. I take one last glance at the beauty who is now walking towards the cafeteria probably to meet her friends.
Rosaleigh has started driving with Grace after Aunt and Uncle forbade her for the bus rides with Lucy. Though Adam accompanied her through it but public transport can prove risky and have chances of revealing her identity. Grace has been such a lovely support in this hour of need as she keeps on giving me all the basic details about Rosaleigh's day.
Climbing in my car, I pull out of the campus in order to meet Mr. Ahlman. I had received his text in the morning while I was getting ready for college that read.
Ralph Ahlman
Meet me @ Midtown Grub after college it's important.
His text had my senses on alert. If he says its important it can be seriously bad. I just hope it doesn't concerns Rosaleigh and her safety. If it was something trivial he wouldn't have bothered to share on call.