Two years was more than enough for her to grow to maturity in her protected shell. It was time to break out of her shell.
"What do you want for your birthday gift?" Justin finally asked the question she was waiting patiently for.
Last year, she asked for nothing. She only told him she was okay but it was time to ask for what she really needed. The overprotectiveness was nice but also sickening. "I want to go to school."
Someone might call that a foolish move but she was sure that she wanted to leave. Whatever they think was none of her business at this point. All she wanted was for her wish to be granted. The family of three stared at her with different emotions.
Mr. Whitfred could not help but feel Rose was ungrateful. Mrs. Whitfred felt Rose was finally getting tired of being in their family. Anna felt betrayed; Rose did not tell her anything about going to school, she thought they were going to stay home schooled till college after all they only had one more year and a few months left to graduate high school.
"I just want to experience what it means to be in school with my peers. I have a very competitive spirit and staying home schooled is not helping that part of me. I want to make you proud of me. I want to be the best but I can't since I am home schooled and I have no one to compete with," Rose found herself explaining because she could not keep watching the expressions on their faces that did a good job of exposing their thoughts.
She might have concluded that she did not care about what they thought but she was disappointed with herself for being so concerned about what they thought. She was very much attached to them more than what she had thought.
"Oh. I also think so too. Dad did not allow me to meet my friends for the past two years now and I miss them. I want to go back to school. I miss school," Anna immediately joined her. She did not want to remain home schooled while Rose went out to school.
"Since that is want you want then. I will have Mara contact your new school," Mr. Whitfred agreed without hesitation when Anna agreed with Rose.
"Do you think it is right? Do you think they should go out into this dangerous world? Don't forget what happened to Anna," Mrs. Whitfred reminded her husband with a frown on her beautiful face.
"Mum, I prayed every day for two years that whoever did that to me should die. I am sure two years of prayer and curses are enough to end their lives," Anna tried to persuade Mrs. Whitfred as she hugged her hand tightly acting cute.
"This is not a joke," Mrs. Whitfred answered Anna immediately very seriously.
"I . . . I . . . I will be fine. I am fine now. I am strong enough to go out. I will not get hurt again. I am sure I was kidnapped by mistake that was why I was returned. They picked the wrong person and it won't happen again," Anna continued with her persuasion but in a more serious manner to fit into the tensed atmosphere.
Rose only stood away. It was obvious if she was going out alone, Mrs. Whitfred won't care much but since Anna got included, it made it harder. It was obvious that it would be best she remains silent or it might get worse after all she started it all.
"Valerie and I will talk about it. Whatever we decide, we will tell you during dinner," Justin immediately spoke up to lessen the tension that was slowly building up with Valerie's objection.
Rose and Anna nodded together in response. Mrs. Whitfred and her husband finally left the room and Rose was left with Anna.
"You did not tell me about going to school. Why did you suddenly want to go to school?" Anna asked her anger very visible as she glared at Rose.
"I did not want you to go to school after what happened to you. I think it is best you remain at home until the kidnapper is caught," Rose gave her an insincere answer. She had no reason to tell Anna before making her decision but she had to come up with a reason that Anna will believe.
"You said was strong. So, why do I need to stay at home? Why do I need to continue been home schooled. Why did you not care about my opinion?" Anna asked her anger slowly turning to disappointment.
"I did and that is why I did not tell you. I want to go to school. Home school is best for you. No one knows about my existence but they know you well and it is not right that you go out with me."
"I was fine going to school before that incident."
"And that incident changed your whole life," Rose immediately stopped her. if there was any means she could use to make Anna remain at home, she was willing to use it. She liked Anna as a friend and sister and that was why she wanted her to remain well protected.
"Does that mean I should also remain at home and not go to college?"
Rose did not answer and stood up. She did not want to state the truth and she knew Anna was not going to give up and that was why she wanted to leave as fast as she could.
"You traitor," Anna spat out standing up as she used her height to try to intimidate Rose. She was taller than Rose with four inches.
Rose was not the least intimidated, she ignored Anna's attempt to make her angry and walked out of the room after getting another slice of cake.