"Rosie, aren't you going to take breakfast? "Mum asked me as I prepared for work that morning.
"No mum. I'm late already "
"Alright then. Bye" She said to me and I left.
"Rosie!!! " I looked up to see Julia running toward me. I stood up from behind the counter where I was making notes.
"Your brother is here to see you. "She said looking alarmed. The last time my siblings came home was when my dad died. I longed to see how he looks. I didn't even ask which of my brothers came to see....
"Roseline!!! "
I looked up at William. He didn't even look at me. He looked very tall and painfully handsome. I even felt shy being around him. I was speechless
" Your mom had an accident and the doctors called me . It seems that I was listed as her next of kin. So take this money to pay the bills and take care of her. "
I looked down as the tears I had been trying to hold back, came streaming down my face. I took the money from him and tore it in his face and cried out.
"Take your fucking money. I hate you. "
He raised his hand to beat me but was held back by Julia's brother.
"Touch her and I'll call security "
My brother looked at Jerry and smiled, "So what? You're her new boyfriend? "
"No" I shouted "He's my friends brother. " I didn't even know why I felt the need to explain it to my asshole brother.
I turned and ran as fast as I could to the hospital I knew my mum was in. My guess was right because as soon as I gave her name to the nurses at the reception, they directed me to the room she was in.
"Mum!! Mum!! Are you okay? "
I searched her body for bruises, but there was none.
"Rose, I'm sorry to get you worried. I only had a panic attack. Nothing serious " She smiled weakly.
"Who helped you here? I mean, how did you...?"
"I was with Claudia (Julia's mum). I just became unconscious and she brought me here, I think"
"It's alright mum "I interrupted. "Let me go get you something to eat "
She nodded and drifted off to sleep
I went to the waiting room and sat down allowing the tears to fall as I curled myself.
"Sshh Let it out Rosie. Let it out "
Julia's voice comforted me but when I looked up, Her brother was beside her. I have never cried out before in my entire 18 years. I only let tears fall but I never cry.
"Rosie. Julia has explained what's going on but just understand that every cloud has a silver lining . Let it out and you'll feel better, I promise ".
The adamancy in me became strong and I refused to cry.
I made sure that my mum took her medications before I left for work the next morning. I worked as a waitress in a restaurant to save money for my college fees. I had already written a letter to New York University and I was still expecting to be accepted.
My mum also worked as a babysitter to save money too for my college fees. Studying medicine was a challenging and expensive feat.
While at work, I decided to call my siblings one last time. I planned that I won't have anything to do with them thereafter. I called my sister first.
"Hi" A tiny voice which I recognized as my sister's five year old daughter answered me.
"Hello Emma, how are you? "
"Auntie Rose? Is that you? "
I was stunned to find out that she still remembered me. I once visited my sister last year and spent two weeks with her children. I was surprised that the little girl still remembered me.
"Emma, yes it's me. How are your parents? "
"Dad is away ,as usual, on a business trip ; mum is with her laptop in her bedroom ; Riley (her three year old sister) is taking a nap and Eric (the new baby) is with his babysitter "
I laughed.
"So what about you, Auntie Rose? Can I come visiting. We're on summer break here and am bored at home. " She pleaded.
"Umm!! Not yet but I'll... "
I was interrupted by the shrill harsh sound of my sister's voice
"Emma!!! Give me that phone " There was great commotion on the other end before my sister collected the phone from her daughter. " What is it again Rosie? Why are you disturbing the peace of my family? "
I felt bitter at that statement and I ended the call abruptly. I called my brother , Richard and it was his wife that picked the call. She's a friendly woman judging by the way she defies her husband's orders to come visit mum and me at least once in three months.
"Hi Rosie. Longest time "She said
Well, it was a good sign at least to note that my siblings saved my number with my name. I expected them to not even have my number at all.
"Hi Ana. Good to hear from you. How is Richard? " I asked.
"My husband is sleeping but let me wake him up "
At that, I wanted to end the call but Ana shouted back. "And Rosie Harrison, don't you dare end the call. He needs to talk to you .You are his little sister and I'd give anything to have a sister of mine "
I waited for about ten seconds.
"What is it again Rosie? I don't have any money for now. "
I didn't even wait for him to talk more. I ended the call and let the tears fall freely.
I felt strong hands on my back and when I turned to look, it was Jerry, Julia's brother.
"Rosie, come with me " he said and I laughed, despite the tears in my eyes.
"Why do you have to keep seeing me like this ?"
"It's just coincidence " he replied calmly.
"But I'm working Jerry. You possibly can't drag me out. You want me to lose my job? "
He looked at me wide-eyed "You really don't realize that my sister owns this restaurant? Julia didn't tell you that when she brought you here? Exactly how long have you been working here "
"Emm, about a month now but I haven't seen your sister since then. " I said.
"Well, she's not always around but that's by the way. I've talked to her so let's go "
He was four years older than me but he looked really young and sexy but I knew he was off-limits. Although, I didn't know why exactly he was off-limits . He drove me to Bree's beach and I looked at him in surprise.
"Julia told me this is your favorite place, so I brought you here. Don't be too surprised "
"What do you want from me? Why do you keep following me? " I asked him.
"Well, I just want to get to know you. To be sincere, I do like you and I'd like to know more about you. Tell me about yourself. I'll yell you about myself and I'll answer any questions you have "
"Alright "I sighed. There was no need telling him about my psychotic siblings. It was obvious Julia was close to her brother so must have told him everything. He told me he was studying law in USC and was currently in his final year. He told me his best colour, best food, best game and when he told me his best movie was Apocalypse, I exclaimed in horror.
"I hate that movie. God!!! It's too scary "
We both laughed heartily.
"So when are you going to college? "he asked.
"I've written an application to New York University. I'm actually applying for a scholarship but sincerely, I don't know if I'll get it. "
He placed his hand on mine. The great inexplicable feeling I felt was too dangerous. I had to keep my gaze focused on the waters flowing peacefully.
"You'll get it. I'm serious Rosie. What do you want to study? " he asked.
"Medicine and surgery "I replied.
"It suits you. Alright, enough for today. Let me drive you back home, okay? I'll see you tomorrow "
I smiled and we got in his car as he drove me home.