ROSES FOR RACHEL: EPISODES 41-50
By Painter
Episode 44
He mirrored my action. “No, I’m not.” He said pointedly. “That doesn’t make what I said any less true.”
I walked over to him, putting my hand up on his shoulder. “I promise you, I will get back to normal.” I said. “It’s only fair that I have a chance to spend time out there while I can.”
“Fine.” Pedro snapped, obviously still ill with me.
I smiled lightly at him, and patted his shoulder once as I left him in my room. As I stepped out into the hallway, the six guards all bowed.
As many times as I’ve seen people do it, it never stops being weird. “Need and escort, your highness?” Cromley asked and I nodded to him.
Calvin had Cromley brought here from a civilization in Rome because he was well known as the best fighter. I don’t know why anyone would even want to fight him, though.
Despite the fact that he looks to be 7 feet tall and is solid muscle, he is a total sweetheart with a boyish face. Once we were alone on the elevator he cut his eyes to me. “You going back up top?”
“Yes.” I answered curtly. I did not want another lecture about it.
He didn’t say anything else about it on our way through the green house. “I’ll be here waiting.” He said as we reached the metal door, and the four other guards who were waiting there too.
I climbed the stairs quickly, needing that familiar smell of the flowers and the feel of the sun on my skin.
As I pushed open the hatch and walked out into my beautiful, sun bathed garden, I had expected to see Greer and Tessa, but not the third girl who was sitting at the little table with them.
As I straightened up, they all looked over to me, seemingly surprised to see me. “Hey, Rachel.” Greer greeted me, standing to offer me her chair.
My eyes were glued to Lexton’s. She hadn’t attended the wedding, and I hadn’t seen her around at all. “Hi, Lexton.” I said politely. “I didn’t expect to see you here. How are you?” I asked.
She stood up from her seat and bowed. “Oh, I’m fine.” She practically whispered. “And you?” She asked.
“Fine.” I nodded, feeling awkward. “I, um, well, I thought maybe you had left.” I explained. “I just hadn’t seen you in a while.”
Her eyes looked a little puffy, but other than that, she was her usual beautiful self. “I’ve been around.” She said, then started walking towards the hatch.
“Wait.” I said, turning to her. “You’re welcome to stay with us.” I told her, motioning back to Tessa and Greer who were looking just as uncomfortable as I was feeling.
“I was just leaving.” She smiled, then went on her way.
I turned around, taking a seat in the empty chair. “Well, that was weird.” I said to the other two. “Did you know she was still here?” I asked, loving the warmth of the sun on my bare shoulders.
Tessa and Greer glanced between each other. “Yeah.” Greer finally admitted. “I didn’t say anything because I wasn’t sure you’d be happy if she stayed. I know it was Calvin’s decision to let us stay here.” She explained.
“Right.” Tessa chimed in. “She was the only one who was ever any competition to you, so I didn’t think you’d like her still being here.”
I hadn’t even considered whether or not she was still here.
I just assumed she went on her way when I didn’t see her anymore. “I don’t care that she’s here.” I said. “I find it weird she’s been hiding from me though.
Did she think I would kick her out, or be angry at her?” They exchanged glances again and I could feel my annoyance rising. “What?” I asked.
Tessa sighed, tossing her blonde hair aside. “She’s sad, that’s all.” She said dismissively.
“Because she didn’t get chosen?” I asked, as I absently watched a little bird fly by. Greer and Tessa both nodded. “Well, you guys aren’t sad, are you?” I asked them, watching their expressions carefully.
“No.” Greer said evenly. “After everything that’s been happening, I’m actually a little glad I didn’t get picked.” She said honestly.
“But…”
I raised my eyebrows to her, but she dropped her eyes to the plate of muffins in the center of the table.
Tessa rolled her eyes at her. “But, we weren’t in love with Calvin.” She said matter of fact. “I mean, sure he was nice, and drop dead freaking gorgeous, but I was more interested in being a princess than a wife.” She said in her always honest tone.
I felt a mix of sadness and annoyance at her words. “Lexton loved Calvin?” I asked skeptically.
They both nodded, and I felt nauseas. I didn’t think I’d have an issue with her staying, but knowing someone else is in love with my husband turns my stomach and bothers me a lot more than I ever imagined it could. How could she possibly be in love with him? He’s mine.
Before I had a chance to say anything else, the hatch swung open and Lexton stuck her head back out. “Rachel, they need you!” She called. “Hurry, its news about Calvin.”
Before the words were even out of her mouth I was running, pushing passed her to get to Master Pedro and the other guards and two officials who were waiting for me in the green house.
Pedro grabbed me by the shoulders as soon as I came out. “He’s ok.” He said, easing my panic just a touch.
“There was an attack, and you need to address the people.” Pedro said quickly. “Bad news travels fast and they need to hear this from you.” He said shoving a piece of paper in my hands. “Read it, and be preparing yourself to tell the people.”
I was being rushed through the corridors while I read the report about the incident in my shaking hands. When we finally stopped, I looked up to see that we were in a small room with a man with a big camera in his hands.
My heart rate became even faster. “I’m doing it now?” I asked Pedro with terror in my voice.
He grabbed my shoulders again. “You can do this, Rachel.” He said firmly. “It will be broadcast live to everywhere, even to where Calvin is, so just do this for him. Show him he can be proud of you.”
ROSES FOR RACHEL: EPISODES 41-50
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