"Maybe Y400 could be your date." "Y400? Are you serious?" "Eh, you never know, he might surprise you." Amber remains quiet sitting there with her clipboard looking down on it. Her bangs drooping over her eyes. "Amber?" "I've never even been on a real date before.. And now this.. I'm not good at small talk with strangers.. I can't even dance.." You chuckle a bit nervously placing your hand on her shoulder, "You'll be fine, you're overthinking it." "Easy for you to say.. You already have a date you're familiar with." ---- You're working out in the gym with Rose, doing pushups when Rose suddenly gets a text. "Who's that from?" "It's from my Dad, he wants us to pick up some groceries later tonight." Suddenly her phone buzzes again. "Your Dad again?" She nods no, "It's Musette." "Musette?" Rose laughs, "Its.. It's nothing really." "Rose, what have you been texting Musette?" Rose looks down and sighs. She hands her phone to you. You check through her text history. You're stunned. It's a bunch of really nice encouraging texts from Rose. It seems Musette is terribly depressed. "Rose, what is all this?" There are people working out in the background. Rose is leaned up against a mirror. You're sitting criss-cross on the ground looking up at her. Rose seems distraught, "She started getting so sad and miserable. She told me she felt lonely and she had no friends. And then I.." Rose seems upset, "I.. I told her I would be her friend." "Rose.." "I know.. She ruined our lives.. But I couldn't help but feel bad for her. I'm sorry I kept it a secret from you." "It's ok Rose. As long as she isn't a threat anymore. I think it's fine for you to bury the hatchet, if that's what you feel is best.." "I'm sorry Thorn." You get up and hug her, "It's ok, I'm not mad alright? You.. You didn't need to keep this a secret, I would have understood I promise." Rose smiles returning your hug. It seems you made her feel better. ---- And so Rose takes you to her home, you and her go inside. You hear her Dad greet you both with a belch. He chucks his empty can at the wall. "Run the fucking ball you shit, what are they paying you for?!" Rose sighs, "Dad, I need the keys." He grumbles, "Not now dammit, I'm watchin the game! Didn't I tell you to pick up groceries or something? Your pop is craving ham tonight, and one way or another you're going to that store and getting me some ham." Rose walks over and looks at him mildly annoyed, "Yeah Dad, I need your keys to go grocery shopping." "Interception!? Are you fucking serious? No get him you fuckers, no, no damn it fuck!" The t.v speaks, "AAAAnnd TOUCHDOWN, HE RAN IT ALL THE WAY TO THE END!" The whistes are blowing, the t.v continues, "Wow bob, let's see that again. Mc Ellen throws the ball, and you can see here Gregor jumps up, snatches it right out of the air. Runs it for 45 yards all the way to the endzone. I tell you that was a magnificent play." Roses Dad seems angry and disappointed balling his fists in his chair. Rose walks over and puts her hand on his shoulder, "I'll pick you up some extra beer tonight ok?" He nods no, "Don't bother, I can't drink much more anyways.. I got work in the mornin. Just uh.. I dunno get me some fucking ice cream or something." Rose nods, "You got it. Also, still gonna need those keys." He reaches into his pocket seeming irritated pulling out his keys putting them in her hand. You hear the t.v again, "Man it's gonna be hard to make that up here in the 4th quarter." The t.v keeps going, "Well Bob they're just gonna have to hope their defense is on point tonight." Roses Dad seems pretty upset. Rose taps you on the shoulder smiling a bit and motions you to follow. A part of you kinda wanted to watch the game. You walk out of the house with Rose. You hear the jangle of the keys. The rain starts coming down as if to greet you. The skies above are dark grey. Rose unlocks the car and gets into the drivers seat. It's an older car so she has to manually unlock it from the inside. It's pretty rainy and cold so you stand there outside the station wagon waiting for her to unlock it. She reaches across and unlocks the door from your side. You quickly get inside and shut the door. The car feels cold. Rose bends down throwing some cans into the backseat from where her feet are. She groans, "How the hell can he drive to work like this?" You rub your hands together trying to warm up. "Brr, it's pretty cold out there." Rose seems concerned. She starts the car. She turns on the heat and lets the car sit there and warm up. You feel the wind not quite warmed up yet come through the vents. You shiver still warming up your hands. Rain hits the roof of the car. Rose chuckles, "It'll warm up in a minute don't worry." "Y-yeah." Rose is looking over at you, "So, how was school? Did you get everyone you needed for that team you were putting together?" "Yeah. Now just comes the task of eventually organizing them together, and possibly getting uniforms made for them. Oh, but first there's the dance." Rose nods putting the car into gear. She looks back and reverses out of the driveway onto the street in the rain. She drives along the road. The car is quiet save for the rain on the roof of the car. Rose continues, "So, the dance.. Amber texted me about it. It's supposed to be some kinda fancy ball thing right?" You nod, "Yeah, it's gonna be real fancy, and it's happening at Musettes mansion." Rose looks forward focusing on the road as the wipers clear the rain. "And the funds and everything, it's all coming out of her pocket?" "Yeah, and actually I was thinking we take it a step further and have us arrive by limo. That'd make it extra fancy." Rose seems a bit upset, "I dunno." "What? Come on, it'll be fun." "I've never rode in a limo.. And besides, that's not our money, it's Musettes parents money." You feel confused, "I don't get it, what gives?" Rose still seems upset, "I just don't want to use other peoples money if I can avoid it. I wanna be able to use my own money and earn my own way you know?" "Musette owes us after the bullshit she put us through." Rose sighs a bit focusing on driving, leaving the car in silence for a moment. "I don't wanna make it seem like we're too poor to afford anything. I know I basically steal from kids all the time, but this is really going to be noticeable.. I mean, showing up in a limo? Look at what we're driving right now! My Dads beat up old station wagon. And we're going to go from that to riding in a limo? It just doesn't seem right.." "Rose, it's ok. It's fine to treat ourselves every now and then ok?" Rose pulls into the parkinglot and finds an empty parking space. There are plenty of parking spaces to choose from. She parks the car and turns it off. The car warmed up a little bit but it's too late now. Rain drips onto the roof sliding down the windshields. "Thats fine then.. We'll do it this once. But I don't want to keep dipping into her funds. It just doesn't feel right." "Alright fine." You and her exit the car, she locks the vehicle. You and her walk together through the rain to the grocery store. Rose is the first there so she grabs a cart. She then passes it off to you, "You're a big strong man, you can push it for me can't you?" You nod taking the cart rolling it into the grocery store. It's a lot warmer in here. Rose looks at her phone, "Alright, Dad sent me a list. He wants Ham, eggs, cheese, milk, bread, mac n cheese, Alfredo pasta, ramen, and chicken." She sighs, "He didn't put any vegetables or fruits on this list. Again." "Should we get some?" Rose nods, "Yeah, let's get some apples and bananas. Maybe some lettuce and spinach too." You and Rose walk through the store as a couple passing other people. You pick up the fruits and veggies first. Rose is looking over her list, "Lets go down this isle here and get some pasta." It only now just occurs to you that you and Rose go to the same grocery store. Weird to think about. Although when you've gone it was usually with your parents. "Dad's making a lot more money, so he's been paying me back quite a bit. It's nice to have some cashflow around the house." Rose wraps her arm around you leaning into you as you push the cart, you remark "Right.." It's nice to shop with her at your side. Even if this food isn't technically for you. What are you saying? You almost always eat at her place. Even now though, doing something simple like this.. Its nice to have her at your side. Rose is putting some pasta into the cart, "He likes this kind. He'll usually want some kind of meat in it too." "You really look out for him." "Of course, he's my Dad, why wouldn't I?" Rose looks up at you coming back to your side, "You're not getting jealous are you?" She's grinning a little, "N-nah.." She nuzzles herself into your arm, "Mmm.. You know, I can just imagine us.. You know, coming in here.. Doing our shopping together like this when we're older.." "I.. I think I can kind of imagine that too." She hangs onto your arm, "You'd better never ever leave me." "Rose.." "I'm serious.. Don't get my hopes up for something like that if you're not gonna stick by me until the end." You don't know what the future holds, but you know right now your life involves Rose.. "I want to at least.. I hope we do." She exhales in relief, "Good, don't scare me like that. I can't imagine my life without you right now." You and Rose continue to shop in peace. Passing other people as you do. Some of them couples. Every time you do, you become aware of Rose, and how special it is that you're shopping with her. That she's your girlfriend here in public in front of all these people. ----- It's shortly later after Rose paid for the groceries. You're out in the rain, Rose just popped the trunk. You start unloading the groceries into the back. Rose has decided to leave it to you sitting in the car warming up. Not that you mind really. After unloading the groceries you put down the trunk shutting it and put away the cart. You walk back and try to open the passengers side door. It's locked. Rose sticks her tongue out at you and turns on the car, "No, come on.. Rose." She leans over and unlocks your door. Shes laughing a bit. You shut the door behind you. Her face is so cute, you can't help but chuckle a bit. She leans over and kisses your wet cheek. "Love you baby." "Love you too Rose." Rose puts the car into reverse and backs out. She turns on the lights and the wipers driving down the parkinglot. "So.. I was kinda thinking about it when we were in the store. But I think we should go see Musette tonight after we put away the groceries." "Musette?" "She is paying for our limo and everything. I'd feel bad at least.. About not at least hanging out with her a little before we come and use her house like our own personal party place." "Well, if you insist, what about dinner for your Dad though?" "There's some leftovers in the fridge, plus I got him some ice cream. He'll be fine." ------------- After putting away the groceries and being buzzed in by Musette Rose drives her motorcycle into the garage where Musette is waiting. Rose takes off her helmet. Her short hair wet from the rain. Musette walks up with a clean fresh towel and dries her off. Rose seems pleased by this. "Thanks." Musette is wearing a wig, and headband covering that tattoo you gave her. She has a friendly demure expression, not at all like the old Musette. "Must've been so cold for you to drive out here like that. Please.. Come inside." Rose suddenly hugs her. Musette seem a bit caught off guard but returns the hug. You awkwardly interject, "It's uh.. Kinda nice to see you again on friendlier terms." She nods smiling, "The same! I uh.. Would it be ok to hug you as well?" Ah geez, you couldn't possibly say no to a face like that. "S-sure.." She walks up and hugs you. You never expected to be in this position. It's nice, but at the same time you're wary. She looks down, "I wanted to say it.. In case it wasn't clear, I.. I'm sorry for everything I did to you and your girlfriend.. You know, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about what happened. And I know I only have myself to blame. It's hard to accept sometimes. But.. I realize I was a bad person before. And I'm trying hard to change that.. Rose has been texting me and helping me feel better. It's nice to have someone I can call my friend." She leads you both inside. You're extremely on edge right now. You're approached by an old white haired butler, "Ah the young madame, and her guests I presume?" Musette smiles, "These are my friends, Thorn and Rose." "Ah, how lovely. Your names are complimentary, and evoke the images of the roses we have growing in the back." "Watson, we'll be going upstairs now." He nods, "Perhaps I'll bring you all up some tea and biscuits in a bit?" She chuckles, "That would be lovely, would you like that?" Rose nods, "Yeah, sounds good to me." He seems happy, "Excellent, I'll have them up right away." Musettte leads you up the pearl white steps of her ornate mansion. On the second floor her, room which you're lead inside. A very girly and posh looking room. Pictures of her concert posters and a plush pink bed with mostly pink interior. Large stuffed animals and other cute furnishings. You Rose and her all sit on some wood chairs around a small wooden table near the bed. Musette reveals the tattoo on her forehead and her mostly still bald head. "It's hard to forget, when every day you look in the mirror and see it." Rose looks down seeming a bit ashamed, "I'm sorry Musette. But.. We had to do it." Musette nods no, "It's fine.. It's humbling really. No one in my family knows about it.. All they know is that I've been acting a little nicer. And.. Well I've been a little more grateful for the things I have." Rose feels along Musettes somewhat bald head feeling the tiny spikes of hair. "You had such pretty hair." Musette looks down putting her wig and headband back on. "I know.. But its fine.. I see yours is short now too." "Oh this? Yeah that was for the fight." "I saw it.. You did really amazing. It was scary, but at the same time.. Well it certainly made me feel better about losing to you." Musette chuckles, "You.. Really are the superior woman." Rose shakes her head no, "Don't be so hard on yourself. I had to train really hard for that. And.. It wasn't an easy fight by any means." "But that's the thing, you've earned everything you have.. Me? I've only been given it. I wish I could be like you." Rose looks to her, "Theres no use getting upset about that now. Just be thankful for what you have, and use it to make yourself and others happy. You're obviously talented enough to sing and go up on stage. Don't sell yourself short." Musette chuckles weakly, "Thanks.. Anyhow, Amber texted me about the party you guys want this Saturday." Rose nods yes, "I hope that's ok. It's kind of short notice." Musette smiles, "It's fine. Really. It'll be nice to have the place looking so lively for once." The butler knocks. Musette responds, "Come in!" He opens the door bringing a fancy set of tea and some confectioneries like cookies and cupcakes. He bows before exiting, "Have a wonderful evening." Musette responds, "Thank you!" Rose grabs a cookie off the tray. You stop her, "Wait, Rose! What if it's poison?" Musette takes the cookie out of Roses hand and eats it. "Not poison. Delicious." Musette swallows. Rose looks to you, "I appreciate your concern Thorn, but I think Musette has turned over a new leaf." You're not so sure. You speak, "So Musette.. You'll be paying for our Limo entrance, and you'll be putting on this party." Musette nods, "Whatever you need." Rose seems a little exited, "I've never honestly been driven anywhere in a limo. I mean, I drove the limo that one time but.." Musette nervously chuckles, "It's fun. Oh, speaking of which, you and Thorn will be attending the ball right? Do you have anything to wear?" Rose looks down at the tray of treats. "I.. I'll just wear one of my old dresses, it'll be fine." Musette gets up and tugs at Rose nodding no, "No way. Come on, I'll let you borrow one of my dresses." Rose seems releuctant but complies. Musette leads Rose to her walk in closet. It's massive with all sorts of clothes and dresses in here. Rose seems a little uneasy as she's lead inside. "Wow.. So many clothes in here.." Musette seems happy, "Let's try to find you something nice for the dance ok?" "Ok." Musette and Rose pick through some dresses. She tries them all on one by one. You watch her thinking about how cute she is in a lot of them. But there's one dress, a red one which is mid-length. One which is simply too perfect for Rose. Rose seems happy, "Oh gosh it really does look amazing on me doesn't it!?" Musette also seems pleased, "It really suits you. I.. I think you should honestly just keep this one." "Oh! Really? That's so nice of you! Oh, Thorn what do you think isn't it nice?" "It looks lovely on you Rose. You're gonna be the star of the ball for sure." Rose runs up to you and hugs you passionately nuzzling herself against you, "Mmmm!"