Rose:
Marcel Proust believed the true voyage of discovery wasn’t about finding new lands, but seeing the old ones with new eyes. Perhaps he was an optimist, or maybe he simply found beauty in beginnings, even if they carried the threat of shattering you into a thousand pieces or forging you into something entirely new.
I suspect optimism is merely an illusion. I’m not depressed, not exactly. But the idea of willingly embracing hope in the darkest times feels… insane.
Philosophy, however, genuinely excites me.
“Casey… it’s been too long,” I smiled, arranging the returned books into a neat stack.
Casey mirrored the warmth. “It has been, after the last term. How have you been?” He asked, as I added them to his library card.
“I’m doing well. Skylar’s doing well, too.”
“Need any help?”
“No, I’m fine,” I said, smiling. “I’ll manage.”
He returned the smile. “Fighting! Bye!” He waved, departing the library.
I glanced at the clock. Two minutes remained on my shift. I straightened the desks, returning books to their shelves.
After completing this, I sighed. Fewer and fewer people visited now. It was a sad truth – when something new arrives, humans flock to it, eager to try it out.
I gathered my belongings and closed the windows. I wiped down the counter and locked the library door.
Stepping out into the cool air, I began walking. My house was close, so I started walking.
“Hey!” Theodore called.
“What is it now?” I asked, continuing my stride.
“Come on… admit you like me,” he said, smiling.
“Not giving you the satisfaction,” I said, keeping my gaze forward.
“Come on… you’re hot. I’m hot. We belong together,” he said, cornering me against a wall.
“If you’re honest, and if you truly want this, then I’ll let you close,” I said.
“What do you want from me?” he asked.
“The same level of trust I’m willing to give. I want certainty. I don’t want you to play with me until you’re bored, Theodore.”
“Honestly, I’m confused. You always get what you want. What *do* I want? Have you ever considered that?” He asked, drawing closer.
I struggled against his hold as he tightened it.
“I want you to…” he said, his face slick with sweat, hair falling across his forehead. “… Call me Theo.”
I looked at him as he smiled coyly. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Let me drop you off,” he said.
“I can walk, Theodore.”
“Just Theo.”
“Rose…,” Skylar called, rushing over to me.
She glanced at Theo as he returned her gaze.
“Bye, Rose,” he said.
I nodded as he smiled, waving excitedly at Skylar.
“Let’s get in… come on,” I said, taking my bag from her grip. I linked my arm with hers as we sat down in the small garden in front of our house.
“Sister… can I ask you something?” Skylar asked.
“What?”
“Do you like Theodore?” she asked. I rose to my feet.
“Answer me…” she said, impatient.
“Sometime later, Sky.”
“Please?”
“I do like him. I like Theo,” I said. She smiled.
“Why don’t you call him Theo in front of him?”
“That’s because there’s an art known as flirting,” I replied, ruffling her hair before hurrying back inside, locking the door behind me.
I sat down at my chair, staring at my board.
Like serial killers, policemen (the term is inherently sexist), and I, all share a board about people.
Serial killers for victims, police for killers, and me for Theodore.
I smiled, gazing out the window as a car pulled into the driveway. Mom was home.
I removed my books to find a handwritten note tucked between the pages.
It was an invitation to a party.
I pinned it neatly on the board beside his other notes, returning to my studies.
I could go, if I wanted to. Mom would allow it.
I pushed the thought away and focused back on my work.
After a while, I went downstairs and asked for permission.
“Good that you’re socializing,” she said.
“I am.” I smiled.
“My lovely Rose,” she said, kissing my forehead.
I returned to my room and opened my closet. Like all princesses, I have a closet filled with clothes I don't generally wear.
I selected a green off-shoulder crop top paired with a black skirt and boots.
Looking at my reflection, I had to admit I looked good.
I imagined Theodore’s reaction when he saw me. I smiled and looked back at the mirror.
Mahogany hair, perfect features, a perfect body. It was as if nature was forcing me to be perfect.
Theodore was going to be shocked, for sure.
I spritzed a few drops of perfume. I tied my hair into a ponytail and left the house.