Rosie's Story. Episode 9. Free Serialized Read.

 

Photo: Laura Chouette. Unsplash

Rosie's Story. Episode Nine

"I'll see you on Sunday. I'm sleeping over at Pam's place." Rosie announced brightly. "We'll probably go to the mall; watch a couple of movies." She shrugged. "The usual."

At sixteen, Rosie had bloomed into a pretty young woman. Petite, with long, thick hair, the boys had begun to notice her. Her mother stopped mixing her cake batter and turned to look at her daughter. "Take care then, Rosie. Have you done all of your chores?" She accepted her daughter's quick embrace. It had taken some time, but she was now more used to going to church on her own. She often longed though, for the simpler days when her daughters were young and skipped along by her side to the services.

"All done." Announced Rosie. "See you soon."

***

"Stop fluttering your eyes." Laughed Pamela. She was applying mascara to Rosie's eyelashes. Rosie had been transformed into an eighteen year old with the help of some black eye-liner and high heels. Pamela was already dressed and made up, ready for fun. The bubbly type, she had a steady boyfriend and was determined to get Rosie one too. "Where are we going tonight?" Rosie wanted to know. Pamela and her boyfriend Luke were often the ones to decide.

"To the new pub. Everyone's raving about their band."

"Will they let us in?" Rosie asked dubiously.

"Of course! Look at us! Do we look sixteen?"

***

Sometimes, Rosie wished she were rather snuggled up in bed with her cat and a good book on Saturday nights. Yet, something drove her to be with the other kids in her group. She wanted to be liked; to be accepted. And now she felt an added pressure: she needed to find a boyfriend. She hated being the odd one out as the others danced. Her heart longed to be loved by someone special. 

The pub was noisy and filled with students and young people. The band was talented and Rosie enjoyed the music as she sat sipping a cold beer.

"Mind if I join you?" A guy Rosie didn't know slid next to her on the bench. "Great band, huh?" I'm Jake." He added with a grin.

"Rosie." Rosie smiled back. "They are good." She took another sip of her beer and felt more confident. Maybe something would happen tonight. Was Jake the guy for her? He looked about eighteen, and he was cute with blonde hair and light-coloured eyes.

"You been here before?" Jake asked as he lifted his own glass.

"She shook her head. "Nope. First time. I came with my friends."

"They won't mind if I borrow you for a while will they?" He chuckled.

"I don't think so." Rosie smiled.

"Great. Hey, it looks like your drink's running low." I'll be back in a sec." Jake made his way through the crowd to the bar and was back before long with two lagers.

"So, tell me all about yourself, Rosie. Pretty rose."

Rose giggled as Jake sat close beeside her, his arm about her shoulder. 

"Well, I have a cat." She smiled, enjoying the moment. The beer had loosened her tongue, and she felt as though she could talk to this handsome stranger all night.

Jake pulled her closer. "I like you, Rosie. You're fun."

***

To be continued. 

Episode Ten

In case you missed the rest of the story, here is the link to the beginning episode:

Episode One

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Copyright: Alison Lawrence