103. The Return

Third Person's POV:

The walk back from Aria's house was uneventful, but that didn't mean Rose wasn't on edge.

Every rustling leaf, every distant sound, even the wind pushing against the trees had her heart leaping to her throat.

The night air was cool, yet a thin layer of sweat clung to the back of her neck. Her fingers twitched, clutching the thorny rose she had taken from Aria's windowsill.

She hadn't even realized she was still holding it until the sharp sting of its thorns pricked her palm.

She should have thrown it away by now, but for some reason, she hadn't. Maybe because her mind was too preoccupied. Maybe because it felt like proof that all of this was real. That he was real. Against what Rose really wants to believe.

When she finally reached her house, she stopped at the porch, staring at the front door as though it would open on its own and decide for her whether she should enter.

How odd… that in the same night she had longed to get in, and in the very same night she was now terrified of stepping back inside.

Her own home—where she should feel safe—felt foreign, unwelcoming. She had no idea what was waiting for her in there.

Would he be inside? 

Waiting to welcome her back like a gracious host- since lately it was feeling like *he* was more in control than the residents of this house. And would he be armed with something far worse than just flowers this time? 

Or was the house empty, filled with only her own paranoia?

Standing out here felt just as dangerous. If he was watching, lingering in the darkness, she was practically inviting him to strike.

Her breath hitched. Move, Rose. Move before you give him the chance to.

With a deep inhale, she forced herself forward, gripping the handle and twisting it open. The door gave way without resistance, and she hesitated just before stepping in. 

She didn't lock it behind her. Should an instance arise where she needed to run, she wasn't about to make escaping harder for herself.

Besides, thing around this place locks and unlocks on it's own, there is no point in that activity anymore.

The house was dark, the faint silver glow of the moon pouring in through the windows, illuminating only vague shapes and deep shadows.

 It was eerily silent. That didn't put her at ease. If anything, it made the unease fester.

Something is different tonight.

Then she sees a silhouette appear. A figure coming to stand just a few steps ahead of her, just barely touched by the moonlight filtering through the glass.

Her breath left her in a sharp gasp, her body recoiling as she stumbled backward. Her feet tangled beneath her, and she fell hard onto the floor, palms scraping against the wooden surface as she looked up with wide, panicked eyes.

The figure moved—lunging forward.

Rose braced for the worst, but then—

"Rose?"

Jake.

His voice was sharp with concern as he crouched in front of her, his face no longer cast in eerie shadows, but fully illuminated by the moonlight.

His brows were drawn together in a deep furrow, his expression one of sheer worry.

"Are you okay? And what are you doing here so late?" His hands found her shoulders, helping her up. She barely registered the warmth of his touch, her mind still racing from the scare.

"I thought you were staying at Aria's tonight?"

Rose swallowed, her heart still hammering. "I… I changed my mind."

Jake studied her for a moment, his frown deepening. "You look like you just saw a ghost. Are you feeling alright?"

"Nothing," she rushed out, shaking her head. "I just got startled, that's all. It's so dark in here."

"Yeah, I just got home too. I got in through the garage door. Anyway, did something happen with Aria? Did you two get in a fight, again?" He guessed.

"N- Yeah that's it. But it's not serious, she'll come around."

"And that is the only reason you look so spooked by seeing me?" he narrowed his eyes at her and Rose flustered for a convincing reply.

"Yup, we were watching Exorcist, so you can guess the rest." She shrugs at the end.

Jake didn't seem convinced, but after a pause, he exhaled, seemingly letting it go.

Well, he bought it. That's what she wanted and Rose should have tried to act normal afterwards too, but instead, she couldn't help herself; seeing his familiar face and his warmth surrounding her overwhelmed her in a way Rose just lunged forward and threw her arms around his torso and hugged her uncle with all her might.

At first Jake was a little surprised by the suddenness of it but quickly recovered, his arms wrapping around her tightly.

Rose's body was tense and shaken, finally began to relax against him as she snuggled her nose further in his chest.

The familiar scent of his cologne bringing comfort she was seeking tonight but it was seemingly so slippery, always slipping through her fingers. 

But he is here now. Her only family, her guardian, her uncle who has now become a fatherly figure in her life.

He was warm, solid, *real.* For a brief moment, she could almost pretend everything was fine.

He is her protection.

After pulling back, he gave her a once-over, his eyes scanning her face. "Have you eaten? You look exhausted."

"It's just college work, lately things are getting... crazy."

"No doubt, it's getting visible now." Jake light heartedly teases at her disheveled appearance and Rose punches him lightly but gives in and chuckles alongside him. 

Rose shook her head, though in truth, she wasn't hungry at all. But she found herself saying, "I… could eat."

"Ham and cheese?"

She forces another small smile. "PB&J. That sounds good."