Rose's Thorns

David Orson

Theodore had understood what she meant by she needed air, it was the same reason he had insisted on today's stroll instead of taking a rest like Ellis had advised. The demons may not be the same but they were still demons.

As he walked away, he was tempted to invite her on a stroll but that would be a bit over the top so he let it go, as it is he could feel Ellis's hard gaze on his back, he should atleast give the man a break.

Chuckling to himself, he continued on his walk, his mind emptying with every step, the cold night air numbing his senses.

'By the time I return, I would be too numb to feel anything.' he thought.

***

Marina stared at his back until he was completely out of sight, for reasons she couldn't understand, he had been able to wash away her anxiety with his presence, a presence that had lasted but a few minutes. She wondered if he would return this way but before the crazy idea of waiting for him could instill itself in her mind, the guard announced.

"You have 15 minutes."

Barely resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she grunted to herself, displeasure on her face.

'Spoil sport.'

******

Being blind came with heightened senses as a compensation but at this moment, Theodore could almost swear it was a curse instead. The whisperings of the guards behind his window even though almost inaudible still managed to pull him out of a blissful sleep. He had walked till his legs could no longer carry him before he finally returned to his bed where he slept as soon as his head touched the pillow. That had been the aim, to tire out his mind to the extent it won't be able to even form dreams. He moved away from the window but it was of no help, he was already awake.

Feeling this wrist for his watch, he was surprised to see that it was 10 am.

Had he slept that long?

He barely had time to process his surroundings when a quiet knock came through.

Who is it?

The person seemed to wait for a while before he went ahead to open the door, knowing only Ellis was allowed to do that but still taking precautions, he pulled out his cane from the side of his bed.

"I am sorry for startling you sir, I didn't want to wake you up with a knock."

Theodore sighed in relief and question.

Ellis would never bother his sleep if there wasn't something important.

"What Is so urgent?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

"Sir, your father is here and he insists on having an audience with you."

Theodore knew one way or the other, it had something to do with his guest so he just shook his head and replied.

"Tell him I'll be there in ten minutes." Ellis nodded to that and took his leave after watching his boss safely reach his morning tray.

The morning tray consisted of new sets of cloth, a robe, a towel, a face towel, tooth brush, tooth paste, sponge, bathing soap,a comb and if there's any need cufflinks and tie.

Theodore made for the toothpaste and tooth brush and carefully made his way to the bath room.

"Good morning father." He greeted once he arrived the sitting room, it amazed him how his father respected his personal space, he would force him to see him but never barge into his room. It sometimes baffled him the reason behind that, it's not that he has a girlfriend or anything.

"Theo, It's good to know you atleast was able to enjoy your sleep."

His voice was literally dripping sarcasm and he wondered why.

Shouldn't he be atleast nice since it's just morning?

"How was your night father?" He asked once he was sitting down.

David Orson shook his head at his son, a small smile on his face, The young man would never lose a battle of composure and definitely not of words. He knew exactly how to play it safe.

"I dreamt of the criminal going after you, then I woke up and tried sleeping again but this time she was smiling at you and guess what, you were smiling back."

Theo shook his head trying his best to swallow his smile.

"That was quite an eventful night." He replied making his father glare at him.

"So I decided, you are not growing younger anyways, do why do we keep postponing the plan to get you and Isabella together?"

Now this caught him off guard much to his father's pleasure, he had never expected it and to think he is not even done with him.

"So I called and asked her to come over and she, despite not being in the country promised to be here by Wednesday. She will stay over till weekend, just quite enough time for you to know each other a little, don't you think?"

David watched as his son slowly blinked his eyes, his expression almost of hurt. He reminded him so much of his wife that he almost withdrew his words to please him yet he clenched his fist, strengthening his resolve. He was doing all of this for his own sake, he had not being able to sleep knowing his precious son was living with some hoodlum.

What if she was not out there to hurt him but to seduce him?

What if the world started pointing fingers at him, his blindness had put him on the headlines for quite a number of times, but never did he have to deal with a scandal, he wouldn't let him do it now.

"Father," Theodore started, he was physically struggling to keep calm.

He had only spoken to this Isabella once but one thing he knew was that he didn't like her. She wasn't bad but he didn't like her.

Isn't that enough reason to dismiss the idea?

"Father, there's a no female allowed rule in this house."

"And you broke that." David Orson interjected. He knew he would bring that up.

"Father, we will not work." He deadpanned.

The woman already treated him like some handicap, he would hate to have to deal with that for the rest of his life.

"You haven't given her a chance!!" David Orson pointed out

"I did, twice." He responded.

"On the phone!!" He yelled, frustration straining his voice.

"It's the same thing for me, don't you think father?"

David could not reply to this, he struggled to come up with something but just like always, It hurt him to talk about his son's incapabilities.

Sighing deeply, he stood up from the seat before he added.

"I have already given my word, if she comes, send her away yourself. "

Theodore frowned at that, that was a trick. His father knew he would ever be able to do that.

"And as for the criminal, stay away from her, I have warned her too."

"Father, what do you mean by you warned her?" He asked anticipating his response, however, all he got as a response was the sound of the door closing. He didn't bother following him knowing he had not Intended on explaining.

"Ellis," he called.

"Yes sir," he replied praying it was not what he was thinking.

"What did father mean by he warned her?"

And it was. He really did not want to tell Theodore his father had threatened her, that will only make him concerned about her but it was difficult to lie to him, the man was like a lie detector itself.

"Sir, he had visited her before heading here." He replied evading the real question.

"What did he do when he visited her?" He prodded.

"They spoke..." He replied skeptically.

Theodore nodded his head a sarcastic smile on his face.

If Ellis was lying then his father had done something he wouldn't be able to say. His father never talks, he either orders or threatens depending on the person.

"My father spoke to her?" He questioned, straining each word.

"Sir, he threatened her, made sure she was shaken." He confessed. There was no use, he knew his father too well.

"I will like to take my bath." He said much to Ellis's surprise.

Was he not bothered?