Seal of Love

The Great Annoyance

Leo's Point of View:

    ‘Just kill her already!’ screamed the voice in my head. ‘Choke her, stab her, cut her… do SOMETHING!’ But that voice was immediately drowned out with another thought when Rose’s eyes dropped down to my lips and she thoughtfully nibbled at her own. And that thought was, ‘What the actual hell?’

   Rose’s breathing slowed as she hesitantly leaned in and ever-so-gently brushed her mouth against mine. My mind went blank for a moment, not understanding what the hell was happening, and the fingers on my knife slowly loosened. ‘Did she just- this pathetic shitbag- her filthy lips-’

   My thoughts were filled with confusion and anger, and before I knew it, Rose had me pinned to the floor, her knee digging deep into my chest, keeping me from any possible chances of getting up. She glared down at me, holding my own knife to my throat.

It took me a second to realize what her motive was and I brought both my hands up in defeat, smiling weakly. ‘Smart b***h,’ I thought bitterly. ‘I should have seen that coming. Using such a filthy way to distract me.’

“You got me,” I said, but Rose’s stone look didn’t leave her face.

   “I know who you are, Leo,” she said, digging the blade deeper into my throat. “I know why you’re here and what you want.” My smile faded. “And I know that you have killed innocent people just to get your hands on this too.”

    I stayed silent, studying her expression. She looked as though she knew what she was talking about. She stared down at me with such hatred in her eyes.

   “So you know what it is?” I asked solemnly, gesturing to her hand. Rose nodded. “And you know what it can do?” She nodded once more.

   “Wasn’t that demon watching you when you woke up?” she wondered. I snorted.

   “You mean Alice?” I questioned. “Yeah, she and I had some… complications back there.” I reached up and took a piece of her hair, the same way I always did to Alice, and twirled it around my finger. “Alice and I have been friends for a while now. So I promised her that I’d kill you for chaining her up like you did. She hates being leashed, you know.”

  Rose swallowed hard at my words, yet she still tried to keep a straight face.

   “You don’t scare me,” she said, as if trying to assure herself. I smirked at her reaction and took the first opportunity I could. I grabbed her hand and pushed her to the ground, changing our positions. I locked both of her hands above her head again to make sure she couldn't stab me.

   “Oh Le-o!” sang an annoying voice from behind the closed door of the kitchen. I looked up, glowering at the door. Great. It’s the old hag that owns this place. Ever since I first stepped foot into the orphanage, she’s been clinging to me nonstop.

    Sighing, I pulled myself off of Rose and climbed to my feet, just as Mrs. Stein opened the door. Today she wore a tight black dress that didn’t suit her body at all. She also wore long earrings with a ridiculous amount of perfume. She walked over to me, wearing heels that must have been added three more inches than the last time I saw her.

    “Mrs. Stein!” I cried, holding out my hand. But instead of taking my gesture, she pulled me into a giant bear hug. As I pulled away again, I smiled brightly.

    “You look fabulous!” I said. “Are those new shoes, may I ask?” Mrs. Stein giggled, fanning her face.

    “Now, now. No need to be so formal,” she informed me. “Just call me Sally.”

    “That wouldn’t feel respectful of me, Mrs. Stein,” I assured her.

    “Well, at least call me Ms. Sneel,” she said, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I’m actually a widow. My husband died a long time ago. I only kept the name to keep all of the perverts away.” She giggled.

    I stared at her hand, which nails were so long they could have been claws. ‘Speaking of perverts…’ I thought. ‘What’s WRONG with this lady? She’s like, twice my age!’

    “I see…” I said, hesitantly stepping away. I glanced over to Rose who was still sitting on the floor, also cringing about Mrs. Stein’s inappropriate behavior. Following my gaze, Mrs. Stein finally took notice of Rose and sent her a dirty look.

   “Rose!” she cried, making a face of disgust. “What are you doing on the floor? That’s completely unladylike. I should fire you this instance!” Rose rolled her eyes and I decided that I had to come to her rescue.

    “It’s not her fault, Mrs. Stein,” I explained quickly. “I accidentally tripped her before you came in. It’s my fault, I swear.” I held out my hand to Rose and she paused before deciding to take it and allowed me to help her back to her feet.

    “Doesn’t explain why she’s been laying there this whole time,” Mrs. Stein muttered glumly.

    “Leo,” Mrs. Stein said, staring down at Rose’s and my hands that were still locked together. “I just wanted to update you that I’ve been working on your adoption papers and we are almost done getting the state’s approval of giving you Lilith.”

   “That’s great,” I said and almost immediantly felt the sharp pain of Rose’s nails digging into my hand and I cringed. I squeezed her hand tighter, and I felt her nails release from my skin. “I’ll be waiting for that call then!” Mrs. Stein nodded and left the room, muttering something under her breath. As soon as she left, Rose immediantly yanked her hand away from mine.

   “The heck was that all about?” she snapped, holding her injured hand in front of her. Ignoring her, I brought both hands to my head and began messaging my temples. Mrs. Stein always caused me to have terrible migraines whenever she was around.

   “Who knew how hard it was just to get my kid back?” I groaned.

    “She’s NOT your daughter!” Rose hissed. “Lilith is the daughter of Starlet Weaver and Daniel Wheeler. Not YOU.”

    I stared at her furious, brown eyes, confused. “Just who ARE you?” I asked again. Rose stayed silent for a moment, thinking hard about something.

    “It’s… hard to explain,” she answered, biting her bottom lip.

    There was an awkward silence between us, and before we could say anything else, a loud crash was heard from the other room.

    “Rosalina!” shouted Mrs. Stein.

    Rose shook her head. “This is too weird…” she said softly. She grabbed the broom hidden behind the door and pushed past me.

    “I’ve got to get going,” she said. “Probably another broken plate or something. Happens all the time.”

    I watched her as she fled, my mind reeling. ‘What was that about?’