Escape my ruthless past.

Chapter Twenty four

We arrive back at Rose's house and are welcomed with a family meal, "You must be famished after your first day back at school," Rose's mother says, placing a steaming bowl of stew in front of me. I nod, my stomach growling in agreement. The aroma of the food fills the room, a comforting blend of spices and herbs.

"This looks amazing," I say, my voice sincere. "Thank you for having me."

"It's our pleasure," Rose's father chimes in. "We're happy to have you here, Mauve."

I take a bite, the flavours dancing on my tongue. "This is delicious," I manage between mouthfuls.

"Good to hear you're enjoying it," Rose says, her eyes warm. "I'm glad to see you getting your strength back."

I feel a sense of comfort and belonging as we eat, the chatter and laughter filling the room. It's a welcome change from the hospital, and I find myself relaxing, finally feeling at home.

"This feels so good," I say, letting out a contented sigh. "I can't believe I'm finally out of that hospital."

"You look so much better, Mauve," Rose remarks, her eyes scanning me with a mix of relief and admiration. "It's like you've come back to life."

I smile, my heart warming at her words. "I have you to thank for that. You've been amazing, Rose."

"We're just glad to have you here," she says, her voice soft. We spend the rest of the evening chilling with popcorn and a movie, I just feel so nice. "What movie should we watch?" Rose asks, scrolling through the streaming service's homepage.

"Something lighthearted," I suggest, leaning back on the couch. "Maybe a comedy?"

"Perfect," she says, her eyes lighting up. "I know, just the one."

The opening credits roll, and I settle in, the weight of the day lifting from my shoulders. As the movie plays, I find myself laughing, truly laughing, for the first time in ages.

"This is exactly what I needed," I say, wiping tears of laughter from my eyes. "Thank you."You're welcome," Rose replies, her eyes shining with mirth. "It's been a while since I've heard you laugh like that."

I pause the movie, the remote control in my hand. "It's been a while since I've had something to laugh about."

Rose's expression softens, her gaze understanding. "I know it's been tough, but I'm glad you're feeling better."

"I am, too," I say, my voice sincere. "I'm so grateful to be here with you, i honestly dont know what i would do without you in my life."

"So," I say, changing the subject.

"You and Lyle, heyyyyy, how did that come about?" I giggled

"Oh, Lyle," Rose's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "It's been... well, unexpected, to say the least."

"I can see that," I teased, a smile playing on my lips. "But I'm happy for you, Rose. He seems like a great guy."

"He is," she admitted, her eyes sparkling. "I never thought I'd find someone like him, but here we are."

"We just need to get you a boyfriend now, and then we can double date," she laughs

"I think that's the last thing I need." I nervously chuckle, whilst my mind wandering to a certain set of triplets and their stupid handsome faces.

"We will see," she says, looking me up and down with a mysterious grin on her face.

I know that look all too well, but I chose not to argue.

The next couple of days fly by, and finally, the last bell rings on Friday, and it's the weekend, I can do some digging.

I spend the rest of the afternoon poring over old maps and historical records, my curiosity about the ruins growing with each passing hour. I've found a hidden history, a secret that the town has long tried to bury.

"This place has a dark past," I whisper to myself, my eyes scanning the faded parchment. "A history of sacrifice and ancient magic."

The more I uncover, the more I realize that my connection to this place runs deeper than I ever imagined. I'm determined to get to the bottom of it, to understand the mysteries that have haunted me for so long.

"I won't rest until I have all the answers," I vow, my fingers tracing the intricate symbols on the map. "I will uncover the truth, no matter the cost."

My thoughts are interrupted by a voice i know all too well.

"Come on, you nerd, we're going out," Rose says whilst pulling me from the library.

"Where are we going?" I ask, following her lead.

"Trust me, you'll love it," she winks. "It's a surprise."

I raise an eyebrow, curious and sceptical. "A surprise, huh? I hope it's worth missing my study session."

"Oh, it will be," she assures me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just wait and see."

As we step outside, the cool evening air washes over us. "So, where to?" I ask, my curiosity building.

"You'll see," she says, her lips curling into a mysterious smile. "Just a little further."

We come close to the lake, and I hear lots of noise and see a bonfire, "I'm not sure I'm ready for this Rose."

"You'll love it, trust me." She pulls me along, her hand warm in mine. "Besides, it's about time you had some fun."

I hesitate, my mind racing. "I don't know, Rose. I'm not really the party type."

"You are tonight," she says, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Come on, it'll be an adventure."

I take a deep breath,. "Okay, let's do this."

The closer we get, the louder the music becomes. I can feel the bass thumping in my chest. "This is crazy," I laugh, my nerves giving way to excitement.

"Mauve, meet Liam." she shoots me a wink.

She has got to be kidding me , I mean, he's cute and all, but come on.

"Hey Mauve , im Liam, it's great to meet you,"

mlMy voice was barely audible over the music. "Thanks for having me."

"It's my pleasure," he replies, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I've heard a lot about you, Mauve."

"All good things, I hope," I say, feeling my cheeks flush. "I mean, I'm sure Rose has only shared the best parts."

"Oh, she has," he assures me, his voice warm. "But I'd love to hear more."

We take a seat on the sand, and this handsome guy seems to have his eyes on me, I mean, his eyes are just on me.

"So, Mauve," he says, his voice low and steady. "What's your story?"

I shift uncomfortably, unsure of how to respond. "I... well, it's a long story."

He leans in, his eyes intense. "I've got all night."

I take a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the fire on my skin. "I guess I've been through a lot lately."

"I can tell," he says, his voice gentle. "But you seem to be handling it with strength."

I smile, my heart fluttering. "I'm trying."

He reaches out, his hand brushing mine. "You're doing more than trying. You're inspiring."

O wow, doesn't this guy just know the words to say? He's this 6-foot handsome giant with a muscular tone and deep blue eyes with ashy hair, and he's talking to me. This can't be right.

"I'm just glad to be here, honestly," I say, my voice trailing off as I take in the scene around us. The bonfire casts dancing shadows on the trees, and the music seems to pulse with the beat of my heart.