Unseen Echoes

Chapter16 : A Heartbeat Away from You

They were lost in their own world until some children playing nearby started making noise. They realized people were around and both started laughing. They stood up from the swing and began walking through the park, holding hands.

Jack stopped and said, "Rose, give me your phone." Rose handed it to him. Jack saved his number and said, "Here, I have saved my number for you." Rose smiled and said, "Thank you, Jack."

As they walked, they reached a bridge over a small river. The sky was dark, and the stars were reflecting in the water below. It looked very pretty.

Rose said, "Look, these stars look so beautiful."

Jack looked at Rose instead of the water and said, "But you are more beautiful than them, Rose."

Rose wanted Jack to tell her he loved her, so she teased him, "Jack, I am just your friend, remember?"

Jack smiled and replied, "Yes, but friends can be beautiful too."

Suddenly, colorful fireworks started in the sky. They both looked up. The light from the fireworks made their faces glow. Rose held Jack’s hand tightly. She was quiet, giving Jack a chance to say what was in his heart.

Jack looked at Rose. He held her face gently in his hands and looked into her eyes. Then, he leaned in and kissed her softly. Rose closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment. When Jack pulled away, he whispered, "This is our most memorable kiss, Rose."

Rose nodded happily and said, "Yes, Jack."

After that, they started walking again until they reached Lily’s house.

Jack stopped and said, "Okay Rose, you go inside now."

"Okay, bye Jack," Rose said. She didn't want to let go, so she kept holding his hand.

Suddenly, Jack felt very dizzy. The world started spinning in front of his eyes.

Rose got worried and asked, "Jack, Jack! What happened?"

Jack held his head and said, "It is nothing, Rose. I was sick for two days, so I am still feeling very weak. I will be fine once I get some rest."

Rose felt bad for him and said, "Okay, please go home and take some rest. I will go inside now."

Rose asked worriedly, "Jack, should I walk you home? You don't look very well."

Jack shook his head with a gentle smile. "No, Rose. I’m okay now, just a little weak. I can go on my own. Don’t worry."

"Okay, Jack," Rose said.

"You should go inside now," Jack told her.

"Okay, bye," Rose said.

The next morning, Rose woke up and saw a text from Jack: "Rose, I won't be able to come to university today. I have a lot of work to finish."

Rose replied, "Okay, Jack."

Rose got ready and went to university. During the break, she was sitting in the garden with Lily and Will.

Lily asked, "Rose, what are you saying? You guys are so close, but Jack still hasn't proposed to you yet?"

Rose looked down shyly. "No, he hasn't, but I know he will soon."

Will interrupted, "Rose, what if he is just passing time with you?"

Rose looked at Will angrily. "Shut up, Will! Don't say such things. Why would he do that? I have seen his love for me in his eyes. I trust him."

Lily told Will to stop, "Will, leave it! You always like to joke."

Rose added, "I know my Jack very well."

Will laughed and teased her, "Oh, 'my' Jack! So, he is officially 'yours' now!"

Rose felt shy and annoyed, while Lily just laughed at their friendly teasing.

Tina, a girl from their class, walked up to them. "Hey guys!"

Lily, Rose, and Will looked at her. "Hey, Tina!"

"Are you guys coming to the party tonight?" Tina asked.

"Which party?" Lily asked.

Tina explained, "It’s the final year's last party! Everyone from the campus is coming. I’ll send you the location of the club. You guys should definitely come."

"Okay, send me the location," Lily said.

A moment later, Tina said, "I’ve sent it, Lily. Check it."

"Okay, got it," Lily replied. Tina smiled and walked away.

Lily looked at her friends. "So, shall we go to the party?"

Rose said sadly, "I don't think it will be fun without Jack."

Lily suggested, "Just text him and tell him we are going. Maybe he will finish his work and join us later."

Rose nodded, "Okay, I will text him."

Rose texted Jack: "Hello Jack, there is a final year party tonight. Will you come?"

Jack replied quickly: "It’s difficult."

Rose felt sad: "Okay."

Then Jack messaged: "Maybe if I get free early, I will come. Send me the location."

Rose sent the location, feeling a bit hopeful.

It was evening. Lily and Rose were in their room. Rose didn't want to go.

Lily said, "Come on, Rose. It’s the last party. Maybe Jack will come too!"

Rose said, "I don’t feel like it."

Lily begged, "Please, do it for me."

Rose smiled, "Okay, Lily."

"Oh, you agreed!" Lily said happily.

They got ready. Rose looked stunning in a shiny, sparkling short skirt. She styled her hair in curls and wore bright red lipstick. She looked absolutely beautiful.

When they reached the club, it was very lively. There were colorful lights everywhere, loud music, and many people were dancing and drinking. Rose felt a bit better, but her eyes were still searching for Jack in the crowd.

The club was full of energy. Loud music was playing, and everyone was dancing. Lily and Rose stepped onto the dance floor and started moving to the rhythm. Soon, Will joined them, and the three of them were dancing happily, enjoying the music. Rose looked beautiful and was lost in the dance, forgetting all her worries. She looked amazing, and she was clearly the star of the dance floor.

However, in a corner, someone was watching her very closely. Thomas was standing near the drinks counter. He had already had too much to drink and was quite tipsy. He wasn't looking at anyone else; his eyes were fixed entirely on Rose.

Thomas was smiling in a strange way, swaying slightly as he held his glass. He couldn't take his eyes off Rose. To him, the loud music and the crowd didn't exist anymore—there was only Rose. He stood there, watching her every move with a gaze that felt uncomfortable, as if he was planning something.