The Black Rose

Chapter six

One by one we left, and Johnathan was the only one who stayed with me. After everyone else had left, he decided to escort me back to Joshua’s place. We were silent for a while.

“At least it stopped raining.” I said breaking the silence

“Yes.” He agreed

“Johnathan?” I started. He looked at me to go on. “Do you think that I should not go, and please give me your completely, honest answer.”

He looked at me for a moment then replied,

“Alright, I do think that it is too dangerous for anyone of us to go, especially you, even more so since you are going to be married soon. I realize that you have powers and that they help keep you safe, but it is still dangerous.” He finished and then fell silent again. I knew why as well, he was angry with me. I could feel the blood rising to my face, he is my best friend and I do not want to lose him to my temper.

Half an hour later we made it to the gates of Joshua’s mansion.

“Goodnight.” I said

“Yeah, goodnight. I will see you tomorrow evening.” He said then turned to leave

“Johnathan wait.” I said calling him back. He turned back around and waited. “ Please do not be angry with me. I am sorry for what happened back there, but he pushed me over the edge. I have a quick temper which I cannot help.”

He sighed and replied, “Anna, it is late and I am tired. I only wanted to go home and get some sleep. I am not angry with you, I never was. I was however disappointed with you, but never angry.”

His expression softened and he looked at me with an almost brotherly love in his eyes. He bowed and kissed my hand, letting his lips linger longer than they should have but I did not mind because I was not going to lose him today. He then turned to leave with a smile.

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I turned and went inside the mansion where Joshua was waiting for me.

“Hello.” I said

“Hello.” He replied sullenly “I have been waiting for a while for you to come back. I would like to speak with you.”

“Not tonight, Dear.” I replied “I need to sleep before my journey tomorrow.”

“Why?” He asked “Where are you going and what must you do?”

“I must go to Spain. It is imperative that I do.” I replied

“I see,” He said “But you still have not told me why.”

“Because I have to Joshua.” I said, exasperated

“You told me no more lies, Anna.” He hissed

He was losing his temper, quickly, and it was starting to scare me. I had never seen him this way before and I did not like it.

I took a deep breath to calm myself and steady my nerves then responded, “I know, I know. I realize that this is not easy for you. You are right, I am not who you think that I am. I promise you that when I return, I will explain everything that you may have questions about who I really am, and what I really do.”

“Do you swear it?” He demanded

“Yes Joshua, I swear it.” I sighed. I did not like this but what choice did I have? I love him and I do not want to lose him to my secrets and my life.

I went over to him and embraced him. “Goodnight.” I whispered into his ear.

“Goodnight.” He whispered back. He kissed me tenderly on the lips and then he went up the staircase. I followed him and he showed me to my room. I changed into my nightclothes, pulled back the covers on the bed, crawled in and went to sleep.