Chapter Two: The proposal
1211 Words
“What do I need to do?” Rosie asked readily, almost too eager that it brought a smile to Heather’s face. Jeffrey and Heather exchanged looks then he said “It's not a big deal. Get married to Mr John Davis and your mom’s treatment will be taken care of. That is what I can assure you of.” He asserted confidently.
“What?” She questioned. Rosie felt sick to her stomach as she took a step back on impulse. She knows who John Davis was. A business tycoon, a drug dealer and he's a multimillionaire. John is in his late fifties. His complexion looks red like he's choking on something. She was certain when he saw her years back, he ogled her like she was a commodity on the market and she was just fifteen!
Rosie closed and opened her mouth to say something, but no words were uttered. She had a suspicion this must have been planned because everything was happening so fast. In this case, she felt she was more like a pawn for this strange request as she contemplated what to say next.
Jeffrey took Rosie’s silence as a yes. Leaning forward, “I suppose you have no complaints then," He opened a file cabinet in front of him and brought out a form.
“All you need to do is sign this document,” he pushed the papers forward with a black pen for Rosie to sign.
Everything felt so surreal. Rosie struggled to find the right words to this request.
“Can't talk anymore or are you mute? A few minutes ago, I recalled you saying you’re willing to do anything for your mom or having cold feet?” Olivia sneered at Rosie. “Or could it be that you're no longer interested? What a shame and that's how you killed your mom. That will be a nice story to tell.” She giggled, eyeing Rosie, and continued to type away on her phone. Probably laughing with her friends about my predicament.
It was obvious Olivia was enjoying the scene in front of her. What a terrible personality. She thought as she glared at Olivia instead she appeared to be amused while occupied.
With a grimace on her face, Rosie took a tentative step toward Mrs. Heather. “Isn’t there any other option?” Heather openly ignored her. To her, what Rosie had asked was irrelevant, still typing away on her phone.
“Give me two days to think about…..” She wasn't even done speaking when Heather shouted at her. “Look at this cheeky brat. Who do you think you are? So you come here to waste my time. How dare you.” Her chest heaved heavily as she glared at Rosie with contempt.
“Mom calm down,” Olivia chimed in even though her face didn't match her words. Only Mr. Jeffrey remained silent and Rosie hoped he wouldn't talk. These people are after her life.
“It’s just a signature. Look, Rosie, you are twenty-two and ripe for marriage. You have overstayed in this mansion and we funded your education. The least you could do is repay us and show how grateful you are by getting married to Mr. John Davis.” She spat out bitterly. Her eyes filled with disdain.
They never funded her education. What are they talking about? Tears filled Rosie’s eyes but she refused to cry. Olivia on seeing the tears made a pity face “Awwwn mom you made poor Rosie cry, she taunted while smiling. Olivia and Rosie are the same age but Olivia is evil for her age.
“We will foot the hospital bills for two days as you decide and we both know the best decision to make to get what you desire. After two days, this offer ends.” Heather warns giving her the final ultimatum as she stands up to leave together with her husband.
Only Rosie and Olivia are left in the room. Olivia stands up, taking her time as she walks slowly towards Rosie and she whispers in her ear “You're so cruel, you know that. Your sick mom is at the hospital and here you are dragging this issue about getting married to Mr John Davis. What a shame.” Flipping her hair proudly “Oh well I better get going.” Rosie said nothing back.
Rosie saw herself standing in front of Lucille’s apartment. She has no one to turn to. She knocked and Lucille opened the door. Lucille on seeing Rosie’s tear-streaked face knew something wasn't right. With pity and warmth in her eyes, “Rosie come in, she said as she hugged her trembling body. Rosie in return clutched at her.
“Why is this happening to me? She asked as she sobbed uncontrollably.
Leading her into her apartment she asked, “What happened?”
Rosie proceeds to tell her friend how her life is in an uproar. Lucille listened intently and gasped as she covered her mouth. She was at a loss for words. Rosie's story is sad. She had no idea what the hell she would do if she was in her position.
Rosie's eyes were puffy as she wiped the little tears on her face. “What do I do? Do I go ahead and marry him?”
“What do you want to do instead or do you have another plan?” Lucille inquired, unsure of how to reply to her question.
“That's why I came to you, Lucille,” Rosie said and burst into fresh tears. She's doomed from the start.
“But Rosie, don't you think that your situation is a bit sudden?” If there's anything Rosie could trust her friend on, it's her sharp intuition.
“What are you saying?” she inquired.
“I don’t know. This whole thing looks sketchy.” Lucille couldn’t bring herself to tell her what she thinks of this situation. It’s obvious it was planned and Rosie is the target for their greediness. Even if she says it, there’s nothing much to be done.
“Does Dennis know about this?” Lucille asked
“I think so. I sent him a text message.”
“Rosie, wait for me. I'm coming.” Lucille said and stood up to leave.
“Here Rosie this is the money I have saved. I know it won't do much and I truly wish I could help you with more money.” Rosie was touched but she shook her head refusing to accept the money.
Lucille looks confused “You don't want to accept the money?”
“Yes, I can’t but I'm happy for this. You are a good friend. I have made up my mind. I will marry him.” She said with a grimace.
“Why Rosie?”
“I'm only doing it for my mom. Lucille, I can't lose mom. She's all I have apart from you and Dennis.” she said as she wiped the snot from her nose with a floral napkin Lucille had offered her. She can't seem to stop crying. The tears keep falling.
“Alright, Rosie if you say so.” I need to do something about this. Lucille thought to herself.
- Writer
