The Destined Queen

Chapter 22

*Winter*

The cake was ready. I can not believe I baked a cake with Ashten. And that too in one shot. It didn't burn and it tastes great. Obviously, all the credit goes to Ashten. He did most of the work. He also stole some kisses while baking. And now we looked like ghosts. No, I looked like ghost. Ashten only had a bit of flour on his apron and his face because I did that. We showered and got ready because it was already 10. And we have to go in a car to Rose's house. We have to be there within 12 if we want to be on time. So, after getting ready,we hurreidly ate the rest of the Frittata and some chocolate, and then we packed the cake and took it to the car. I was to hold the cake, and Ashten was to drive the car. So, we were in our way. I don't know where Emerson is. I wanted to give Rose the strawberry delights. I hope he brings the delights on time. Ashten is a fast driver, we will be there ok time, for sure. I relaxed a bit. My shoulders were bit stiff, I had to massage a little bit.

Emerson appeared in the backseat of the car, a big grin on his face and floating in air was.. " Strawberry delights. " I shouted, and gasped. Then I sniffed the most amazing smell. " Did you bring some for me? " I asked with hope. " Yes. I promised you. Didn't I? " He said and three strawberry delights in a plate floated in my way. I gripped the plate tight, so it doesn't go and hit Ashten in his face. He will be furious if that happens. I asked him if he will take one, he said no. Perfect. More for me. So, I shrugged and gobbled down the delicious sweets. Soon, I was cleaning the plate. Emerson was gaping at me. " I didn't know you can eat that fast. " He commented. " It was strawberry delights. " I scrunched my face and then rubbed my tummy. " My tummy loves it. " I sang. Ashten chuckled but kept his eyes on the road. It is safe to do so. Emerson shook his head but kept his mouth shut. " When you reach the house, please tell me. I will hand over the sweets to you and I will go to my realm. My work is done here for now. " Emerson said, leaning his head back on the seat. " I would have welcomed you, you know. " " If I would have been alive, I would have gone by myself. I kinda like Rose. She is positive. Gives people good vibes. " Emerson said, crossing his arms. I felt a hit in my gut. I didn't know why. I pushed the feeling deep down in me and nodded. "These are baked perfectly. She is going to love it. " I said, pointing to the sweets. " I know. " He smirked. I sighed and looked forward. In the whole ride I felt his eyes on me.

We stepped out of the car in front of our neighbor's house. We don't want her to know that we are here. Emerson gave me the sweets after I gave the cake to Ashten to hold. And then he left, whistling. He actually walked down the street. The way to the cemetery. " Come on. It's two minutes to midnight. " Ashten hurried. We ran to the back door and I called Aunt Annie to open the door as quietly as she can. We entered and called Uncle Gerald and then we silently walked to Rose's room. Opening the door, and switching the lights on, we shouted, " Happy birthday. " But Rose was not in bed. She was not in the room, for God's sake. " Where is she? " I asked. " I don't know. Maybe she is in the bathroom. " Aunt Annie said. I nodded and knocked on the bathroom door. If she is in the bathroom, she has already heard us shouting. " Rose. Are you in there? " I called. I knocked once. Twice. Thrice. But no one answered. No sound of water or flushing. " Oh My god. My daughter is missing. " Aunt Annie cried. Uncle Gerald held her. " Maybe she has gone out with someone else. " Ashten said. Maybe. " Maybe she has gone out with Isaac. " I said. " We should call her. " Uncle Gerald said and took out his cell phone. He dialed Rose's number. After trying two to three times, he said, " She is not picking up. " " It will be okay. Let's go and find her. I will inform others to search for her, too. " I said. " We don't have Isaac's number. Else we could have called him. " Ashten said. I shook my head. Rose, where are you? You are going to be in so much trouble after I find you. Ashten and I went out side the house and started our search. I could inform Emerson. But he is not here. Maybe he is in the cemetery. " Ashten, you look here. I am going to find Emerson. He can help us find Rose. " I said and ran. Ashten shouted for me to stop. But there was no time. I don't know what is happening with her. If she is alright or if she has been kidn*pped. So, I ran as fast as my legs could take me.

When I reached the cemetery, I had to search for him for a while. I shouted his name and he came out from the bushes. Is his mother grave there? In the bushes? He ran towards me. I panted and said, " Rose is missing. " I saw his gray eyes widened before I saw darkness.

*Gustin*

I didn't know Winter knew about me liking Rose. Damn, I must be blind. We are a perfect match. She can't see that I have feelings for her. And I can't see that everyone knows about my secret crush. Is it that obvious? I shool my head. Winter was right. I should do something extra. But not too extra. I don't want to start anything with her. And she has a boyfriend now. So, I am going to go late. I am going to after it's midnight. And I have also decided what to bake. Now, I am on my way to Ashten's apartment. I am going to bake in his apartment. But before that I have to buy all the ingredients. On the way to his apartment, there is a supermarket. I will get all the ingredients there. So, I parked the car in front of the store and bought all the stuffs that I need. And I drove home fast.

I entered his apartment and hurriedly laid all the ingredients in front of me and wore an apron. I love to bake. My grandmother was a great baker. But she didn't use it as her career. She was ambitious but her husband was not. He didn't allow her to do these things as a profession. He considered baking, a low job to do. I don't know why he thought that. I loved baking. I used to see how my grandmother used to bake. I loved to help her. She always baked something for us. And I always helped her. Along the way, I learned how to bake. And I love it. It will be great when she will get that look on her face after eating what I will bake for her. Rubbing my palms together, I started doing my hobby. Baking.

I finished baking everything and I started packing. It was already 11. Good. Now, I will be late. I just want that. I don't want her to even doubt that I might have feelings for her. She should stay blind to my feelings. I grinned at my work. I baked some blackberry jam pie-crust straws, some Glazed doughnut cookies, a frozen chocolate soufflé, and lastly apple tart. I am proud of my baking. Sighing, I closed the lid to the packing. Now, I only have to buy orchids. I locked his apartment carefully and I hopped into my car. I have to make sure that these do not fall, so I tried to drive slowly.

I stopped a little far away from the flower shop because I missed it. So, I parked my car and walked back to the flower shop. The slower girl smiled at me. Reinshart is amazing. Here, people don't sleep. They work till late. And this flower girl had so much energy. She asked me what would I like. And when J said orchids, she jumped and led me inside the shop. The inside of the shop smelled great. It had hydrangea, roses, tulips, and other flowers I did not know name of. And then there was so many orchids. When the girl said that she loves Orchids, I knew why there were so many orchids in the shop. And the girl can talk. She talked a lot. She also told me orange orchids represents pride, enthusiasm and boldness. Rose is not bold but she sure is full of enthusiasm. And I love that about her. So, I picked up the light orange Orchids and I payed the girl.

I walked out of the store, and then did I realized that it was the same restaurant in which I saw Rose and Isaac, that day. That means it is the same street where the evil soul met me and told me to run away. The alley was dark. And there. I saw some flicker of lights. I hid behind the wall of the restaurant and listened in on their conversation. " Why did you warned that boy? Now, Emerson is searching for you. " It was a girl's voice. " I just pitied him. " The same guy said. The girl huffed. " When Emerson tears you apart, I am not going to pity you. " The girl snapped. That means these souls roam around here a lot. I should inform Emerson about this. But First, I have to get out of here. Before they see me. So, I turned. When I passed the big glass doors of the restaurant, I saw a glimpse of fiery red hair and I halted. I turned to the glass door of the restaurant. And there she was. She was wearing a green dress. She looked fabulous. Her hair was splayed over her shoulders and she was giggling and blushing. Isaac was seating with his back towards me. She was so engrossed in him, that she didn't see me. But what was she doing here? Ashten and Winter went to surprise her. Oh no. They will be worried sick. But thinking about Winter biting off Rose's head delighted me. Still I called Ashten and informed him. He was panting hard. He couldn't find Winter now. He told me to take Rose back home and to inform her that her parents are worrying about her. Ashten has to go find Winter. Winter ran away to search for Rose. And Ashten couldn't find her now. He was searching for Rose but then he got worried about her. Now, where was Winter? These two girls are such headaches. I shook my head and entered the restaurant. When I walked straight to their table, Rose looked at me, her laughter stopped and her fork fell on her plate making a clattering sound. Her shoulders were stiffened and her back was straight. She was on full alert. I stopped in front of their table. " Your parents, Ashten, and Winter are searching for you. Your two best friends planned a surprise for you. And you are here, dining with your boyfriend. They worked their ass off to make your birthday special. And here you are. Not a care of the world. " I said. It came out more harsh than I intended to be. I guess she is always afraid of me because of my rude nature. Her eyes welled up. " They did? " She lowered her head. Must be because of guilt. " I am sorry, Isaac. I have to go. " She said and stood up from the chair. Isaac stood up from his chair, too. " It's okay. I understand." He said. Rose looked at me. " Will you take me home? " She asked. I nodded and led her to my car.

We silently entered the car. I put the orchid in the backseat. Partly because Rose was staring at it. Thank God, she didn't say anything about it. After I started the car, I said, " Winter is missing. " Her eyes popped out and she shouted, " What? And you thought to tell me this now? " " I am sorry, Madam. I was told to bring you home because your parents are worried about you. And I thought taking you home is the most important task for me to do right this moment. " I snapped. She cowered down. After a while, she said, " I am sorry. " I nodded. " Doesn't Ashten know where she is? " She asked. " He is searching for her. " I said. " After meeting with my parents, we should search for her. " Rose said, looking out the window. " Yes. We will." " I hope she is okay. " " Me too. " I whispered. The sweets were at the back. I forgot about those. I can't drive fast, they will be a mess. " Rose, Can you hold the package. " I said. She looked at the backseat and took the package carefully in her hand. " Are these sweets?" She asked. " Yes. I made them for a friend. " I said. I don't know if she realized that the friend I was talking about is her.If she knew it was her, she didn't say anything. She just nodded. And I again focused on the road before us. Winter is still missing. I mean, Ashten doesn't know where she is. So, I drove as fast as I could. My friend needs me.