Chapter 5 Five

One year later

"Happy holidays, Rose."

"Happy holidays, Todd." I then started walking to my destination. At night, New York City is as bright as the sun. Snowflakes are falling from the sky in small clouds, and everything is stunning. Its Christmas Eve today, and I'm one of the lone walkers. But I'm content.

It wasn't so simple for me to decide to leave the town a year ago. I lost all control when I heard them talking about me, so I packed everything up and came here. I traded in a Ronald ring for this. When he kissed me for the first time, he gave me a ring. I repeatedly lost him during those years. I used to fantasize about being here right now and spending the night in his arms.

He is my memories, and I gave him things a year ago and utterly lost him. I didn't have anything when I arrived here, and I still don't have anything. But now I'm employed and living in a modest home. It's a good house. Small but adequate

I've learned a lot in the past year. Simply move on and forget. Nobody here is familiar with me. I, who? What took place for me? I feel at ease here with everyone. Although the coffee shop where I work is modest, everyone there was impressed by me. Todd is a buddy of mine, and he doesn't have a jealous girlfriend. That is advantageous. Also, I resided in a spotless atmosphere. No food from the trash, fashionable clothing, and a spotless face.

Happy

I changed into new clothing after returning home and put on a Christmas headgear. My final Christmas clothing and present purchase was saved. My first time giving to myself. I felt so ridiculous wearing a red cap and a green pullover. Christmas always makes Ronald incredibly happy. He instructed me to make his preferred cookies.

Why is Ronald

He isn't here.

Quit now!

I spent an hour baking cupcakes before leaving. I'm not the only person here. Every day I observed a homeless person sleeping close to my house, so I went over and gave him some cupcakes. Whenever he saw me, he always appeared joyful. Ronald likes this cupcake the most. We celebrate Christmas together in secret. He is not currently in my knowledge. I hand him a cupcake and start to head home.

I prayed for everyone by myself. For dad and mum, for Ronald and Jessie. Why do I eat things I don't usually eat? Why do I consistently favor them above others? I inhale deeply and begin to eat. Everyone's homes are filled with music and enjoyment all around, but there is nothing here. Silence, grief, and suffering. I live a lonely and sad existence right now. There is no one around or present to look after me. When I closed my eyes, a stream of tears flowed.

I inspect my reflection in the mirror after tossing my garments. My face broke out in a crooked smile. Not my body, mine. Rose is not me. I exited the restroom shaking my head and sat down on the bed.

"I.. Ronald."

"She is the one."

"Kill her."

"Witch."

"I saw her... with blood."

"Kill her... Kill her."

Shit! My eyes open suddenly. There is light all around. Who am I? I recognise it as my home after circling it with my eyes. Nightmares once more. My body was bathed in perspiration by the time it ended since it was always so dark and frightening. Today is my holiday and Christmas morning. Since this is my first vacation spent visiting the neighborhood city, I immediately take a shower and head outside. I was greeted by a frosty morning covered with snow and fog. I enjoy snow. I have a propensity for searching for snow. I've been strolling on the street for two hours. My body collided with a body when I turned on one point.

"Shit! I'm truly sorry." On the road, there was some debris.

"Sorry." A woman choosing her belongings wears a work outfit. Oh my God, her costly phone and tab are on the ground, and I believe they are now damaged.

"I'm really sorry. I'm to blame." I assist her. Why is she dressed professionally when it's a holiday today?

"Oh, I forgot my phone." It's broken, based on the look on her face. She tries to look inside, but there is nothing there. I'm feeling so ashamed right now. She constantly tries to use her phone, which is why she looks so terrible.

"I.."

"No, I'm to blame. I'm moving while blindfolded. Such a terrible day. My phone is broken and has my boss' complete day's schedule and notes. I'm too busy to make fixes. He's going to devour me." She seemed to be about to cry. I must assist her.

"Mm.. If you know the notes, I can assist you." She pauses and gives me a long, hard stare.

"If you want..." I said. She then broke into a broad smile.

"You can, of course. Let me, though, get my things. Please keep this for me." She gave me a diary and her phone. I assisted her after we had sat down on a bench. She appears to be a person's personal secretary. I'm holding in my hand and holding my breath as we finish our lengthy list. Who the hell puts in so much work? Her employer is an automaton.

"I really appreciate your support. Actually, I enjoy taking notes on my phone a lot. You understand technology, but I also understand the value of paper and a pen today. You were a huge assistance to me because I lost all of my notes. Hello, my name is Olivia." A lovely hand extends to shake mine. I can tell she is engaged by the diamond ring on her ring finger. In front of my hand, her shiny, beautifully painted nails are stunning. I had previously assumed that she would take my hand and shake it.

"Don't think twice."

"Rose." I said. She pauses for a second before grinning. Genuinely smile. Then I understood what a stunning woman she is.

"Rose, I have a straightforward question for you. You are a master at business work. My boss offered me one week to find a new secretary because I will be getting married the following week. Could you please take my place?"

What? I take my hand back.

"I already work, I believe."

"Where?"

"A coffee cafe."

"If you adopt my stance, we'll give you a car and a big house." My thoughts briefly pause at this point. Now that I think about it, Is this what I desire? I am aware of the talent I inherited from my father. I can handle dad's business as long as he is still alive.

"Don't let me down, please. Consider the fact that my employer is a jerk. He is going to murder me." I'm very perplexed at the moment. What if then he doesn't like me?

"I need time." She opens her purse as her eyes begin to avert.

"Hey, don't get upset. Really, I'm going to consider it." She gave me a card while nodding.

"Avoid dialing the second number. If you agree, just dial the first number." She said goodbye as we both stood. I watch her leave while remaining still. In the middle of the street, a girl made me an employment offer.

R. P. is printed in red on a card that has a black rose on the reverse. My fingers won't stop moving across the card even though it is after eight. I can picture going there. How I feel. My stomach is churning a little bit. What does it appear like on the inside?

My own workplace

My superior

I've had the card in my fist all day. I carried it everywhere because I worried that I might lose it. As soon as it got dark, I picked up my phone and called the number. It is ringing and operating. She stated that she would hold off until noon. A male voice rang out from the other side just as I was about to hang up the phone.

"H..."

"Hello." Wait! How? It belongs to Olivia. So, how? I'll never forget that voice in my entire life.

"Who are you?"

"Your worst nightmare." I briefly cease breathing. He wants to frighten me. The flashes cease.

"Hello, this is Olivia."

"H.."

"Who are you?"

"Hello, Rose here."

"Rose, when you call, please let me know what you've decided." Why do I think that voice is Ronald's? No, he isn't present.

"Who answered your phone?"

"No one." Why does she lie? The voice is masculine, although it could just be in my head.

"Are you present?"

"Actually, from my perspective, I say yes."