Keep it safe

Daniel was exhausted after performing ten songs the previous night. He told his manager, Scott, that he wasn't sure he could perform again today. Scott, sensing his fatigue, replied, "Now, now, you can't back out. How about taking a stroll around the neighboring shops? You might find something interesting."

Scott smiled, but Daniel only gave a flat look and replied, "Okay." After that, he went to take a bath, thinking about going out in disguise once he was ready.

After finishing his bath, Daniel picked up his clothes and noticed a letter fall from his pocket. He suddenly remembered—it was from Rose, the girl he'd met. Realizing he hadn't opened her gift, he jumped onto his bed, still in his trousers, and began reading her letter.

Letter from Rose:

"Daniel Cruze, hello. I've admired you since I was young, and, somehow, that admiration grew. I even changed schools—now I'm at St. Mathews. I've made great friends there, and I even fell in love with someone I once disliked. He's the school's basketball player.

Anyway, I wanted to say that I would really like to be friends with you. It's okay if you ignore this message. I just love your voice; you're amazing. Thank you so much for coming. Oh, and please check the CD! I recorded a song just for you. Love you,

—Rose"

Daniel chuckled, thinking, Wow, this girl is really funny. He got off his bed, put on the CD, and listened to the song she had recorded:

"Daniel Cruze, you're like a ship's cruise. The first time I saw you, you made my heart pound. I couldn't even look down. You're like a story I can't put down—my history."

Overwhelmed, Daniel felt tears in his eyes. No one has ever written a song for me, he thought. I want her—I'll make her my girlfriend, no matter who she's in love with.

Meanwhile, at Sarah's house, she was preparing breakfast for three. Her mother hadn't returned yet, so Sarah took on the task of cooking. Rose freshened up and told Sarah she'd look after Sarah's sisters while Sarah finished breakfast.

After eating, they planned their day. Maddie, Sarah's younger sister, offered to take care of Lily. "You two have fun," Maddie said cheerfully.

Rose smiled. "It must be nice to have siblings around."

Sarah chuckled. "Trust me, it's the worst!"

Rose, slightly somber, replied, "It's not so bad when it keeps you from feeling lonely." Sensing her friend's sadness, Sarah quickly changed the subject, reminding Rose of the business they had started. "We just made $1,000! I'll give you half."

Rose's face brightened. "That's awesome! Let's go buy some fabrics and tunics. We could try something different this time."

"Great idea," Sarah agreed.

On their way to the store, Rose was browsing through fabrics when she noticed a boy who looked just like Daniel. She was stunned, mesmerized, until Sarah called out, "Hey, Rose! Look, this tunic is nice!"

But Rose was speechless, staring in disbelief at Daniel. Trying to regain her composure, she managed a stammering, "Uh… hi… why…"

Feeling flustered, Rose was at a loss for words. Sarah, noticing, came over and saw Daniel standing there. She greeted him casually, "Cousin! What are you doing here?"

Grinning, Daniel replied, "I'm here to steal my precious Rose!" He laughed and added, "Kidding! I just wanted to get to know her better." Turning to Rose, he said warmly, "Your gift made me so happy." He extended his hand, and she shyly shook it, saying, "Thank you."

Sarah looked between them, smirking, "Well, Daniel, we're busy shopping. Care to join us?"

"Sure, why not?" he replied with a smile.

As they shopped, Rose, still in disbelief, asked, "He's your cousin?" She couldn't help but blush.

During the shopping trip, Daniel bought her a beautiful necklace. Handing it to her, he said, "Keep it safe," and gave her a smile. "Nice meeting you, Rose. Sarah, I'll see you later."

With that, Daniel left, leaving Rose feeling as if she were in a dream.