Success

"You want a fantasy themed show? Do you have any designs to back up this visual of yours?" Miss Rita asked, sitting poised on her desk. Despite her warm feelings earlier, we were now talking business. Our last show did terribly, so she couldn't trust us as a company. I gave a bright smile and offered her an accordion styled binder. Aaron did likewise. She gave a small hop as she accepted both folders and stood at her desk. Carefully she pulled the many drawings and sketches out on to the table. She was quiet as she examined them, mulling over them with a careful eyes.

The longer we sat in silence, the more we got anxious. Aaron has this nervous tick where he fidgeted with his watch, constantly tapping on the screen, or turning the clock face over and over again. I had to still his anxious hands more than once, hoping he wouldn't give us away. We wanted to appear strong willed in these situations. Finally, she carefully shoved them back into their respectful homes before turning around and handing them back. She sat quietly leaned against her desk, inspecting us with careful eyes. Then she cracked a smile and tried to stifle her laughs.

"You guys are so serious. I swear a pin drop would disrupt the balance." She said wiping away tears. I felt the tension release from my shoulders as her playful mood returned. It was a good sign. I leaned against the couch, my back and body aching.

"This was your best idea yet Rose. I know the men didn't come up with this, I have worked with you for too long." She winked in my direction. Aaron gave a small laugh, more with relief than he was laughing at her joke. But then her face turned serious again. "Could you give us a moment Aaron, I would like to speak with Rosaline privately." Aaron gave me a small smile before exiting the small room. It seemed so empty without him here, and with the look on her face it would be the same talk we would have every year.

"Miss Rita, can we not do this? My answer is still the same as always." I mumbled. She sighed loudly as she crossed the room to sit next to me. She wrapped a warm hand around my shoulders, a comforting gesture for her next few words.

"When are you going to let go. I know you chose this specific day in the honor of your parents death. But I think this year, you need to spend it as your birthday and not as a day of mourning." I could already feel the tears prick my eyes. It's true, I picked the day specifically because it was the same day that my parents died almost 16 years ago. It was a way for me to celebrate their life. It was also a way for me to keep reminding myself, that even through all the pain and suffering I went through, I still came out on top.

"I don't celebrate my birthday, and you know that, Miss Rita.." I tried to say as nicely as I could. It was the same conversation every year. I don't celebrate, because the most important people I cared for where gone. There was nothing to celebrate. Every year was a reminder that I was still here, and they were not.

"I know sweet heart. I hope that this will change one day. You are turning 26 after all. I am sure they would want you to be happy now as opposed to hurting. Just keep that in mind." She wrapped another arm around me as the tears fell from my eyes and on to my lap. It was almost that same motherly hug that my mom always use to share with me. Against my own will, I felt my arms snare around her as well. I let my emotions get the better of me as I cried against her shoulder.

"I also heard something interesting from Bastion just before you arrived. You can't hide it from me either. Your hair is way to meticulously placed for it to be an accident." She practically growled. I knew she was talking about the gash wound. I had tried placing my hair over the wound to prevent people from being able to see it, but it looks like Bastion was really trying to get me punished. I would have to pay him back for this kindness.

"It really wasn't anything to worry about Miss Rita. I am fine and so is the cat. Aaron is going to take me car shopping once I get well enough to drive. I still get dizzy spells, so they are having me on house arrest until I get check out by the doctor." Miss Rita pulled away from me and carefully removed my hair from the wound. Her face turned into a frown as she stared at it, shaking her head. That was the third time someone looked at me with such disappointment, it honestly hurt.

"You really do need to be careful. I like you a lot Rosaline. Almost like if you where my own daughter. Considering I can't have kids, that is a very big honor. So please be careful in the future." I gave a small pitiful smile as more tears escaped my face. She really was like a mom to me. Although I try to keep our work life and personal life separate, I always look for her when I can't find anyone else.

"You are such a worry wart, if you don't stop, you'll start gaining wrinkles." I teased. She scoffed at me, placing her hand to her chest as if she was offended. She went on to lecture me about how you should never talk about an older woman's appearance. Despite her scolding, she continued to make me laugh and giggle, my feeling of sorrow lifting. Just as she was finished scolding me, a light knock came on the door. Miss Rita rose from her seat to sit on her desk as I brushed away the many tears that fell from my face. After we had cleaned ourselves up, she demanded the mystery person entry. I rose to my feet, gathering all our work as the door swung open.

"What a pleasant surprise. I told you I would be seeing you again Miss Freed." I froze with my hand in the hair. I had just grazed the accordion binder when Damien's hand rushed past it, grabbing it for me. The uncomfortable feeling returned as I looked into his smile. All warm and genuine. His black hair was slicked back today, and it honestly made him look even younger. On closer inspection, he really did look a lot like Bastion. Just a tad bit older. Maybe even more of a mature style than him too. I gave a nervous gulp before turning to Miss Rita.

"It really was wonderful to see you again Miss Rita. I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Mister Damien, a pleasure as well. Please do have a good rest of your day." I kept a tight smile on my face, hoping it was passing enough to be pleasant. I accepted the folder from his hands and walked around him. A hand landed gently on my shoulder, stopping me from walking any further.

"I wouldn't rush around like that Miss Freed. Our last encounter you were fairly weak. I do hope you are recovering well." The look of concern etched on his face warmed me for some reason. But his comment reminded me that he had done something to the Wendel guy, and he was not to be messed with. I never heard from Loui about how the issue was resolved, and something told me I shouldn't ask.

"Oh yes, I am doing quite alright. I'll be working from home until my current issue is resolved. I appreciate your sentiment and will be taking my leave. Please have a good day." With another forced smile, I walked out the door and right into Aaron. With a quiet pleading look, he nodded his head once before ducking his head into Miss Rita's office and wishing her a fair well.

"Oh yes Mr. Blake, please do come back soon. I might be in need of your services in the future." She called out as he walked out the door. His face turned a bright blush red. He shook his head, clearly lost for words at Miss Rita's remarks.

"I told you she was a prowler. I don't know why you act so surprised." I teased him with a light shove. He said nothing, still bright red as we walked back to his white Lexus. Now safely tucked away in Aaron's car, could I start to reflect my encounter with Mr. Damien. Clearly this was not the encounter he was expecting by his surprised face. So, what else was he referring too? I really hope this was the last time.