Little Rose – Chapter 6 – After meeting Angela

I sat silently in the car. Mr. Brown noticed my sniffling and asked if everything was okay. I nodded my head. When the car turned into the driveway and stopped, I quickly alighted from the car. I needed to talk to father. My head was aching and I was feeling very uneasy and nauseated. “Father, father, I said. I need to talk to you.” I opened father’s bedroom door and rushed in and hugged father, who was preparing to go to bed. “Father, Angela bought a two unit apartment with the money I had saved.” Father entangled my arms and said “Daffodil, my child, you are not making any sense. Can you please calm down? Calm down, please, while patting me on her back. Father led me to the big sofa by the bed and said, “Look at me my child, and tell me what’s troubling you. Start from the beginning of your dinner date.”

“Father, I have a very enjoyable dinner with Angela and I am afraid I may have revealed my old-self to Angela. I now know where the anger and change of behaviour in Keith came from. Both Keith and Bob had been in France for the past six years. Keith was there for treatment and Bob followed him, according to Angela.” “Father, the café belongs to Bob O’Heir and Angela is only managing and running the café for him. He is her boss. The reason we could not locate Angela at the old café was that she left the job after my ‘tragic death’. Keith and Bob traced her and offered the job at the café near our place. Another thing father, Angela bought a two-unit apartment with the money I saved for my university. I have forgotten all about the money I used to save under my bed. After saying what I wanted to say, I started crying silently.”

Father listened to my incoherent speech quietly. After I had finished crying and wiping my tears, father said, “Daffodil, my child. Are you angry that Angela had used your money to buy the house or are you upset that you may have revealed your old-self to Angela? “What is troubling you the most? The money or the revelation, my child?” I was quiet for a moment. Clasping father’s hand I said, “Father, I am glad the money I had saved came handy to Angela. Angela was like an elder sister to me and I remembered telling Angela that one day we will have a place of our own. I am not concerned about the money for six years had gone. Although I want Angela to recognise me, I am worried at the same time. Father, do you think one of them will recognise me from my voice, eyes and mannerism? Sadly father, I am dead to them. I have no identity of my old-self. I am a stranger to them and to myself. My heart aches whenever I think about my past. I have come this far and I can’t believe it myself. I am afraid my new life is a lie to myself too.

I started whimpering. Clutching father’s hand tightly, I brought father’s hands to my cheek and said, “What am I going to do, father?” I want Keith and his love again. I want my friends again. What am I going to do if Keith finds a new love in his life? What am I going to do, father?” Father hugged me to his chest and was very silent in his thoughts. After I have settled down, father took my face in his hands and said, “Daffodil, my child you got all the answers in your heart. You are capable of getting Keith’s love and attention and your friends back. You are holding it back. I can’t answer for you but as your father, I can guide you. I have told you before and I am telling you now again, “No matter what decision you make, both Tim and myself will be right beside you. Do you understand what I am saying, my child?” I nodded my head and father kissed my forehead and led me to my bedroom.

I was crying loudly and begging for my life. I did not know that my screams had awakened father. Father was shaking me roughly from shoulders and demanding that I opened my eyes. I was delirious in my nightmare and begging at unknown strangers. The stinging of a hard slap on my face shook me up. I opened my tears fill eyes and saw father sitting by my side. I was hyperventilating and could hear the beating of my own heart. Upon seeing my eyes opened, father quickly sat me up on the bed. There was a worried look on his face. Getting control of my emotions and breathing, I apologized to father and hugged him. “Nightmares Daffodil?” father asked, stroking my back. I nodded my head. “Its pouring cat and dog. It was Mr. Brown who heard your screams and woke me up from my slumber. Do you want any tranquilizer my dear, father asked? I shook my head and asked father if it’s okay if I sleep in his room, on the big cough? Hearing this father chuckled and nodded his head.

I got up next with Barry licking my face and nudging me. I started laughing and hugged him with all my might. Barry was in a happy mood and I asked Barry if he wanted to go for a walk and he barked loudly as in agreement with me. After having a quick shower, I went to look for father. He was on the line with Tim and on seeing me, gestured me to come and talk to Tim. I was happy to hear Tim’s, Mary’s and the children voice. Tim advised me not to worry too much and let things take its place naturally. “You are beautiful sister and I am sure Keith will find his Little Rose hidden in you,” Tim said. After saying my good bye to kids, I hanged up the call. Father was watching me with a concerned look on his face. I smiled nervously at father and asked if he wants to go for a walk and coffee with me. “Ah…Now you are talking, Daffodil” father said, shaking his index finger at me and smiling at me.

We walked down the beach, with Barry barking and running in front of us. It was a beautiful day and surprisingly there were less people at the beach except joggers and people walking their pets. Father and myself played the “Fetch” game with Barry, which always excite him. After our walk, we decided to have our Latino Coffee at our normal place. Upon reaching the café, we gave our order while Barry sat at my feet, munching his treat happily. Surprisingly it was Angela who brought our coffee over to our table. She as usual was very happy and started waving at me from far. Placing our mugs on the table, she greeted father first and thanks me for the dinner and the ride back home. She was still talking to us, when Keith and Bob suddenly walked in. I immediately looked at father and mouthed the words “Bob and Keith.” Father nodded his head while smiling at Angela and me.

Angela was quick to say a good bye to us and turned to face Bob and Keith. Bob on seeing Angela, linked his arm with Angela’s while she tried her best to pull her arm away. As Bob and Keith walked pass us, Bob noticed me and walked over and said in a pleasant voice, “Miss Watsons. What a pleasant surprise.” I stood up and greeted Bob while father just nod his head and called Barry to his side. After a brief conversation regarding the weather and the coffee, Bob excused himself. I sat down with a sigh of relieve and gave a brief smile to dad and started sipping my coffee. Father smiled at me and reached over to pat my hands as I put my coffee mug down. Shrugging my shoulders, I asked father if it would be rude for me to leave the café immediately. Father nodded his head and with a wide smile on his face, father said softly and cheekily, “Daffodil, my child, someone is looking at you and lets just enjoy our coffee. Just ignore the two of them, okay?” I nodded my head as Barry walked slowly over to me and started seeking my attention, asking for his second dog treat. I patted Barry’s head and bent down and gave him his doggy treat.

After finishing my coffee, I pleaded father with pleading eyes to leave the café. As we were about to leave, Angela called me and came over to my table and apologized for not able to spend time with me and father. I assured Angela it was all right and we shall meet up again. I walked with father, linking my arms through his, with Barry walking beside father. I did not know that Keith and Bob were both observing father and myself from the staff office in the café.

“Bob, Keith said. She looks nothing like her dad.” Bob started laughing at Keith’s remarks. “Brother, that’s her eccentric dad. Did you see the look in his eyes before he acknowledged me? Like Angela said, the father is very protective of his daughter. I would be too if I got a beautiful daughter like Miss Watsons. Keith, Miss Watsons was on her guard, when we noticed her and when I walked over to greet her.” Keith nodded his head and looking at Bob Keith said, “Bob, her dad was studying me. I caught him looking at me with when I was looking at Miss Watsons and her dog. That’s the reason why I refused to look at both father and daughter again. I wonder what did Miss Watsons tell her father about me that he gave me a curious stare.” Bob started laughing loudly and said, “Keith my brother, you are a strange and unpredictable creature and that old man of hers must be wondering what to do with you if you hurt his girl.” Bob chuckled loudly at his own remarks, while Keith gave him a hard stare.

Angela walked into the staff office and seeing the look on Keith’s face, turned to Bob and asked what happened. Bob shrugged his shoulders and said, “Keith is being obstinate. He knows he is strange creature with behaviour problems but refused to admit it. “Oh! Angela,” Bob asked, “How was your date with Miss Watson?” Angela looked both at Keith and Bob and said, “Nothing unusual. She was waiting for me in the restaurant. We ordered our sandwich and I found out Miss Watsons is not a meat lover. Oh! Keith, Daffodil told me about her first day at work and about your behaviour.” Keith was very tensed and looked at Angela with questions in his eyes. Angela shook her head and said, “Keith, she is a sweet and a warm girl. She did not exactly say what happened but mentioned that she promised to stay out of your sight and not to upset or anger you and only goes into your office when she is needed.” Angela smiled and asked Keith, “Keith, is she as quiet as a church mouse?”

Keith started laughing at Angela’s question and asked, “Did she say that?” Angela nodded her head and finally Keith said, “She is more than a quiet church mouse. At times I don’t even know if she is in her office or has left the office. She is always on her guard when I am in the office. Did she say anything else?” Angela looked at Keith and said in a serious tone, “Keith, please don’t fire her or else her father will be the most happiest person to send her back to London. “Please Keith, Angela said with such pleading voice that her eyes started to tears. Both Keith and Bob were very surprised by Angela’s behaviour. Looking earnestly at Keith, Angela said, “I don’t know if you both notice something strange about Daffodil. She reminds me so much of Rose. The first time I met her here in the café, I thought she was Rose. For once I thought that Rose, my little sister was back from the dead. But she was a beautiful stranger with Rose’s voice, eyes and mannerism. We do not know anything about Rose’s death except the words spoken by Mad Dog and Grey Wolf. No one reported her death, Keith. You both belong to a powerful family and it is easy for your family to cover up everything. I …sometimes even I am afraid of what your family can do to me.”

Both Keith and Bob were listening silently to Angela. Angela continued, wringing her hands nervously. “Keith, Angela said, I lost the years when Rose died. I totally blocked that memory of mine. I was the last one to see Rose leaving the house with Bob. I remembered warning her about my instinct and told her not to go. Both you and Bob were no longer around. I felt so guilty and every time my conscious was killing me. I could not continue working at the old café and stay in the rental room. Both places reminded me so much about Rose. You both traced me down almost one and a half years later and my guilt came haunting back to me when Bob told me about Rose’s death. The apartment I am staying at belongs to Rose rightfully. I used Rose’s money, which she had saved for her university entrance and both of you know this. Angela turned her back on Keith and Bob and slowly wobbled over to sit on the sofa. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks and soon she was sobbing her heart out.

Both Keith and Bob were flabbergasted and looked at each other looking so lost. They had never seen this sight of Angela before. When they found Angela, working in another café, they were so happy. When Bob broke the news about Rose death, Angela had accepted Rose’s death with whatever explanation Bob and Keith had given to her. She did not cry but moved on with her life as if Rose did not exist. However, she did confide in both of them regarding finding Rose’s savings under Rose’s bed and buying an apartment with that money. Bob walked over to Angela and embrace her in his arms. Keith was silent for a couple of minutes and finally went over and hugged Angela too. After consoling Angela, the three of them sat on the sofa, each of them in their own deep thoughts.

Finally Keith said after clearing his throat. “So Angela, I am not the only one who feels that Daffodil reminds me of Rose. Angela nodded her head in agreement. Keith continued and said, “she is not our Rose but a stranger who brings out our protective nature to protect her and again Angela nodded her head. Keith smiles to himself and Bob seeing that smile on Keith’s face jumped up from the sofa and clapped his hands together. “Hah! Bob said. I knew it. You are interested in Miss Watson. That sly smile of yours is back brother.” Both Keith and Angela looked at Bob and said the same words simultaneously, “Shut up, Bob. We are seriously discussing Miss Watsons and not our interest.” Both Keith and Angela looked at each other and started laughing loudly at Bob’s startle reaction.

Bob apologized for being a pain in the neck and sat opposite Keith. Finally Bob said, ”How can I help you brother?” Keith shook his head and said, “Look Bob, I have got too much on my plate right now. I got my anger outburst issues. You know right, Bob?” Seeing the look on Keith’s face and the mischievous twinkle in Keith’s eyes, Bob immediately nodded his head. Keith continued and said, “My unpredictable behaviour, my bad relationship with dad and on top our new business projects, which we both are working on. Taking a deep breath, Keith said, “Angela. Rest assured I won’t fire Miss Watsons but will try to keep check of my anger. I can try but no promises, okay?” Angela turned and gave Keith a hug and thanks him, with a smile on her face. Looking at both Keith and Bob, Angela said solemnly, “She is the only friend I made after Rose’s death and I wonder if you both have taken notice of it.” With these words spoken, Angela stood up and opened the staff office door. But turned to look at Keith and said, “Keith, you know your church mouse is playing the same trick Rose used to play with you during your serious courtship with Rose.” Keith looked so startled and Angela excused herself and closed the door behind her. Bob could hear Angela’s cheerful voice greeting other customers in the café.

After ensuring that the door was firmly closely, Bob turned to Keith. “Keith, do you think Rose is really dead? Angela is right. No one reported her death. We only have Grey Wolf and Mad Dog words for it and if we question them again, I am sure they will report to your dad and you will be in trouble. I sometimes wonder if our fathers are really brothers? Both are the opposite poles. Mine is too cool and romantic while yours is too hot headed.” Keith was silent and was in his own deep thoughts after what Angela had revealed about Daffodil. “Keith! Bob asked with a slight irritation in his voice. Did you hear what I am saying, brother?” Keith chose to ignore Bob’s question and asked Bob, “Bob, remembered I mentioned Miss Watsons playing the cat and mouse game with me in the office and how Rose used to play that trick with me when I was serious about courting her? Angela also had the same feeling about Miss Watsons. It could be a coincidence or just our instinct.” Bob shook Keith shoulder and said, “That’s why I am asking too brother. Do you think Rose is dead brother?”

Keith look at Bob with a puzzle look on his face. Finally Keith said, “I have got no idea, brother. My heart miss her so much and sometimes I go to bed crying and hugging my Rose tattoo on my chest, imagining it to be Rose’s head on my chest. Six years are already gone and I am still in love with Rose like a romantic fool.” Keith was so quiet and he was not aware that he was caressing his upper right chest again. Bob looked at Keith and said, “Keith shall we investigate Rose’s death privately and secretly? What say you, brother? It’s going to be very hard due none of us have her picture. Do you think the nuns in the orphanage may have a picture of Rose?” Keith looked at Bob with his eyes wide opened and said, “Bob, we can try. I remembered Rose mentioning about the orphanage and the name. We could give it try. Do you trust Mike? Can he do the job for us since he is your distant cousin from your mother’s side?” Bob continued and said, “I trust Mike and he is reliable guy. He can be crafty and furthermore he is tough nut to crack. He can be very secretive and is very good at disguising himself.” Keith nodded and asked Bob to get Mike to start moving on the matter regarding Rose. After saying their good bye to Angela, both Keith and Bob left the café.

Father was very quiet when we left the café. We did not talk about Keith or Bob except our casual talk about Barry and the beautiful weather. Upon reaching home, father turned to me and asked, “Daffodil, my child. Are you okay?” I smiled at father and nod my head and asked the question which was on my mind. “Father, you looked at Keith. How did you find him?” Father gazed at me with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Huh! My daughter needs confirmation from her old man?” I nodded my head and finally father said, “Daffodil, you got a perfect man in Keith and I pray that may he find his Little Rose in you.” I quickly hugged father and thanked father for giving me his love, sharing his family with me, his tender care and everything else with no conditions attached.

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