Chapter one.

Beach city was beautiful.

Rose hadn't visited in many years but it seemed like she was only here yesterday, walking through the warm water with her jeans rolled up as the waves splashed at her knees. This was the place where her father grew up, he left 25 years ago to start a new life elsewhere with Connie, Rose's mother. Now they live in a lovely home with their three children; Nora, Lars and Rose. They've all grown into young adults.

Everything was silent except the smooth roar of the engine. Steven finally broke the silence,

"The gems sounded so excited to see you again Rose, the last time you saw them you were only five years old, you've grown so much"

Rose remained silent and adjusted her bangs to cover her eyes.

"Sweetie, they've seen your eyes before you don't need to hide them, Pink Diamond isn't a problem to them anymore, besides your eyes are beautiful" her mother told her.

Rose sighed, it was true, her pink eyes were greatly admired but she never liked them, mostly because they always clashed with her outfit.

"You remembered your crutches, right?" her father asked.

"Yeah" Rose replied, "can't exactly get far without them."

Her older siblings were not careful and would often lash out, causing damage with their powers, a few months ago they caused her to be injured and fracture her back. Since then she has mostly regained her ability to walk, but still requires crutches to maintain her balance. Rose has not yet developed any powers and she doesn't believe she will.

"I know you don't often get along well with people you don't know very well, but the gems and my dad will good care of you, you'll have lion jr. too so you won't be too lonely, besides this is were your best friend Volleyball lives so you'll get to spend more time with her"Steven said.

Lion jr. gently nudged her leg, she almost forgot that her gem friends lived in beach city and since her college was one of the very few that accepts gems, a lot of them attended. She was looking forward to getting to spend a bit more time with her friends.

The car glided smoothly across the sand to the lonely but welcoming house, overlooked by an exquisite stone sculpture that caused many to stare in awe.

As they approached closer to the house Pearl, Garnet and Amethyst burst out the door in excitement, shortly followed by Peridot, Lapis and Bismuth and finally Volleyball.

The gems all exclaimed Steven's name as they formed a group hug while Connie and Volleyball helped Rose out the car. The warm summer sun kissed her light brown skin and the cool evening breeze brushed through her glossy hair.

After the gems had greeted Steven they said hello to Rose, commenting on how much she's grown and resembles her parents.

"Thanks for looking after Rose while Nora attends her off planet speeches, we would bring her along but it would be cruel to drag her around, besides I think she needs a break from her siblings they've become so reckless" Steven said " It's really a huge help"

"No worries" said Garnet, adjusting her visor," We're always here to help"

They all spoke for some time while Volleyball helped Rose with her belongings, there was a lot of stuff but she was staying for an entire ten months.

Eventually, the gems said one last tearful goodbye, insisting that Steven must call them every day to let them know he's okay.

Steven then approached his daughter and kissed her gently on her head.

"Love you sweetie, make sure to call me through the diamond line, it's upstairs, since there's no signal in space. If you absolutely need us we'll come back okay, you just have to ask, but I'm sure you'll be fine"

"I'll see you soon, dad" she replied.

"We'll miss you"

Steven and Connie returned to the car and drove off waving and smiling.

"Make sure to stop by the car wash and see Greg before you leave!" Pearl shouted.

Rose was given Steven's old room while she stayed, since Greg didn't stay too long after Steven gave it too him, he preferred the the comfort of his van. It had a lovely view of the beach and the gems assured her they would make sure she was safe.

As the sun set, Rose and Volleyball watched until ocean no longer reflected the suns rays. Volleyball returned to her home in Little Homeworld and Rose lay in bed, hoping that tomorrow will be okay.

To be continued...