Chapter Two

The sun rose gently over the temple, casting dark shadow over the beach.

The cool morning breeze tapped the windows and awoke Rose from her sleep. She stretched her arms forward and brushed her messy hair away with her fingers so she could see. To her surprise, Pearl was sitting at the the edge of the bed, Rose jumped back startled, she hadn't heard her coming up the stairs so she must have been there a while.

"Oh sorry dear, I wake you?" Pearl asked, getting up of the floor.

"No, umm.." Rose paused slightly confused "Good morning."

Amethyst shouted from downstairs "Ha, Pearl are you watching Rose sleep?"

"What? Of course not, mind your own business Amethyst."

Amethyst sniggered "Sure P, whatever you say."

Pearl groaned and turned back to Rose, "As much as we'd love to to spend time with you Rose, we're awfully busy today, but Volleyball said you can go round her place and she'll give you a tour of Little Homeworld. There is bread in the kitchen, you make yourself some toast for breakfast. My phone number is on the fridge so if you need anything you can call me. Make sure to call your parents before you leave. Are you going to be okay getting down the stairs?"

" Yeah, I'll be okay, thanks"

"Good, we'll be back by this afternoon but your free to stay out for as long as you like, just make sure to text me, okay?"

"Okay."

After Pearl left, Rose change into her navy blue jacket, pale t-shirt and dark jeans that she cuffed around her ankles. She took her crutches and carefully made her way downstairs.

After she ate and was ready to leave, she slung her mustard coloured rucksack over shoulder and approached the warp pad. Although she didn't have any powers, she was able to activate the warp pad, which is something she is very grateful for as, with her condition, she can only walk so far.

When she arrived in Little Homeworld, she surprised by the masses of gems going about their day, she had never seen so many in one place, it made her feel overwhelmed.

A large grey hand laid gently on her shoulder, she turned to see Bismuth behind her, smiling boldly.

"Hey Rose, you looking for Volleyball's place?"

Rose nodded shyly.

" Don't worry, it's not too far" Bismuth knelt down beside her, "Okay so if you go to the end of that road over there and take the alleyway just before the end, you should be directly opposite her house. Are you gonna be okay walking there on your own?"

"Yeah, thanks"

"No problem kiddo, I built this place, so I know how to get around."

Rose walked forward in her crutches, trying to get through the swarm of gems, luckily most gems let her past if they could but it still took a while for her to squeeze her way to the end of the street.

The alleyway was almost empty except for dark figure at the end. Rose began to walk down the alley, the wind wailed weakly as it dragged the autumn leaves across the ground. She reached the end of the alley when it become clear the shadowed figure was unaware of her presence.

She cleared her throat "Excuse me, could I get passed please?" she asked politely.

The figure turned to face her, he was rather tall and looked a few years older than Rose. He had a very muscular stature and a lovely countenance. His long sleeved shirt left his chest bare to show the light hairs on his chest.

He slicked back his hair and asked, "What's a pretty little girl like you doing out here on your own?"

Rose remained silent. She wasn't sure how to respond and didn't want to anyway.

"Aww, not much of a talker, huh" he continued, getting slightly closer while Rose recoiled backwards, "Such a shame, your voice is gorgeous."

He backed Rose into the wall, as she released a small yelp in fear. He pressed one hand against the wall and the other stroked down Rose's neck as she turned her head away from him.

He tsked "Don't be like that dear, your eyes are stunning." he held her face with his thumb on her lip as he spoke. Rose had no where to run, even if she did she couldn't make it far on crutches. She felt the fear rush through her blood.

Surprisingly he stepped back releasing her from his strong grasp, he walked away silently, leaving her shaken.

Before he was out of sigh, he turned his head slightly and said "By the way, you're kinda cute for a cripple." He continued to walk off as Rose took deep breaths to calm herself.

After a few minutes she felt comfortable enough to to go to her friend's house.

To be continued...