Chapter Twenty-Three
Rose's POV
I laid my head on Heather's lap. We were relaxing from our meal. I felt her fingertips dive into my hair and run over my scalp. It was nice but let's face it. She could not reach my feet at this angle, not that I would object to this. It was pleasantly strange to have her living here with me. I was concerned about her time in the Seventh Division with Love. She would usually talk to me about any kind of problem but something is telling me she is just trying to get used to the squad. "So how's work been to you? Kind of different, huh?" I asked curiously and felt the grip on my hair tighten slightly. "Hm." Heather replied indifferently, which concerned me. "It's been five months since you joined the squad, baby. What's going on that you don't want to talk about?" I asked. "Nothing's wrong per say, hon. I'll get over it." she replied. I sighed, and reached out to hold her hands and urged her firmly, "Talk to me." "I don't see how that man is your friend." she admitted with a huff.
"Love?" I questioned not understanding what could be wrong about him now. She always kept a tight lip about her complaints about him but she's far too vocal with her opinions and would let one or two slip out. Since he is now being referred to as 'that man', I could tell they butt heads…again. Love is fairly nice about his share of complaints when it comes to her as well. Her attitude needed adjusting, her temperament was unyielding, and she seemed a little too free-spirited for her own good. Then again, Love is completely nit-picky on how a girl should behave and look. That separates my preferences from his. My attention shifted to her when she said, "He's a double-standard, ignorant—" "Hon, he's not that bad." I defended softly. "Fine, then you work under him." she invited sarcastically. "Come on, that's not what I meant." I replied softly. "I know he's a friend of yours but I can't stand him trying to correct what I'm doing wrong as a woman, especially when he can't give birth. What does he know about feminism?!"
Give birth? Where did that come from?! I sat up and looked at her with concern. Did she let something slip that she wanted to tell me about? "Are you trying to tell me something, dear?" I asked her uneasily. The thought occurred to me, do I want to be single forever? I mean I let this woman in my house as a partner in my life. Should I not be wanting her as an eventual wife and mother to my kids? Kids?! I could not help but think on a couple mini versions of her and myself running around. I was not entirely ready yet, but the idea in general sounded…nice. Heather gave me a look and shook her head. "No, Rose. I was just using it as an expression." I sighed in relief, "Good, I was afraid for a second." I realized my mistake when I noticed her expression. "What I mean is: I don't want one now. We have plenty of time for that. I just don't want to jump into it but I like the idea." Whoa! Did I just say that?! Heather's expression softened, "Really?" I nodded more confidently this time.
"I never really thought that you were that kind of guy." she said softly and I rest my head on her lap once more. "I never actually sat down and thought about it until now." I admitted, sighing happily as her fingers returned to my scalp and continued, "I just wanted to express my love and devotion to you. I guess if children happen, they will." "I love you too." Heather replied leaning over and kissing my forehead. "I'm in no particular rush to have any either. I'm actually a little afraid to have any." she admitted a little unwillingly. "Why is that?" I asked. Was she afraid of commitment? "Well, you know I didn't have the best of parents. I just—I don't want to be one of them." I smiled at her and pointed out, "If you were to be like them, you would not be worried. That's what's going to separate you from them." I then thought through the next thing I was going to ask thoroughly. "When do you think would be a decent time?" I inquired, taking her by surprise for a few moments. "A lot later, I think." she replied and looked my face over. At least we were on the same page about that.
"Anyway, what do you think you should do about this problem with the Seventh?" I asked her, changing the subject. "I don't know. I just started here." she answered uncertainly. "It might not be the division for you, you should ask for a transfer for the next open spot. The entrance exam is not always completely accurate." I advised her, watching her face change to a look of deep contemplation. "You might be right." she replied with a sigh and continued, "I'll put one in tomorrow for the first thing open."