Chapter 9

Mommy

It was around 8:30 and Rose sat up in bed staring intently at Cordelia who was turned watching Wheel of Fortune.

"An act of kindness," Rose said simply, rubbing her tired eyes.

"What?" Cordelia asked turning and looking at Rose.

"That's the answer to the puzzle." Cordelia turned and stared up at the TV.

"Rosa Marie there's only 2 a's up there and a k. It could be anything," Cordelia said in a playful scolding tone.

"Yes it could," Rose answered. "But it's not." Cordelia just smiled and turned back to the TV.

"I'd like to solve the puzzle," the man on the far left said. "An ace of kidneys." Rose went into a giggle fit.

"What a weirdo." 2 minutes later the lady in the middle solved it correctly.

"An act of kindness. See told you Miss Cordelia Chasey weirdy pants," Rose said.

"Well pin a rose on your nose Miss Rosa Marie giggle pants," Cordelia countered and squeezed Rose's belly making her jump and start to giggle. The two stared at each other then started laughing.

"You're too silly Rose," Cordelia sighed.

"Too silly for you?"

"Too silly for me," Cordelia confirmed then smiled squeezing the tiny girls' hand.

"Are you ready to sleep?" she whispered pushing one of Rose's brown curls out of her face.

"Who me?" Rose tried looking innocent.

"Yes you Rosa Marie. You're sleepy."

"I am not either."

"How much you wanna bet?" Cordelia asked. Her fingers trailed up to Rose's temple and she made steady circles. Cordelia hummed gently. Then started to sing quietly. Cordelia had a pretty voice but refused to share it with anybody. Rose closed her eyes and after a few minutes fell into a deep sleep. Cordelia bent over and kissed her on the head then crawled into the bed that was set out for her. Cordelia had a pretty voice which she refused to share with anybody. That night she shared it with a little girl who she loved more then life. A little girl she saved from death.

A little girl known as Rosa Marie.

The next morning Rose woke up in pain. Every muscle in her body was tense and she ached all over. Tears rolled off the sides of her face and into her hair.

"Cordelia?" she squeaked out. Cordy wasn't there. But a few minutes later she entered the room.

"Cordelia," Rose repeated. Cordy was quick at her side.

"What's the matter Rosa?" she asked sitting next to her. She felt her forehead and she had a temperature.

"I feel icky all over," Rose said. She looked up at Cordy with her longing eyes. Doctor Bronze came into the room.

"Doctor I think Rose is sick," Cordelia said. Doctor Bronze came over and took her temperature.

"105, it's not good but I do have some good news for you Rose. All of your tests came back positive and you'll be able to go home with Mommy today." He patted the little girl on the head.

"I'll go get her a prescription. It'll make her feel better and in no time at all she'll be up and at it again." With that he exited once more.

"He doesn't mean it does he Cordy?" Rose asked looking terrified.

"Mean what Rose? This is great you can come home with me today."

"So he didn't really mean it when he said I have to go home with my mommy?"

"He meant me Rosa. He thinks I'm your mommy," Cordelia said pressing her cool hands on either side of her face.

"I wish he was right," Rose said innocently clutching on to Cordelia's finger.

"I do too Rosa. I do too."

"Where is she Spike? Where is she!" Drusilla shrieked at her hung-over boyfriend.

"I don't know. Stop your screaming," Spike rubbed his head hoping for some relief of his migraine.

"How could you let this happen?" Drusilla was near tears.

"Pet, she just...ran away," Spike moaned.

"Bloody hell she did!" Drusilla shrieked.

"Listen I can just get you a new toy to watch me beat." Drusilla stood there liking the idea.

"But...but... I want Prissy!" Drusilla sat down preparing to go into sulk mode.

"Well Dru, Priscilla was getting old. I bet that wherever she is she won't survive more than a day."