Chapter 5: Reaction
The next day, Rose woke early and prepared for school. She ate a quick breakfast, took a shower, did her hair, and headed out the door. She walked to school quietly, lost in her thoughts. When she reached the schoolyard, many people didn't even notice her. She wasn't upset though, she was actually relieved. She didn't want extra attention. When she spotted Jake, Trixie, and Spud, she walked over to them slowly.
"Hey Jake!" she called to him nervously when she was within two feet of him. He turned, his fiery black eyes resting on her. He looked confused, and then smiled, "Rose?"
"Hi." She said, returning the smile.
"I think Spud-inky and I will leave ya'll alone." Trixie said, walking off and tugging Spud behind her.
"Rose, why did you leave?" Jake asked.
"I thought I was endangering you by being so close to you. If the Huntsman found out, well, we'd both be dead." She replied guiltily. "But I need to tell you something. Actually, I need to tell you two things. Can we go somewhere else?" Normally, she would have never skipped school, although Jake seemed fine with it. They walked to Central Park, as they were walking, Rose said, "Okay. First, I want to tell you that I don't care that you're the American Dragon. I love you. I didn't tell the Huntsmaster who you are."
She glanced up from the pavement that had suddenly seemed so interesting, and into Jake's face. He was beaming. She smiled. She liked it when he was happy, but she knew that smile would be a frown in a few minutes.
"But that was the good news. The bad news is, well…the Huntsmaster has rehired someone to spy on the American Dragon." She looked away from Jake, back to the pavement. "I overheard their conversation yesterday." When she looked back to Jake, her eyes were filled with remorse. "I'm sorry Jake, but your father is a part of the Huntsclan." Jake stopped dead in his tracks. His face looked as if he had seen a ghost, shocked.
"What? Are you sure?" He stuttered. Rose nodded solemnly. He said his name was Scott Long. And when I asked him if he was related to you, he said you were his son."
"Thanks Rose." Jake said, looking into Rose's eyes.
"For what?" She said, startled.
"For coming back, for telling me. Thanks." He took her hand in his, and they continued their walk.