Rosie sat in Nolan's bedroom. Watching Nolan on the phone having an argument with his boyfriend. Rosie had known the two of them were having problems because Nolan couldn't bring himself to come out about their relationship and his boyfriend didn't like it. Rosie could understand things from both sides of the argument.
Nolan sighed and finished the call and hung up and looked at Rosie.
"Sorry." He said
"Don't need to apologize. I understand it's a tough situation." Rosie said
"So, your on my side of this right?" Nolan asked
"Well…." Rosie said
Nolan raised an eyebrow and sighed "You think I should tell people?"
"Well. I can see both sides." Rosie said quickly
"Okay." Nolan said. "What do you think I should do?"
"Tell your friends. At least the group from around here. You know they wont have an issue with it and will be super supportive. Maybe if you tell at least some people he will be more willing to believe that you aren't hiding him because your embarrassed or ashamed?" Rosie said "I get you cant tell your parents. And he should understand that too. It's a safety situation. But your friends. Who you know will be supportive. Why am I the only one you seem to trust with this?" Rosie asked
Nolan sighed and sat on his bed leaning against the wall his bed was against.
"Is there some reason I'm the only one you trust?" Rosie asked
"You completely understand. You know about the fear of your parents." Nolan said
"Your worried someone would tell your parents if you told our friends?" Rosie asked
"Kind of. Also. Worried people wont believe I'm into this guy." Nolan said
"Why wouldn't they believe that?" Rosie asked
Nolan looked over at her eyes sad.
"Nolan! Tell me you are not leading this guy on." Rosie said
"I didn't intent to. I thought I liked him. I really did. I just. I don't know. I'm so confused. I still don't know if Bi is what to identify as." Nolan said
"Fuck the labels. Don't worry about figuring that out. Just be with whomever you like. And you need to break up with him. Cause clearly you don't like him like that. And leading him on is just mean. And you are not mean." Rosie said
Nolan sighed and leaned his head against the wall. "I don't want to hurt him."
"The longer you keep this going the more you are hurting him." Rosie said
"How are you so good at this?" Nolan asked
"Those who can do. Those who cant. Teach." She said with a smirk
Nolan laughed. "Your not allowed to date yet?"
"Well. I am. I just haven't yet." Rosie said
"Why haven't you? There is a line up of people interested in you." Nolan pointed out
"Excuse me?" Rosie said tilting her head
"Did you not know?" Nolan asked
"No. I did not." Rosie said "Who?"
"Well. Like I said there is a line up. Both men and women." Nolan said
"Give me a couple names." Rosie said
"Well. I don't really know most of them. The group talk about it when your not there…" Nolan said
"WHO?! Is talk about this?" Rosie asked frustrated
"Kind of everyone…" Nolan said
"Great. So -everyone except me know who is interested in me." Rosie said
"Sorry…" Nolan said
"Give me some names. Even if you don't know them." Rosie said
"Well. I know of two people. In our group." He said
"Great. Who?" Rosie said
"Cass…. And well before I got with my guy… Me…." He said
Rosie's jaw dropped. She was stunned. "We will get back to you. But no Cass isn't into girls…" Rosie said
Nolan nodded abit making a face. "Yes. She is. She's been lying to you."
Rosie got off Nolan's bed and started to pace. Her mind was racing. This was nuts.
"She knows you don't have a thing for her and didn't want to ruin the friendship but telling you…" Nolan said
"What's your excuse for not telling me about you?" Rosie asked looking at him.
"Same." Nolan said. "I love having a best friend who I can talk to about everything, and I didn't want to lose it by telling you how I felt when you don't have those feeling back." He told her
"You idiot! I do have those feeling for you!" Rosie said loudly. She was glad no one else was at Nolan's right now.
"What?!" Nolan said
"I have liked you since you drove me home from the party last summer!" Rosie said
"Why didn't you tell me?!" Nolan asked
"Same reason you didn't tell me!" Rosie said
"Oh…" Nolan said
Rosie ran her hand across her hair. "Damnit Nolan!"
"You cant be angry with me when you did the same thing I did." Nolan said with a smile.
Rosie laughed. "Does the group know you liked me?"
"Not liked. Like. And yes." Nolan said
"Well, I'm going to kick Cass's ass for two reasons now." Rosie said
"You cant tell her I told you." Nolan said "About her."
"Nolan. She lied to me. We talked about it. When a large group of people at school thought her and I were a couple. She flat out told me she isn't into girls." Rosie said.
"I get your upset. But she's going to be pissed at me for telling you." Nolan said
"Fine. I wont tell her you told me about her. But I'm going to confront the group about talking behind my back." Rosie said
"Okay. That's fine. I can accept that." Nolan said "I told them they needed to stop."
"So. You like me?" Rosie said her cheeks pinking slightly
Nolan chuckled. "Yes." He said
Rosie put her face in her hands and mumbled "I'm an idiot."
"What was that?" Nolan asked not having heard
"Nothing." Rosie said with a chuckle.
"Okay." Nolan said not believing her but not pushing.
"But it doesn't matter. You are in a relationship. And whether or not you break up. You need time to get over that relationship." Rosie said
Nolan nodded. "I agree. And I don't expect you to wait for me. But if you do. Maybe in a few months." Nolan said
Rosie smiled and nodded. "I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't like anyone else right now."
Nolan nodded. "We will see what time brings. However, this was not the conversation you came here to have I take it?"
Rosie chuffed. "Not in the slightest."
"Do you still want to talk about whatever you came here to talk about?" He asked
Rosie nodded. "Who knows maybe it will make you lose the attraction which will help you." She said
"Hey. I highly doubt that." He said. "Sit. Talk." He said
Rosie sat down on his bed leaning against his headboard.
"I know there has been a lot of questions about if my dad is my biological father or I am adopted. He is my biological father." She started
Nolan nodded. "Okay. That's one question answered."
"My biological mother died giving birth to me. I lived with my dad till I was two. I was abducted from my bed. I have little memory of this, but those memories only came back since being back with him. I was being raised by a couple who I honestly thought were my parents." Rosie said "Last summer. I got into some trouble with the two girls who were my best friends and we got arrested and our fingerprints taken. When mine were put through the system they linked it to my missing persons file. The people who were raising me had hired their lawyer to come and abduct me because their biological daughter died or something and they wanted to cover it up. I look a lot like what she would look like, and I had the same first name. It was like it was perfectly set up." Rosie said. "But obviously at this point they are all in prison after a pretty intense court case just before Christmas." Rosie said wiping at her tears
Nolan was stunned. This was not at all what he expected. He grabbed a box of tissues and offered it to her.
"Shit. They were the ones who were jehovah's witnesses?" He asked
"Yes. Everyone I knew was one. My two former best friends. When I came out to them it didn't end well. One of them even tried to set things up to make it look like I had been sending nasty texts to them both, so I looked bad in court." Rosie said taking a tissue
"Wow. Rosie I'm so sorry." Nolan said
"Honestly. I'm so much happier now. I'm being true to who I am. And I'm in a safe home now. I wasn't safe there…" She said looking down
"I take it not just because you couldn't be yourself?" He asked
"They were abusive." Rosie said
Nolan was angry. He hated abusive parents. He took a breath. She needed him to be calm right now.
"I take it this wasn't around here? I'm assuming it would be front page news." Nolan said
Rosie chuckled. "It was front page news. All over the country. But my name was never released. I don't think you have ever met my dad. Otherwise, you might have remembered. If you know who my dad is that is. Some of my friends who have met him did know who he was." Rosie said
"Your dad famous or something?" Nolan asked
"He's not like Hugh Jackman famous or something. He has written a lot of books on serial killers and profiling." She said
Nolan though for a moment. "Rossi last name I'm guessing?"
"Yes. David Rossi." She said
"No. Don't think I know the name." He said
"That's okay." Rosie said. "But being a kind of known person. He had discussed me in a couple of his books, so it was all over the news. All over the country. But to answer your question no. I didn't live in the area. I was in California" she said
"Oh wow. So, this past winter must have been cold for you." He said
"I was an icicle the entire time. No matter how many layers I was wearing." Rosie said
Nolan chuckled.
"You still talk to anyone from there?" He asked
Rosie shook her head. "Everyone I had any relationship with was a JW. And I am everything that is "wrong" I have been shunned basically." Rosie said
Nolan sighed. "I'm sorry."
"Its okay. I don't want to talk with people who wont accept me for me. Maybe in the future someone will come around and accept me and if that's the case I will welcome them back into my life as soon as they apologize but until and if that happens I have lots of friends here. I have a dad who loves me and people I consider family who will always have my back." Rosie said
Nolan nodded. "And your friends have your back too. I mean the ones I know."
Rosie nodded and smiled. "I know."
"Good." Nolan said
"This goes without saying I think. But this. Doesn't get shared to anyone." Rosie said
Nolan nodded. "Of course. I wont tell a soul."
They heard the front door open.
"Nolan." His mothers voice called out.
"I'm in my room. Rosie is here." He called out
They heard steps coming upstairs and his mother came into the room.
"Hello, Mrs. Shephard." Rosie said
"Hi Rosie." The woman smiled. "How are you?" her face changing to concerned when she saw Rosie's bloodshot eyes. "Nolan tell me you aren't making this girl cry."
"No!" Nolan said
Rosie chuckled a bit. "No. Its not him. I promise."
Mrs. Shephard nodded. "You okay?"
"Yes. Just telling him some things…" Rosie said not wanting to tell her everything.
Mrs. Shephard nodded. "Okay."
"Your son is a very good listener." Rosie said
Mrs. Shephard smiled. "Good. I just wish he would talk to his father or I about everything." She said with a raised eyebrow at her son before looking at Rosie. "You have plans for dinner? Would you like to stay?" She asked Rosie
"I would love that. Thank you Mrs. Shephard." She said
"Wait. What do you know?" Nolan asked his mother
Rosie bit the inside of her mouth to keep from laughing but a small chuckle came out.
Nolan looked at Rosie. "What?"
"I think she is saying she knows something you didn't think she did." Rosie said
"Well yes. But what?" Nolan asked looking at his mom.
"We know you have been dating that boy." Mrs. Shephard said
Nolan's eyes went wide. "But. I. You. Dad. Huh?"
"Son. We have known for a very long time that you are into guys." Mrs. Shephard said. "I'm glad you had someone you could talk to about it because clearly not a surprise to Rosie."
Rosie choked back a laugh and shook her head.
"But. I don't get it. You and Dad…." Nolan said
"Don't think any different of you. I don't know where you got the idea that we wouldn't accept that. But its okay. We can talk about it later if you want." Mrs. Shephard said.
Nolan was stunned.
"Why did you think your dad and I have no issue with you having Rosie here when we are not?" Mrs. Shephard said.
"Because you trust me?" Nolan said
"Well. Yes. That's part of it but because we knew there was no chance of you two doing anything. Because of whom you are interested in." Mrs. Shephard said.
"Oh. Um. Well. I'm not just into guys…" He said.
"Oh." Mrs. Shephard said.
"Not that anything would happen. With anyone. I have no plans to do anything like that till I'm married." Nolan said.
Mrs. Shephard smiled. "Well. I'm glad to know that. But we can talk more later." She said before leaving the two teenagers to talk.
Rosie smiled at him.
Nolan laughed. "Seriously? I've been worried for nothing."
"I'm so happy that you have their support!" Rosie said hugging him
Nolan hugged her. "Me too. I just. Am stunned." He said
Rosie nodded.
"And I'm about to break up with him…." Nolan said with a groan. "I could have just told them.'
"Yeah. Well, You're not breaking up with him because of them. You're breaking up with him because you not longer have feelings for him." Rosie pointed out
"True." He said
"And if in the future when there is another guy you know you can tell them, and it will be okay." Rosie said
Nolan nodded.
"Why did you think they had an issue?" Rosie asked
"My godfather who was my dads best friend. He is gay. He doesn't talk to him anymore… I guess I always assumed it was because of that." Nolan answered
"Ooh. Well, there could be dozens of other reasons they don't talk anymore." Rosie said. "I know my former best friends are a bad example but that's not the only reason people stop talking to their best friends." Rosie added
Nolan nodded as he phone started to ring. He looked down and sighed. "Is it bad to break up with someone over the phone?"
"You haven't been together that long, so I think its okay." Rosie said
Nolan answered and spoke to the guy. The call ended just a few minutes later.
"Well, that hurts…" Nolan said
"What did he say?" Rosie asked
"Said he was planning to break up with me anyways since I wouldn't do anything…" He said
Rosie sighed. "Well than he's a douche and its good you are rid of him."
Nolan nodded.
"I'm sorry. I know that still has to hurt." Rosie said putting an arm around his shoulder.
He smiled abit and leaned his head on her shoulder.
"Should we invite everyone over after dinner? We can have a friends night. I think you need one." Rosie said
Nolan smiled and sent out a mass text inviting anyone who was free to come over at 7pm for a movie night.
When Mr. Shephard got home, and dinner was ready they all sat down to eat.
"How is your father?" Mr. Shephard asked
"He's good. Been away a lot because of work. Just had the weekend off for the first time in about three weeks and we went to a cabin a couple hours from here with his whole team. Basically, our family." Rosie said "But he went back to work today and is already away."
His father nodded.
"Doing what he does it's a good thing that they are tight knit." Mrs. Shephard said
Rosie nodded. "Yes."
"Did you know her father was an author?" Nolan asked
Both his parents nodded. "Yes. I have read a few of his books." Mr. Shephard said
Nolan nodded. "Have you read them?" he asked Rosie
"Nope. Not allowed till I'm eighteen." Rosie said
Mr. Shephard nodded.
"Why?" Nolan asked
"Not age appropriate." Rosie said shaking her head abit
"Ah." Nolan said
"I don't like it, but it is what it is." Rosie said
"Does he know you know that your mentioned in it?" Nolan asked
Rosie chuckled and nodded. "Yes. But he didn't tell me. A friend who has read them mentioned it."
"I wondered if that was a reason he was asking you not to read them yet." Mr. Shephard asked
Rosie let out a breath. "Well maybe at first but he knows I know."
Mr. Shephard nodded.
"So. Can I assume you know. My story?" Rosie asked
Mr. Shephard nodded. "Even if I hadn't read the books. It was all over the news for a few months." He said
"How did I miss that?" Nolan asked
"We made sure you didn't see." Mrs. Shephard said "We knew her father lived in this area. We thought you might run into her. Maybe would go to the same school. We didn't want you to know her story before she was ready to tell you if you did."
"Did you actually know my father before?" Rosie asked
"No. Not personally." Mrs. Shephard said.
Rosie nodded.
"When your father is away do you stay with someone?" Mrs. Shephard asked
"A neighbour spends the nights when he is away." Rosie said
Mrs. Shephard nodded. "Good."
"Yeah. He wont ever leave me alone. I've told him before he can, but he refuses." Rosie said
"Well, you are still young." Mrs. Shephard said.
"And its not an occasional thing by the sounds of it." Mr. Shephard added
"Depends on the month. Sometimes its more than others." Rosie said
"Oh. I have invited some more friends for a movie night this evening." Nolan mentioned
"That's fine." Mrs. Shephard said with a smile.
Mr. Shephard nodded. "Your friends are always welcome.
"Spur of the moment decision?" Mrs. Shephard asked
Nolan nodded. "Um. Since I know mom has told you that I know you both know about my boyfriend. We actually broke up."
"Oh. How come?" Mrs. Shephard asked
"Lost feelings for him." Nolan said
Mr. Shephard nodded.
"And Rosie thought I could use a friends night." Nolan said
"She's a smart girl. Friends will always come around when you are hurting." Mrs. Shephard said
Rosie smiled.
"She is crazy smart. Even if she doesn't believe that." Nolan said with a smile
"I have the things I do well in and the things I certainly don't." Rosie said
"Do well in school?" Mr. Shephard asked
"There is a couple subjects I struggle with. I have ADHD so sometimes it makes it harder." Rosie said
"Never would have guessed that." Mrs. Shephard said. "My nephew has that, and he is quite hyperactive."
"Well, it showed up different in different people. And different from a boy to girl." Rosie said "I do fidget a lot when I'm trying to focus. Which is a hyperactive thing apparently." Rosie added
Mrs. Shephard nodded.
"Also, I've been getting help with it so I'm able to focus and do better in school than I did before I was diagnosed." Rosie said
"Therapy?" Mrs. Shephard asked
"Behavioural therapy yes. And I am on medication as well." Rosie said
"I didn't know that." Nolan said
"I don't really talk about it. Unless asked." Rosie said
They finished eating and Rosie helped clear up the table.
There friends started to show up and Nolan got out some snacks and drinks for everyone.
They all got settled in the living room and put on a movie. They watched the movie and when the first one was done, and everyone went to use the bathroom or stretch Rosie spoke.
"So. It has been brought to my attention that there is a line up of people who are interested in me. Care to share who is on that list?" Rosie asked her friends.
"Nolan! You weren't supposed to tell her about that!" One of the girls said
"I told you to stop talking about her behind her back." Nolan said with a shrug
"So. Out with it. Who is on the list?" Rosie asked
A few names were said all of whom surprised Rosie. "How am I the one that everyone likes?"
"Because your smart, funny, beautiful, kind. And mysterious." Cass said
"How am I mysterious?" Rosie asked
"Any time someone asks about your past you change the subject. You don't talk about anyone from before you lived in this area." Someone else said
"I thought you knew I wasn't the only one who noticed that." Nolan said
Rosie nodded. "Okay. Fair. But its not a mystery. Its just private."
"We are your friends." Cass said
"Yes. But I'm not the only one keeping secrets it seems." Rosie said
Cass let out a breath. "Nolan told you a certain name did he?"
"What name?" Rosie asked "I want all the names."
"Well Nolan set himself up for this so him." One of the guys said
"He told me about himself." Rosie said
"Did he give you any other names?" Cass asked
"Nope. I feel like there is a name you don't want me to know." Rosie said looking at Cass. "Who?"
Everyone looked at each other and than at Cass.
"Because I know it cant be your name. Because you have flat out told me that you like guys only." Rosie said
Cass looked down.
"Why would you lie about that? I don't get it. I told you all about me. You knew I wouldn't judge. So why did you lie?" Rosie asked
"Because I thought you would be more likely to believe I didn't like you that way." Cass said
"Cass. I'm flattered. There is no reason to hide that. Is this why we have drifted apart?" Rosie asked
Cass nodded
"Your friendship is very important to me. All of you are important to me. But friends are supposed to let you know when people have crushes on you." She said "And Cass you could have told me the truth. It wont change our friendship. And it's a crush. If it hasn't already it will fade…" Rosie added
"Well, honestly it has faded. Which is why I have been able to hang with you more again." Cass said
"Really? That's not what you told me last week." One of the girls said which caused Cass to throw a pillow at their head. "Shut up."
Rosie sighed and shook her head.
"Anyways. So, we told you all this. Is there anyone on that list who you like?" One of the girls asked
"One." Rosie said
"Who?!" Someone asked
"I'm not telling you. That's what you get for not telling me until I corner you." Rosie said
"And to be fair to all of you." Nolan started "I guess I should tell you all. I'm not exactly sure where I fit in the LGBTQ banner. But I'm not just into girls. I actually was dating a guy till about four hours ago till we broke up." He said
"What?!" Cass said "How long were you dating him?"
"Two months." Nolan said.
"Why do you not look surprised?" Someone asked Rosie.
"Because Rosie knew. Rosie has known since the day we met at the pool party last year when I drove her home. I told her I was bi. Not sure if that's really what I am anymore but either way. She knew about the guy and everything." Nolan said
"Damn. You didn't have issue telling someone you didn't know but the rest of us." Cass said
"Rosie had come out to us at that party. I knew she wouldn't judge." Nolan said
"Also, um. Before coming here. The people I lived with were really religious. I had to hide who I was, and Nolan thought his parents would have issue with it because of religion also so he knew I understood keeping it a secret." Rosie said
"Not that I don't trust the rest of you its just easier to talk to someone who has a similar upbringing." Nolan said
"I don't think you can say we have had a similar up brining anymore." Rosie said
"Okay. True. Now that I know the whole story." Nolan said
"Wait he knows the story?" Cass asked
"Yes. He does." Rosie said "And no. I'm not sharing it with anyone else right now." She added
"Why?" Cass asked
"Because. None of you bothered to tell me about this list of people who like me. And you flat out lied to me about your feelings Cass. And continue to." Rosie said
"I'm sorry. Yes. I still have a crush. But I didn't want you to know because I still want to be your friend." Cass said
Rosie nodded. "I'm still going to be your friend. Just like I will continue to be Nolan's friend. And nothing will change with my friendship with the other people who have crushes. I have had crushes before I know they fade. And I just feel like my friends should tell me these things. Because you all didn't know I had a crush on someone who is on that list as well. And if I had known sooner maybe we would be together now." Rosie pointed out.
"Well. You could tell them you know and maybe you two could get together." Someone said
"We shall see." Rosie said.
"Really not going to tell us who?" Someone asked.
"Nope." Rosie said with a smile
"Come on. Lets put on another movie." Nolan said putting another movie on.
One of the guys tilted his head. "Its you." someone said to Nolan
Nolan looked at him.
"She has a thing for you. And that's why you broke up with that guy so you two could be together." He said
"No." Nolan said. "I broke up with the guy because I didn't have feelings from him any longer." He added
"But is it you she likes?" Cass asked
"Has she said it is?" Nolan asked
"Not here. But she could have told you when you told her you had a crush on her." One of the girls said
Nolan took a breath.
"Stop asking him." Rosie said
They all looked at Rosie.
"He just broke up with his boyfriend. Whether or not there is mutual feelings doesn't mean anything is going to happen right now, so it doesn't matter." Rosie said
They all shut up at that and the movie was put on and they watched the comedic movie that was put on.
They watched movies till pretty late. Rosie had texted Ms. Jarvis know she wasn't going to be home till late. Her dad had extended her curfew over the summer as long as he knew where she was and that she was going to have a safe ride home he was okay with her staying out late.
Around 12pm everyone started to head out.
"I can drive you home." Cass said to Rosie
"Sure. Thanks." Rosie said.
She left with her and on the ride home Cass started up again with the question
"Please tell me. Is it Nolan?" Cass asked
Rosie laughed. "Not answering that question."
"Come on why not?" Cass asked
"Because I don't want to. Now stop pushing or I will be pissed off." Rosie said
"Can you tell me at least if its me?" Cass asked
"Fair. No. Sorry. I wasn't lying. You're one my best friends. And you are a big part of the reason I have been able to make the friends I have. But I don't have romantic feelings for you." Rosie said
Cass nodded.
"Sorry if that hurts you. I don't want that. I just cant pretend to have those feelings." Rosie said
"No. its okay. I have had crushes and have been the attraction of crushes that aren't reciprocated so its okay. I will survive." Cass said with a smile.
"Good." Rosie said "Is the pool party you had last year a yearly thing for you?" Rosie asked
"Usually gets switched up who's house the end of summer party is at. And what we do exactly depends on who's house its at." Cass said
"I'm going to check with my dad. But I can host it this year. Invite others too." Rosie said
Cass smiled "Yes! Always want to try and be friends with everyone. And with the exception of that one girl who declined the invite on the bus that one day I usually make friends with everyone." Cass said
"Yeah. There is a story about that girl." Rosie said rolling her eyes
"What?!" Cass asked pulling into Rosie's driveway
"I'll tell you another time. Didn't you notice she wasn't at school anymore? After Christmas last year" Rosie asked
"No. I cant say I did…" Cass said
"Long story. Maybe I'll tell you one day." Rosie said getting out of the car with a smirk.
"GASP! You cant do that! So not fair." Cass said laughing
Rosie laughed as well "I'll tell you some time. Promise. Thanks for the drive." She went inside and texted Ms. Jarvis. Who was over just a few minutes later.
Rosie got ready for bed and crashed. It had been along good day.