Rosie sat at a coffee shop with a book. It had been a couple months since school started. She had decided she wanted to do something nice for Nolan. She wasn't sure if he would see what she was doing as nice or as sticking her nose where it didn't belong, but she knew that even if he was upset he would know it came from a place of kindness and wanting to help.

She had looked up Nolan's sister Mia on social media and found out she worked at this coffee shop, and she figured this was the only place she could 'run' into her. She managed to get seated in the woman's section.

Mia went over to the table. "What can I get for you?"

"Caramel frapachinno. And a turkey and brie sandwich." Rosie said

"Great choices" Mia said

"Thanks." Rosie said

The woman went and put her order in. She was brought her drink a few minutes later.

Rosie took a breath "Thanks Mia." She said

Mia made a face. "How do you know my name?"

"I um. Recognize you. Seen pictures…" Rosie said

Mia tilted her head.

"Nolan is my friend. Well actually I'm his girlfriend." Rosie said

"Ah. He has shown you pictures?" Mia asked

"See the family pictures on the wall." Rosie said

"Wow. They didn't take them down." Mia said

Rosie didn't want to comment on that. "Look. I know its really none of my business. But your brother misses you. He wants to see you but doesn't want to disrespect your right to keeping yourself at a distance."

"How do you know?" Mia asked

"I've suggested he look you up on social media. To tell you that. But he doesn't want to push you further away…" Rosie said

"What's your name?" Mia asked

"Rose." Rosie said

Mia nodded and looked at her watch. "My shift is pretty much over. I'll bring you your sandwich and we can talk if you would like."

Rosie nodded. "If you want. Like I said I don't want to push my nose to far into things that aren't my business."

Mia chuckled. "I think the fact that you came to my place of work means you want to help. I don't for one second believe this is a coincidence."

Rosie giggled and looked down.

"I'll be back in a few minutes." Mia said. She went and grabbed her sandwich and got herself a drink before going and sitting down with Rosie.

"How long have you been with my brother?" Mia asked

"Dating. Two and a half months. I have know him since the end of last summer." Rosie said

Mia nodded. "So. You obviously know some of my story."

Rosie nodded. "I know you have been through a lot. I get it. I have too. Not the same thing but still shitty stuff."

Mia nodded. "What did he tell you?"

"That you got pregnant at fourteen and got an abortion despite what your parents wanted, than six months later you regrated it and started to do some reckless things. They tried to get you help but when you were eighteen you left the treatment facility. They let you come back home but you still were clearly hurting. You ended up pregnant again and a couple months after you had your daughter you left and haven't see your parents or him since than." Rosie said

"Did he tell you who impregnated me at fourteen?" She asked

"No. I figured he didn't know." Rosie said

"He might not." Mia said

Rosie nodded. She was curious but was telling herself not to ask.

Mia chuckled. "I can tell you want to know who."

"I mean… yeah. I'm curious. But not my business unless you want to tell me." Rosie said "I'm willing to listen if you need someone to talk to. And I don't need to tell your brother anything."

Mia nodded. "My brother's godfather."

"Damn. Is that why they don't talk to him anymore?" Rosie asked

"Yeah." Mia said

"Nolan doesn't know. He though they didn't talk to him for another reason… One that doesn't make sense now if he impregnated you." Rosie said

"Yeah. The being gay thing was a cover." Mia said

"You're quite clever." Rosie said

Mia smiled. "I know Nolan isn't straight. Thought he was gay but apparently I'm wrong."

Rosie chuckled. "I thought the same thing at first."

Mia nodded. "I think I can see why Noel likes you."

Rosie smiled. "Thank you?"

"Yes it was a compliment" Mia said

"I'm not sure how exactly he will feel knowing I'm talking to you." Rosie said

"We don't have to tell him." Mia said with a smile

Rosie chuckled. "I wont be able to keep it a secret. I cant lie to him."

Mia smiled and nodded. She took a piece of paper and pen out of her apron and wrote her number on it. "You can give this to Nolan. Tell him he can call me."

Rosie took it. "I'll do that."

"I have to get going. Have to pick up my daughter at daycare." She said with a sigh.

"Daycare not good?" Rosie asked

"Not the best." Mia said

Rosie took out a business card she had made for her babysitting. "I'm available evenings and weekends. And since your Nolan's sister I can do it free of charge."

Mia took it. "I might take you up on looking after Lily, but I will be paying you."

"Well, if you insist you will get a deal at least." Rosie said

Mia nodded. "Deal. Thank you." She said before getting up and heading out

Rosie finished her food before getting up and going and getting on the bus and went to Nolan's

When she got their she knocked on the front door.

"Mrs. Shephard opened the door. "Rosie. Hello. Come on in. Nolan didn't mention you were coming."

"He didn't know. I thought I would surprised him." Rosie said with a smile

"Well, he is in his room." Mrs. Shephard said with a smile.

Rosie went up and knocked on his door.

"Come in." Nolan said

Rosie went in. "Hey."

"Rosie hey." Nolan said with a smile. "This is a nice surprise."

"Hold on to that feeling." She said

Nolan took a breath. "What did you do?" he asked

Rosie sat on his bed legs crossed looking at him. "I. Um. Well. Stuck my nose where it doesn't belong." She said

Nolan tilted his head.

Rosie looked down. "I um.. Well." She stumbled over her words

Nolan took her hands in his. "Tell me please.' He said

Rosie took a breath. "I looked your sister up on social media…I wasn't intending on doing more than that, but I saw she listed where she works. It's a café nearby. I went there. Told her who I was. We talked for a few minutes." She said talking quickly. She took the paper out of her pocket and held it out to him. "Its her phone number. You can call her." she said with out looking up at him.

Nolan was shocked. "Rosie. Why?" taking the piece of paper from her and looking at it.

"I just thought I could help…" Rosie said

"I didn't ask you to do this." Clear in his voice he was upset

"I know… I'm sorry. I just wanted to try and help." Rosie said looking at her hands in his.

Nolan let out a breath and took one of his hands and lifted her chin. "I need you to look at me when I say this."

Rosie look at him and nodded.

"I get you were coming from a place of caring. I know you weren't trying to hurt me. I know you mean well. I'm not angry. But I'm not thrilled you did this behind my back." He said

"I get that." Rosie said not taking her eyes off his.

"She's really okay with me calling her?" Nolan asked

"Yes." Rosie said. "She gave me her number on her own. I mean I told her you wanted to talk to her, but she gave up the number without prodding or anything."

Nolan smiled abit and nodded. "What did you two talk about?"

"I told her you wanted to see her and that you didn't want to disrespect her rights to stay away. She asked me what I knew about her. So, I told her what you told me. She asked me if you had told me who impregnated her at fourteen. I said no. She told me it was possible you didn't know. She told me who. And I'm 99% sure you don't know. But someone you have mentioned to me before." Rosie started "She asked how long we have been together. I told her how long we have been friends and how long we have been dating. She told me that she thought you were gay…" She continued looking down to hide the smirk.

Nolan shook his head and sighed. "Really? Do I really give off that energy?"

"I mean. You did at first with me. But I don't think that anymore. She realizes now obviously your not. I didn't tell her exactly what you identify as or anything. I figure that you need to tell her that. She also said she could tell why you like me." She said looking back up at him.

Nolan smiled. "You two are quite similar when I think about it…. Who impregnated her?" he asked, "Do my parents know?"

"Yeah. They know…" Rosie said "She told me they know. And even if she didn't tell me I think I could have guessed it myself because of what you have told me of this person." Rosie said

"Who?" Nolan asked

"Maybe I should let her tell you…" Rosie said

"Please tell me Rose." Nolan said

"Lets just say the reason your parents don't talk to your godfather isn't because he's gay…Apparently that is just a ruse he keeps up for some reason.." Rosie said looking at him watching for his reaction.

Nolan's eyes went big. "He. Was. I. What?!" He said

Rosie took his hands and squeeze. "Noel. Take a breath." She said

"He raped my sister?" He asked

"Well. Yes. She was a minor I'm guessing he wasn't. And I don't get the feeling that she was into it." Rosie said

Nolan stood up and paced his room abit.

Rosie sat on the bed and watched him letting him work though this.

Nolan sat back down on his bed and put his head in his hands.

Rosie put her arms around him hugging him.

Nolan put an arm around her and leaned his head on her shoulder.

"What can I do?" Rosie asked

"When did you see her?" He asked

Rosie looked at her watch. "About an hour ago."

"Did she say when her shift was over?" Nolan asked

"She was just finishing. She had to go pick up Lily from daycare than I assume would be going home." Rosie said.

Nolan took his phone out his pocket and picked up the piece of paper and dialed the number putting it on speaker. He got up and closed the door to his room all the way.

"Hello?" Mia said

"Hey" Nolan said

"Noel… Hi." Mia said

"Mia. I had no idea he was the one who… got you pregnant." Nolan said

"I figured. You were so young, and mom and dad tend to keep hush hush about the hard topics." Mia said

They were quiet.

"Your girlfriend didn't waste any time in telling you." Mia said with a small chuckle

"Yeah." Nolan said

"She seems like a really kind person. Don't be to angry with her. I think she meant well. She even offered to babysit if I need her too" Mia said

"She is the kindest person I know. I'm not angry with her." Nolan said. "Not thrilled she went behind my back but I'm happy that it ended with getting your number. And I'm not surprised. She babysits a lot of kids. She is well loved by kids and their parents alike."

Rosie chuckled softly.

"How are you? How's Lily?" Nolan asked

"Were pretty good. Her dad took off about a year ago." Mia said

"I didn't even know you were with the dad…" Nolan said

"Yeah. When I left it was to go live with him. Mom and dad didn't like him its why I left…" She said

"Damn. Well, I want you to know. I understand you needed to do what was best for you and your daughter. But if you are open to it I would love to be able to see you and Lily…" Nolan said. "I miss you both."

"I want to see you too. But if mom and dad find out it might not end well for you. I don't want you to have to lie to them and they end up kicking you out or something." Mia said

"Well. If they didn't kick me out when they found out I was seeing a guy at one point. I think it would take a lot." Nolan said

"Wait. So, what is your sexuality?" Mia asked

Nolan chuckled. "Confusing. Not sure exactly where I sit. I'm trying to ignore the labels and just be with who makes me happy. And right now, that's Rosie." Nolan said

"That's okay. I accept and love you no matter who you like." Mia said.

"I hear you thought I was gay too." He said with a chuckle.

Mia chuckled. "I'm sorry. I really did."

"So did Rosie the day with met she told me that. When it came up in conversation." Nolan said

Rosie covered her mouth to cover her laugh.

"I think you two would get along well." Nolan said shaking his head at her girlfriend with a smile.

"She definitely has gall." Mia said

"She does." Nolan said.

"And I can tell she cares a great deal for you." Mia said

"And I for her." Nolan said

"I do want to see you. But I don't want to see mom and dad." Mia said

"Can I ask why?" Nolan asked

"When I left they told me not to come crying to them when Lily's dad left us, and I had nothing." Mia said. "Now. I don't have nothing. I have a beautiful daughter. And a decent job. Live in a decent neighbourhood. And I have lots of friends. I'm happy. But they made their choice. They didn't want to see me or Lily. Now I know you were to young to know what was really going on."

"Wow. I didn't know any of this. And I do want to be a part of your life and Lily's life. But if you don't want me to have to lie to mom and dad and they don't want me to… I don't know what we can do." Nolan said

"Talk to them. Tell them the truth. If they really aren't okay with it we can give it a couple years. As much as it sucks. When you're an adult they cant do anything…" Mia said

"Okay." Nolan said

"I love you little bro." She said

"Love you too Mia. Will talk to you soon." He said

They hung up and he looked at Rosie.

Rosie smiled abit at him. "You okay?"

Nolan put his arms around Rosie and hugged her tight. "Thank you." He said softly.

Rosie hugged him back "I'm glad I could help."

"Now. I want to talk to my parents. And I don't know how they will react. So, I don't want you around for that…" He said

Rosie nodded. "Call me when your done the conversation with them." She said

"Okay." Nolan said. He walked her to the door and gave her a kiss.

Rosie kissed him and left and went home.

She got home shortly after, and her dad was just pulling up.

"Hey. You are getting home late." Dave said

"Yeah. I was helping Nolan with something." Rosie said

"Oh. With what?" Dave asked

"Um. I'm thinking I shouldn't tell you. Its about him not me…" She said

"He's not in some sort of trouble? Is he?" Dave asked

"Well. He hasn't done anything wrong no. But his parents might not like it…" Rosie said honestly

"If it was me would I approve?" Dave asked

"If it was about our family it would never have gotten to where it is." Rosie said.

Dave tilted his head. "His parents find out he has been with a guy or something?"

"No. They already knew that. He thought they wouldn't approve but they already knew. They were just waiting for him to come to them himself." Rosie said

Dave chuckled. "Parents know things."

Rosie nodded.

"You never told me why he switched schools." Dave said

"Well. The catholic school and school board found out he was dating a guy and I guess its against their 'code of conduct' or whatever, so he got kicked out." Rosie said

Dave shook his head.

The two went inside. "I already ate dinner by the way. I went to a little café and got a sandwich."

"Oh. You were with Nolan?" He asked

"Um. No. But I needed to go there to help him with the situation…" Rosie said

Dave took a breath.

"I get you want to know. I really do. But I cant tell you. At least not yet. You trust me right?" Rosie asked

"I do." Dave said

"Than trust that I didn't do anything bad." Rosie said. "And when I can tell you I will."

Dave nodded. "Okay. And know that if you do end up in a bad situation you know you can come to me. No matter what."

"I know." She said with a smile. "Now I need to get my homework done." She said

"Go on." He said kissing her head.

Rosie went to her room and worked on her homework. She kept checking her phone to see if there were any texts from Nolan but nothing. Around nine her phone started to ring just as she was finishing her homework. Rosie answered.

"Hi." Nolan said

"Hi." Rosie said. "How did it go?"

"Well. Biggest fight I have ever had with my parents." Nolan said

"You okay?" She asked

"Yeah. Its pretty much resolved." He said

"What's the outcome?" She asked.

"I can see her. But they needed to talk to her first and that was an awkward conversation that I had to be part of. She's not ready to forgive them but she said she would try and work on it. Since they apologized and said that they were wrong and offered her whatever help she needed." Nolan said

"That's good right?" Rosie said

"Yes. But she's really hurt. And I'm hurt because they didn't tell me about my godfather… I had been talking to him behind their backs… That they weren't happy about, but they admit that that's partly on them. They should have told me the truth as I got older." Nolan said

"Oh." Rosie said. "Damn. Had I know I would have brought that up differently.." She said

"That's okay. Doesn't matter how you told me. I'd feel the same way. Angry and wanting to go find him and kick the shit out of him." Nolan said

"But your not going to right?" Rosie asked

"No. My sister is going to press charges against him now." Nolan said

"Good." Rosie said. "That's the right decision."

"That's what my parents say too." Nolan said

"Do they know of my involvement?" Rosie asked

"Yup." Nolan said

"They angry?" Rosie asked softly

"No. Mom wasn't at all surprised." Nolan said with a chuckle

"Really?" Rosie asked

"My parents are highschool sweethearts. My mom said she would have done the same. My dad laughed and said he could see her doing that." Nolan said

Rosie laughed. "Oh god that means your with someone like your mom…"

Nolan laughed. "That is about the only similarity. I mean your both good people and stuff but your really not that similar." He said

"Okay." Rosie said

"My dad did ask if your dad knew what you had been up to though." Nolan asked

"Not exactly no." Rosie said

"Well… Um. My dad says he would be calling him to let him know." Nolan said

"Shit. Okay. I have to go tell him before your dad calls." She said

"Okay. I'll pick you up tomorrow for school." Nolan said before they hung up and Rosie booked it downstairs to her dads office.

"Thanks for letting me know Rich." Dave said on the phone

Rosie scrunched up her face. She hadn't gotten to him fast enough

"I think Rose might know you were calling me though by the look on her face." Dave said

"Yeah. I told Nolan I would be letting you know." Mr. Shephard said.

They both said good night and hung up.

Dave pointed to the bench in his office. "Sit."

Rosie went and sat. "I would have told you. I just wanted to be sure it was okay to spill some family secrets…"

"I know." Dave said. "I know you were trying to handle it the right way. But do you think that maybe you should have just stayed out of it?"

"Well, it was a good outcome." Rosie pointed out

"Okay. Yes. But you didn't know that. It could have caused a big issue. You could have ruined not only your relationship but friendship with Nolan. You could have put a bigger rift in their family." Dave said

Rosie looked down.

"I know you meant well. I know you wouldn't do something like this with the intent on hurting anyone." Dave said. "You thought with your heart which isn't wrong exactly, but you need to think things through with your brain too." He said softly

Rosie nodded.

"You need to stay out of this until Nolan invites you to be a part of this." He said

"I did offer to babysit the kid if the need arises…" he said

"Yes. Mr. Shephard mentioned that. If Mia chooses to call you to babysit than that's fine." He said

Rosie nodded. "I realize now I should have stayed out of it. You're right I was thinking with my heart not my brain. And I'm glad it worked out. I wont do something like this again." She said

Dave nodded. "Okay. You need to apologize to Nolan and his parents."

Rosie looked down and nodded. "But none of them are really angry with me." She said

"No. But you still shouldn't have done it. You admitted that just now. You need to apologize." Dave said

"Okay." Rosie said. "Does it have to be in person?"

"I think you are old enough to decide what is the right way to do so." Dave said

"Okay. I will apologize in person." Rosie said

"Good choice." He said, "how's the homework coming?" He asked

"Its done." Rosie said

"Good." Dave said "I know you said you ate but that was a pretty early dinner. If you are hungry there is some leftovers in the fridge."

"I'm good." Rosie said

"Okay." Dave said

"I'm going to go shower and start winding down for the night." Rosie said before she got up and went back to her room. She took a shower and crawled into bed and went to sleep.