Rosie walked into theFBI building.
"Miss Rossi. You here to see your dad?" The woman at the front desk asked with a smile. Rosie had come around enough time that she was well known by the people who worked at the entrance and most agents knew who she was too.
"No. I don't even think he is here right now. Here to see Agent Hotchner." Rosie said
Rosie was given a guest badge and an agent was called to escort her to Hotch's office by another agent.
"Thank you Agent Todd." Aaron said when he saw Rosie.
"Rosie. What are you doing here?" Aaron asked
"I need to have a reason to come see my uncle?" Rosie asked an innocent smile spread across her face
Aaron raised an eyebrow.
"Okay. Maybe I have a question." Rosie said
"Okay. What is it?" Aaron asked
"I asked my dad and he said that he believes all leads about the little girl that I saw at Darren's place have been followed and nothing has been found. I figured the only person who might know more than him would be you." Rosie said
Aaron nodded. "Your dad know you were coming here?"
"No sir." Rosie said
Aaron nodded. "Well. No. Your dad has all the same information I do. What he told you is true. It is still an active case after we found the DNA and hair sample that determined that there had been child that fit the general look of the girl you described it has been a priority to find this girl, but we have followed all leads to the end."
Rosie nodded abit. "Where was the DNA and hair found in the house?"
"Not a question I can answer." Aaron said
"Why not?" Rosie asked
"The law." Aaron said
"Oh." Rosie said, "I'm assuming you have contacting all his known contact." Rosie said
"Rose. That is part of our job. Which this team does well." Aaron said
"I know. I'm sorry. I just…." Rosie said
"You want to make sure that little girl is safe. I get that." Aaron said
"If all leads have been followed does that mean this isn't going to be a priority anymore?" Rosie asked
Aaron nodded. "There is a lot of current cases that if we don't work on them now we will lose critical evidence. So yes. Like a lot of cases this one is being put on the back burner."
Rosie nodded abit and looked down.
"Sorry Rose. I wish I could give you answers but its just the way some cases go." Aaron told her
Rosie nodded. "Okay. Thank you for talking to me about it."
"You're okay?" He asked
Rosie nodded. "Can we not tell my dad about this conversation?"
"Sorry Rosie. Cant promise that." Aaron said
Rosie sighed. "Great."
"But knowing your dad. He's not going to come down on you. For asking questions. Especially since you have been very respectful about it." Aaron said
Rosie smiled and nodded.
There was a knock on the door.
Aaron looked up. "Enter." He called
JJ came into the office. "We have a new case."
Rosie stood up. "Think that is my que to go."
"How are you getting home?" Aaron asked
"Bus." Rosie said.
Aaron nodded. "Okay."
Rosie smiled at JJ. "Hi and bye." She said before she left the office and left the building
She went home and played with her dog in the snow for awhile before the storm that was a brewing got started. She noticed a car pulling into the driveway next door. A man got out with a plastic box in his hands.
Sascha got excited about the potential new friend and bounced towards him happily.
"Sascha NO!" Rosie said sharply.
Sascha stopped.
"Come here." She said firmly
Sascha came back. Rosie pet the dog. "We don't know if he would appreciate you going up to him. Some people don't really like dogs because some dogs have been mean to them before." She said
The man went up to the door and attached the box to the handle of the house before going back to his car. Opening the trunk and taking out a for sale sign and a mallet. He put the sign on the grass of the property. He put the mallet away and walked over towards Rosie and Sascha.
"I'm Hunter Maddox. Real estate agent. I thought I'd come over and pet your very excited dog. If that's okay." The man said
Rosie smiled. "Yes. That's okay. His name is Sascha. And I'm Rosie."
Hunter put his hand out to Sascha who didn't even really sniff before licking his hand.
Hunter pet the dog. "I'm impressed by how well you seem to have him trained."
"Was very easy. He's a really good dog. Just on his own." Rosie said
"You train him yourself or your parents help?" Hunter asked
"Basically, on my own. Though my dad helped some." Rosie said
Hunter nodded.
"How quickly do you think the house will sell?" Rosie asked
"Not sure. Some shady things went down in the house, and we have to disclose it. So, it could take some time." Hunter said
"Yes. I um… Heard about the stuff that went down in that house." Rosie said
Hunter nodded. "Well. It was nice meeting you Rosie and Sascha. Its going to start storming soon. As a father I think your dad would want me to tell you to get inside before it started." He said with a smiled
Rosie chuckled. "He absolutely would. And probably has sent me a text telling me just that. It was nice meeting you too." She said
They said goodbye and Rosie went inside with Sascha as the snow started to fall a little harder. She looked at her phone and there was in fact a text from her dad.
'I'm inside and doors locked. I assume Ms. Jarvis will be here shortly?' Rosie sent
'No. She cant come. Something happened with one of her kids.' Dave sent
'Oh. I'm on my own tonight?' Rosie asked
'I'm trying to find someone else to come stay with you.' Dave sent
'Don't worry about it dad. I'm okay on my own.' Rosie sent
'Rosie. Your fifteen. I don't want you to be alone over night.' Dave sent
'I'm not alone. I have Sascha.' Rosie sent
'I'll let you know when I find someone and who it is.' Dave sent
Rosie didn't argue. She went and took a shower. She ignored the growling in her stomach because she really didn't feel hungry.
Dave was frustrated. They had already gone to Tennessee for their case, and he was working the case but also trying to find someone to go stay with Rosie. No one could do it.
JJ could see how frustrated Dave was she felt bad. Will would have done it in a heartbeat taking Henry and gone stay with her, but he had taken Henry to go visit some family out of state a few days before. "I get it. I wouldn't want Henry alone even for just one night at fifteen. But she is a smart girl. If she stays inside she will be okay. I'm sure of it." JJ told him
Dave sighed. He knew she was right. He had made all the calls and texts he could. He texted Rosie.
'You do not leave the house tonight. No leaving except for school if school is opened tomorrow after the storm.' Dave sent
Rosie saw the text. 'I will stay inside tonight. If there is no school tomorrow I will probably hang out with some friends. If that is okay.' She sent
Dave took a breath. 'Okay. Just let me know which friends and where you will be.' He sent
'Will do.' Rosie sent.
Rosie let the dog out into the backyard one last time to do his business before the storm got worse. The dog was outside for less than five minutes before coming back inside. Rosie closed and locked the door and curled up in the library and read till she fell asleep. Sascha was curled up with her.
Rosie's alarm went off at its normal time the next morning. She looked at her phone. "Shit. I slept down here and didn't charge my phone."
She stretched and looked on the school's website. School was closed. She got up from the couch in the library and looked outside. The snow had stopped but there was easily a few feet of snow on the ground. She went up to her room and plugged her phone into its charge port and climbed into bed.
Sascha had followed her around as she did what she did. He was very excited when she got back into bed. That meant she would be spending the day with him. He climbed onto the bed with her. Rosie texted her dad before going back to sleep.
'Night was fine. No school today. Going back to sleep for a bit.' Rosie sent before cuddling with her dog and going back to sleep.
Dave got the text and was relieved. 'Glad to hear it.'
A couple hours later she woke back up by being licked by her dog.
Rosie chuckled. "Sascha. I take it you have slept enough."
Sascha got up and left the room. Rosie stretched and got up and went with him. She let him out in the backyard. Before she went and emptied the dishwasher from the day before. When she heard barking outside she let the dog back in and gave him food and water.
She texted Nolan 'How was your night?'
Nolan got the text 'It was fine, yours?'
'Quiet. My dad is out of state and couldn't find anyone to come stay with me, so I was alone. I read all night. Fell asleep in the library.' She sent
'What are you plans for today?' Nolan asked
'Probably should do homework.' Rosie sent
'YOU didn't do your homework. What if there had been school today?' Nolan sent. He was surprised.
'I knew there wouldn't be.' Rosie said
'Took a risk there huh?' Nolan asked
'Calculated risk yes.' Rosie sent
She went to her room and started to work on her homework.
Dave sent his daughter a text a few hours later. 'What are your plans for the day?'
Rosie sent back 'Finishing up homework right now.'
'Are you saying you didn't do your homework last night?' He sent
'I knew school would be closed today.' She said
'Rosie. Regardless. Your homework is supposed to be done by 9pm. You know this." Dave sent
'Well, it will be done before 9pm tonight.' Rosie sent
Dave shook his head. 'We will talk about this when I am home.' He sent
Rosie finished her homework. She texted Nolan. 'What are your plans?'
'Just finished helping my dad clear our driveway. I can come help you with yours?' He offered.
'My dad hired someone at the beginning of the winter. They come every time there is a storm.' Rosie sent back.
'Ooh. Lucky.' Nolan sent
'I'm probably going to take Sascha for a walk.' She sent
'Its pretty icy out. Should probably hold off on that.' Nolan suggested
'Its really that bad?' Rosie sent
'Yeah. It is.' Nolan said
'Okay. Than I guess I have no real plans. Probably shouldn't have you drive over here to hang out if its icy.' Rosie sent
'Yeah. Probably not a good idea.' Nolan sent.
Rosie got dressed warmly and looked at Sascha. "Want to go test and see how icy it really is?"
Sascha looked up from the dog bed excitedly. He got up and they both went downstairs. She grabbed her coat and such before attaching his leash and heading outside. The person was clearing the driveway. She went around him and took the dog for a walk on the street that had already been cleared. She avoiding the few icy patches that she saw.
Nolan started to facetime her. "Uh. Yeah. Going to wait to answer that." She said before putting her phone away. She started to walk home. She didn't notice that there was a piece of black ice. She slipped and landed hard on her butt. She yelped and let Sascha leash go.
Sascha whimpered and went over to her and started to sniff her all over.
"I'm okay." Rosie said to him.
Rosie went to get up and whimpered when she put pressure on her ankle.
"Shit." She said
Sascha nuzzled
"Okay. Maybe I'm a little hurt. But I need to get home." She said to Sascha.
Sascha looked around for anyone for help. Her phone started to buzz again with a video chat. She looked at it. It was Penny.
She answered. "Hey Penny."
"Hey sweetheart. Just calling to check on you. Do you need anything?" She asked. "Where are you?"
"Well. About that. Um. I took Sascha for a walk. I slipped on some black ice. Hurt my ankle abit…" She said
"What?! Oh no. Okay. I'm going to come. Help you." Penny said
"No! Its okay. I'll get home." Rosie sent
Just than a car drove by and saw her and pulled over.
A man got out of the car. It was the real estate agent from yesterday.
"Are you alright?" He asked
"Um. Yes. Just slipped on a piece of ice." Rosie said
"Who is that?" Penny asked
"Long story. I'm okay Penny. I will video chat you when I'm home." Rosie said before ending the call and putting her phone away.
"I can help you get back home?" Hunter asked. "One of your parents there?" He asked
"Um." Rosie took a breath. "No. At work." Rosie sent.
"Oh." Hunter said "Well. I can help you home. You can call one of your parents and let them know what happened."
Rosie sighed.
Meanwhile Penny had called Dave and told him what happened.
Dave video chatted with Rosie.
She looked at her phone. "Well. I think he might already know."
Hunter looked at her.
"The woman I was talking to is one of his co-workers." Rosie said she answered it. "HI dad…"
"You're hurt?" Dave asked
"I'm fine. I would be up already, but I keep getting calls." Rosie said
"Who was the man who Penny saw?" Dave asked
Rosie turned the camera to see him. "Mr. Maddox. Real estate agent. Met him yesterday when he as putting the for-sale sign on the house next door." Rosie said explaining how she met the man.
"Hunter Maddox" Hunter said. "I offered to help her get home. I'm a father of six daughters. I would hope someone would do the same for one of them." Hunter said
Dave nodded.
Sascha was jumping around excitedly. He really liked this man.
"Sascha. Calm down." Rosie said.
"Sascha seems excited." Dave said
"I think he really likes Hunter." Rosie said chuckling.
Dave nodded. He was a little less hesitant. Sascha was always protective of Rosie so if he wasn't protecting her from him than likely he was a decent guy.
"Rosie. I want you to video chat me the moment you get home." He said
"I will dad. Promise." She said
She hung up and put her phone away.
"Alright. Where are you hurt?" Hunter asked
"My right ankle." Rosie said
"Alright." Hunter said before he helped her up.
"Sascha. Follow." Rosie said
"Put your weight on me." Hunter said to Rosie.
Rosie did so and Hunter helped her to the door. Sascha followed.
"Are you comfortable with me helping you into the house?" Hunter asked
"If Sascha isn't growling at you and trying to attack you I trust you enough for that." Rosie said
"Ooh. That's why your dad seemed to be less hesitate after he noticed the dog?" Hunter asked
"Probably. I've had to hold Sascha back from attacking people who meant me harm before. So…" Rosie said as she unlocked the door.
Hunter helped her inside to the library. Sascha followed.
"You sure your okay enough. Don't need the hospital?" Hunter asked
"I'm sure. Probably just twisted." Rosie said
"Okay. I'll go. Call your dad." Hunter said before going. The door locked behind him.
Rosie took her coat and such off before slowly taking off her boot with a cringe.
She video chatted her dad.
Dave answered. "You're home?"
"Yes. I'm home. Alone." She said
Dave nodded. "Where are you hurt?"
"My ankle. It doesn't look to bad." Rosie said
"Show me." Dave said
Rosie did so. It was swollen
"Well. Its pretty swollen. Are you able to walk on it?" Dave asked
"Yup." Rosie said lying.
"Rosie Bianca." Dave said
"What?" She asked almost in a whine.
"Do you need to go to the hospital, and have it x-rayed?" Dave asked
"Funny. Hunter asked the same thing." Rosie said before realizing she gave away how bad it was.
"Okay. Can one of your friends take you? Nolan?" Rosie asked
"Roads are too icy…" Rosie said
"You knew that and went on a walk?" Dave asked
"I didn't know…how bad." Rosie said
"How many lies is that now Rosie?" Dave asked
Rosie looked down
"This. Right here. Why I didn't want you home alone." Dave said
"Sorry I disappointed you daddy…" She said softly. "I'll find someone to take me to the hospital." She said before hanging up.
"Rose…" He tried to say but the call ended. Dave sighed
Dave tried calling her back, but she didn't answer.
Rosie took a breath and called Nolan.
"Hey. How's it going?" Nolan asked
"Roads from your place to mine been de-iced?" She asked softly
"Some of them. Why?" Nolan asked, "What's wrong?"
"I um. Took Sascha for a walk. Slipped hurt my ankle. Need to get it x-rayed. I don't know who else to call." Rosie said
"Okay. Um. I'll see what I can do to get to you. Maybe my dad can drive. He has a lot of experience driving in snow and ice.." Nolan said
"Okay." Rosie said softly
"Hey. Rose. Its okay. Just stay calm. I'll be there as soon as I can." Nolan said before he hung up and went and told his dad what had happened.
Rosie texted Penny saying that she was home and not to worry.
Nolan and his father went and drove to Rosie's. Nolan went and knocked on the door. Rosie hobbled the best she could to the door and opened it.
Nolan hugged her. "Okay. Can you walk?" He asked
"Not really…" She said
Nolan grabbed her coat and purse for her when she told him where they were and than helped her out to his dad's vehicle. Helping her into the back and climbed into the back with her.
Rosie made sure the door was locked behind them.
They started for the hospital.
"Does your dad know about this?" Mr. Shepherd asked
"Yes." She said softly.
"He's upset about all this isn't he?" Nolan asked
"He said that this is the reason he didn't want me left alone even for just one night." Rosie said
Nolan put an arm around her, and she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Does he know you were going to the hospital?" Mr. Shephard asked
"I told him I would see if I could find someone to take me." Rosie said
"I'll call him when we get you there." Mr. Shephard said he could tell the girl didn't want to talk to her dad right now, but he also knew if it was him he would want to know.
They got to the hospital and Nolan helped her inside to a wheel chair and to registration. Mr. Shephard parked and came inside as well.
The hospital was unusually quiet which meant they got in to an exam room quickly.
"I'll go call your dad." Mr. Shepard said leaving the two teens waiting for the doctor.
"Please don't be angry with me too." Rosie said to Nolan
Nolan brushed hair out of her face and kissed her cheek. "I knew you were going to go for a walk anyways." He said
Rosie chuckled abit.
"I didn't think you would get hurt though." He said
"Could be worse." Rosie said
Nolan nodded. "How did you get home anyways? You must have been pretty close."
Rosie explain to him about Hunter.
"Oh. Does he know who you are? Your connection to that house?" Nolan asked
"Not sure. He knows the story. But don't know that he knows its me." Rosie said
Nolan nodded.
The doctor came in. "Miss Rossi." He said looking at the chart. "Hurt your right ankle?" She asked
"Yes doctor. Slipped on some black ice." She said
The doctor took a look at the ankle. "Should probably get an x-ray."
"No." Rosie said quickly.
The doctor looked confused. "Why not?"
'I just… no." Rosie said
Nolan looked at her. "Rosie. What's wrong with an x-ray?"
Rosie looked away. She wanted her dad more than anything right now.
Her phone started to ring. Nolan took it out of her purse and looked at it. "Its your dad."
Rosie nodded.
Nolan answered it putting it on speaker.
"You're on speaker. We are with the doctor. He wants to have an x-ray done but Rosie doesn't want to… Nolan said
Dave took a breath. "Rose. Okay. I think you need to explain your issue with x-rays."
"This is Dr. Kline, Issue with x-rays?" The doctor asked
"Every time she gets any kind of scan done. She ends up needing to be sedated. I don't know what the trauma is from exactly." Dave said
Nolan looked at her. "What is it Rosie?"
"I just.. Don't like them." Rosie said
"Its not because of something that happened in the past in a scan of some sort?" Dave asked
Rosie sighed. "A transport guy and the person doing my I think it was an EKG... In the past…. Weren't very nice."
"What do you mean exactly?" The doctor asked.
"I was in the worst place both physically and mentally. My eating disorder had just hit its peak with me passing out at school. I was dealing with abuse at home.. My past home" Rosie added quickly so the doctor didn't think she meant it was at her current home.
The doctor nodded. "Okay. What did the transport person and the tech say or do?"
"They were laughing at me… the fact that I passed out. Um. Telling me I would never live it down at school. I had passed out at lunch at school. Told me I must have eaten to much. I wasn't eating anything…. And I felt like I was being touched more than I needed to be to do the test and in places they didn't need to touch…" Rosie said letting tears fall.
Nolan's hand clenched into a fist.
"Was this at -this hospital?" The doctor asked
"No. Sacramento hospital. I lived in a small town not far from there." Rosie said
The doctor nodded.
Dave shook his head. The room was silent for a moment.
"Rosie. I promise I will find out who these two were and have it handled. Appropriately." Dave said
"O-okay." She said.
Nolan unclenched his fist. He could be angry later. Rosie needed him right now. He put a hand on hers.
"I will personally take you down to x-ray with transport and stay while the tec does the tests." The doctor said.
"But don't you have other patients?" Rosie asked
"At the moment no." The doctor said.
"Rosie. I love you. And you will be okay." Dave said
"I'm sorry daddy." Rosie said
"You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm sorry I cant be there for you right now. I will be home as soon as I can." Dave said
"Its okay daddy. I love you too." Rosie said
They ended the call.
Dr. Kline called for transport and than went with her. Nolan was sent by a nurse to the waiting room with his dad.
"She's gone for x-ray's" Nolan said
Mr. Shephard nodded and could tell his son wasn't okay. "What's wrong?"
"Just worried about her." Nolan said
"Even if its broken. It will heal." He told his son
Nolan nodded.
"You sure that's the only thing bothering you?" His father asked.
"Nope. But cant talk about it." Nolan said
Mr. Shephard nodded.
"Mr. Rossi called her by the way they talked." Nolan said
"Good." Mr. Shephard said, "I did mange to get in contact with him let him know she was here."
Nolan nodded. "I figured that is why he called."
About forty-five minutes later Rosie was back in her room and Nolan and his dad were let know they could go to the room as well.
The doctor looked up. "Get her dad on the phone please."
Nolan grabbed his phone and called Dave.
"Hello Nolan. Any news?" Dave asked
"She is back from x-ray. Doctor wants you on the phone. You're on speaker." Nolan told him.
"We unfortunately had to sedate her. Seeing her file its not the first time but given the situation I'm not surprised. Her right ankle is sprained. But I am concerned about something else. We had blood work done. Her numbers are. Leading me to believe the eating disorder she talked about. Might be… coming out of remission." The doctor said
"What? No. I would have noticed." Nolan said
Mr. Shephard put a hand on his shoulder. "Not if she didn't want you to no you wouldn't have."
"Is it her iron and calcium?" Dave asked
"Yes. But other things as well." The doctor said saying what other things were off indicating that something was off.
"Could these be caused by another issue?" Dave asked
"Yes. And we will run other tests absolutely. But given his history I think you need to be prepared to face that fact that this might be her anorexia" The doctor said
"Okay." Dave said. "I like Nolan think I would know if it was the case though."
"Teenagers are really good at hiding things. And if you weren't around her when it was a thing in the past you might not really know what to look for." The doctor said "It is not your fault. This is unfortunately something she will be dealing with for life."
Rosie groaned.
"How are you feeling?" The doctor asked
"Tired." She said
Nolan took her hand. "I'm here. Your dad is on the phone." He said softly.
"You have a sprained ankle. Will fully heal in six to eight weeks." The doctor said
"Knew it wasn't broken." She said with a small smile
"You were right." The doctor said
"Can I get some water?" Rosie asked
"Yes. I will make sure someone gets some for you." The doctor said
"I'll go get her some." Mr. Shephard said leaving the room.
"I do have a question for you. When you are fully awake." The doctor said
Rosie woke up more. "Okay."
"Anything going on that might affect your bloodwork that I should know about?" The doctor asked
Rosie shook her head and swallowed hard.
"I'm not here to judge. Just to help." The doctor said
Rosie looked at Nolan quickly before looking down
"Rosie. I love you. I will not judge you for this." Nolan said
Rosie looked up at him. That was the first time he said he loved her.
"Y-you." Rosie said
Nolan kissed her. When the kiss broke he put his forehead against hers and looked her in the eyes. "Tell the truth please." He said softly
Rosie nodded abit.
The doctor said nothing just let Nolan do what needed to be done.
Nolan broke apart from her.
Rosie looked up at the doctor. "I have… Been falling back into. Old habits."
The doctor nodded. "How long?"
"A couple months. Its definitely not as bad as it was but…" Rosie said
"But its going to go that way if you don't get help." The doctor finished
Rosie nodded.
"Okay. So. What do we want to do Mr. Rossi?" The doctor asked.
"What do you think is the best course of action?" Dave asked
"Well therapy. Out patient or inpatient. Because I do think we caught this early enough and she has admitted what is going on with little prodding. I think outpatient is okay. For now. But someone needs to be watching her closely. For awhile." The doctor said
Dave took a breath. "I'll be there to do that."
"But dad… You work.." Rosie said
"Rosie. You are more important to me than this job. They have survived with out me before and than can survive without me now." Dave said his tone leaving no doubt in her mind that he was serious.
"I can see in your file. That you take iron and calcium pills. Your numbers make me question if you have still be taking them." The doctor said
Rosie took a breath.
"Rosie. We have talked about this…" Dave said
"I'm sorry…" She said softly
Dave took a breath. "Okay. We will figure this out. Together. I am getting on the next plane out of here."
"I'll stay with her till you get here." Nolan said
"She will be staying over night. Get some IV nutrients to help these numbers within normal range if at all possible." The doctor said
"Okay." Dave said.
"I'm not leaving." Nolan said
"Unfortunately, while yes, she is allowed someone to stay with her. It has to be an adult. I'm not going to kick you out right now, but I can guarantee the nurses will at some point." The doctor said
Nolan looked so disappointed. "But she will be alone."
"Is there no adult who can come stay with you until your dad gets here?" The doctor asked
"No. This is how we ended up with her going for a walk when everything is icy." Dave said.
"Nolan. Its okay. I wont be alone. There will be nurses coming in all night." Rosie said
"I don't want to leave you." He said
"You really think your dad would let you stay anyways?" Rosie asked
"Well. I can tell him I'm staying…" He said
Rosie chuckled. "How would that go for you?"
Nolan smiled abit.
"Sorry. Don't mean to interrupt but I will be hanging up and heading to the airport. I will be there six hours at most." Dave said "Rosie. You do what the doctors and nurses say."
"Yes daddy. I love you." She said
"Love you too bambina." Dave said before hanging up.
Rosie looked up at Nolan. "I love you too. I'm going to be okay. I promise I will fight to get better."
Nolan took a breath. "I know you will. Because I have never met anyone who is as strong as you are. The hell you have been through. And you have come out of it. You will come through this and will be stronger because of it." Nolan said
"So. I'll be okay for a few hours." Rosie said
A nurse came in and the doctor told her what to put into the IV bag which was done.
Nolan took a breath. "I will stay as long as I can."
"Okay." Rosie said
Mr. Shephard came back and had the bottle of water and gave it to her.
"Thank you." Rosie said
"Of course." Mr. Shephard said
Nolan explained that Rosie was staying in the hospital over night and that Mr. Rossi would be there in six hours and that he was staying until someone kicked him out.
Mr. Shephard nodded. "I'm going to go call your mom give her an update."
Nolan nodded and Mr. Shephard left the room.
"How much does he know?" Rosie asked
"I think enough to piece things together…" Nolan said
Rosie nodded abit.
"He's not going to judge." Nolan said "My dad is a lot more open minded and accepting than I realized. And he has been through more in his life than I knew. He and I have really gotten closer since my sister came back into our lives. Because of you." He said with a smile
"Well. Glad it turned out really well." Rosie said
"Me too." Nolan said
"How is your sister doing?" Rosie asked
"She's good. Her vision is almost completely back. Thankfully. The people who live in the apartment above the garage have moved out. My parents have offered it to her. She is debating it." Nolan said
"Oh. That's good." Rosie said
Nolan nodded. "But stop avoiding the subject of you. What's been going on that triggered this?"
Rosie sighed.
"Yeah. We're going to talk about it." Nolan said
"I- I don't really know. It started with just one meal, and it went from there…" Rosie said
"Yeah. I get that. But did something happen to make you feel like you needed to do that?" Nolan asked
Rosie took a sip of her water. And nodded.
"Okay. What?" Nolan asked
"Someone… has been making comments… about me. And I tried to just ignore it. I did ignore it for a couple months… but than I started to see that I was gaining weight…" Rosie said
"Gaining weight isn't a bad thing." Nolan said
"So, you see it to?" Rosie asked
"That is not what I said." Nolan said. "Rosie. You are perfect to me. You are beautiful inside and out. And regardless of if you gain weight, lose weight, grow a third head. That isn't going to change. And I probably wont notice most changes. I mean if you grew a third head I would notice. But that wouldn't change how I feel about you."
"So, you wont break up with me even if you couldn't put your arms around me?" Rosie asked
"Who the hell told you these things?" Nolan asked
"Doesn't matter." Rosie said
"Oh yes it does. Whitney?" Nolan asked
"No." Rosie said.
"Sierra?" Nolan asked
"No." Rosie said
"I cant believe I am asking this but someone in our friend group?" Nolan asked
Rosie looked away.
Nolan took a deep breath. "Who?"
"I'm not telling you." Rosie said
"Rosie. Please." Nolan asked
"If I tell you, you're going to go confront them and this will come out. I don't want it to. I'm okay with you knowing. But no one else in the friend group." Rosie said
Nolan sighed. "Rosie. You don't need to be embarrassed."
"Nolan. I am telling you, that you tell anyone, and we will have problems." Rosie said
"Okay. I wont. But I think you should." Nolan said
"Well, its my decision." Rosie said
"Yes it is." Nolan said. "But you will keep me up to date with what is going on?"
Rosie nodded. "Yes. I doubt you would give me much of a choice in that."
Nolan smiled.
Rosie closed her eyes abit.
"Tired?" He asked
"Exhausted. Think I need some sleep." Rosie said
Nolan nodded.
"You can go. I'll be asleep soon anyways." Rosie said
"I'm staying." Nolan said
"Fine. But I'm not going to be good company." Rosie said
"That's fine. Just rest." Nolan said
About forty-five minutes a nurse came in and told Nolan he needed to go.
He stood up and kissed Rosie who was half asleep. "Call me when you are home and have rested." He said
Rosie smiled and nodded.
Nolan got up and left finding his father.
Rosie feel asleep soon after.