Her fingers lightly grazed the silky fabrics draped before her. Shopping had never been one of Rose's favorite things but today, however, her eyes never seemed to leave the magnificent garments laid before her. The soft, graceful folds of delicate fabric reminded her of a life she had left behind; so enticing at first, the feeling of gentle silk gliding across her smooth skin. But she knew such riches came with a price; a feeling of tightness and suppression, as her body would be conformed to fit a corset. She knew it all too well. The freedom she felt now was gratifying; at a price of course. Nothing was free. Her fingers slipped from the fabrics and fell across her stomach which hardly made any notice at all, but she knew.
Escaping her depressing thoughts, Rose made her way towards other departments. She had managed to escape Molly, mind you she had only the most utmost respect for her but at the moment she could not have been more grateful to have "strayed away". Rose was in one of her "moods" again. The dark, gray cloud loomed above her. At this moment, all Rose wanted was to go home to her dark and secluded room. The clothes, the shoes, the furniture, everything here reminded her of the life she lived before. The walls of the room moved closer to her inch by inch. Beads of cold sweat lightly ran its course down her pale neck. Pushing the doors open, Rose made her way outside. Finding solace on a bench close by, she sat down to breath.
As she sighed a breath of relief, Rose pulled her coat around her tighter. The wind whirled viciously around her. Paying no heed, people passed right by her on the street. She didn't belong here. But where could she go? She had no friends except for Molly, she had little money and she had little talents. She chuckled to herself. What a sad, pathetic mother she would make. As her thoughts diseased her mind, she caught a glimpse of her past that caused her great pain. The man that locked her up and dressed her as a doll. Cal.
Rose's heart stopped as she made certain it was him. Practically falling over, Rose rushed back into the department store to find sanctuary. Pressed against the wall she held her breath hoping his fierce eyes hadn't seen her. Moments later, satisfied that she had escaped unscathed, Rose went back upstairs to find Molly. The tears stung at her eyes. Emotions of that night crept up her spine. She felt these momentary lapses seemed to follow her wherever she went.
As usual Rose was caught up in her own decomposing thoughts. She walked past the furniture when her heart stopped in her throat as his voice cut through the air, "You look well, Rose."
She turned without haste and found her eyes staring blankly into his devilish grin.
TBC
A/N: Sorry this chapter was so boring! I hope I will liven it up in the next chapter. Anyway sorry for the slowness but I have been so lazy lately.:) Winter break does that to me. Anyway, the next chapter should be up sooner than later.
Mandy