Chapter 3. The subject is roses.

I can see if I really look, some thing incredible up ahead. It was almost like a vision so clear and bright. If I look a little further she thought. "Utena thats a wrap, Utena?"

'Oh, yes, o.k." she replied breaking her momentum.

'You know, I've never seen you look more radiant. What ever your using to concentrate, it really came out in this shot', said Bill the photographer. He was very pleased.

She hadn't noticed the crowd that gathered, the curiosity of the shoots always draws on lookers. When she went to change her shoes, she noticed a woman snickering at her. This was her first time at Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Utena really gave the distasteful behavior a second look. To her suprise a aurburn haired woman in designer clothes was staring at her.

"Juri", said Utena. "Is that you?"

'Yes, Hello Utena!' 'I'm sorry but you haven't changed a bit!' Blared Juri.

'Are you done for today? Come walk with me.' Utena rubbed the back of her head and supposed it wasn't a bad idea. It's been a while since she's seen any one from Othori.

Juri motioned for Utena to walk by her side. They discussed a great deal of things as they walked. Juri mentioned how much her life had changed since Utena had revolutionized her world.

Utena hadn't noticed till now, but they were at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. It was a beautiful place, and Juri felt at home here.

'This is my favorite spot. Sit here Utena'. Juri had motioned for Utena to sit next to her on a bench. She noticed that Juri's countenance had changed. It seemed a little darker after they sat. 'It's almost time', said Juri.

Time, thought Utena, time for what?

'You know I come here every couple of days. Nothing gives me more pleasure.' Said Juri.

"This is a nice Garden". Utena replied. The flowers and plants were so beautiful. There were couples spread out on the grass, enjoying the sun and time together. Some walk quietly holding hands, every thing seems so peaceful. However Utena can feel the storm that is brewing in Juri.

'I have to be honest with you Utena'. Said Juri. 'I come here because I enjoy the reaction I get. I'm stalking some one, and I like how it feels.' A strange expression is on Juri's face. Utena looks at Juri in disbelief. Why would she do this? Utena wonders, is Juri losing it.

"This isn't funny Juri." Utena says. "People go to jail for this kind of crap".

'Oh', replies Juri. 'I thought you might appreciate my passion'. Juri sneers.

A familar scent over whelms Utena. Where was it coming from? She finally looks over to where Juri is glaring. A small dark honey skinned woman with pinned up violet hair, is prunning a huge bush. She is dainty and elegant as she quietly works. Her green park uniform is too big on her. Her white canvas shoes are a contrast to her dark skin. She wipes her brow from the heat. There is a nervousness about her as she gently turns to look over her right shoulder.

'When I saw you Utena, I coudn't resist approaching you. Still so innocent, even your eyes are wanting.' Says Juri. 'She's afraid of me, your rose bride. This time I want the other to know my true feelings. I think murder can be very much felt. Don't you?' Juri says.

Utena can feel her heart beat, it's so rapid. Her eyes, are they deceiving her? Is it really Anthy? She looked again and now she recognized the scent. It is the scent of roses. Anthy was attending roses? Wait, murder, what was Juri talking about?

"What did you just say?" replies Utena.

'You heard me, I want to hurt your rose bride, she should have given me that power that you had. I hurt her once, slapped her so hard she fainted, poor thing. Still so delicate'. Purred Juri. 'Her face had a bruise for a week!'

"I don't know what's going on, but if that's Anthy. I won't let you hurt her Juri". Sternly states Utena.

Juri smiles,' How will you stop me? Anthy isn't really a rose bride any more'. Replies Juri. Utena looks again at Juri's face and she see's some thing deeper. Juri is hurt, wounded, was there more to her relationship with Anthy then she knew? What should she do? What words could she use to disarm Juri? There is an awkward silence between them.

'Utena, I don't think I can really murder Anthy, but a part of me wants too. When I saw you today I realized that I should leave that lost woman alone. Just think, after ten years she's still taking care of blasted roses!' Says Juri. 'It fascinates me'.

For a quick moment sadness over comes Utena. Is this feeling a bond between them. No time brings healing, so this shouldn't consume them.

'I'm sorry, I don't always understand things, but you and I are free Juri. No one controlling or manipulating our lives. We make our own choices, so why all this drama?" Asks Utena.

"Look at her Utena, She's still so very beautiful, like a dream you can't wake up from. I honestly don't know what I'm doing either!" She laughs. Juri's voice sound peaceful.

Utena looks over at Anthy and she realizes that Anthy has dropped her tools, and is staring at her. Utena cleverly waves her hand to signal a hello. She doesn't move her stance, this all feels so awkward. Juri slips a business card into Utena's hand and walks off. Is this some kind of trap she wonders?

Anthy demurely approaches Utena. There is a smile on her face as she nears Utena. She stands close to Utena and looks up into her eyes. Utena's eyes are piercing blue and gentle. Utena thinks, Anthy hasn't changed a bit. Those haunting green eyes are looking up at her. She wants to grab Anthy and hold her tight. If only she could express what shes feeling. Instead a weak smile forms. The smaller woman very quickly gives Utena a half hug. "It's been a while Utena, I'm glad to see you". Says Anthy.

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