I stayed in my bath for as long as I could. Simply soaking up the hot water and feeling my worries slowly drift away as I did this menial task. I didn't think of anything as I washed the sweat and dirt from my body. Needless to say it was a nice relaxing time. But, all good things must come to an end, so once the water started to cool uncomfortably, I got out and dried off. I didn't bother putting on clothes other than a black bra and black bikini undies then wrapped a dark green, silk robe around my body.
I draped my one shoulder and slowly approached my window. I opened it and looked down at the scene below. All the guys were loading up into the truck and David stood away from them. I saw Charlie standing outside of the truck by the passenger seat. He was shrugging on a shirt and slowly buttoning it up. I got a glimpse of the body beneath it and could feel a fire ignite inside of me. He was lean and muscular with thick band of muscles clinging to his arms. His torso looked strong and hard but not overly ripped. And his tan skin was set alight as the sun struck his skin. I leaned more out the window to get a better look at him, only to be disappointed as he buttoned the shirt up. I huffed silently with a pout set upon my lips.
David seemed to be leaving, and Charlie was giving him advice on where to go to get cell phone service. Charlie then seemed to notice that I was looking at him. He looked up at me with a mix of emotions on his face, disappointment, anger, and lust. I cringed and looked down with a frown. Feelings stirred within me that felt strange. I didn't like that he was disappointed and angry with me. It made me feel terrible. I wanted him to approve of me and be happy. I could feel this warm emotions that were slowly growing the more time I thought about him, which seemed to be always. All of my thoughts would inadvertently drift to him, while I would be doing menial tasks, such as, cooking. While I was cooking, would he come up behind me, wrap his arms around my waist and nuzzle his head into the crook of my neck, or would he kiss my cheek and watch me? Things of that nature would invade my mind. Then, at night, darker more passionate fantasies would worm their way into my mind. It seemed even at night, I couldn't escape from him. Honestly, it scared me. I hadn't had feelings like this for a long time, and the last time, it didn't end well. It was a factoring reason why we had moved out here, even if it was for a short while. I had to get away from that city, where all my stress and pain laid. Part of me wanted to run and scream and simply stay away from Charlie. But, another part of me, a larger part, urged me to stay here, get closer to him and see where he would take me. The more I thought about leaving and running out of this town, away from him, it felt so wrong that it made me sick to my stomach. Then, when I thought more about staying, staying here with him, it felt so right and put little butterflies in my tummy.
I threw myself back onto the bed with a deep sigh and closed my eyes. I heard a knock on my door and slowly got up. Knowing it was Amy, I simply got up and unlocked the door and laid back down on the bed. Amy, hearing the lock, slowly walked in. She gently set herself on the corner of my bed and laid a hand on my calf.
"Rose." Amy said softly.
"What?" I sighed out harshly.
"David.." I cut her off immediately.
"He had no right to say what he did. He deserved that fucking slap. He deserved a knee to the balls too, but I held that back." I draped an arm over my eyes, a frown firmly set on my lips.
"Rose, I'm not saying what he did was right, but..." She trailed off. I slowly sat up, and narrowed my eyes slightly at her.
"But what, Amy?" I asked in a low, warning voice. She cringed back slightly, seeming to defend herself for the words she was about to say.
"He was just worried about you Rose. He said what he did because he thinks it's best, Hell, I think it's best. You're only 17 Rose! You don't need to flaunt your body around to get a guys attention! You're too young for it!" I jumped up from my bed and turned to her, glaring with my hands on my hips.
"Perhaps you forget, I'm turning 18 in a few days. I'm practically an adult! I haven't depended on another, ever since Mom and Dad had died! I can support myself! You and David, neither one of you had to take me in. You knew what you were getting yourselves into when they gave you a report on me. I could've easily became a legally self-sustaining minor. I've only stuck around this long because I care about you and David and I know it would tear him up inside to loose the last bit of family he has left. I do love you and David, you both just have to realize that I'm grown up now and you can't change anything that I've been doing. How I dress? My mother didn't care, so long as I didn't get in trouble. Dad didn't have a problem either. I do things, wear things, that I'm comfortable with. I'm sorry if it offends you but, Momma taught me not to change for anybody but myself. I'm not going to change who I am to please you and David. So, it'll make all of our lives easier if you two just accept it. I hate fighting with you guys, but if that's what I have to do, then that's what's going to happen." By the end of my speech my anger dimmed drastically. I was just tired of being angry, it wasn't something I normally felt. I sat back down on the bed, not even bothering to look at Amy. She sat next to me and grabbed my hand, stroking the back of my hand with her thumb.
"Rose, I'm sorry if what we're saying is coming across that David and I want you to change. We don't. You're an amazing girl, especially at your age. David and I just worry about you. You're like our daughter and we love you. It's expected of us to worry. Just, please be careful, if not for our sake then for yours." Amy said softly. I looked up at her and noticed unshed tears in her eyes. I embraced her tightly while whispering.
"I always am Amy. Please, don't try to control me. It's something I would never let anybody do, even you and David." Amy nodded as she wrapped her arms around me.
"I understand, hunny. We'll pull back, I promise." I pulled back and smiled at her, which she returned. She slowly stood up and walked to the door.
"Love you, Rosie." She said as she closed the door.
"Love you too, Ames." I got out just as the door latched shut. Once it was shut, I laid back down on the bed.
"What the fuck is up with this town?" I groaned and closed my eyes in frustration.
