Rose hid away in the corner of the hall wishing she could disappear. "How could've I have done that to him?' She scolded herself. It didn't matter how hurtful his words were she had no right to slap him. She leaned back against the wall regretting ever coming here.

A few tears escaped as she turned away so no one could see when she suddenly heard David's voice. "Rose?" "What?" She replied keeping her back turned wiping her eyes. Rose just couldn't face him, right now.

"Where ya' been? Rory said you never showed up for volunteering." He said worried. Rose briefly glanced at him. "I've been here, why?" David shoved his hands in his pockets. "I was concerned." She looked at him questionably. "What for?"

He scoffed. "What do you mean what for? I can't worry about you, now?" David noticed her tear filled eyes. "Hey, what's wrong?" He said softly turning her towards him. Rose shook her head. "Look, I think it was a bad idea for me to come here…I think I should quit." She brushed past him.

David sighed. "Don't quit, please Rose. You can't." She turned giving him a look. "David, in case you haven't noticed I've done nothing but mess up…particularly with you." He shrugged folding his arms. "I disagree. I mean you've been a big help to everyone, the kids adore you and so does Casey," He smirked lightly coming closer. "You know, you're the first person that she's ever bonded with so quickly, pretty impressive if you ask me."

Rose smiled slightly at that. She did enjoy that little girl.

He lowered his gaze. "Look, I know said some hurtful things and I'm sorry." David stared thoughtfully at his bracelet. "Just please stay, Rose. An argument over a box of stupid old photos isn't worth you quitting and leaving here."

She thought for a minute then glanced up at him. He looked so sincere. "Okay, I'll stay but I don't why you're apologizing, you've done nothing wrong," Rose sighed with regret. "I should be apologizing to you. I had no right to slap you."

David smiled. "So we're competing, now are we?" He lightly teased.

She smirked looking into his brown eyes then glanced over at the faint pink spot on his cheek. ""Ooh, I slapped you good, didn't I," She winced. "Does it hurt?"

David shrugged. "Doesn't matter, in a way I deserved it."

Rose shook her head. "No, you didn't." "Don't ever say that." She gently touched the side of his face.

He didn't flinch this time prompting her to deepen the caress of her hand. It felt wonderful to touch him again.

"I'm so sorry, I did that," She said softly stroking his side-burn with her thumb her gaze staying fixed on his dark brown eyes. "I had no right." Her voice cracked a little.

He swallowed lingering in the softness and coolness of her fingers. David never realized how much he missed her gentle touch.

"It-it's okay." David stuttered a little. He wanted to break away from her caress but he couldn't seem to. Rose kept her hand on the side of his face but carefully came closer to him. "Can I?" She whispered standing on tiptoes. Before he could ask she placed a couple of soft kisses on the cheek she slapped making him close his eyes and hitch a breath.

Her lips were so soft and inviting. She was making it very hard for him to want to tear away. For a split second it would've been so easy to forget that night, that cruel note and that broken promise, for a moment he was tempted to bring her hand to his lips and press tenderly against her palm like he used to but David quickly caught himself and gently removed her hand from the side of his face.

"I, um, better go." He smiled slightly squeezing her hand. Rose nodded slightly disappointed it didn't become something more but not surprised either.

"So are we good?" He asked. Rose smiled a little. "Of course." He grinned. "Brilliant."

David smiled at her slowly letting go of her hand before walking away.