Fall 27
The sound of knuckles tapping on my bedroom door caused me to slowly open my eyes and groan.
"Good morning, Rosalind!" Max exclaimed from the other side. "May I come in?"
"Of course, Max." I said groggily as Max opened my bedroom door, his look changed to worry when he saw me.
"Are you alright, Rosalind?" He asked as I yawned.
"For the most part…Clara kept me up most of the night with her constant movement." I said with a sigh.
"Ah. Yes, I can see where that would be a problem. Especially considering you've always had trouble sleeping." Max said as I nodded.
"Well, I'll let you sleep in for a little while longer…but two things before I go!" He placed a beautifully wrapped box on my vanity.
"One, happy birthday, Rosalind! You can open this when I come back to wake you or if you wake up beforehand, you can open it then."
"Thank you, Max!" I exclaimed with a smile.
"And finally, Cecilia wants to know if you've decided on a cake. I can tell her what kind of cake you want." Max said as I nodded.
"Yes! I have decided! I was hoping for a strawberry cake with marshmallow mascarpone frosting." I said with a smile and blush.
"And you shall have it! As for cake decoration…don't worry…I have an idea that I know you're gonna love! Ah, but I can't tell you what that is, yet!" Max said with a wink as I giggled while rolling my eyes.
"Anyway, I'll let Ceci know. Go ahead and rest for a little while longer. I'll either come back later or meet you downstairs!" Max exclaimed, leaving the door frame of my bedroom, closing the door behind him. I felt my eyelids becoming heavy again as I drifted off into a small nap.
"Rosalind, my baby." I opened my eyes, looking around at my surroundings. I was in a beautiful floral meadow. However, I was more focused on the warm, familiar voice as I turned around. My eyes widened as my tears flowed down my cheeks in delight at the woman, with the same pale blue-gray hair color and green eyes as myself.
"Mother." I said, covering my mouth to muffle my sobs. She smiled at me.
"I wanted to tell you that…I'm proud of you, Rosalind." My tears flowed out faster.
"I miss you, mother. There is so much I want to tell you." I sniffled, wiping my tears.
"I want to tell you about Jack. I want to tell you about Clara. I…"
"Rosalind…" Mother interrupted me, her warm presence gave me a sense of security.
"I don't have much time until you wake up again…but just know that I will always be around our family in some way. That includes my darling little granddaughter. You're going to be a wonderful mother."
"Will I…see you again?" I asked, my mother smiled.
"Someday, in the far future, we'll see each other again. However, in the present time, I'll be near, but not in your line of vision." She walked closer to me, her lips pressed against my forehead as I closed my eyes, seeing an abundance of colorful shimmering particles.
"Happy birthday, my darling. I love you."
I opened my eyes, my vision blurred from my tears. A light tap was heard as I sniffled, wiping my eyes.
"Ye-yes?" I asked, while sitting up as Max came into my bedroom. His expression changed from delight to worry and concern.
"Oh my god! Rosalind? What's wrong? What happened?" He asked, rushing towards me as I smiled at him.
"Nothing terrible. I just had a dream with our mother." I explained, wiping my eyes again. Max took a seat next to me on my bed, wrapping his arms around me.
"I miss her too." Max said softly, as my tears came out faster.
"Stop crying, Rosalind. Our mother would want you to be happy today, on your birthday! Plus, I know something that'll make you feel better!" Max exclaimed, the last sentence came out in a sing-song way as I looked over at him, wiping my eyes again.
"Well, two things actually; first, your birthday present!" Max exclaimed, lifting himself from my bed to grab my wrapped gift that was still sitting on my vanity. He handed it to me with a smile on his face.
"Go ahead! Open it!" He exclaimed as I tore off the paper, lifting the lid off of the box, revealing a beautiful outfit. I pulled it all the way out, my eyes sparkled.
It was a strapless sweetheart neckline, tier skirted ball gown dress that was blush pink in color with golden appliques. Not to mention it was very familiar looking. However I couldn't put my finger on where I had seen this dress before.
"It's beautiful, Max!" I exclaimed as his smile became bigger.
"I think you should wear that today!" Max exclaimed as I smiled.
"I will! I most definitely will!" I exclaimed.
"Second thing, Ceci has just finished baking your cake. It needs to cool down before she can decorate it! So, after you get dressed, call for her and she'll do your hair and makeup!"
"Alright!" I exclaimed as Max walked towards my door to leave my room, he stopped at the frame, looking back towards me.
"Also, your party is going to be held at cherry blossom square this afternoon! So, hurry and get dressed! I think you're going to love what we have planned!" And with that, Max left my room, closing the door behind him.
I pondered while slipping the dress on. What kind of thing or things did Max have planned? I pulled the dress to my chest; realizing I would need help lacing it up as I called for Ceci.
"You rang?" She asked as I looked at her standing at the door frame.
"Yes. I'm sorry, Ceci…could you lace me up?" I asked as Ceci gave me a smile and nod.
"Of course, Miss! And then I'll do your hair and makeup! Max has an idea on how it should be. However, if you don't like it, we can easily change it." Ceci said as I nodded.
"I do have faith in my brother. And, as you said, if I don't like it, we can change it!"
"And done!" Ceci exclaimed, handing me my hand mirror.
"You should really look at the back of your hair first, Miss." I looked at the back of my hair's reflection in my vanity mirror from my hand mirror as I gasped in delight and awe.
Three rose braided buns in a diagonal row cascading down my head with small, dark green leaves protruding from them while the remainder of my hair flowed like a waterfall. My makeup was subtle but elegant and tied very well with my look!
"I love it so much, Ceci!" I exclaimed. "Thank you!"
"Think nothing of it, Miss." She said, walking towards my bedroom door frame.
"Also, I believe Max is setting up your party at Cherry Blossom Square now. He said he'll get you when everything is ready. I'll be decorating your cake in the meantime! If you need anything, let me know." And with that she left my bedroom.
I was sitting in the chair near the stairs, reading another baby information book. Even though Clara wasn't due to make her arrival until Spring, it was quickly approaching. I had to be somewhat prepared with what to expect.
The front doors of the manor opened as Max stepped in, a smile on his face.
"You look wonderful, Rosalind! That dress suits you perfectly!" He exclaimed in glee.
"Thank you, Max! You did amazing picking it out. However…I can't help but notice that it looks familiar." I said as Max's lips curled into a sly smile.
"Really? How so?" He asked as I sighed.
"I'm not sure." I replied.
"Hm…well, I'm sure you'll figure it out in time! I'm going to check on Ceci and the cake and then I'm taking you to Cherry Blossom Square!" Max exclaimed.
"Oh? Ceci's not coming to the party?" I asked, slightly disappointed.
"Hm? Oh, she's coming! However, I can't allow her to come with us with an unfinished birthday cake for the best birthday in my sister's life! She'll be joining us with the cake." Max exclaimed as he walked into the dining hall.
I looked down at my dress again, trying to pinpoint where I had seen this. Was it when we went to the capital for Barrett and Dorothy's proposal? One of Julia's magazines? I didn't have time to ponder anymore as Max came out with a smile on his face.
"Ceci's almost done! She'll meet us with your cake momentarily! Until then, your other guests are waiting for you at Cherry Blossom Square!" Max exclaimed, helping me from my seat, leading me out of the big doors of the manor.
My eyes widened in awe at the whimsical themed decorations. I glanced around at my guests, looking for a specific someone.
"I'm going to mingle with Julia for a moment. Enjoy your party, Rosalind!" Max exclaimed, however before I could stop my brother to ask where Jack was, a voice greeted me.
"Hi, Rosalind!" I turned my attention to my right at Ray.
"Oh, hello, Ray." I greeted, before noticing Ray was greeting me alone. "Where's Yue?"
"Ah, she's mingling with my sister." He answered as I looked over towards Alicia, noticing a glimpse of blue hair in front of Alicia from my line of sight.
"They actually get along very well. I'm not sure what they have in common." He shrugged.
"Anyway, you look beautiful, Rosalind! Happy birthday!" He exclaimed as I smiled.
"Thank you! Uh, excuse me, Ray. I need to talk to my brother." I said as he gave a small look of sadness.
"Ah, alright. I'll talk to you later." He said with a sigh as I shrugged. It had been a while since Ray and I truly conversed that maybe he missed our conversations. I believe the last time we truly talked was in spring at the bathhouse. I would have to make an effort to converse with him, at least before Clara's birth.
"Max?" I asked, walking towards him and Julia laughing. My brother turned his attention towards me.
"Yes, Rosalind?" He asked as I scanned the premises again to make sure I didn't overlook.
"Where's Jack?" My heart began to pound in worry, hoping he didn't forget. Or did he not want to come? Max smiled when he saw my apprehensive expression.
"Don't worry, Rosalind. I spoke with Jack not too long ago. He was just finishing up some work and asked me to come back for him in about ten minutes time!" Max exclaimed gleefully as I exhaled in relief.
I looked over at Ceci conversing with Jake as Jake gave his head a nod. They both left for the west end of town as I wondered if this had anything to do with my cake. I turned my attention back towards Max.
"How long ago was that?" I asked as Max crossed his arms.
"Rosalind, don't be so anxious. I promise this will be the best birthday you've ever had." Max said sternly as I blushed. Ceci and Jake wheeled in the colossal cake; as I noticed it was meant to be a volcano! However, before I could ask Max what that was about.
"I believe it's time for me to check on Jack! I'll be back soon, Rosalind! Julia, keep my sister company, will you?" Max said as Julia nodded.
"I will!" Julia exclaimed, as Max rushed towards the direction of the farmhouse.
"How are you enjoying your party?" Julia asked as I blushed.
"I'm enjoying it so far…I just wish I saw Jack a little earlier." I sighed.
"I'm starting to worry that he doesn't want to come here." I said.
"Rosalind, you know that's not true." Julia snapped as my eyes gazed downward in shame.
"Yes, you're right…I must be hormonal." I said.
"Speaking of hormonal, I'm not sure how Dorothy's gonna handle that." Julia said worriedly.
"She's probably already hormonal. I feel a little sorry for Barrett." I said nervously as Max made his way back towards us. I looked towards the direction of the farmhouse.
"Jack just finished. He's going to change into a more appropriate attire and then he'll be here!" Max exclaimed confidently as I looked down. My heart was pounding nervously.
The sound of hooves clopping was heard from the west end of town as I looked over towards the source of the noise. Who was here? Would they need a room at the inn?
I looked over at Egan who was conversing with Tanya. Did he not hear the hooves?
Before I could let Egan know, I noticed the sound changed from pavement to dirt. A knight riding on a white horse was making it's way closer to us. Everyone's eyes were fixated on the mysterious stranger. The white horse stopped in front of me as the knight removed his helmet. My eyes widened at the person in the armor.
Jack.
"I'm glad I was able to see you again, my princess. After being apart for so long, I never stopped thinking about you." Jack said while dismounting the horse. My eyes welled with tears. What he was saying…this was…
"I never stopped loving you." He looked into my eyes softly, "I went through trials to be with you. Including the trial your father, the king, sent me through; to climb the highest volcano for…"
"One hundred geschule roses." We both said in unison.
"For your hand in marriage." Jack finished, as he opened up the saddle's pocket, pulling out the bouquet of the geschule roses. I held my hands in front of my mouth; my heart was pounding so hard and fast that Clara's movements became excited. My tears started to stream down my face in elation.
"Rosalind Lenore de Sainte-Coquille. Will you choose me to be your king?" He asked, getting down on one knee while presenting me with the bouquet. I couldn't get my words out from my sobs of delight; so I just nodded my head. Jack's face lit up as he stood up; pulling an engagement ring out of his pocket and placing it on my finger.
The crowd cheered when our lips touched. We broke our kiss, staring into each other's eyes. Time felt like it had stood still.
"Well, Rosalind? Was this the best birthday ever? Or was this the best birthday ever?" Max asked while chuckling. My smile beamed as I embraced my brother.
"This was more than the best birthday ever. Thank you, Max." I said as he returned my embrace.
"I assume you figured out your dress?" Max asked as I broke our embrace, looking down at my dress before my eyes widened, lighting up in realization.
"Oh! It's similar to the dress the princess wears at the end of the fairy tale! And the cake…represents the volcano the knight climbs to pick the 100 roses! Right?"
"That is correct!" Max exclaimed as I blushed.
"So, did you know that Jack was going to propose?" I asked as he chuckled.
"Of course! This has been planned since taking down Oswald! I didn't want Jack to propose to you with no thought nor preparation." Max gave me a wink as I giggled.
"That's why I've been meeting up with Jack for several days." Max finished.
"Very clever, Max!" I exclaimed. I saw our father making his way towards us with tears.
"Congratulations, Rosalind! Jack, take care of her!" Father exclaimed.
"I will! I'll take care of both of my girls." Jack said, placing his hand on my midriff. Clara's fierce movements seemed as though she was trying to push her father's hand away from her. She was getting bigger, and with my small stature, she was also probably running out of room.
I sat at my vanity while my excitement was getting the best of me as I was trying to pick out a theme for the wedding, along with the color scheme, while making a list of my family outside of Alvarna. Most importantly, I was trying to select a date for the wedding.
It would have to be before spring when Clara was to make her arrival. At least sometime in the winter would be an acceptable date for the wedding.
I had also written Evelyn a letter commissioning her to make my wedding dress. I had so many ideas, and she had such a keen eye to where she could make something that would look amazing on me! Such as she did with Dorothy's wedding dress and even our bridesmaid dresses!
The sound of someone tapping on my door caused me to jump as I turned towards the door of my bedroom.
"Yes?" I asked as Max walked in with a big smile.
"I just thought I'd say both happy birthday and congratulations again before retiring for the night!" Max exclaimed as I smiled back at him.
"Thank you again, Max…for everything." I said.
"No need for thanks, Rosalind. I'm just doing my job as your big brother! And that's looking out for you!" He exclaimed gleefully before giving me a stern look.
"Now, you can worry about the wedding plans later! It's getting late and you're going to need your rest before Clara gets here! Or at least as much rest as you can get with her movements."
"Ah, yes. I'll head to bed now." I said, placing my papers to the side, my brother giving me a big smile.
"Good night, Rosalind!" He said in farewell.
"Yes, good night, Max." I replied back as he left my room, closing the door behind him. I climbed into my bed, snuggling into my blankets before snuffing out my candle. Closing my eyes with a smile on my face.