The alarm clock went off at seven am. Like always, Rose and Emmet started the day by having sex. Emmet preferred morning sex, it stemmed from staying at Onslow and Daisy's. First thing in a morning they were out for the count so Emmet didn't have to feel embarrassed when Rose let herself go, loudly. She always told him not to worry, as they had heard her plenty of times and it was the closest Daisy came sex these days.
After their morning exercise and shower Rose exclaimed she was running late, she was always running late.
"Are we staying here tonight or are we going back to yours?" Emmet asked as he handed her a handbag.
"I don't mind. I feel like we should have a night at mine. Though I don't really feel like it's home anymore seen as we spend more time here." She admitted while inspecting herself in the mirror.
Emmet grinned, "Then move in."
"What?"
"Live with me, Rose. You said so yourself that you spend more time here than home. I mean the wardrobe houses more of your clothes than mine these days. You've practically moved in already."
It was Rose's turn to grin, until she thought of Daisy. "I would love to but I don't think our Dais would be able to afford the rent and bills without me. She's been struggling since they don't get Father's pension now and she lost her social security money when Violet gave her a job at the bookshop. Besides, you'll have to get permission from the landlord."
"I don't think the landlady will have a problem with you being her sister. Talk to Violet first see what see says about Daisy, maybe she can help her with the rent."
"We can't all keep going to our Violet when we need a handout. But she said she was coming into the shop today to do the books so I'll have a word."
"Great, it would be so nice to spend our lives together."
"Hang on. This isn't a proposal of marriage is it? Because I told you I'm not cut out to be a housewife and we both said neither of us wants to marry again. I've told you before it ruins your sex life."
Emmet laughed. "Rose, I'm simply asking you to move in with me. I definitely don't want to get married again and I don't want you as a housewife. I make a better one than you."
It was Rose's turn to laugh, "Says the fella who gets his sister to do his washing and ironing for him."
"Doesn't Daisy do yours?" He smirked.
"Fair point, I'm late for work. It's a good job we stayed here last night. If we had been at mine I would be even later with it being further away."
"Another reason as to move in."
She kissed him passionately. "I'll see you later. Swing by the shop on your way home and I will fill you in about what Violet says. I love you."
Rose arrived at the bookmakers to find Violet had already opened up.
"I'm not late am I?" Rose asked her sister, dumping her bag on the counter.
Violet inspected her gold watch, "not quite. But I know who made you almost late."
Rose grinned at her sister, "It wasn't like that, not this morning. I hadn't time to do it twice, unfortunately."
"I always thought sex came before everything with you, our Rose."
"Well it might have but Emmet had other things on his mind?"
"Oh, such as?"
"He's asked me to move in with him."
Violet hugged her sister, "Oh Rose, that's fantastic news! You did say yes?"
Rose hesitated before she answered. "I said I'd speak with you first."
"No need, you have my approval. In fact there's already a rent book with your name on it. I knew you would shack up with Emmet before too long."
Thanks Vi, there's another problem though. I'm worried if I move out, our Dais won't be able to afford t'rent. Since the social security cut back her entitlements and now they don't have Father's pension she would struggle without my wage."
Violet laughed, "I wish your Emmet had asked you this three weeks ago."
"Why?"
Rose's sister explained that a few weeks ago when Daisy was struggling financially, Violet had offered to give Daisy enough money for a deposit on the house. Violet explained how Daisy could buy the council house under the right to buy scheme. Violet had organised a mortgage for Daisy and would help her with paying the mortgage by giving her a generous wage from working at the bookshop.
"But why ever would she turn an offer like that down?!" A perplexed Rose muttered.
"She was worried it wasn't fair on you. She didn't think it was right I helped her and not you. I did say your fella is living in my flat on a very cheap rent." Added Violet.
"Well I'll put it to her tonight that Emmet has asked me to move in and see what she says, I shan't let on you've told me this." Replied Rose.
Emmet came to collect Rose from work and they headed to the pub for a drink and a bite to eat. At the bar they chatted about the idea of Rose moving in.
"Do you think Daisy will reconsider Violet's offer?" Emmet asked.
Rose wrapped herself tightly around Emmet. "I can't see why she wouldn't. Do you think we could redecorate the flat. I want to put our own stamp on the place."
"Yes, I don't see why not. It is a bit dull isn't it. You promise it won't be tacky and I'll have a say in it."
Before Rose could respond a bitter voice across the bar shouted, "Ha, the way she's dressed I wouldn't bet on it."
Both Emmet and Rose turned to look. Immediately their faces both fell.
"Caroline?!"
"Ah that makes sense. Emmet she's that woman I was telling you about. The one who's been following me."
Anger rose up in Emmet. He turned to look at his ex girlfriend and shouted, "Have you followed us here?"
Caroline smiled through gritted teeth and laughed hollowly, "Don't flatter yourself. I came for a quiet drink after work. Why would I waste time on you and your tart?"
Emmet lunged forward and Rose held him back.
"Don't you dare talk about Rose like that, she's twice the woman you are. She's not the one who's been going around stalking people!" He spat.
"Emmet, she's not worth it. Don't give her the satisfaction." Rose said calmly.
Emmet knew Rose could stand up for herself and knew she had probably been called worse but instinctively he defended her.
Instead of tea in the pub they called at the chippy after making a quick exit from the establishment. They bought enough food for Onslow and Daisy and made their way to the estate.
Rose handed the fish and chips round before declaring they had an announcement to make.
"Chuff me, I didn't think you could be up the spout at your age," joked Onslow.
"Bog off Onslow!" Rose cried.
"You're engaged! I knew it!' Daisy squealed.
"No, it's just Emmet asked me to move in with him this morning."
"And you need our permission?" Rose's older sister said.
"Well sort of, I mean first you wouldn't mind? And second could you afford t'rent and bills without me?"
Daisy expressed a warm smile. "Oh you are thoughtful our Rose. You can't live here forever."
"Yes but will you be able to get by? I can help out as much as I can but if I move in with Emmet I'll want to pay my way."
Onslow turned to look at his wife, "I told you we should have accepted your Violet's offer."
"Offer? What offer?" Rose asked feigning ignorance.
Daisy went on to explain Violet's proposition and said she would ask Violet if the offer was still on the table. Which it was. The foursome celebrated their new domestic arrangements with cans of lager and their fish and chips. They then proceeded to sort through Rose's belongings and embarrassed her by showing Emmet family photographs from when they were younger.
A few hours later Daisy had taken herself to bed. She was startled by the knock on the door.
"Can I come in?" Her sister asked, poking her blonde head round the crack in the door.
"It's not like you to knock." Daisy replied throwing her library book onto the duvet.
Rose entered the room and sat on the bed. "Your Onslow and my Emmet are watching summat about the Russian revolution, so I've left them to it. You're sure you don't mind me moving out?"
Daisy sighed before smiling at her sister. "Course not, you're a grown woman our Rose. You can't stay here forever. You were only going to stay a short while, whilst you got your divorce sorted and that was.."
"A long time ago, I know. Thanks for putting up with me all this time Dais. I do appreciate it. I'll miss you, y'know."
Giving her sister a warm smile Daisy replied, "I'll miss you too our Rose. Even when you burst in here at the crack of dawn." Laughed Daisy.
Rose saw her sister's eyes cloud over with tears.
"It won't be the same round here without you. First Father passing away, now you setting up home with Emmet. It will be a lot quieter round 'ere."
Rose put her arm around Daisy. "You've still got Onslow. Maybe now you will finally get that quality time you've always been banging on about."
Daisy chuckled, "be happy our Rose. Hey, when are you going to tell our Hyacinth about you moving in with Emmet?"
Rose sighed, "God knows, Emmet says we should tell her and Liz together so she can't be funny. I'm in no rush to let her know, I can tell you."