Page 38 of The Nicest Thing
"Finn," she said softly.
"Yeah?" I asked.
"I'm sorry I'm so sleepy.I really wanted to study your room more.You're always coming to Magnolia House, but I hardly ever get to see your space."
"That's because your room is a hundred times more interesting than mine," I said.
"Not true."
Yes, it was.Rose's room was like her.Unique, colorful, full of life.She liked collecting postcards for all the places she hoped to go one day.They covered her wall, a collage of dreams.There were also little pieces of paper scattered here and there, snippets of her writing as well as quotes she loved, even some song lyrics.I felt like I discovered something new every time I visited.Plus, her bed, pillows, and everything in the space smelled like her.
My room had all the basics: bed, nightstand, desk light, bookshelf.I kept a few pictures of my family and the people I cared about.Rose didn't comment on it; I wasn't even sure if she noticed, but there was one of her on my desk.If she asked, I'd tell her what I told Arnold.Rose is my best friend—which was true.But it was really because I wanted to see her when I wake up.
She was quiet a minute, and I thought she might've fallen asleep.But then she spoke.
"Why don't you ever invite me over?"
"Where?"
"To the frat house."
I looked down but only saw the top of her head."You really have to ask?"
I felt her shrug and laughed quietly.
"Rose, you saw what just happened," I said."You were here for what, five minutes?My frat brothers were all over you."
"Yeah, right," Rose sighed.
"I'm serious.You're…you have no idea how beautiful you are.Most of those guys are my friends.I don't want to have to fight them—but I would.For you."
I swallowed.
"I'd do anything for you.You know that, right?"
Rose's soft snore was the only response.
My eyes drank her in.I tried not to move so as not to interrupt her sleep.I never did get back to reading the book.
CHAPTER 6: Rose
I had a love-hate relationship with ice cream.
I loved how it put me at ease, soothed my nerves, and made every day feel like a celebration.
I hated how it went straight to my hips.
Or my boobs.
I did not need more of either—but honestly, ice cream was my favorite way to unwind.It brought back good memories with family and friends.And it was also my reward for reaching my writing goals.
Speaking of which…
Frowning, I forced my gaze back to the computer screen.This chapter had been the bane of my existence for the last couple days.It needed something.I just couldn't figure out what.I found myself breaking my own cardinal rule of never going back.When I knew something was amiss, I just couldn't move on.It was near impossible.So back I went and stayed there.Stuck.Ugh.
Come on brain.
My eyes strayed again to the clock at the bottom of my screen.Finn would be here soon.I had to wrap this up.Now.
