Chapter 2 fre not upset that Austin took me on vacation for my birthday , are you ? Hosemary asked .
Youre I looked at her , not saying a word , and quietly closed the door behind me .
I went cold turkey with Austin .
Every time we fought about Rosemary , it would spark a silent war .
Austin had gotten used to this pattern , knowing that after three days , Id be back in front of him , ready to make up .
I hadnt even drified off to sleep when there was a loud knock at my door Laurel Austin shouted .
I his voice filled with frustration .
I opened the door , and he showed his phone at me .
How many times do I have to say it ? Rosemary is just my sister ! Why do you take it so personally ? I was clueless .
What did I do to her ? And you have the nerve to ask ! Did you say something to her when she came over Mom said shes been off since she got back , and now shes in the hospital because of her depression ! I glanced at Austins phone , the screen showing a picture of Rosemary lying weakly in a hospital bed , her wrist wrapped in thick gauze I didnt say anything to her , I said .
I was being honest .
Austin said to me sharply with one hand around my neck , If anything goes wrong with Rosemary , you can forget about marrying me .
I wanted to call him a psycho , but I couldnt get half a sound out of my throat , and I frantically scratched at Austins hand , desperate for him to let me go .
Just when I felt like I might pass out , he threw me to the ground and looked down at me , condescendingly saying , After everything weve been through , if you dont go after Rosemary again , I might actually think about marrying you ? With that , he turned and stormed downstairs , snatching the keys from the table before slamming the door behind him .
I was left sitting on the floor , struggling to catch my breath .
It felt like my heart was completely shattered .
He made these wild accusations without a shred of proof , and it was like he was losing it over it all .
I wobbled a hit as I pushed myself up , steadying myself against the wall , and grabbed the phone that had been ringing off the hook on the nightstand .
Laurel , its been ages ! Want to grab a drink ? It was Erin George , my high school classmate , someone I hadnt seen in years .
She had just landed in Newton City and was only around for a day before she headed back .
Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves , I agreed to meet her Erin had reserved a fancy dining room and invited a few of our close friends from the area .
The vibe was chill as we all caught up , sharing stories from our lives while reminiscing about the good old times .
So , Laurel , how are things with you and Austin ? Still not married ? Erin shot me a teasing look Back in the day , everyone figured Austin and I would end up together since we were high school sweethearts who went to the same college ..
I nagged at the collar of my turtleneck sweater , avoiding eye contact as I swirled the wine in my glass before downing it .
Nope Guess it just wasnt meant to be Polly Maxwell frowned , leaning in .
Is it you or him who doesnt want it anymore ! Its him I replied , feeling the weight of those words .
Suddenly , Polly slammed her hand on the table hand enough to send her fork clattering to the ground .
Is it because of Rosemary ? I warned you ages ago that shell always be in the way between you two , but you wouldnt listen ! I couldnt help bu but let out a binter laugh and shake my head .
I always thought Austin just liked pampering his sister .
Rosemary ? Laura Watson chimed in , pulling out her phone to show us something .
TA Chapter 2 She played a video that caught everyones attention : there was Rosemary , wildly banging on a middle aged guy with her heel .
The man wrists hrmly and was telling bystanders , My wife is just having a tantrum , so dont mind her With tears in her eyes .
Rosemary was begging .
No , please help me ! held her The video ended with a tall guy standing up to confront the burly man , announcing that the police were on their way .
Just before he left , the burly guy leaned in to whisper something threatening to Rosemary I went viral in my neighborhood everyone was saying the guy was a psychopath and warned to be careful when going out .
Laura looked at me .
her eyes filled with pity .
It looked like Rosemary Tis her , I said calmly , unable to shake the unsettling feeling .
The woman in the video looked just like Rosemary , from her hair to the the wort Austin had vaguely mentioned that Rosemary had been molested as a child , leaving her with deep psychological sears .
I couldnt help but think the psycho had something to do with her suicide Quit bringing her up .
Fuld you Austins no good for you .
When the hell are you finally gonna dump him ? Polly , a bit tipsy , shot me a disapproving look , like she was ready to jump on me if I said I still had feelings for Austin .
Outside , the rain drizzled against the window , and I noticed a dull ache from the bruise on my neck .
I stared at the raindrops sliding down the glass , feeling a bit lost .
Just a couple more days A week later , Austin got in touch again .
The whole Rosemary situation had somehow made the news , and I followed it reluctantly .
The report said the man was in a psychiatric hospital , and the girl who was involved was under close protection by her family .
I knew Austin was aware of the truth .
When he called , instead of apologizing , he casually informed me hed be home for dinner tonight .
I shrugged it off , Anything else ? The agent waited patiently for me to sign the contract , and I double checked everything before putting my name down .
Austin was quiet for a while , then finally said , Laurel , about the other day , L.
I kept silent , waiting for him to continue .
In the end , I didnt get the apology I expected .
Instead , he blurted out , Lets get married , Laurel .
Ill meet you at the city hall tomorrow .
I couldnt help but smile ironically , feeling an unusual heaviness in my heart Had I been so indulgent with him over the years that Id given him the impression this was how to make it up to me ? Did he really think I was that easy to brush aside ! No , thanks , I replied His displeasure was clear .
What do you mean , no ? 1 strolled over to the window to take in the view of Newton City , a place Id been stuck in for what felt like ages .
I moved here for Austin since his whole family was based in this city I saved up every penny to buy this house , hoping that one day , if I got married , my mom would come to live here with me .
Itd make it easier to care for her .
But honestly .
I couldnt shake the feeling that I was being pretty selfish , making her move to a strange city just for me .
Right now , though , Id never felt more sober I mean , were done , I said .
Austin was about to say more when I heard Rosemarys voice blaring on the other end .
Austin , where are you ? He left me a quick , irritated Cut it our and hung up The agent beside me pretended not to notice the commation and flashed a smile , saying , Ms.
Parks , the funds will arrive within 24 hours I nodded and handed him the key .
Thanks Here you go .
