Michael gently walked Rosalie over to the sofa as they both sat side by side gazing into each other’s eyes, trying to read each other’s thoughts. After a few short moments, Rosalie began to reveal her true feelings to Michael on the entire situation, and her plans on handling matters so they could both walk off into the sunset and have their “happily ever after”.
Rosalie explained to Michael that although she surmised that Franco had somehow figured out already that something was going on between the both of them, her silence would only give Franco false hope. A hope that was non-existent now and forever. She stated to Michael that she recognized and accepted that Franco had hurt her deeply, yet Rosalie still felt compassion for Franco since he proved to be a pawn and a victim in Maria’s game. Michael nodded in agreement and stated that he had no ill will toward Franco. He gave Franco the benefit of the doubt in the past and continued to do that to this day. The only thing Michael accused Franco of was using poor judgment when it came to trusting Maria. Michael added, “Unfortunately for him, he lost you in the process Rosalie; and, although I feel badly for Franco as a person, I can’t help but feel ecstatic for myself since his loss is my gain.” Rosalie placed the palm of her hand on Michael’s handsome face, then grabbed his chin and pressed her lips against his, kissing him with deep love and appreciation. A tear rolled down Rosalie’s cheek as she continued to kiss Michael, pressing her body close to his and feeling their souls connect at this very moment. Rosalie then took her hand and ran it through Michael’s thick dark hair and down his face, where she felt her fingertips wet from Michael’s tears. Michael had been crying too. The love they found in each other seemed to be in full bloom now that Rosalie’s crisis was over. They submitted themselves to the true emotion that possessed them as they silently embraced each other for a little while longer.
…after a few moments, Michael and Rosalie released each other from their passionate embrace while still holding hands. Rosalie lovingly guided Michael from the sofa over to the kitchen for another cup of coffee where they would continue their conversation on what they would do next in order to move on from this chaos and make a life together. They spoke about love lost, love gained, and their everlasting love that would sustain them for a lifetime.
Rosalie confessed to Michael that although she loves him dearly with all her heart, soul, and entire being, she and Franco had a history together; and a pretty strong one at that. She stated that she felt she owed it to Franco to be honest and fair to him by letting him go as soon as possible and making it clear that she would be moving on with Michael. Just the thought of saying those words to Franco tore at Rosalie’s heart, but she knew it had to be done. Rosalie could see that Michael understood the situation perfectly by just studying the depth of his hazel eyes. Michael’s eyes clearly spoke to her without the need for words. She knew she had Michael’s understanding and support. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
…Yet, first and foremost, Rosalie explained to Michael that she had to visit with Millie in the hospital to discuss what had transpired between Millie and Maria; then summon up the strength to look Millie in her sweet, aged eyes and take full responsibility for what had happened to her dear old friend and confidant. Rosalie felt so guilty that Millie had to endure the wrath of Maria’s insanity. Michael responded to Rosalie that they were in this together and that he would accompany Rosalie to the hospital to visit with Millie. He assured Rosalie that they would face Millie together and help her get through this as well. Rosalie felt pure happiness knowing that Michael would be by her side.
Michael cleared their coffee cups from the kitchen table then cleaned up the mess in the living room where Maria had thrown the coffee cup against the wall. He then told Rosalie to pack an overnight bag, because he would be taking her home to spend the night with him and Edgar. There was no way that Michael would leave Rosalie alone tonight. Rosalie ran into the bedroom like a beaming child. Michael’s words were music to her ears. She joyfully pranced around her bedroom to pack that bag...Hand in hand they exited the apartment, locked up the house and made their way over to Michael’s apartment. It was a beautiful night. The sky was clear, the stars were shining brightly and the full moon illuminated their path. It seemed the heavens were happy for them too. Everything was in sync.
CHAPTER ELEVEN – MILLIE’s REVELATION
…Rosalie opened her eyes to the morning sun that slipped through the white blinds in an unfamiliar bedroom. She had almost forgotten that she had spent the night here at Michael’s apartment. She looked over towards the other side of the bed where she found Michael, shirtless, and still asleep. She couldn’t help studying his handsome face. His thick dark hair and olive complexion attracted her so much so that she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Rosalie took advantage of the fact that Michael was very much asleep. She continued to study him as an artist would study their model, carefully perusing over every inch of his upper body while painting a portrait of him in her mind. She wanted to see more of him, but had to settle for only that part of him which wasn’t covered by the pale blue bed sheet. He had such full lips that added to the beauty of his face and his pronounced nose with the deviated septum accentuated his masculinity, something Rosalie always loved about his looks. The dark hair running across his chest caused her heart to beat faster. Michael made her feel things that she hadn’t felt in a very long time. She couldn’t help herself, she needed to get closer to him. Making love to Michael last night left her with an insatiable desire for him. After a few more moments of “spectator bliss”, Rosalie placed her head on Michael’s chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat which soothed her like a child’s lullaby.
She gently ran her fingertips across his chest, twirling the course hairs between her fingers, hoping he would open his eyes to see only her face as he greeted his day. She continued to rest her head on Michael’s chest, savoring the moment, knowing this was only the first of many moments like this to come. As she remained in this position for another minute or two, Rosalie felt Michael’s chin move across the top of her head and she felt his breath upon her forehead. She pretended to be sleeping. He then took one of his hands and began stroking her long brown hair. Rosalie looked up into Michael’s bright hazel eyes and kissed his lips. As Michael looked back down at her, he said, “You look so beautiful in the morning Rosalie. It feels really good waking up to such a precious lady by my side.” They simply smiled at each other, appreciating one another with a deep uninhibited love and a burning admiration.
After holding each other a while longer, Michael said, “We have a big day ahead of us Rosalie. We need to visit Millie at the hospital to see how she’s doing.” Rosalie replied, “I know Michael. I haven’t forgotten. I can’t wait to get there. I have to know that dear Millie is alright.” Michael then said that, although he’d love to spend the rest of the day in bed wrapped in each other’s arms, they really needed to get moving. He stated further that it’s so important to check up on Millie today because she needs to know what happened last night and she needs to hear it from Rosalie. Rosalie quickly agreed. So Michael got up out of bed, walked around to Rosalie’s side of the bed, grabbed both of her hands, pulled her up against him, then led her into the bathroom. They took a long warm shower together, then got dressed and brought adorable Edgar out for a morning stroll so he could relieve himself. Michael left a few dog treats in Edgar’s bowl along with some fresh water before he and Rosalie headed to the local diner for breakfast.
…Breakfast consisted of the usual two-egg specials with sausage, hash browns, toast, coffee and juice. It was Rosalie’s treat this morning. She felt good picking up the tab and treating Michael to breakfast. She wanted to do something nice for him, even if it was something small. Michael didn’t argue, since paying for breakfast brought a smile to Rosalie’s face and made her feel in control of something as her life was so out of control over the past few months.
Over breakfast they discussed all that had happened yesterday. Mostly, the
y talked about Maria. The revealing, yet sad truth about Maria and who she really was. A truth that had set Rosalie free; a truth that had also ripped her heart out; yet a truth that had surfaced because of Michael’s belief in Rosalie. It was a truth that had also brought with it an end to what was once thought to be a great friendship between two young women, Maria and Rosalie. It was a truth that had also destroyed a loving relationship between a man and a woman, Franco and Rosalie; and a truth that almost cost the life of Millie, an innocent elderly woman who was like a mother to Rosalie as well as a wise confidant. Most importantly, however, it was a truth that brought Rosalie and Michael together, strengthening two souls and opening two hearts to a bright future.
…after sipping the last bit of coffee from their coffee cups, Rosalie left a tip on the table as she and Michael proceeded to the front counter where Rosalie happily paid the bill. As they exited the diner, Michael noticed a couple getting out of a cab. He grabbed Rosalie’s hand and rushed over to the cab before it left and asked the driver to take them over to St. Catherine’s Hospital to see Millie.
…It was a short cab ride from the diner to the hospital. Within fifteen minutes they were in front of St. Catherine’s. Michael paid the driver as he and Rosalie exited the cab. Rosalie confessed that she is a bit nervous seeing Millie after all that’s happened. She didn’t know what to expect. Michael reassured Rosalie that Millie would accept her with open arms. He never met Millie but was so sure that she was a wonderful lady based on Rosalie’s account of her. Rosalie held Michael’s hand a bit tighter for moral support, as they approached the elevators and the front desk. Suddenly, Rosalie pulled Michael back. She had spotted the gift shop. She told Michael she couldn’t possibly visit Millie without bringing her a gift. So they both went into the gift shop and chose a beautiful ceramic vase with colorfully-sculpted butterflies and roses all around it. Rosalie then thought to herself, “I really need to get some flowers for this vase.” So instead of buying fresh flowers, she settled on an array of pink and yellow silk carnations and little white baby’s breath flowers she spotted in the shop. She wanted to give Millie something that would last and something Millie wouldn’t have to fuss with. A beautiful vase and some silk flowers seemed to be the perfect gift. Rosalie put the gift on her charge card, thanked the gift shop worker and left the shop arm in arm with Michael, and vase in hand.
Rosalie and Michael stopped at the front desk to pick up visitors’ passes to Millie’s room. They then proceeded to the elevators, which took them up to Room 305 on the Third Floor. When they got off the elevator, they followed the signs to Room 305. As they approached the door to the room, Rosalie and Michael could see poor Millie resting quietly in her hospital bed with oxygen in her nose, and all sorts of monitoring equipment around her. This brought tears to Rosalie’s eyes. Millie always kept herself so beautiful as she aged. Today Millie looked so old, so weak, and so fragile. Rosalie grabbed Michael’s arm much tighter as they both entered Millie’s room.
Rosalie stood at the side of the bed staring down at Millie’s pale face, hoping Millie would open her eyes. Rosalie didn’t want to startle her by waking her up. Michael took a seat at the front of the bed on one of the wooden visitor’s chairs near the closets. He sat back quietly while Rosalie continued to study Millie’s face, waiting for Millie to wake up. Rosalie then gently placed her hand on Millie’s, softly stroking the top part of Millie’s hand. Rosalie could feel Millie’s loose aged skin and popping veins as she ran her hand back and forth. After what seemed like forever, Millie slowly opened her eyes. She gazed around the room, squinting from the sun’s rays beaming through the window, struggling to see who was by her bedside. Michael, always being the gentleman who could sense what to do next, got up from his seat and brought the blind down to block the sun from Millie’s view. Rosalie proudly looked over at him, sending him a special look of love and approval, as Michael unassumingly settled back down in the wooden visitor’s chair. Before Rosalie could turn back to Millie, she heard her name being called. “Rosalie dear. Is that you?” Rosalie quickly turned her head back and around to look down at Millie. Rosalie replied, “Yes Millie. It’s me. It’s Rosalie.” With tears streaming down her face Rosalie bent down to kiss Millie’s forehead. She felt her own tears fall onto Millie’s pillow. Millie immediately asked Rosalie why she was crying. Millie told her not to cry, that everything is okay. She added with a grin, “They’re taking good care of me here. St. Catherine’s is a wonderful hospital, and I’m on top of them everyday.” She told Rosalie not to worry, that she loved her dearly and was so happy to see her. Millie then asked if that beautiful vase with the silk flowers was for her. Rosalie chuckled and said, “Of course they’re for you Millie. Beautiful silk flowers for a beautiful, classy lady. I’ll leave them on the windowsill.” Millie thanked Rosalie from the bottom of her heart and commented that the vase was extraordinary, and that she absolutely loved it.
Millie then asked how Rosalie learned she was in the hospital. Rosalie replied that she called Millie’s house last night and a policeman who answered the phone told her. Millie apologized to Rosalie for having to learn about her being hospitalized like that, and hoped it didn’t frighten her. She then asked if the policeman told Rosalie what exactly happened at the house. Rosalie sadly said that the officer told her that Millie had suffered a heart attack. She then cried, “We both know the truth behind that Millie, and I blame myself.” Millie responded in a very weak voice, “You are not to blame Rosalie and I do not want to hear such talk.”
Rosalie, finding it immensely difficult to get the words out, apologized to Millie, claiming that Millie’s hospital stay was a direct result of Rosalie’s relationship with Maria. She explained that Maria confessed to her last night exactly what she had done to Millie. Millie’s eyes opened wider as Rosalie spoke. Rosalie continued that all of this was her fault and she just couldn’t bear the thought of Millie being hurt and lying in a hospital bed because of her. Millie replied, “That’s nonsense dear. This is not your fault. Maria is to blame, may God forgive her.” Rosalie cried, “Maria went after you Millie because I told Franco you had seen Maria hanging around outside my house, and he went back to Maria with that information.” Millie smiled and said, “Good for you Rosalie. Maria needed to be exposed. I’m glad she found out what I said.”
Rosalie noticed Millie’s blood pressure numbers rising a bit on the monitor and decided to change the subject. Millie certainly didn’t need to be agitated at this point. So Rosalie introduced Michael to Millie, hoping to bring a smile to her face. Millie asked Michael to come closer so she could take a better look at him. After a few short seconds, Millie said, “What a handsome young man you are Michael. I am so happy to meet you. I am so glad that you are looking after my Rosalie. Continue to take care of her, she needs you. You make such an adoring couple. Look out for each other now.” Michael gently held onto one of Millie’s frail hands and promised that he would always look after Rosalie. This brought a smile to Millie’s ashen face.
Rosalie then asked Millie if her daughter came up from North Carolina yet. Millie replied that her daughter, her son-in-law and her two granddaughters would be here tonight and that they would be staying at Millie’s house for the time being. She begged Rosalie that if Rosalie runs into her daughter, to please not discuss with her anything about Maria or how and why Millie ended up in the hospital. As far as her daughter knows, Millie suffered an angina attack and couldn’t get to her medication quickly enough. Millie further stated that she wanted to tell her daughter the truth about things after she is released from the hospital and she has more time to sit down and talk honestly with her daughter and her family. There are things she needs to explain to her daughter in her own way and on her own time and would appreciate Rosalie’s discretion. Rosalie assured Millie that her lips are sealed and Millie shouldn’t concern herself with the matter right now. The important thing is for Millie to recover and get well.
Millie told Rosalie she feels better alread
y. Having both Rosalie and Michael visit with her today meant the world to her. Rosalie and Michael grinned from ear to ear, taking in Millie’s precious words and infectious smile. Millie then confessed to Rosalie that after all that’s happened, she decided not to press charges against Maria and that Rosalie will soon understand why. Millie added that no one else knows about what truly happened to Millie at the hands of Maria and she’d like to keep it that way for now. She then advised that she was thinking about selling her house and moving to North Carolina with her daughter and the family, leaving this tragedy and bad memory behind her. Rosalie was shocked to hear this, knowing how much Millie loved New York. Millie went on to explain that maybe it was time for “this old gal” to be closer to her family. She added, “Now that you and Michael are together, I can leave New York behind and know that you will be safe and happy with your new life dear Rosalie. I will be just one letter, one e-mail or one phone call away.” Rosalie sat at the edge of Millie’s hospital bed and said, with tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat, “I will miss you so much Millie…so very much…how could I get by without you? - I know that sounds so selfish of me Millie, but I want you in my life. You’re the closest person I will ever have to a mother with my own mom gone. You know that Millie.” Millie responded, “I will always be in your life dear and I will always carry you in my heart. You can call me whenever you need to. I will still be here for you. Don’t you ever forget that Rosalie.” Rosalie then said, “I know Millie. You need to do what is best for you now. I will always be in touch. I will never, ever forget you. I will always carry you right here in my heart too.” As Rosalie pressed her hand against her own heart, Millie lifted her hand to her heart, as a tear fell from Millie’s eye. Rosalie wiped the tear from Millie’s eye with a tissue, then kissed her cheek. She then sadly stated that she feels so guilty about Millie leaving. She can’t help but think that this issue with Maria pushed Millie right out of her home, right out of her neighborhood and right out of Brooklyn. Rosalie told Millie that the guilt she is feeling right now could fill the entire state of New York. Millie chuckled. She then turned to Michael and said, “Please Michael. Tell this wonderful child that she has brought me so much joy over the years, and that none of what has happened is her fault. Be sure she listens to you, because for some reason she is not listening to me.” Michael promised Millie that he will remind Rosalie of that everyday.
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