Chapter 4: Rose on the doorstep

Aurora's POV

Days became weeks and it's only two days before the wedding ceremony.

Mom chose me to be her one of her bridesmaids and Toby is the ring bearer. And she chose one of her close friends to be her maid of honor.

"What do you think of this dress, dear?" Mom said which made me snapped out of my thoughts. She showed me a classically simple strapless gown of pure white embroidered silk, with an asymmetrical over panel revealing a less-heavily embroidered underskirt.

"It looks, lovely mom." I said.

"You said that to the other dresses that I've shown you." She said.

"Mom, I'm not good with wedding dresses and they all look white and kinda the same," I said, standing up.

"Not all wedding dresses look the same and also this is snow white." She puts the wedding dress back to the racks and continues looking for another dress. "By the way, have you picked out your bridesmaid dress yet?"

"No. What are the colors of the wedding again?" I asked.

"Pastel lavender and white." She replied.

I nodded and look for the "perfect dress." I walked around and admire all of the dresses. Some dresses look elegant and it makes you feel like a princess. Some dresses look simple yet classy. And there are some dresses that almost looks like a prom dress.

And the color white is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is also considered to be the color of perfection.

I found the bridesmaid section and there are thousands of dresses to choose from. Though I'm looking for a white dress with a touch of pastel lavender.

After a few minutes, I found the one.

I pull it out from the racks and touch the fabric of the dress.

It's a white off-the-shoulder dress with a lacy design on the bodice and a soft lavender sheer skirt with glitters over an underskirt of the same color.

This is the one. I bring it along with me and show it to mom.

"Hey, mom," I called out. "What do you think of this dress?"

She turns around and I notice that she's wearing a different dress.

"Oh honey, it's beautiful. Do you like it?" She asked.

Her strapless, white dress of semi-embroidered fabric accentuated her thin waist, hugged her hips, and flared out a bit.

"I think it's perfect. And your dress is also beautiful mom. I like it."

"Thank you, sweetie. I guess this is the one. I'll take it. And we'll also take this." She said to the tailor.

"Okay, ma'am." I give the dress to the tailor and my mom proceeds changing.

~Later~

"We'll get these dresses two days before the wedding day. " My mom said as she pays for the dresses.

"No problem ma'am. And here's your change." The cashier gives the change to my mom and she carefully puts them into her wallet.

"Thank you."

Then we head out of the shop and walk towards the car and we get in.

"I think that's all in the list." My mom said as she puts her purse on to the passenger seat. "I'm exhausted. Want to get something to eat?"

"I'm actually kind of hungry though. Can we go to Pine Drive restaurant please?"

"Sure." Mom started the engine and we head off.

__

After eating at the Pine Drive restaurant, we head back home.

"Do you have any homework?" Mom asked.

"No, and I'm glad there's no school today," I said.

"Oh wait, what time is it?"

"It's almost 4:00. Why?"

"I'm gonna drop you off and I have to pick up Toby."

"Okay," I said.

She stops the car and I get off.

"I'll see you later," I said and she gave me the house keys. I close the car door and watch as she drove off.

I turn around and walk towards the house. I pull out the main key of the house, unlock the door and enter.

I let out a sigh and walk towards the living room. I took off my shoes and lay down on the couch.

I decided to watch some TV since it's awfully quiet. I grab the remote control and turn the TV on. I just switch from channel to channel until I stopped and watch a movie that I've seen with Heather and Eddie.

It's about a guy stalking a girl and we all thought the guy is the crazy one but then it turns out that the girl is actually crazier than the guy which is a huge twist.

A few moments later, I felt someone's presence outside the window. As if someone's watching me. I averted my gaze towards the window and I notice the tree branch moving and I could've sworn I saw a shadowy figure passing by.

I stand up and slowly walk towards the window. I look out and nobody is there.

I just shrugged it off and walk back to the couch.

And then...

'KNOCK KNOCK'

I got startled by the sudden noise and take a breather.

I turn off the TV and slowly and quietly walk towards the door.

I look through the peephole and saw nobody again. I open the door and look around.

"Hello?" I called out. "Is anyone there?"

Then I let out a sigh and look down. A red rose with a note attached to the stem. I picked it up and read the note.

Be mine.

Who the hell-

'BEEP BEEP'

Looking up from the rose, I saw my mom's car.

She stepped out of the car and help Toby get off the car.

"Aurora!" Toby yelled, running towards me.

"Hey goofball, how's school?" I asked, ruffling his hair.

"I got three stamps during math class." He said, showing me his stamped arm.

"Wow, that's great Toby," I said and he walks into the house.

"Hi, sweetie. Oh, who gave you that rose?" She asked.

"Um... Edward gave it to me."

Damn it, I have to lie.

"That's nice of him. Let's go inside."

I nodded and we head inside.

"I'm gonna start preparing dinner." Mom said. "What would you like to have?"

"How about your famous garlic chicken?" I suggested.

"Oh, of course. After all, it's your guys' favorite. I'll call you when it's done."

I nodded and head upstairs. I walk into my room and head over to the bathroom. I open the door of the cabinet and grab an empty vase. I turn on the faucet and make sure it's the right amount. I turn it off and head out. I put the rose into the vase and place it on the coffee table near the window.

Who the hell puts a rose right on the doorstep? More importantly, how did this person knew where I live?

I mentally slapped myself and decided to go on my laptop.

A few hours have passed and it's dinner time.

"Kids, I have something to tell you." Mom began. "Right after the wedding ceremony... we have to move into Mr. John's house."

"And live there?" I asked.

"Yeah, don't worry. You'll get used to it." She said.

"Well, I suppose. All I want for you is to be happy, mom. And I'm sure dad wants that too."

"Thank you for your support sweetie, I really appreciate it." She said.

"I want mommy to be happy too," Toby said.

Mom and I let out a giggle. "Thank you, honey. Now, let's enjoy our dinner."

We nodded and continue eating our dinner.

After dinner, Toby and I head upstairs and I put him to bed.

Then I head inside my room and change into my pajamas. After changing, I hopped into bed. I look at the rose on the coffee table and wrap the blanket around me and fall into a deep sleep.

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"Aurora~ You know you can't run away from me."

I run and run as fast as I can. Then I saw a door and pick up the pace.

I grab the door handle and quickly open it. Right in front of me is a shadowy figure and behind him is a bloody garden full of red rose bushes and I notice tips of the petals are dripping blood.

"Hello... Aurora."

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.

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I open my eyes and jerk out of my bed and let out a gasp.

It's just a nightmare.

I look at the red rose once again and mentally slapped myself.

Coincidence? I think not.

I take a deep breath before falling back to sleep.