Chapter 43 - 42 (1/2)

Flashback....

12-year-old Rose was in her room seated on the floor with a table in front of her and was colouring a drawing.

She felt someone enter her room from behind her. She held the crayon hard in her hand . She knew who it was.

Ermanno entered Rose's room and sat beside her.

He kissed her shoulder and said ”hello Mio Rosa”

Rose didn't say anything and Ermanno leaned toward her and bit her shoulder.

Rose hissed in pain and looked at Ermanno rubbing her shoulder and asked: ”why did you bite me?”

”Why didn't you answer me when I asked you a question? Why is my Rose angry at me?” Asked Ermanno.

”You came into my room again,” said Rose looking back at her drawing.

”But I didn't sleep with you or touch or kiss you while you slept,” said Ermanno.

”You.. you... Were making noises,” said Rose and continued ”and you had your hand in your pants”.

”You were awake?” Asked Ermanno.

”Yes. I am afraid to sleep when you are here because I know you will come into my room again.” Said Rose.

”Why are you afraid? I just like to hold you when I sleep. But after you said you don't want that I stopped coming to sleep with you. And yesterday I was. ah .. I just wanted to see you” said Ermanno.

”Why did you have your hand in your pants?” Asked Rose.

”You ask too many questions little girl,” said Ermanno irritated.

Rose was silent after that and continued colouring. She felt Ermanno leaning in and smelling her hair. He always smelt her. He said he liked how she smelt.

”I have a gift for you,” said Ermanno.

”What ?” Asked Rose.

Ermanno removed a small box from his pocket and removed a rose pendant and gave it to her.

Rose looked at the pendant and smiled and said ”thank you. It's beautiful”

Ermanno removed the chain pendant from the box and helped her wear it around her neck.

He leaned in close to her and kissed the crook of her neck.

”Won't you thank me?” Asked Ermanno.

”I did,” said Rose.

”Action speaks louder than words. I want you to show me that you really are thankful. Kiss me” said Ermanno.

”I don't want to. Ray said that when a boy kisses a girl. The girl gets pregnant” said Rose.