Until Love by May Gordon

Rose

"Hi, Alice,” I greet my friend as I enter the bakery with Posie skipping behind me.

"Hey, girl. The usual?"

"Yes, please,” I reply as she gets behind the counter.

"What about you, girlfriend?" She asks as she grins at my daughter. Posie pauses to think, despite the fact she always orders the same thing.

"I want the orange and blueberry muffin, please." I can't help but roll my eyes and laugh.

“You got it." Alice smiles and gets started on our order as we sit at the table by the window. It's early morning, so we decided to stop here before our day officially begins. We moved here a few months ago to get away from the drama that seemed to surround us. Who am I kidding? My life has always consisted of something, or someone, wrong.

This town seems like it could be our sanctuary, one that could offer us so much. A thought that has me touching my lips as I think of the kiss the handsome stranger gave me. I don’t have much to compare it to, but it was still the most passionate I’ve ever experienced. It's burned into my brain, and I've been secretly scanning every man I see during my day, hoping it’s him, all the while knowing a relationship is the last thing I need. Instead I should be focusing on keeping Posie safe and our heads down.

Posie pulls a book from her bag and starts reading. She's always been an intelligent child, but I've homeschooled her until now, so this is her first time attending with others and it hasn’t gone smoothly. She’s a loner, and shy’s away from other children. Ironic because she is one of the most outgoing and outspoken kids I’ve ever met, especial when around adults. I suddenly noticing the charm bracelet we made together is missing, I ask her about it.

"I gave it to my new friend," she explains with a smile which I return. She’s always had a kind heart, and had a mind that at times is more mature than her years. Posie loved that bracelet, meaning she wouldn't give it to just anyone. I'm glad she's finally making friends as it's something she's struggled with lately. Kids can be so mean.

"That was nice of you. I hope I can meet them soon."

"You will," she chirps as Alice brings our order over.

"Any plans after work?" She wants to know.

"I promised Posie we’d get our nails done."

"Oh, that sounds fun. I wish I could join you," she says as she looks at her hands. "I'm in desperate need of a manicure. Next time, okay?" I tell her she’s on, then Posie gathers her belongings as I get our bag and we set off.

Surprisingly, I found a position here quite easily teaching fifth grade. Alice lives in the same apartment building we do, which is how we initially met. December, a co-worker at the school, has such a large family that it’s been hard keeping a low profile with how welcoming all of them are.

"Mommy, can we get ice cream later?" She asks as we walk hand in hand toward the school.

"Sure, but only if you eat the sandwiches I packed for your lunch," I inform her, making her grumble and me laugh. Posie’s always had a sweet tooth. I greet the other teachers and some students mulling around in the hallways when we arrive, then drop Posie at her room before heading to my own. It isn’t long before there’s a knock at my door and December pokes her head in.

"Hey, there. Just wanted to invite you to girls’ night this weekend." Uh oh. I’ve heard stories about these excursions. As well as how often their respective husbands and boyfriends have to pick them up because they’re too drunk to drive themselves home.

"Maybe next time," I respond. Her expression warns that she’s on to me.

"One of these days, I won’t take that for an answer and I’ll drag you to it."

"That sounds like a threat." That makes her laugh, then she corrects me that it’s more like a promise. With a wink, she’s off, returning to her class.

As I set up for the day, I can't help but count my lucky stars that I finished my degree before we left home. Teaching had always been a dream of mine, and while I loved doing so with Posie because of the time it gave us together, I’m so happy in this environment.

But a random glance out the window has me breaking out in a cold sweat at the man in a dark suit and sunglasses on the other side of the fence. My gut tightens with what it could mean. I did everything to cover my tracks, even taking this job under my middle name and my mom's maiden. He couldn’t have found me. Many dads wear suits to drop their kids off, I remind myself. It could be one of them.

"You need to chill, Rose." It's been two years and they haven't found us yet, though they have gotten close. This is the longest we’ve ever stayed in one place. I don't think I have it in me to run again, especially not after we’ve established roots. Posie and I love it here, and I want this to become our home. Hopefully, this nightmare comes to an end sooner rather than later. I’m ready to stop looking over my shoulder.

With the man now gone, I assure myself it was nothing, just me feeling jumpy because Posie has a field trip today, her first. They’re going to a greenhouse that has organic fruits and vegetables, and she’s been excited about it.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly begin to calm down. We’ll both have fun, then we’ll enjoy some pampering later. But I just can’t seem to fully relax. I spend the rest of the day in a ball of knots, looking over my shoulder. I plaster on a smile as I teach, and feel like I’m just going through the motions.

“Hey, you alright?” December asks as I fill up my coffee up in the teachers’ lounge. I know the last thing I need is coffee. It has only made me jittery.

“Yea, just thinking.” I need to cover and quickly. I turn to her and plan on lying, but then pose my other problem to her that has been on my mind. “A handsome stranger kissed me the other day.”

I see her lip twitches. “Honey, that doesn’t sound like a problem, but a remedy.”

I manage to smile, already feeling better. “He’s been on my mind for days. I’ve never felt anything like it before.” I gush like a school girl.

“And you have no idea who he is? What does he look like?” She all in now.

“I have no idea who he is, and he’s tall, brown scruffy hair, big brown eyes, he’s got a spark inside him, but it’s deep down you know. Like you have to pull it out of him.” I let out a sigh. “And a fantastic kisser.”

She lets out a laugh. “Rose, it sounds like you’re describing a dog for the most part.” I can’t help but laugh with her.

“Maybe it’s for the better. He can’t possible live up to my expectations I’ve dreamed up.” and I’ve dreamed a lot about him.

“You know what they say, dreams do come true.” December says before leaving the room.

Well here’s hoping for a miracle, and not a nightmare if I ever do meet my handsome stranger again.