Chapter 3 Discovery

"Are you going to be able to finish that food? It's big," Helen said, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention to her daughter. She doesn't even know why she asked that in the first place. Rose felt relieved. "I'm fine, Mom," she said, gently devouring her food.

Charles cleared his throat, commanding the room's attention as he raised his glass with a warm smile. "To family, friends, and making memories that'll last a lifetime," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. The room fell silent, glasses paused mid-air, as everyone echoed his sentiment, "Cheers!"

Rose's younger sister, Isabella, who was seated right next to her, discreetly tapped her arm with her elbow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "How come Fred came with Zoey and not with you? I was surprised how they got here together" she whispered to her. Rose's eyes went wide in surprise, she raised her head and looked at her single cousin sister Zoey, who was seated across the table, giggling with her sister as well. She turned around and looked at Fred, who noticed the way she was staring at him.

"What?" he said softly, not wanting to attract the already suspicious looks. "How are you doing Zoey"? Rose asked, her gaze not leaving Fred's eyes, and she noticed the discomfort in his eyes. Zoey, on the other hand, was a bit startled. She and Rose have never been the best of sisters; there was something off about Zoey, according to Rose. They never liked each other since they were teens, or you could say Rose never liked her.

"Umm, wow you're asking?" She said, looking really surprised, " Zoey could count how many words Rose has said to her since childhood. They don't get along well, so Rose just doesn't like her. "Anyways, I'm doing great and you?" Rose nods her head, indicating she was doing well as well. The atmosphere in the exchange was such that some were surprised by the ongoing interactions, while a few found it suspicious, maybe Rose has grown out of the hate. "You came from work?" Rose threw another question. Zoey, who began feeling uneasy about her questions, had no choice but to keep answering, "No, I came from home. Is there a problem?" She asked politely, and Rose shook her head

"Everything is fine, you look good anyway," she added. Zoey thanked her, and the room went silent again, except for the sound of plates and the clinking of glasses and muted conversations, as everyone's attention returned to their meals, the soft hum of intimacy and warmth filling the room.

As the evening drew to a close, warm goodbyes were exchanged, accompanied by laughter and the promise of future gatherings. The door closed behind the last guest, and the room fell silent once more, filled with the contented sighs of a joyful evening well-spent. Rose, can you help me out in the kitchen please?" Helen asked, "Sure," Rose said, and followed her to the kitchen. When they got to the kitchen,

Helen's eyes locked onto Rose's, a serious expression replacing the warm smile from dinner. "We need to talk," Helen said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Rose's curiosity was piqued, and she nodded, wondering what was on her mother's mind

"You know very well that I can tell when you are hiding something from me, Rose, and right from the time you have never trusted me enough to tell me how you feel." Helen's words cut deep, and Rose's eyes welled up with tears. "Mom, that's not fair, How could you say that?"Rose whispered, her voice trembling. She squeezed her mother's hand, searching for understanding. Helen let out a deep breath, she just wanted to help her daughter but she wouldn't do that unless she opened up.....