Dear Rosemary ▸ Tyler Joseph

2

Tyler gripped tightly onto his small journal, his knuckles turning a prominent shade of white due to the pressure of his bones against his fragile skin. I could hear his black pen clicking inwards and outwards at a quick pace, most likely out of anxiousness.

The feeling of guilt seemed to be heavily upon me today as I couldn't help but feel somewhat bad for dragging him into a family dinner at such late notice. However, I wanted to thank him, for taking the time to drive me as it, of course, wasn't necessary for him to do so. I guessed this was sort of a formal way to go about it but I didn't think it would hurt to give it a try.

The keys made a prominent raking sound against the metal of the lock sitting solidly on the house door as my fingers pushed, then turned it, unlocking and opening up the inside of my crowded home. Instantly the various flavourful smells wafted in our direction, the atmosphere quite loud due to numerous different voices, all having discussions and conversations of their own. 

Tyler followed closely behind me, close enough for me to notice, that was, and at that moment I could swear I'd heard his heart banging against his ribcage in a rapid manner, one lacking normalcy. I decided to take ahold of his wrist reassuringly.

"No, keep them on, it's okay," I whispered softly, referring to his floral printed Vans, which were just about to be taken off by him. He pursed his lips and nodded softly. I didn't wait another second before taking his coat, placing it onto a hanger in the main hallway closet. 

"Oh, shit, sorry," He mumbled a quick curse suddenly. It had taken me a moment to register what he could have been apologizing for. I watched as he rushed to grab the fallen skateboard that I'd left clumsily behind the door. As he missed his catch the loud clutter of a sound seemed to allow the poor boy to become flustered. The house quieted down slightly, and I was reminded to be more cautious when finding spots to place my belongings. Tyler had later gathered himself and showed me a different facial expression, one that was both intrigued and curious, "Is this yours, Rose?" Tyler had asked after analyzing the stickers and seeing the scrawly handwriting of my name on the curve of the board. It wouldn't be shocking to believe he seemed impressed and yet, bewildered at the same time. His eyebrow quirked as the heavy board was held in his free hand, awaiting my obvious answer.

I nodded, proudly, "Took me about a year to really land an ollie and do a proper kick-flip but I wouldn't say I'm any good."

"An ollie and a kick-flip? Rose, that's amazing," He paused to stare more at the wooden thing, "Hey, promise you'll show me some of your tricks, yeah?"

Another head bobble emerged out of me, and I laughed as he'd continued, "Teach me a little too. I could finally look cool for once." My lips curved into a smile, my hand reaching to grip his arm, "Of course, Tyler -"

"Rose!" My aunt Kate chirped, catching the both of us off guard as she wrapped both her arms around me in a quick and swift manner.

Immediately after hearing her voice I'd distanced myself from Tyler, not wanting any assumptions to arise from my family as my uncle soon came and approached both of us as well.

Aunt Kate was a short and sweet, chubby women with rosy cheeks and deep blue eyes. Her husband, however, uncle William, was a tall man, buff with tattoos and a tamed beard. Quite the odd couple, if you asked me. Yet, they were perfect for each other in the long run. I don't know about you, but twenty-seven years seemed like a long time to be with someone. Images of them would always flash in my mind as the prime example whenever I'd have those moments where I'd wonder if I too could manage to sustain a bond with someone for that long.