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chapter 2: ( lovers rock )
❝ you are the only exception ❞
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Golden rays of the morntide come as invitations to the day. A new day has begun. Rosalind reached out to the fabric of the curtain, noticing how up close the light poured through every open space between fibres, illuminating like brilliant fireflies each dawn. The material was warm beneath her fingers, and when the sun fled the room, painting the colors anew, she felt a little of those golden rays soak into her skin.
"Rosalind, come join us at the dining table," Caroline's voice echoed through the rooms of their compact abode.
The young girl quickly made her way out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, being greeted with the smell of tea with a loaf of bread and butter in the middle of the table. There, her father, Edmund, sat by himself, a book in hand.
"Have you finished your morning chores," Caroline asked, setting the tea on the table.
"Yes. I'm supposed to check on the children today with Constance," Rosalind smiled. She loved being around the younger ones and helping their intelligence grow with every passing day. For, she believed they were the future of their settlement, and they were to do great things.
"Alright. Best be going now, then." Caroline patted her hands on the apron around her waist before kissing her daughter's cheek.
"And don't forget to pick the fruit for tomorrow morning," Edmund reminded, glancing up.
"I never do, father." He flashed a smile her way before she was out the doors.
Rosalind was greeted with the prattle of the settlement with many families already outside and commencing their errands. She kept to herself while passing by, the neighboring houses not the friendliest people of the bunch. At the end of the trail was the schoolhouse where the children played with Constance watching over them. She, too, was part of the entertainment.
"Constance, you're meant to be teaching them," Rosalind playfully scolded.
"You must've mistaken me for my sister," the red headed girl raised her eyebrows. "I only participate in merrymaking." She giggled while running off with the children.
Rosalind rolled her eyes and followed after with her own laughter. The children joined hands and spun in a circle with the two eldest in the middle. Joyful smiles were seen all around as they sang the devised song.
"Pastor Miller, blind as a bat, Pastor Miller, blind as a bat! Tried to read the Bible and his eyes went splat!"
They turned towards the man himself, as he assisted one of the villagers with cleaning the hooves of a horse.
"Oh, but I see you. I've got eyes in the back of my head!" He turned towards them in feign fright, causing all the kids to run off.
Constance and Rosalind shook with laughter until Abigail grabbed her sister by the arm with aggravation, dragging her away. The brunette shook her head as she approached Cyrus Miller.
"How was your morning, Pastor," she asked. She always looked up to the man who brought peace to their quaint village. He was their savior, as some chose to call him. There was no problem he couldn't help with, day or night.
"As good as they come, Ms. Salvatore," Pastor Miller responded with a sigh. He glanced at the children and back at her with a gentle smile. "You are a good impact on them. The Union would most likely be in smithereens if it wasn't for you and your family."
Edmund Salvatore was a close friend of Pastor Miller. He was almost like his second-in-command. Together, they established the Union for all to live civically. Families were created and their history would continue living on until they were to be read in the books of coming times. Everyone would know of their great land.
Rosalind shook her head. "We would be nothing if it weren't for you."
"You must take pride in your work," he exclaimed and set his hand on her shoulder. "The world ceases to turn without us all. But you are a very special girl. And that young man over there must think so too." She turned around and set eyes on the familiar boy he was talking to about. "I expect a wedding sometime soon."
Rosalind stuttered over her words as the blush formed on her cheeks. "We are far too young and have not yet courted."
"Yet." Pastor Miller couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh and waved goodbye.
She gulped while fiddling with the material of her skirt. Sure, she's known the boy since before they were old enough to stand, but they were still at young ages. After marriage, they expect family, and she wasn't ready for children. She could barely handle the ones she was teaching. If only the Union learned to keep their big noses out of everyone's business, perhaps they'd find a way to make their affection more public.
When she turned to leave, a small force made her stumble back.
"Careful now," Sarah Fier chuckled. "I've got precious cargo." She held up the sack in her hand that squealed and wiggled.
Rosalind couldn't help but chortle. "My mistake." Her eyes moved back and forth before leaning in to whisper, "A full moon rises before nightfall."
"Good night to enjoy fruits of the land."
The smallest smirk was held on her face. "I will see you soon, then."
The two girls departed ways and carried on with their individual travels. Rosalind's gaze fell upon the blonde boy once more as she neared his figure. Although it was unflattering to some of the task he continuously managed, she somehow found a way to overlook that. He didn't need to do nothing more but just stand there and she'd think he was the most dashing boy of the land.
A soiled hand gripped her forearm, making her gasp and footing stop midway. In front of her was the town drunk, his hair as greasy as oil and face covered with grime. There was a wicked smile on his face that made her struggle in his clutches.
"Rosy Salvatore. There must be a reason why your parents named you so." He pulled her closer so his other hand could skim over the side of her face. "For you are the most beautiful flower in this land."
She pulled away as far as she could, her palm colliding with his chest to push him away. But, despite his physique, he was still rugged. "Unhand me, you pig." He only laughed in her face, the strong scent of whiskey filling her nostrils. "I said unhand me!"
"Let her go, Thomas."
Lizzie glared at the man with basket still on arm. Beside her stood Abigail and Constance, the two staring with loathe.
Thomas laughed again, freeing her from his grasp as she stepped back. "Fair well, ladies." He mockingly bowed and walked away with stumbling feet.
Rosalind's breathing pattern was uneven as she turned away to face her friends. She was used to his unmannered behavior, but he seemed to poke at her the most, like it was some sort of game to him.
"Are you alright," Abigail asked. She handed her a cloth to wipe the leftover dirt on her skin.
"It's awful his parents aren't here to teach him right from wrong," Constance chided. "Now he's drowned himself in alcohol and can't stand straight enough to tell the time of day."
"Don't worry about Thomas. He's just a boy." Rosalind wiped her arms clean until the skin was nearly red.
Lizzie scoffed. "A boy who will end up alone for the rest of his years."
"She only says so because there is another boy in her eyes," Abigail teased Rosalind, the atmosphere instantly turning.
Rosalind rolled her eyes with a shake of her head, the three girls sniggering. "I believe I will see you tonight." She threw the towel back to Abigail and walked off, hearing Constance complain that she would like to attend the secret meeting as well.
Finally, the girl had made her way to the place she desired most. There he stood in the wash of new light, his face taking on the appearance of an old photograph, one of nostalgia, so beautiful. The new days were always her favorite because she knew he would always be there to greet her.
"Hello, Isaac." She rocked back and forth on her heels while keeping her hands clasped behind her back.
The blonde boy turned around and smiled back at her with equal rapture. "Good day, Rosalind. Sleep well?" He leaned his weight against the shovel, giving his full attention to her.
"I suppose so. I had a strange dream I was lost in the woods. It felt I walked on for hours, but couldn't find anyone. But I do recall the Fier's dog accompanying me at some point."
A small laugh came from Isaac. "I assure that you'd never be lost in these woods with me by your side."
There it was again. The fluttering in her stomach that she couldn't explain. Almost, like...butterflies? How silly to say so.
"I'd like to say that I'd find no reason to be in the woods. Unless a full moon rises before nightfall."
Isaac raised his eyebrows in amusement, standing straight. "Good night to enjoy fruits of the land."
Rosalind bit back her vast smile and nodded his way. "I will see you tonight, then?"
"Of course, pretty lady." Isaac let his stare linger as she walked past before returning to his duty, looking more forward to the night's events.
✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩
The only source of light was the high moon in the sky that shined through the window. Rosalind sat at her dressing table in front of the mirror, toying with the braids that rest upon her shoulders. Would Isaac like it? Would he think she was beautiful? She always kept her long hair pulled back and hidden under a bonnet, but tonight was the night to "let loose".
Rosalind was sure of her appearance and slyly opened her window, being light on her feet as she jumped to the other side. She closed it just slightly enough to sneak back through before hiding in the shadows. While running through the dim, a hand rested on her shoulder, causing her to jump.
"Dear God, Abigail."
The girl giggled quietly before grabbing her hand. "Adventure begins now."
The two girls found themselves heading into the woods together, muffling their laughing to avoid being caught. They took many twists and turns in hopes they wouldn't get tangled in the trees. The further they journeyed on, the louder their squeals of thrill carried. Chatter from the teens of the townspeople became louder and clearer as they witnessed the smoke become visible in the night sky.
Abigail pulled Rosalind closer as they passed by a few others, some being intimate with one another. They slowed their pace when they joined the group and greeted some among the way.
"Look, there's Isaac." Abigail pointed at him sitting at the fire. She then pulled out a bottle of Apple Jack from her skirt pocket. "Here, this will be sure to impress him."
"What the hell, Abigail. Your father will notice it's missing," Rosalind warned.
She waved her friend off. "Never mind that. Go now!" She gave a slight push, handing the bottle off.
Rosalind drummed her fingers on the glass nervously and took a drink for herself, recoiling at the strong tasting beverage down her throat. Abigail was already off when she turned back, so there was no other choice but to approach him. She wasn't sure how to greet him with every step closer. Instead, she plopped down next to him in a rather ungraceful manner.
"Uh, hello."
"Hello." Isaac's eyes fell to the item in her hand, making him smile in interest. "Do my eyes deceive me?"
Rosalind looked down at the Apple Jack and back up. "It's not mine. It's Abigail's. But, I suppose, she let me borrow it for the night. Would you like some?"
"Don't mind if I do." He took a swig of the drink, making a similar face she did before. "You've let your hair down." His burly hands gently obtained the ends, letting it brush over his finger tips. "It's very beautiful. Much reminds me of the autumn leaves playing in the dayshine." He moved a strand of her hair back to get a clear view of her face.
She was thankful the flames of the fire burned a bold red to hide her flushed face. "You certainly know how to sweet talk a girl." Rosalind took another gulp of the beverage. "Do you suppose Lizzie will return with the berries?"
"When has she ever disappointed?" Isaac let out a merry chuckle before standing up and holding out his hand.
"What is it," she asked.
"Come dance with me."
"There is no music."
"We use our imaginations, then." He leaned down to grab both of her hands and pulled her up. Rosalind didn't object and followed his lead, letting his hand set in the middle of her back with the other still holding hers. "A fine night for a dance under the stars, you suppose?"
"Of course, with the right partner." Rosalind felt their moment become more cherished with every passing second. Were they standing closer together? She took another drink of Apple Jack, Isaac following with a small chuckle.
Their moment was cut short at the arrival of Lizzie with Sarah and Hannah by her side. "Full moon rises."
Lizzie held her hand out as they all gathered around to take the single berry. It was a bit sour tasting as the juice surged across Rosalind's tastebuds. For such a small substance, it caused a very strong effect on them all. People found themselves roaming around the fire, twisting and turning as their laughs reflected into the night. With clouded minds and blurred vision, they stumbled across the land feeling euphoric.
Rosalind looked down at her hands as she swore she was seeing double. She wiggled her fingers before walking forward with great difficulty. She felt another hand grab onto hers, making her smile and latch onto the person.
"Isaac, have I ever told you your grey eyes remain sparks of the blacksmith's fire? They are quite beautiful." Her hand moved to the side of his face, moving to his shoulder.
He smiled gaily while keeping an arm around her waist to support her falling figure. "And you be the fairest maiden in this land, Ms. Salvatore. Any man would be lucky to have your hand."
"You— You'd be that man." Rosalind's hand moved to the back of his neck as she stood upright, bringing them closer together as their faces was inches apart. "Might I kiss you?"
"If your heart desires."
His lips were soft, almost silken, and pillowy against hers. She could feel the soft tickle of his breath beneath her nose, fingers carding through his hair as they breathed each other in. When they pulled away, a ditzy smile was on both of their faces as they stared at one another.
Suddenly, Rosalind felt herself being whisked away by Lizzie to skip around the nearest trees. She looked back to see Isaac laughing to him, blowing a kiss goodbye in her direction. It caused her to giggle contagiously as she continued frolicking with Lizzie.
"Oh, what a beautiful night it is," exclaimed Rosalind. "The Gods look down at us and wish they could celebrate this joyous life with us!"
They stopped their fooling around and became twisted in each other's embrace, keeping each other on end. They stood close to their friends, but were concealed in the shadows of the trees.
"I've seen you and Isaac share intimacy beside the bonfire. What a beautiful thing love is," Lizzie cooed. "I wish for the same one day, but there aren't many options in the Union. I might as well be better off with Mad Thomas or courting one of our fellow ladies."
Rosalind chortled while shaking her head softly. "Mad Thomas does not deserve your ardor, Lizzie. And there be nothing wrong with courting a lady."
"Do you think so," the other girl whispered, her tone hinting unease.
"Of course. You let your heart lead you to one you love most, no matter who." Rosalind smiled, clueless, as Lizzie bit the inside of her cheek nervously. All of a sudden, she found her friend's lips against hers before pulling away.
Lizzie covered her mouth in shock of her actions. "I'm so sorry, I don't know what overcame me. Please, do not tell my mother—" She was cut off by Rosalind kissing her lips once more, only a few seconds longer.
"'Tis alright, Lizzie. I understand curiosity. This can be our little secret." Rosalind held out her pinkie, Lizzie immediately smiling in relief while interlocking their pinkies.
"Our secret."