Chapter 16
Posalie was still reeling from the unexpected tum of events when she suddenly found herself left behind.
She stared after Emery’s retreating figure, pushing herself up off the ground. Just as she was about to chase after him, a thought struck her, and she whirled around, her face alight with smug satisfaction as she faced her gaze on Arlene
“Arlene, I told you–you never stood a chance against me!”
Arlene regarded her in silence, descending the stone steps one deliberate stride at a time until she stood face to face with Rosalie
She was a good two inches taller, and with the slightest tilt of her head, Arlene could see the cocky glint buming in Rosalie’s eyes I
Thinking of the pocket watch naned by water, and all the old grievances that had piled up, Arlene decided it was finally time to settle things.
She flexed her fingers, a polite smile settling on her lips. Then, before Rosalie could even process what was happening, Arlene’s hand shot out, delivering a resounding slap
The crack echoed through the air Rosales fever–flushed face swelled instantly, and the force of the blow sent her sprawling a few feet away.
Pain and numbness throbbed through Arlene’s hand, but she felt nothing but a deep, profound satisfaction
She met Rosalie’s funous, tear filled glare without a hint of fear and spoke softly
“That was for you. Do you have a problem with that?”
Rosalie never saw it coming. She tried to fight back, but her body was too weak; all she could do was shock in outrage
“Arlene! You just wait! When Emery finds out about this,
Arlene’s smile only grew brighter
never let you got away with it!“”
She knelt down beside Rosalic, raised her hand again, and delivered another crisp slap to her other cheek 2
Now matching red handprints blazed on both sides of Rosalie’s face–somehow, the symmetry made Arlene feel a little better about the whole thing. Her tone burned almost cheerful
“That one’s for my watch Now we’re even.
“Of course, if you want revenge, you’re welcome to bring Emery along. I wouldn’t mind giving him a few slaps too.”
With that, Arlene got to her feet, not sparing Rosalie another glance
As she turned, she caught sight of Pearson leaning against the window, an unmistakable pout on his face.
Their eyes met. He immediately humed to the door, swung it open, and took her hand in his gently kneading her fingers, his voice thick with conce
“Why didn’t you call me when you were about to start a fight? Does your hand hurt?%
Just seeing him made Arlene’s heart soften
“it doesn’t hurt. Next time, you u can help me, how about that?”
Her gentle reply seemed to soothe him, and the sullen look on Pearson’s face finally faded.
He led her to the dining table and sat her down, then grabbed a few eggs and disappeared into the kitchen.
Watching him fuss over something so minor, Arlene couldn’t help but sigh and call after him.
“‘s nothing, really. My hand won’t even swell. You don’t have to bother with the eggs.
But Pearson ignored her. He finished boiling them, then sat beside her, rolling the warm egg quer the redness in her palm with utmost care.
Watching him obsess over such a small thing, Arlene felt both helpless and oddly charmed by his stubbornness.
“Did you get so caught up in the drama that you forgot the dessert? is the fruit compote ready yet? I’ve been waiting all aftemoon”
Pearson, soll sulking, refused to take her bait. So Arlene switched tactics
“We’re going to Silverton in a couple of days, right? Didn’t you say you’d take me home? How about we start packing tonight?”
At that. Pearson finally spoke
“We’ll make a stop in Europe first. Then we’ll by to Silverton.”
Europe? What for?%
He finally looked at her, his eyes warm with reluctant indulgence
“That watch was your grandmother’s, wasnt it? Of course we have to get it fixed first. Otherwise, when you introduce me to her, she’d be heartbroken if it wasn’t working
Arlene hadn’t expected him to be so thoughtful, and a wave of warmth flooded her chest
But she’d already checked the watch on her way here and knew it was probably beyond repair. She didn’t want to make the trip for nothing
“There’s no need its just stopped licking. As long as I still have it, that’s enough
Her voice was full of reassurance, but Pearson’s concern only deepened 2
He set the egg aside and pulled out the ring she’d taken off before her shower, slipping it carefully onto her finger His words were steady and sincere
“Let’s go. We’ll make a trip of it if it has anything to do with you, even if there’s only a sliver of hope, I want to try”
