Page 128 of Downfall

After dinner Roman and I both read Lara a bedtime story. She seems to be into fairy tales and I take my time reading her a simplified version of Cinderella. When she drifts off we just sit there, staring at her, like we’re both in some sort of trance.

And then Roman gets up quietly, signalling for me to follow.

I creep out behind him and he shuts the door. He has a man guarding it. We know the house is safe and yet he’s not taking any chances and for that alone I’m grateful.

“We need to talk.” He says once we’re far enough out of earshot.

My heart sinks. I don’t know why but it does. Already my head tells me that this is it, this is the moment where he lays down the law, when I can be with her, how much time he’s allowing me to have.

I nod biting my tongue ready for whatever this is.

We walk into what looks like a drawing room. All around are paintings, faces of the Montague Family, all testament to their heritage, their history. It’s odd to be here, to be even seeing them, considering who I am.

I sit opposite him, trying to ignore the butterflies. Trying to ignore the trepidation.

For a few moments he doesn’t speak. He just seems to watch me until it becomes practically unbearable.

“Were you ever going to tell me about Lara?” He asks.

I hesitate before replying. “I, I don’t know.” I admit. “I was scared too. Scared of what your reaction would be.”

“Because you thought I wanted her aborted?”

“Yes.”

He shakes his head slightly at that.

“I’m sorry.” I blurt out. “I’m sorry I betrayed you, that I gave my father that address. I just, I was trying to save her. I couldn’t face the thought of her growing up in this environment. Of living the life I have. I wanted to save her. That’s all I wanted.”

He narrows his eyes for a second. “And now?”

“Now what?”

“Lara is safe here so what do you want now Rose?”

I gulp. In truth I don’t know. My life is in freefall. I can hardly go back to my house, can hardly expect my father not to take some sort of action against me.

“I don’t know.” I admit.

He frowns like he expected something else, like he was hoping for some other answer. “Fine. You can stay here as long as you need.”

“I want to help.” I state.

He shakes his head. “I don’t think I can trust you. Not yet.”

I guess that’s fair considering everything I’ve done.

“Focus on Lara. Focus on our daughter.” He says.

“I need to go home.” I reply. “If I’m staying here then I need to get my things and my dog too.”

“I can send a car. They can grab anything you want.”

I narrow my eyes. “You mean you won’t let me leave?”

“No.” He says. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Then why can’t I go?” I half hiss.

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