His Own - Chapter 4：Maybe?

Grandfather’s cough brought both of them back from their trance. Rosalind blushed when she realised her grandparents were staring at the both of them.

Thank goodness there is no electricity. They would have mistaken her for a tomato otherwise.

“Rosy?” Her grandfather coaxed.

Sheepishly, she walked to her grandfather who enveloped her in a hug.

“This,” he said pointing at the man, who now stood in attention, “is Lieutenant General Titus Hangzo, he is the first few of our people to get this title. He is also the grandson of my best friend.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you.” His deep voice resounded throughout the quiet house. He held a gloved hand out.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Rosalind delicately shook his hand.

It’s warm, even with the glove on. She almost whined when he pulled his hand back. In the candle lit room, she could see the displeasure in his face as he pulled away, it disappeared as quickly as it appeared. A small smile spread across her face.

“Your friend, grandpa?” Rosalind asked looking from Titus to her grandfather.

“The one who passed away last week.” Titus replied, almost too quickly.

“Oh. I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to ask.”

“It’s alright.” He said, his gaze never leaving her.

“Yes. One of my best friends from when I was a child. If only your parents could see you now,” her grandfather’s voice quivered, “they would be so proud of you.”

“Thank you, sir.” Titus have a small bow to her grandfather and his gaze rested on her again.

“Now this,” her grandfather continued, now with pride, “is my granddaughter. The daughter of my daughter and pride of my life.”

“Grandpa, stop.” Rosalind blushed. She turned back to Titus, locking her gaze on him and said, “Hello, my name is Rosalind.”

Titus took in a sharp breath, almost stumbling over his words, “It is a pleasure to meet you. My grandfather talked a lot about your family while he was still alive. I wish we could have visited while he was still alive.”

“It’s alright. It’s better late than never.” She smiled, her eyes twinkling.

“Titus, here, was on his way back. I happened to meet him and forced him to come here. I was hoping he would have tea with us but he refused.”

“Grandpa! He might be busy. You can’t just make people follow you because you want them to.”

Grandfather laughed.

“It’s no problem. I was supposed to visit soon anyway so I’m glad he called me.” He glanced at his watch and said, “Pardon me but it’s getting late and I should be heading back.”

“Of course, of course.” Her grandfather jumped in. “Have you eaten yet?”

“Yes I have, thank you very much for your hospitality.”

“Grandpa! I’ll see him off.” Rosalind grabbed a shawl and picked up a lantern. She wrapped the shawl around her as she walked out the door with the lantern.

“It was a pleasure to meet all of you.” Titus addressed the grandparents as he wore his cap.

“It’s always a pleasure to meet you too. Come visit us anytime you wish. Our doors are always open to you.”

“Thank you.” He gave a quick bow and walked out.

Rosalind stood in the driveway, little twinkling fireflies surrounded her. They made eye contact and she smiled at him. Briskly, he walked towards her.

“Soo. . . You’re a soldier?”

“Yes.”

“You’re really amazing you know?” Rosalind could not contain her excitement any longer, her smile lit up her whole face.

Titus stared at her, confusion on his face.

“I know I don’t know you very well, well, I don’t know you at all but it’s amazing that you’re fighting to protect everyone, at the same time you’re bringing pride to your tribe. That’s so admirable.” She sighed.

“I’m really honoured that you think so.” The sides of his lips turned up a little.

Rosalind’s heart did a cartwheel all around her ribcage.

“You are welcome.” She put on the most ‘posh’ accent she could then burst out laughing.

“I’m sorry.” She quickly regained her composure, mentally kicking herself.

“Don’t be.” He replied. “Life’s too short to be apologising for being happy.”

“Thank you.”

The pathway still glowed with fireflies. Sounds of carts being pulled and cattle surrounded them.

They, well she, talked about her grandparents, some of the flowers she likes to grow and the births she had to assist with just the day before.

“You’re a doctor?”

“Well, something like that. I studied all types of medicine and medical procedures. But I’m just here, doing the same work midwives do. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think they’re work is beneath me or anything. I just,” her voice dropped low “I just want to do more. I know I can do more. Am I talking too much? Sorry.”

“No, it’s a great thing. Your passion is very admirable.”

“Thank you.” Rosalind gently smiled at him.

Unknowingly, they were both walking as slowly as possible, trying to delay his departure. But it is, of course, inevitable and they finally, reach the gate.

“Will I be seeing you again?” Rosalind asked quickly before she lost her nerve. “That’s is . . . I . . . uh . . . want you to see my flowers!” She quickly added, pointing to the garden.

Rosalind heard a little chuckle from Titus, hand over heart she felt blood rushing to her ears. She would risk anything to hear it again.

“I’ll come tomorrow. To take a look at your flowers of course.” She could hear the teasing in his voice. “Good day, miss Rosalind.”

He tipped his hat and walked out the gate, closing it behind him.

Rosalind stared at the gate, for how long she did not know.

She ran into the house as fast as she could, shouting, “Grandma! Grandma!”

“Goodness, girl. I’m here.” Her grandmother called from the living room.

“Grandma!”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Grandpa!”

“Yes, dear?”

“He’s coming tomorrow?” She squealed.

“Is he now?”

“He is! Oh my gosh. Did you see how he looked like, grandma!?” She fanned herself.

“Yes dear.” Grandmother chuckled at her excitement.

“Tell him to stay for dinner tomorrow.” Grandfather piped in.

“OK! I will. Wait, I thought you were against me dating, grandpa?”

“How old are you, Rosy?”

“Twenty-one.”

“You’re old enough to start considering a partner. Does not mean you’ll get married but you can just look.”

“Grandpa.”

“He is a fine young man. Very accomplished too. I knew him as a boy so if there is anyone you should consider, I would like it to be him. Plus,” Grandfather smiled “he’s just your type, isn’t he?”

Rosalind hugged her grandfather, while burning with embarrassment.

“We still have to consider the possibility that he might not like Rose.” Concern laced her voice.

“Nonsense.” Grandfather snorted. “Did you see the way he looked at her? I know that look anywhere. After all, that was the very look my daughter’s husband had when he first saw her and the same look I had when I first saw you.”

Grandmother smiled fondly at the memory.

“What look?” Rosalind is confused.

“To put it simply it is the look of pure and complete admiration, but you can’t really describe it in a way that explains it. It is said that you have that look only for your soulmate.” Grandmother explained.

“And the look both of you had when you saw each other, that was the look. When you see it, you just know.”

Grandmother smiled at her, a twinkle in her eyes as grandfather slowly dozed off in his chair, completely tuning out of the conversation.