Rose's Resolve

Prologue 

John sat by Julie's bed as the monitor beeped indicating the current state of her vitals. She appeared to be stable though she'd not moved for a few days. Carol, Linda, Sky, Nancy, Lucy, and his Father in law sat quietly by his side. John trembled with rage as he remembered coming upon Julie as she lay in a burned pile of rubble. As he took her to the hospital she was hysterically calling out for Rose and for Clotilde. However, they were nowhere to be found. As he held Julie's hand, he felt her weak but firm grip. "Julie...Julie, you're in the hospital." "Julie, what happened? Where's our daughter?" Julie then said as tears streamed down her cheeks, "She's gone. John, she took our baby away." "I don't...I don't know what to do!" Julie cried. John did his best to soothe her nerves. "Don't worry, we'll get her back. I promise!"

 in the Air

Clotilde smiled as she looked down at Rose asleep in her lap. In just 5 hours they would be in Paris, France. "Home again, home again", she whispered. "Soon, my dear, you will be completely mine. "Likely, they will come after me in an attempt to take you back. I need to erase your presence completely." Then while looking at an old photo, she smiled. And I think I know exactly how to accomplish that. Almost 5 full hrs later, Rose awoke to Clotilde shaking her shoulder. "We're almost here my dear. Now once we get settled into our home, There is one more thing we must settle." "What's that mother?" asked Rose. "Well, how about we freshen up, only not the conventional way. That's is just the thing. Rose asked confused, "Mother what do you mean by not conventional?" "Well, dear...think of it as a makeover, that's all. After this, you'll have more of the characteristics of your grandmother." You're already starting to look like her. Soon, there won't be any denial that you are her granddaughter." I know you never got to know her so I'll show you her picture."

Rose was shown a beautiful smiling woman and ran her hand over her face. "Ok, mother. You're right. It's time for a new start." Clotilde took her hand and smiled so sweetly. Soon the airplane landed. As they came out of the airport, Rose took in all the scenes as cars came in and out and people went to and fro. Soon they got into a car and were on their way. 

Julie after being checked over one last time was signed out and ready to leave when John came in with some passports. "We can head to the airport as soon as you're ready". The doctor nodded and thanking him, Julie and John took their leave. They raced as fast as they could through security. Julie realized that she could not relax until Rose was home safe and sound. She clutched the armrests so tight that she lost feeling in her hands. Then she felt John put his hand over hers reassuringly. "Everything will be ok, he whispered." In 10 hours they'd have to stop in a hotel to drop their things off before starting their search for Rose. She did not think it possible but soon Julie fell asleep. John silently hoped they would make it in time. "Rose, hang in there. We're coming."

Julie woke up a few hours later to the once-familiar Paris skyline as they landed at the airport. So many memories flooded back to Julie as she was reintroduced to her old home. It almost seemed like a dream as she allowed John and the others to direct her to the car. As they drove she took in the many cafes and shops and houses on either side of the cobblestone roads. Arriving at their hotel, Julie stepped out to the balcony to take in the familiar view of the Eiffel tower with the town encompassing it. "So this was your home? asked John as he came to join her. "Yes, this was our home. It seems so vivid, that day we left." "Why didn't I do something more for her back then? What kind of a sister am I?" "You risked your life for others, said Carol." "If not for you, we never would have had the life we have now, said Lucy. "Don't forget, we are all here, said Linda". "And we're going to find them, said Sky." "And all of us will go home together, said Nancy." Julie smiled, "Thank you, guys. Let's rest for the night, we have a long search ahead of us tomorrow."

Clotilde and Rose woke early the next morning to meet with the plastic surgeon who was to perform Rose's procedure. They just finished prepping her as Clotilde was left in the waiting room. Rose tried her best to alleviate the butterflies she felt in her stomach as she was wheeled into the operating room. She took slow breaths as she was injected with anesthesia. "Count back from ten," said a doctor with a thick accent. "1...2...3...As Rose counted her eyes became heavy and then everything went dark. 3 hours later Rose was met with a blinding light. Some bandages appeared in her vision. She felt a breathing tube in her mouth and heard beeping from various machines. She realized her surgery must be finished. Slowly the blurry shape of Clotilde grinning ear to ear came into view. "It's over honey, she said. They'll have to stay on for a month but I'm sure you'll love it." Rose relaxed and decided she would catch up on sleep.

1 month later

Rose and Clotilde came into the Doctor's office as the doctor set to removing the bandages. Once off, the doctor commented on how well it came along. He then gave her a mirror. Rose looked and gasped. She looked a lot like Clotilde and a lot like her grandmother."Well Therese, What do you think?" asked Clotilde as she drove her home. Rose said, "You're right, I do look like Grandma and you." Well silly, I should know. I gave life to you, after all, Clotilde said as she gave her an affectionate pat. 

Julie, John, and the crew all looked exhausted."Where could she be? asked Linda. It's like she just disappeared. John took Julie's hand as he watched her stare at their old family photo. "Let's look one more time. Who knows...maybe we'll run into her." Looking around, Julie taking in the drained looks of those around said, "Maybe...maybe taking a walk will clear my head." "Do you?... Linda started as she got up only for John to put a hand on her shoulder. He shook his head once as his grip increased slightly. They watched as Julie took her leave. 

She walked out only to be greeted by a cool damp night. She walked towards a park nearby. Sitting down at a table, she felt her eyes moisten as she became blinded by tears. Quickly regaining her composure, Julie took in the scene about her. Hardly a soul was about, as those she'd seen were buffeted away. Suddenly Julie's eyes were drawn to the face she never dreamt she'd ever see. "Mom," she whispered in alarm. As a curtain of rain came through, Julie lept from her seat." When she'd gotten to where that young lady had been, the area seemed devoid of life. Rain-soaked, Julie stood there for almost an hour not believing what she had witnessed. "It couldn't be, she thought. I must be losing it." Suddenly a hand took hers, "Julie, what's wrong?' "What happened?" Julie turned slowly, realizing it was John. John took his coat off and wrapped it around her shoulders as he said, "Let's get you inside before you catch a cold. You can tell us what happened after that, ok?" Julie looked John in the eyes and nodded

Upon coming out of a shower, after eating a warm meal, Julie finally felt well enough to explain what happened. "I thought...taking a deep breath, she looked at Joe with a heartbroken expression. I thought I saw mom." Joe looked stricken and after many long moments, he looked at her and said, "You couldn't have. You know that's not possible." "I know," said Julie as she put her head in her hands. She looked at the old family photo as an alarming thought came to her mind. "No she wouldn't," Julie thought with horror. "Julie? Carol asked. What's wrong?" Julie looked around at everyone with an expression of concern and repulsion. "I think I know where Rose is..."

As Rose and Clotilde sat down to dinner that night, Rose remarked, "Mom...Do I have a father or any aunts or uncles? And if so, Why haven't I seen them?" Clotilde stiffened slightly as she laughed nervously, "What's this about?' Rose looked thoughtful as she said, I don't remember anyone but you, but I've been dreaming of a group of women and an old man. I can't help but feel as if I know them." "Clotilde took a deep breath and cleared their plates. Then she went into the kitchen and taking out a piece of cake, she found some strong sedatives, filled a syringe and after injecting the cake she came back to the table and smiled. "No, you have no other relatives. Only me and of course your late grandmother." Placing the cake in front of her she said, "Here, eat this. Don't worry, it's just a dream. With time it will fade as all dreams do." Rose takes a bite of the cake as Clotilde smiled at her reassuringly. The cake almost melted in her mouth. Before Rose knew it the piece was gone. "Go on up to bed sweetie. It's been a long day for us both." Rose nodded as her head began to swim. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out. She began to dream of a house with the Rockies as a backdrop. She dreamt she sat down in front of that group of women. She saw their mouths moving but couldn't hear what was said. Although she could not hear, she realized they were telling her a story. "What was the story about?", She wondered. The dream ended as it always had, being tucked into a bed she couldn't help but wonder if she knew.

Clotilde paced about wondering what could have prompted those dreams and those questions. Then slowly she stopped as a dreadful question loomed. "Could she have seen them?' That would explain everything. Right then and there Clotilde began to formulate a plan. First, she had to ensure that she remained sedated. Though she needed something stronger. Looking it up on her computer she came across metyrapone, a drug said to impede the recall of memory. Clotilde left a plate with some food for breakfast which was of course laced with sedatives as well as a note. She then went to go find a drugstore. 

Rose woke up with a start, forgetting for a second where she was. Then she relaxed as she remembered. As sunlight began to stream into her room, realizing she was hungry, she went to go find food. Seeing the food in the fridge and the note, she sat down at the table As she ate the food, she read the paper. As she read she came across a picture of a destroyed house. It looked old. The title read "Fire destroyed home, whereabouts of occupants unknown. Rose began to think, "Why does this sound so familiar?' An image of her mother coming to greet her in the dark of the night flashed across her vision as her head began to ache. As she finished her food, getting up she shook her head. Shen then decided she must lie down. As she lay in bed, she clutched her head. "What was going on?" Eventually, the pain passed. She got out of bed and then as she looked at the newspaper, she felt inclined to hide it. Just as she hid it under her pillow, the door opened and closed as she heard Clotilde's voice, "Therese I'm home. Where are you, honey?" Rose suddenly felt ill at ease. She had never done anything like this before yet for whatever reason, she got the feeling that she could not tell her mother. "Morning mother," she said smiling. Clotilde hugged her and noticed the half-finished plate of food. "Dear, are you not hungry?" Rose glanced at her food and said, "Sorry, not really." Clotilde pulled her away to arm's length and looked at her searchingly. "It's because of those dreams isn't it?" Rose couldn't meet her eyes as she nodded. Clotilde embraced her and said, the doctor said that might be a side effect from your accident. I contacted him out of concern. She pulled out a medication. She sat her down saying "you're going to have to go to bed at midnight from here on. And the reason for that is because that is when this medication must be taken. You can also wake up later if you like." Rose looked at it and asked, "Will this stop the dreams?" "Yes my dear, it will." As she hugged Rose she clutched her fist with a mixture of anger and triumph. 

"Julie, Do you understand what you're claiming?" Linda asked as the others sat in stunned silence after hearing Julie's account and theory. John finally asked, "Would she really go that far?" As everyone sat there, after what felt like an hour, Joe shook his head saying, "losing her mother, feeling as if it was Julie's fault and by extension ours, I 'm sad to say, I wouldn't put it past her." "Mom's passing hit her the hardest, Linda remarked as she and Julie shared a look. "How are we going to find her?" asked Sky. "Likely, Clotilde will ensure that such a slip-up will not happen again. She probably won't let Rose out of her sight." Everyone sat quietly as the whole situation began to sink in. Still, after a long period of time, nothing seemed to come to mind.

"You saw her you thought at the park?" asked Nancy. "Yes, said Julie. Why?" Well, it's a matter then of waiting for her to slip up." The others looked at her incredulously. Quickly Nancy explained, "Sooner or later if Rose is never allowed to leave, she will come to wonder why right?" They all nodded and then they all gasped, as Julie said, "Then when she finds a minute, she'll go to look for answers. She may retrace her steps leading her to the park." "Where we will hide in the wake, ready to get her out," Carol finished. " "Exactly, said Nancy. "But if Rose has been medically manipulated, how are we going to get her to listen?" asked Lucy. "I imagine that if she is inclined to look for answers if we say that we have them and we insinuate what thing or feeling might have inclined her to look into this in the first place...said, John. "Then, she will come without a second thought, finished Julie. "Nancy, thank you so much!" said John hugging her. Now let's discuss who will be where...

As it came upon midnight, Clotilde gave Rose her first dose of medication. As she got into bed, Clotilde hugged her and said, we're going to discuss how things are going to proceed going forward. "Ok mother, Rose slurred as she drifted off to sleep. As soon as she was certain she was asleep, Clotilde left a small gift-wrapped box on her bedside desk. Rose woke the next morning and read the note attached, Here is a gift for you love your mother. Rose smiled and put it on. It was a locket that contained her mother holding her as a baby. Unbeknownst to Rose though, the was a tracking device in it. She sat down at the table to eat the food Clotilde prepared. As she finished, Clotilde cleared the plates and said, " Therese, you need education but, you're not going to a public school. I will be teaching you myself." Rose felt instantly confused. "But why mother?" "Because sweetie, I want you close to me." "Will I not be allowed to go out?' asked Rose concerned. "I will let you go to the park once a week and the backyard every other day. The only other times you will leave are only if you are with me." I almost lost you once dear, Clotilde coaxed as she cradled Rose's face. I will not lose you again. Do you understand?" Rose gulped but nodded. "Good, Clotilde said as she rose. "Now I will lay out your curriculum and I'll go out now to get your books. Tomorrow we'll start." Rose nodded as Clotilde got her coat and wallet. "Prepare food for yourself today but don't out, ok?" Clotilde made direct eye contact waiting for her response. "Yes mother, Rose said. "Good girl, Clotilde said kissing her on the forehead. As the door closed, Rose's shoulders sank. "Why?" Rose went back to her bed and read the newspaper. "It is uncertain what lead to this fire or where the occupants are...Rose couldn't shake the feeling that she'd read this before. She went to her mother's room and found a collection of tapes and a videotape player. She pushed a tape in and was greeted with an image of smoking rubble. Rose froze this was a video of the accident mentioned in that paper. "But why would Mother have this?" And why did she have that newspaper?" It must have been older than 5 years at least. Then there was her accident..."Why didn't she explain what happened?" Then she thought back to before they left the states, they had that run-in with that woman..."Who was she?" What was her relationship with her mother?" Rose heard a car door close and she quickly turned everything off and put the videotape under her pillow. "Therese, I'm home. Dinner will be ready soon." "Okay." 

For the next week, Rose woke and after breakfast had her french, history, literature, science, and math lessons. She'd be allowed a brief respite for lunch and enough time to relax in the yard. After her lessons, they'd eat dinner and then Rose would be free until midnight at which point Clotilde gave her the medicine. As the days passed, those dreams slowly became less apparent. Rose thought she should have been relieved but she found she felt uneasy. Clotilde caught her a few times lost in thought. She didn't think much of it, but then it got so bad, she became distracted from her lessons. Eventually, Clotilde asked, "Therese, Why do I get the feeling that lessons are the furthest thing from your mind? Rose jumped, "sorry mother." "Want to talk about it?" "No, no I'm okay." Clotilde shrugged then said, 'If you're sure. Well then, back to work." 

One day while Rose was outside, Clotilde went to put some of Rose's clothes away. As she was turning to leave, she noticed the newspaper and videotape. Clotilde froze as she realized what they were. "Why were these here?" As Rose came in, Clotilde directed her to the table. "Yes, mother?" "Tell me, Therese, Has your sleep improved?" Have the dreams ceased?" Rose looked at her and replied, "Yes they have." Clotilde sighed with relief internally. "That's great dear. See?'' "I told you everything would be ok." "Now you can move forward." Do I stop taking the medicine then?" Clotilde shook her head as she took Rose's hands into hers. "Let's finish the bottle first as prescribed. And if you do have a relapse, then no you will not be finished." Rose seemed relieved but for some reason felt as if she had to truly show it. "Why did she seem so uncomfortable lately?" "Maybe she just needed some fresh air. "Mom, when can I go to the park?" Clotilde looked at her as she responded, "On Saturday. Why?" "Oh I just haven't gone in a bit, that's all." Clotilde looked at Rose and after a bit said, Come, dear, it's time for your medication. Clotilde got her the water and gave her the pill, watching her until it was obviously down. Then watched as she went up to bed. Clotilde watched her carefully the next day. And then, Saturday came. As Rose was about to leave, Clotilde looking at her asked, "Darling where is the necklace I gave you?" Rose answered casually, "Oh it's on my dresser." Clotilde went and got it and put it around her neck. "Please never go anywhere without this. Understood?" Rose confused asked, "But why?" Clotilde's flashed with anger as she said, "Because I am your mother and I told you to." Rose a little startled said, "Sorry, yes mother. I won't forget it again." "Good, now off you go," Clotilde said as her anger faded. 

As Rose went on her way, she felt suddenly ill. "What was that about?" she thought. The sky was a vibrant blue and Rose took in the park she was towards. She thought back to when she woke up, how the newspaper and tape had appeared gone. "Did mother find out? Was that why she was mad?" She felt horrible. " I guess I'll have to fess up and apologize." After reading in the park for an hour, Rose started to turn to go home when she noticed a woman watching her. And not just any woman, but the very one from the states. Rose gasped and slowly turned to leave. "Wait, Rose please!" Rose froze and turned and said, "I'm sorry but my name isn't Rose. My name is Therese." I don't know what you want or why you followed me but..." Rose never got to finish for she heard a horn beep as her she noticed her mom's car. Rose started to go to the car when the woman said, "That's not your mother." "You're name is Rose. I gave you that name to honor an aunt you will never meet. Try to remember. I am your mother. You are my only daughter. Rose froze and was gonna turn when the horn honked again. "I'm sorry, you've mistaken me for someone else." She then got into the car and buckled in. Julie watched as she drove away. 

"How did you know?" asked Rose. "I was going to see if you wanted to be picked up when I noticed her. And that Therese is exactly why I've become so protective." Do you now understand? Rose nodded then thought, "But why did she call me Rose?" After they got home and they sat down to dinner, Rose decided to take the plunge. "Mother, I'm sorry." Clotilde looked up. "For what Therese?" "For hiding the newspaper and the tape." "Thank you, but if you had wanted to see those, you should have asked." "Granted, I still would have said no." Rose hesitated then asked, "Why do you have them?" "And why can't I see them?" Clotilde said suddenly finish your dinner. "But mother?" THERESE, do not make me tell you again." Rose looked down, "Yes mother." Clotilde's expression softened slightly as she got her some apple pie she pumped with a paralytic. She gave it to Rose. "Dear, you know I care about you, right?" "Yes, Rose said as she took a bite from the pie. "Good finish that and go up to your room, in a bit I'll bring you your medicine." Rose went up and lay down. Before she knew it, it was time to take that medicine. Then she was out cold." 

She found her dreams she longer remembered. When she woke, she felt horrible. She panicked as she found she could not move. "Mother?" She said in a panic. "I don't feel well. I feel paralyzed. She heard her mother as she came into the room. "Yes, my dear, you've had a fever." No lessons for you. "Just rest. I bring the fever reducer." Clotilde went downstairs and got the strong sedative and lifted Rose into a sitting position put the medicine in her mouth then gave her water. Laying her back down, Clotilde said, "Good night Therese." Then she watched her conscience slip from behind the door. Clotilde then set to work getting rid of any remnants that Rose could cling to. By the end of the afternoon, the sedative and paralytic will both have worn off. She would no longer allow Rose to go to the park. Not until Julie gave up.

Rose's dreams started coming back. This time Rose heard that woman ask as she stiffened, "They did, did they?" Rose heard herself asking, "Where did they hear it? this time she'd asked about a story she was told. You never told me that story before?" She watched as the woman turned to her saying, "It's probably on old folks' tale. Then she woke to find she felt much better. She also realized she could move. " Mother, Rose called. I'm hungry." Clotilde came and felt her head. "Good your fever's gone down. Come to the table, there's chicken noodle soup." "Ok, thanks, mother." Clotilde hugged her and said, "of course dear. While you're eating we need to talk." Rose listened while she ate. " I don't want you going to the park for a bit. That woman may try to kidnap you." Rose nodded as she said, "Yes mother." Good. Now I know you've slept the day away, but you are not fully recovered. You have to take your medicine and get to bed." Clotilde got the pill and water, watching as Rose took both. As Rose got back in bed she couldn't help but think, "she's hiding something." 

Julie cried as John held her close. Julie followed as far as she could but lost sight of the car. "She doesn't remember me. She erased our daughter." Joe calmed her down saying "but honey, we now know which direction she went." Think about it, if Rose was at the park, then she walked which means she'll be somewhere close by." "Julie dried her eyes, "you're right dad, thanks." "Likely she won't be allowed to leave her house. But if we stay in an inn near the town we can search more efficiently." "So Let's head down there, Linda said. We'll only have one chance and we have to be ready when it comes. 

Rose had been off the medicine for a while now. The dreams were now more vivid than ever. She now recalled all of the women and the old man. She recalled the mountains and a young man. For some odd reason she not only felt inclined to hide this from her mother, but she also took comfort from those dreams. They felt... nostalgic somehow. She still carried on like normal. She was even allowed to go in the yard for fresh air. One day, she saw a pair of eyes watching her. It was the old man from her dream. She watched as his eyes began to tear up. She was about to go his way when the man signaled for her to stay as a small scrap of paper appeared at her feet. "Good morning," it said. Rose got a scrap of paper and wrote "Bonsoir Senior". Rose threw it over the fence and went inside to take the note stuffing it in her pocket. This continued as Clotilde was oblivious to it. Rose had learned the man's name was Joe, that he'd once had a beautiful wife and three wonderful daughters. She had learned how he became separated from them and how he reunited gaining not only his daughters but more girls and son who he took under his wing. As Rose listened the story felt oddly familiar. Still, though, she would not dare tell her mother. Finally, one day, the man asked, "Why are you always alone?'' To which Rose answered, "My mother almost lost me twice. She does it to protect me." "She bears a heavy burden, he responded. Rose surprised asked, "Wait, do you know her?" A moment later, "As a matter of fact, I do." Rose stared at the response not knowing what to say. Then she asked, "How?" A moment later a thicker note was thrown over the fence. Rose opened it and saw a picture of her mother with the two women she'd seen recently, those who called her Rose. Rose looked at the man and he smiled as tears poured down his face. She wrote on a scrap of paper, "Who are you? and How do you know my mom?" She threw the message over the fence. Suddenly the man disappeared as Clotilde called, Therese, it's time for dinner. Come inside." Rose called, "Coming mother." 

For all of that night when Rose saw Clotilde's back turn, she'd watch her, now suspicious. "She lied, Rose thought. But Why?" That night it seemed almost impossible for her to fall asleep. That night, she dreamt that she was on a walk as a note appeared at her feet explaining how if she wanted answers to come in the dark of the night. She dreamt of going out to meet that person and the last person she saw before she woke was her mother as she said, "You won't ever have to remember." Rose woke with a start and realized that this was not her home, nor was the woman downstairs her mother. Scared though she was, she played along until she could go outside. Once outside, she found a crumpled paper and it read, "I'm her father, your grandfather. You were kidnapped and have been medically manipulated for weeks now." Rose felt sick as she wrote the next question, "Where is my real mother? And what is my real name?" A few moments later a piece of paper appeared at her feet. Rose froze as she read the response, "look over here, my dear Rose." Rose glanced over and noticed the woman from earlier with a young man next to the old man. Rose felt tears well up in her eyes. They ducked down as Rose heard Clotilde say, "Therese, come inside. It's dinner time. Rose balled her fists but took a deep breath, looked back once, and turned to say coming. 

After eating Clotilde told Rose to get ready for bed. Rose nodded without saying a word. Upon entering her room she opened her window and then closed the curtains. She pretended to sleep until Clotilde was out the packed her clothes, not all but enough to get by. She dropped a blanket out the window and quickly climbed down. She turned to find herself face-to-face with Clotilde. Rose jumped as Clotilde gripped her arm. "Where do you think you're going, Therese?" Rose tried to pull away as she said, "My name is not Therese, and you are not my mother." Clotild pulled her into a chokehold as she put a cloth to her face. Rose tried to fight as she heard Clotilde say, "I guess I will have to restart." As spots started to dance across her vision, she knew she was losing the fight. Just as her vision was about to go dim as she went limp, suddenly she found she could breathe as she collapsed to the ground into the old man's arms. "It's okay. Everything will be alright. After a few moments, her vision cleared as she saw her mother, her real mother, and her father crying over her. Quickly they embraced her repeating her name again and again. 

Rose was helped up as John kept a protective hand on her. Clotilde had been held down. Upon seeing Rose with them, overcome with rage she broke free and took out a sharp knife raising to her throat. "Aunt Clotilde, please don't!" screamed Rose as she charged from her parent's arms. "Rose no, they all screamed. Clotilde watching with empty eyes remembered the day Rose had died and cried. Rose begged Clotilde to put the knife down. "It doesn't have to end this way." " I don't have a mother, I'd taken away a friend of your mother's, I kidnapped you..." Rose inched closer pleading, "This won't change any of that. Please, she begged as she took the knife from her hands. Rose hugged her saying, "You can restart." Rose gave the knife to Joe as she looked at her parents imploringly. Julie went to Clotilde. "I forgive you, Clotilde I forgive you." Repay your debts. We'll be waiting for you." Clotilde went with John to the police station. No significant charge was given. 1 year later Clotilde came out, greeted by everyone from her father down to Rose who hugged her tight. "Welcome back Aunt Clotilde, said Rose smiling.

The End.