"The best way out is always through."

— Robert Frost

Rose's POV:

Our session ended exactly 17 minutes before 4 PM.

By then, the sunny day had morphed into a cloudy afternoon, occasional thunder strikes could be heard and soft breeze was starting to blow.

Ever since we let ourselves out of that chamber, I couldn't keep my thoughts to myself. It kept reverting back to Dr. Johnson's words.

My mind has been buzzing ever since.

With thoughts, with dilemmas, with questions and their possible answers.

My heart has been thrumming ever since; loud, steady, fast- vociferating it's anxiety as danced away to it's own mellifluous tune.

I was pretty sure Marienne, who had been sitting next to me- could hear how loud it was syncing if he concentrated.

I thought I understood everything, I had everything in my grasp- I thought I could finally work this out. Much to my disappointment, my mind started knitting the web of my sphinx as soon as I was out of that chamber.

How should I work it out with him?

From where should I start?

How is this going to work?

What was my main motive?

Was the beast finally be able to recognize his soul?

These questions swirled in my mind, asking to be answered as I fiddled with my fingers, sitting in the warm, crowded lobby of the hospital.

Currently, we were sitting at the lobby of the hospital, which was bustling with crowd. In front of us, was the medicine shop. We were waiting so that we could buy our medicines and get going.

Marienne was sitting beside me, looking thoroughly irritated as he stared out of the main exit with hawk like eyes. I had been wondering if he was thinking what I had been thinking, but, when I asked him the reason behind his sudden gloom, he answered and I quote, "It's gonna rain, we don't have any umbrella."

It was irritating to say the least, I was giving myself a headache by thinking what was going to happen in the future and he was worried about rain- the most exquisite phenomenon of mother nature.

"Marienne," I called out with a sigh, taking in his brooding stature, "It's okay. It's only rain and...."

"Yeah and you have an opportunity to soak," He muttered as he took a pointy glance at me. Despite the cloud of worries looming over me, I could not help but smile, sheepishly, might I add, as I took in his complaining tone, knowing that I would soak.

"Okay I admit that it is a joyous occasion for me-" I confessed, "But it's okay. I won't soak today, you can get your car here and we can go straight to home."

His head snapped at me, his features displaying bafflement for a brief moment, taking me aback by his sudden, though silent, yet prominent expression.

Then it dawned upon me.

I just called that mansion of nightmares 'home'.

His callous gaze had transformed into something more definitive, something expressive and oddly hypnotizing as he stared at me wordlessly.

I averted my gaze, not being able to hold it. He had such intense pair of eyes, they hid nothing. They expressed his emotions exactly as it was- it was burning, screaming, calling, devouring.

An awkward shard of moment passed by, I heard him clearing his throat distinctly- as if to call for my attention.

"But I was planning something else..." He trailed off, I could feel his piercing gaze at the side of my face.

I looked at him, scrutinizing him as I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity picking up, "Planning what?"

He rested his gaze upon mine, a slow smile creeping up his lips, his dimples making an appearance. For a moment, I was taken aback, by his beauty, by the beguiling aura he always carried around. If anyone took a glance at him, they would only see his devastatingly handsome exterior.

His broken soul couldn't be noticed by anyone even if attempted..... It was hidden so well.

And now I was seeing him through different lenses.

It was truly impossible to decipher what was inside him by a mere look from outside.

My heart rate increased drastically as I was left handicapped under his penetrating gaze. I was pretty sure that I could hear my blood pounding in my ears if I concentrated.

Slicing through the brief, yet, unyieldingly fierce moment, a call was made. Both of our body trembled as the shock of the sound snapped us out of our daze. My eyes widened as I noticed his mirroring the expression. I was the first one to look away, feeling disgusted at myself.

Do not let the beast penetrate your heart.

Mostly, do not think about that night when he ravished you...

and you liked it.

I heard him sigh loudly as he stood up, his shadow looming over me, "I will get the medicines."

I didn't reply as he made his way to the medicine counter. Slowly tilting my head at his direction, I took his back profile in as he took the bag from the counter.

My mind swirled with emotions, questions that begged to be answered, thoughts, that were needed to be put into their places.

The doctor's earlier words somehow came upon me, piece by piece as I watched him silently.

Me and Marienne, we were walking on a thread. If we walked any slower, we would never be able to reach our destination- if we walked faster, we would risk of falling. We couldn't move side by side, here and there, otherwise, we would get distracted and eventually, fall out.

We had to do it in the perfect pace.

As I sat in the lobby of that hospital, my mind contemplated this question-

What did I actually feel regarding Marienne?

Everything seemed woefully complicated. Like we were stuck in a jumbled up mess, a web, a maze where it was hard to get out.

I wanted a family, true, but did I want it with the man who left deep scars in both my body and my soul?

I couldn't choose, because it was my only option of ever having one. I don't think I can ever give myself to a man.

"Roseline?" I looked up at him as I heard him call my name.

Should I let him know of the internal conflict I had been going through from the very moment we exited the chamber?

My doctor did tell us to be honest with each other...

"Are you okay?" He questioned, raising his eyebrows as he eyed me curiously.

I gulped, nodding hesitantly.

A breathtaking smile lit up his face, as he eyed me with a soft look. "Come, we need to get going."

I grabbed the seat handle and stood myself- the pregnancy weight starting to get heavy on me.

"I know you are thinking of something...." Marienne articulated softly as he led me through the lobby, his huge body shielding me from people.

"I don't know...." I expressed my perplexity as he shoved past the people. I felt his hand come up as he pulled me closer to his body, resting it on the back of my waist gently, refraining any and every contact I might possibly get from human swarm.

I felt incredibly relaxed and thankful for his kind gesture as I followed him, matching his pace silently. I could smell that musky cologne he always wore- resting my chin on his rough but cold suit fabric seemed like a great idea.

"I am thinking of something..." I mumbled softly as he carefully led us out of the lobby. I sucked in a deep breath as the fresh muddy smell hit my nostrils- taking it in and embedding it into my soul.

He let go of me, only to come beside me and match my pace as we began to walk slowly. The pavement seemed soppy, which indicated the light pour that might have taken place a while ago.

An agile, silence stretched between us- yet, it seemed heavy with questions. I felt like Marienne had his share of questions as I had mine, but, none of us could muster up the courage to ask them out loud.

We were walking side by side, in a slow, steady pace- a pace that matched the rhytm of my heart. Our hands were almost touching, my right with his left and his left with my right.

Did he still wear the ring from Madeline?

Out of curiosity, I took a quick peek at his left ring finger. At the base of the finger, there sat a huge, round cut that circled his finger where his ring should be. It didn't seem like a fresh wound- but it wasn't old either. It was deep- but it was healing.

How could I not notice it before?

Inquisitiveness gnawed inside me as I squirmed mentally. I should be brave and talk, let him know of my questions, ask him what was we actually going to do. I need to be bra-

"You should speak to me Rose...." His voice held an undertone of slight humor, "I am pretty sure that was the main point of our session today."

A blush of embarrassment crept up on my cheeks as I looked up at him, his tall demeanor seeming taller in this position. "I was wondering...."

"I am listening." His eyes shone like a bioluminescent ocean as he peered down at me. I inhaled deeply, my hormones all over the place.

"That.... this thing, how is it supposed to work?" I questioned bluntly. A ray of frown rested on his forehead as he seemed to be taken aback for a moment. He stopped in his tracks as I did it as well- he pondered over the question for a moment.

"Are you talking about working on our relationship?"

I froze.

My mind started getting filled with mists as I stared at him, his words lighting a ball of fury inside me.

"I do not want any relationship with you whatsoever," My reply was quick, void of any composition or evaluation and loud enough to attract some passerby's attention.

How dare he think I want something with him!

My fists were clenched by my side as I fumed, seeing red dots dancing in front of my eyes. My temper was all over the place for past couple of days, instead of thinking, I reacted. I blame it all on my hormones.

He held his hands up in defense as he eyed the people around us, seemingly in shock. "I am sorry okay?" He spoke lowly, "I just didn't get what you were trying to say."

I let out a breath, feeling my anger turning into a puddle as I threw him an apologetic look. My mind was so jumbled up that I couldn't even form a coherent question.

"Marienne, what I was trying to say is..." I began, starting to walk, he walked beside as he eyed me curiously, "The doctor said we need to work on our fears. I don't see way how I can-"

I felt his hand grab mine, entwining my fingers with his. I looked at him, puzzled as he stared down at me with a soft smile.

"You are asking me how you can fight your demons?" His voice was melodious as he queried.

I nodded.

"Well, Rose..." He gave my hand a small squeeze as we walked, "I have been wanting you to ask about that for a couple of while. I want to talk about it elaboratively."

I nodded, understanding that he didn't want to talk about it now.

"Do you want some ice-cream?" He suddenly questioned as he pointed to the front. I looked at the direction his finger was pointing, there was an ice-cream van, a couple of meters away, parking just beside the footpath.

My mouth watered at the thought of the sweet frozen delight, I nodded dazedly, wanting to grab some unique flavor.

"Okay then, come." He shot me a smile, before tugging at my hand and almost running through the sidewalk. A rush of euphoria ran down my body as I felt my worries fade away momentarily, increasing my pace to keep up with him.

I smiled from ear-to-ear as I took in his form as I ran along with him, feeling like a little kid that couldn't wait to gobble up the delights.

We stopped in front the van, my body humming in relaxation. His body shielded mine as he stood in front of me. I couldn't help the smile that slipped past my lips, feeling content for some odd reason.

"What flavors do you want?" He moved a little bit, allowing me a view of the ice-cream bar.

I bit my lips as I hungrily took in the menu that was adhered to the small caravan, my mouth watering as I fantasized gobbling up each one of those.

Strawberry cream.

Blueberry-Raspberry delight.

Butterfrost.

Chocolate chip cookies.

Pistachio and peanuts.

Blackforest cake.

Chocolatey delight.

Vanilla and Almond.

Coffee cream cake.

"Can I have each one of those?" I mumbled as I took them with starry eyes. I heard him sigh loudly as he went near the counter.

"Give me a scoop of each one. What do you want for topping?" He questioned as he glanced at me.

"Chocolate sauce, nuts, coconuts...." I gushed happily.

He let out another sigh as he placed our orders. He ordered plain vanilla for himself, an ice-cream that represented his boring personality.

He took our orders and handed my large bucket filled with ice-cream to me. I unwrapped it and took the spoon in- taking a small amount of chocolate delight and shoving it into my mouth. My taste buds danced with euphoria as I ate it, relishing into the fine taste.

"You don't have to make that expression you know?" He eyed me pointedly as he took a bit of his vanilla ice-cream.

I stopped for a moment and glared at him, "Don't jinx it."

He rolled is eyes, but I could clearly notice the hint of smile that played at the corner of his lips.

The silence that cloaked us like a warm cocoon wasn't awkward or heavy as it usually was. The silence that enveloped us was a silence of harmony, peace- understanding.

I took a glance at Marienne who was biting away in his ice-cream happily. He seemed content, relaxed, it was very rare, to see him like this.

"You seem happy..." I commented as I took a spoonful of the green pistachio flavored ice-cream.

He smiled at me, making me bedazzled, "I am happy."

I could only smile at him as I basked into this euphony of quiescence. To be honest, I was enjoying this moment- even though it was just eating ice-cream.

"Congratulations on the baby!" The ice-cream man spoke, making me take a glance at him. I smile gratefully as I muttered a small thank you.

"You guys seem like a nice couple...." He smiled politely, making both of us freeze.

For a moment, I could only stare in bafflement as I took in his bold statement.

So we seemed like a couple?

For a moment, neither of us spoke as we ate our ice-cream in silence. The funny thing is, none of us dared to correct the man who seemed too indulged in his work to pay attention to his earlier statement.

We finished our ice-creams a while later and were off to where the car was parked. The hospital garage was pretty full so Marienne had to park it in the next street.

"Uh- Don't mind the man..." Marienne spoke up after a while of awful silence as we walked through the yellow-orange leaf imbedded footpath side by side, the smell of wet mud wafting around us, "He was just talking."

I nodded vigorously in agreement, glad that he had spoken up"Yes, it's not important at all, he was just saying it for impressing us."

"Uh- I figured that we should talk..." He looked up at the sky, inspecting it for any signs of rain. Luckily, the blue hue of the sky was beginning to show, meaning that the rain wasn't going to make an grand appearance anytime soon.

"I think we do..." I mumbled softly, feeling light as a feather. It was a good thing, because suddenly it felt like all my worries had vanished.

"I told you that I wanted to take you somewhere didn't I?" He smiled at me, "Would you like to go? It's not far."

"I suppose..." I expressed hesitatingly as I walked beside him.

Why was he such a fan of taking me to places?

"You won't be disappointed...." He said as he increased his pace a bit and carried himself to the car that was parked not so long away. I watched as he opened the car door, urging me in.

I walked slowly as I kept my eyes on him, an unfathomable feeling swirling inside me. I let myself in the car wordlessly, wondering what he had to speak about.

____________________________________________________

It was almost mid-afternoon when I noticed him pulling up to a secluded area with barely any resident. I could only figure out one or two luxury estates from it's elusive exterior. It was probably one of those areas where the resorts and the luxury villas were located.

He pulled up to a small wooden gate which was decorated with bright blue fairy lights that seemed odd under the clear sky's cerise hue.

I raised an eyebrow in a silent question, which he answered which an enigmatic smile that kept me guessing.

He undid his seatbelt and let himself out- walking around the car and opened my side of the door. I grinned broadly at his gentlemanly gesture as I let myself out of the car.

He began to walk forward and I raised an eyebrow in question. "Are you going to leave your car on the road?"

He looked back, his blue eyes seeming almost a shade of burgundy under the pinkish hue of the sky, "It's my property."

I rolled my eyes as I strode to him, catching up to him, "The last time I checked, the road is the government's property. They could have it towed you know?"

He only shrugged like it was a trivial matter, "My number plate has G I on it."

I blinked in confusion.

"I don't expect you to understand it...." He smirked slightly, making me glare at him.

"Why would you tell me stuff that I don't understand?"

"Because it's fun," He stated like it was obvious.

I let out a loud huff, crossing my arms over my chest as I stomped along with him.

"Do you know how childish you look now, Rose?" He articulated, humor glimmering in his voice.

"I don't care," I stated.

We walked through the small xyst, decorative trees and benches were laid out on both of our sides. It wasn't like a vast space where Marienne had bought me to stargazing, it was more like a small decorative garden- I could even hear the water that probably flowed through somewhere here.

"This place is my abditory, I used to come here to think when I was younger..." I watched him as his eyes were overshadowed by melancholy, a long sigh escaping him as he looked around, "It's been a while since I have been here."

"It is a beautiful place..." And it was. It was truly majestic enough to fit into a background of a fantasy novel. Although it might seem that the trees and the benches weren't probably much, but the way this place was designed, it was bound to take anyone by awe.

It had a stony walk, lamps stood on the both side of the road- the benches were carved as if they were to serve a royal- the trees had a hue of green and yellow mixture. The atmosphere was perfect, it was neither too warm, nor too cold- it was slightly breezy, I could hear the murmur of the leaves from distance.

"There is a small stream there..." He pointed at somewhere at his front and I looked at the direction. There was, indeed a small flow of water.

We walked over there, slowly, silently as I felt the previous questions bombarding my mind. They needed to be answered, they were nagging, prickling.

Have you ever had this feeling where you had so many questions but you couldn't ask them out aloud because it would make things awkward between you and the questioned? Having an invisible drape between us, it was more distorting than ever. I felt like pouring my heart out and him doing the same- but I just couldn't.

It was such a complex feeling that couldn't be described in words.

"I could hear the wheels of your head turning, Roseline.." He stated as we neared this bench just beside the water stream. I took him in as he bent down and took off his shoes. Then he paused for a moment and then looked up at me.

"Well?" He raised an eyebrow.

I tilted my head in confusion.

He straightened up as he set his shoes aside, "Aren't you going to take those off?"

Then it dawned upon me, we were supposed to sit in the bench and soak our feet in the stream, it was designed like that.

I threw a sheepish smile at him as I was about to bend and undo my sandals but Marienne's rushed voice stopped me.

"I will do it, seat on the bench and put your legs on it."

I nodded as I carried myself to the bench and did as he instructed. The bench was supported by a metal column that was embedded into the ground and if I put my feet, it would directly touch the waterbody.

Marienne's figure loomed from over the bench as he reached out and gently undid my sandals, taking them off and putting them somewhere behind him. He then came up and sat himself beside me.

"I noticed your feet were cramped..." He articulated as he put his toes into the water, "Do it. You will feel much better." He indicated at the stream.

I nodded as I slowly put my toes in the water, the cold water relaxing my stiff muscles immediately.

Before us, was a vast waterbody. I couldn't figure out whether it was an artificial lake- but it was truly amazing. The still water reflected the pink sky as the wind caused small riffles along it. I could see the out line of a shore at the distance, but this place was huge nonetheless.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Marienne mumbled. I nodded in awe.

For a moment, I slid past everything, every worries as I let myself enjoy this small moment. For a moment, I pretended that I didn't have demons, I wasn't traumatized. For a moment, I felt like a normal woman.

I glanced at Marienne who seemed carelessly lost in his own world as he stared at the distance.

For a moment, I pretended that I didn't have any bad history with this man.

I could agree with what the doctor was saying, in order to win, I needed to battle first. There wouldn't be any win without a fight.

"I fear you, Marienne" I spoke, my heart thrumming loudly into my ears- but at the same time, feeling light as the confession was breathed in a slow whisper.

"I know.." He replied softly.

"But, I don't want to fear you anymore-" I gulped as my throat became dry, "I don't want to have you in my nightmares."

Knowing that the person who was going to be the father of your child and probably a part of the family you were dreaming to have was a constant part of your nightmares- it wasn't the prettiest thing to have.

He looked at me, his eyes still like the lake in front of us, "I-"

"I am tired.." I spoke as I stared into his eyes, trying to unfold him, "I am tired of feeling threatened by someone who is probably not threatening."

And I also don't ant to forgive you.

A melancholic smile graced his features as he stared into my eyes, "I can't describe how happy I am to hear those Rose."

My heart beat wildly in my ribcage as I searched his features, "I enjoy being with you. I truly do...." I uttered as the nagging dilemmas tore through me, clawing inside me, "But I just can't forget-"

"You don't have to do it by yourself Rose..." He whispered as he looked down at our soaked feet, "If you allow me, I would like to help you overcoming them."

I tilted my head, my heartrate increasing as I could feel it buzzing in my ears, "Is that what you wanted to tell-"

"I did.." He mumbled and then, suddenly looked up at me. I stared at him, bewildered.

His eyes that were a shade of calm ocean, suddenly turned into swirling clouds, his lips pursed firmly.

"Allow me to help you Rose?" He questioned as he stared into my eyes, "I will help you overcome your nightmares, your demons- even the ugliest side me. I will try to do everything you wish for- anything to keep your mind off your trauma. I can do everything I have in my power- just...." He took a deep breath, "Just...let me help you?"

I gulped, my throat clogging.

He spoke those words with such intensity, such confirmation that for a moment I let myself feel those words, believe those words.

Words are powerful.

They hold the power to make a person feel the best and the worst. Broken words were the most hurtful thing.

"I don't know Marienne" Emotions swirled inside me, unfurling as I felt my eyes water, "I don't know....."

I didn't know if I should trust the beast.

He smiled as he took my hand. He sat at my right, my eyes automatically went over to his bruised finger.

"I don't know what to expect..." My throat clogged up as I tried y hardest to hold back my tears, "What if you break those words? I am already damaged.... I would be shattered this time...."

"I know you can't trust me..." He spoke, making me look up at him, "But on this, just this one... please? I need your help to get us through this.... if only you would see me as a man rather than your tormentor..."

He was begging.

His pleas struck a cord inside my heart. It was so tragic,so cimmerian. His words held nothing but sincerity, I could read it in his eyes.

See him as a man?

I felt his hand come up and wipe away a tear that escaped my eye, "Don't cry Rose. You deserve to be the happiest in the world."

I whimpered, sniffling, "This time I would be as good as dead...."

"I will make sure that you don't have that thought ever again...." He whispered, gently as he tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ears, making me shiver, "Just give me a chance, please."

For a moment, I contemplated. Was I really prepared to let him experience what my deepest darkest fear was?

Was I truly ready to let him in?

"I won't break my words...." He whispered as his own voice broke, "I promise."

I blinked back the tears that were threatening to escape.

"Careful with me..." I mumbled, "I am already hurt."

"I am hurt too...." He whispered, "That is why I think we can do this."

If we treaded carefully the glass shards won't cut us.

I closed my eyes as I felt his callous hand slowly graze the side of my cheeks, a sigh escaping me.

That was the moment, when I thought that maybe, in order to achieve salvation- I needed to take a risk.

Maybe, if I took this risk, everything would get better and fine.

For good.

"Okay..." I whispered, "You are awfully persistent."

I opened my eyes just in time to catch that breathtaking smile of his. "Thank you, Roseline. I can't express how grateful I am."

And then, I decided, if I wanted to fight my battle, it was to fight it.

Ignoring the nagging voice in my back, I smiled back- equally as sincere as him.

And I have never felt better ever since.

I seriously need to stop writing past midnight.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS CHAPTER?

ARE THEY BEING SMART?

MUCH LOVE!!!!!

Edited.