Rose continued to alternate her gaze between Claire and Vanessa her eyes clouded over with tears. She knew the other two girls were crying just as hard as she was. Seconds later it all came crashing down on her and her legs gave out as her entire body was wracked with multiple waves of sobs. Before she knew what was happening she called out, “Dad! Daddy!” then the sobs continued.

Nathan came up from the downstairs pantry when he heard the commotion. “Rose? Rose what’s going-“ he stopped dead when he saw the cause of all the tears and ran to his daughter dropping the sauce on the way. “Rose, what’s going on?” He gathered his daughter into his arms.

Rose clung to her father for dear life buring her face into his shirt. “I don’t know what to.” She choked out between her sobs. “I don’t know! I’m so scared I can’t choose I can’t I-“”

“Shh, it’s okay Blossom it’s okay shh,” Nathan spoke as soothingly as he could rocking his daughter back and forth. He looked up at both Vanessa and Claire, “I don’t exactly know what she wants to do but I’m sure you both realize how much she cares for both of you.”

Vanessa looked at Claire. She had seen her around school but wasn’t too familiar with her. And she shouldn’t have been surprised Rose would have a girlfriend by now. She was a beautiful determined young woman. Her own tears were still cascading down her face. Looking up at Claire she sighed, “I’m sorry I never should have come. I don’t deserve Rose-“ She turned to leave.

Rose launched her way out of her father’s embrace to try to stop Vanessa but was beaten by Claire.

“No don’t go.” Claire sniffled. Her own tears still falling. “You and Rose, you need each other. I know she has missed you so much and I know I could never take your place in her heart. But I-“ she sighed as a few sobs escaped her own throat, “I love her and I want to be with her too.”

Nathan led Rose to sit on the sofa, “Sweetie why don’t you take a few moments to calm yourself and think it over.”