Chapter 4
James stood by the window of the house Rose had arranged for him, watching the city lights blur into the night. Strength had come to him in ways he still didn't understand but confidence with words remained a different battle. When Rose arrived, elegant as ever, James took a breath. "Rose," he said meeting her eyes," I'd like to take you out for dinner., get to know you more." She studied him for a moment then smiled softly. "I'd like that," she responded.
The restaurant was expensive,quiet, polished and intimidating. James noticed the glances, the silent judgements but he didn't let his discomfort show. He focused on Rose, the conversation flowing more easily than he expected. A group of wealth men entered, laughter echoing behind them. One of them stopped when he spotted Rose." Well, well," he said ."if it ain't Rose Smith." Her expression cooled. "Keep walking ." Instead he looked at James, smirking. " So this is who you settled for after rejecting me?" The others laughed. James calmly placed his glass down." Leave."
The man leaned closer. " A nobody like you doesn't give orders." His eyes narrowed suddenly. "Wait I recognize you. You're that cleaner at my office. The one who mops the floors." The laughter grew louder. "A cleaner?" one of them said. "Rose you've really lowered your standards. " James froze briefly, memories of scrubbing floors and emptying trash flooding his mind. But whatever hesitation lingered vanished the moment their sneers became tangible threats. The men smirked, clearly enjoying the superiority they thought they held.
Security intervened ushering them out. But as they passed the window their eyes locked onto James burning with humiliation and jealousy. Outside they didn't leave. "That cleaner thinks he's something because he is with her," one hissed. "Let's put him in his place," another said. "I want to see him bleed. "
They made a call to the leader of a notorious gang. They stood nearby as shadows emerged hired men, confident and violent. After the meal James and Rose made their way out. The first punch came fast. James caught it. The wealthy men froze. James moved like he had trained his entire life for this moment. He twisted, slammed one thug into the pavement, sent another flying into a car with bone crushing force. Bodies dropped after that and the hired men never stop a chance. Silence followed. The wealthy mean stared, pale and shaken. " That's impossible," one whispered. James turned, eyes calm and unbothered. "Don't try that again now scram." They ran. Rose looked at James, stunned. "How?" James exhaled slowly. "When I saw you in the hospital, i liked you. I just didn't think someone like me had the right to say it."
She smiled, different now curious, thoughtful and asked " And now?" James gathered all the strength he can master." Even now I still feel the same way if not more." She looked at him,"What exactly are you saying James?" James reached into his pocket and handed her a note. On it was written, will you be my girlfriend? "Yes James i will. And somewhere in the city, whispers had already begun. A cleaner, A nobody. A monster in human form.