LOVE

ROSIE

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS

WHERE

RAINBOWS

END

CECELIA AHERN

Copyright

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd. 1 London Bridge Street London SE1 9GF

www.harpercollins.co.uk

First published in Great Britain by HarperCollinsPublishers 2004

Copyright © Cecelia Ahern 2004

Cecelia Ahern asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this workS

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this ebook on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins ebooks

HarperCollinsPublishers had made every reasonable effort to ensure that any picture content and written content in this ebook has been included or removed in accordance with the contractual and technological constraints in operation at the time of publication

Source ISBN: 9780007165018

Ebook Edition © JANUARY 2009 ISBN: 9780007279708

Version: 2017-05-03

For Mimmie

Contents

Cover Title Page Copyright Dedication Part One Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Part Two Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty One Chapter Twenty Two Chapter Twenty Three Chapter Twenty Four Chapter Twenty Five Part Three Chapter Twenty Six Chapter Twenty Seven Chapter Twenty Eight Chapter Twenty Nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty One Chapter Thirty Two Chapter Thirty Three Chapter Thirty Four Chapter Thirty Five Chapter Thirty Six Chapter Thirty Seven Chapter Thirty Eight Part Four Chapter Thirty Nine Chapter Forty Chapter Forty One Chapter Forty Two Chapter Forty Three Chapter Forty Four Chapter Forty Five Chapter Forty Six Chapter Forty Seven Chapter Forty Eight Chapter Forty Nine Part Five Chapter Fifty Epilogue Keep Reading About The Author Praise Also by the Author About The Publisher

PART ONE

Chapter 1

To Alex

You are invited to my 7th birthday party on Tuesday the 8th of April in my house. We are having a magician and you can come to my house at 2 o’clock. It is over at 5 o’clock. I hope you will come.

From your best friend Rosie

To Rosie

Yes I will come to your brithday party on Wensday.

Form Alex

To Alex

My birthday party is on Tuesday not Wednesday. You can’t bring sandy to the party because mum says so. She is a smelly dog.

From Rosie

To Rosie

I do not care wot your stupid mum says sandy wants to come.

Form Alex

To Alex

My mum is not stupid you are. You are not aloud to bring the dog. She will brust the baloons.

From Rosie

To Rosie

Then I am not going.

Form Alex

To Alex

Fine.

From Rosie

Dear Mrs. Stewart,

I just called by to have a word with you about my daughter Rosie’s birthday on the 8th of April. Sorry you weren’t in, but I’ll drop by again later this afternoon and maybe we can talk then.

There seems to be some sort of little problem with Alex and Rosie lately. I think they’re not quite on talking terms. I hope you can fill me in on the situation when we meet. Rosie would really love if he came to her birthday party.

I’m looking forward to meeting the mother of this charming young man!

See you then,

Alice Dunne

To Rosie

I would be happy to go to your brithday party next week. Thank you fro inviting me and sandy.

Form Alex your frend

To Rosie

Thanks for the great day at the party. I am sorry sandy brust the baloons and ate your cake. She was hungry because mum says dad eats all our leftovers. See you at skool tomorrow.

Alex

To Alex

Thanks for the present. Its ok about what sandy did. Mum says she needed a new carpet anyway. Dad is a bit mad though. He said the old one was fine but mum thinks the house smells of poo now, and its not baby Kevin.

Look at Miss Casey’s nose. It is the biggest nose I have ever seen. Ha ha ha.

Rosie

To Rosie

I no and she has a big snot hanging down too. She is the ugliest alien I have ever seen. I think we should tell the police we have an alien as a teacher who has a really smelly breath and—

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Stewart,

I would like to arrange a meeting with you to discuss how Alex is progressing at school. Specifically, I would like to talk about the recent change in his behaviour along with the problem of his note writing during class. I would appreciate it if you called the school to arrange a suitable time to meet.

Yours sincerely,

Miss Casey

To Alex

I hate that we dont sit together anymore in class. I’m stuck beside stinky Steven who picks his nose and eats it. It is gross. What did your mum and dad say about Miss Big nose?

From Rosie

To Rosie

Mum did not say much because she kept laffing. I dont no why. It is really boring up the front of the class. Smelly breath Miss Casey keeps on lucking at me. Have to go.

Alex

To Alex

You always spell know wrong. It is KNOW not NO.

From Rosie

To Rosie

Sorry miss prefect. I no how to spell it.

Form Alex

Hello form Spain! The weather is really nice. It is hot and sunny. There is a swimming pool with a big slide. It is cool. Met a freind called John. He is nice. See you in 2 weeks. I broke my arm coming down the slide. I went to the hopsital. I would like to work in a hopsital like the man that fixed my arm because he wore a white coat and had a chart in his hand and was really nice and he helped me to feel better. I would like to make people feel better and wear a white coat. My freind john signed my cast. You can too when I get home if you like. Alex

To Alex. Hello from Lundin. My hotel is the one in the picture on the front. My room is the one that is 7 up from the ground but you cant see me in the post card. I would like to work in a hotel when I grow up because you get free chocolates everyday and people are so nice that they tidy your room for you. The buses here are all red like the toy ones you got last Christmas. Everyone talks with a funny voice but are nice. Have met a frend called Jane. We go swimming together. Bye. Love from Rosie

To Alex

Why amnt I invited to your birthday party this year? I know all the boys from the class are going. Are you fighting with me?

Rosie

Dear Alice,

I’m sorry about Alex’s behaviour this week. I know that Rosie is upset about not going to the party and she doesn’t understand why she hasn’t been invited. To be honest I can’t quite understand it myself; I have tried to talk to Alex but I’m afraid I can’t get inside the mind of a ten-year-old boy!

I think it’s just a case of his not being able to invite her because the other boys don’t want a girl to go. Unfortunately, he seems to be at that age … Please give my love to Rosie. It seems so unfair and when I spoke to her last week after school I could see how hurt she was.

Perhaps George and I can take the two of them out some other evening during the week.

Best wishes,

Sandra Stewart

To Rosie

The party was not very good. You did not miss anything. The boys are stupid. Brian threw his pizza in Jameses sleeping bag and when James woke up he had tomato and cheese stuck in his hair and everything and my mum tried to wash it and it would not go away and then Jameses mum gave out to Brians mum and my mum went real red and my dad said something I didn’t here and Jameses mum started to cry and then everyone went home. Do you want to go to the cimena on Friday and go to McDonalds after? My mum and dad will bring us.

Alex

To Alex

Sorry about your party. Brian is a weirdo anyway. I hate him. Brian the Whine is his name. I will ask my mum and dad about the cinema. Look at Miss Casey’s skirt it looks like my grannys. Or it looks like sandy puked up all over it and the—

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dunne,

I was hoping to arrange a meeting with you to discuss Rosie’s recent behaviour in school and her note writing during class. How does Thursday at 3 p.m. sound?

Miss Casey

Alex,

My mum and dad won’t let me go to the cinema tonight. I hate not sitting beside you. It’s so boring. Frizzy Lizzys hair is blocking my view of the blackboard. Why does this happen to us all the time?

Rosie

TO ALEX

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

MAY THERE BE SEX IN YOUR LIFE

AND … LIFE IN YOUR SEX!

LOVE FROM YOUR SECRET ADMIRER

XXX

To Rosie

You wrote that card didn’t you?

From Alex

To Alex

What card?

From Rosie

To Rosie

Very funny. I no it was you.

From Alex

To Alex

I really don’t know what you’re talking about. Why would I send you a Valentine’s card?

From Rosie

To Rosie

Ha ha! How did you no it was a Valentine’s Card! The only way you could no is if you sent it. You love me, you want to marry me.

From Alex

To Alex

Leave me alone I’m listening to Mrs. O’Sullivan. If she catches us passing notes again we’re dead meat.

From Rosie

To Rosie

What happened to you? You’ve turned into such a swot.

Alex

Yes Alex and that’s why I’ll go places in life, like going to college and being a big successful business person with loads of money … unlike you.

From Rosie

Chapter 2

Dear Mr. Byrne,

Alex will be unable to attend school tomorrow, the 8th of April, as he has a dental appointment.

Sandra Stewart

Dear Ms. Quinn,

Rosie will be unable to attend school tomorrow, the 8th of April, as she has a doctor’s appointment.

Alice Dunne

Rosie,

I’ll meet you round the corner at 8.30 a.m. Remember to bring a change of clothes. We’re not wandering around town in our uniforms. This is going to be the best birthday you ever had, Rosie Dunne, trust me! I can’t believe we’re actually getting away with this!

Alex

PS. Sweet 16 my arse!

St James’s Hospital

10 April

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dunne,

Enclosed is the medical bill for Rosie Dunne’s stomach pumping on 8 April.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Montgomery

Rosie,

Your mum is guarding the door like a vicious dog so I don’t think I’ll get to see you for the next ten years or so. The kind big sis you love so much (not!) has agreed to pass this on to you. You owe her big time …

Sorry about the other day. Maybe you were right. Maybe the tequila wasn’t such a good idea. The poor barman will probably be closed down for serving us. Told you that fake ID my mate got would work, even though yours did say you were born on the 31st of February!

Just wondering if you remember anything that happened the other day … write to me. You can trust Stephanie to pass it on. She’s mad at your mum for not letting her drop out of college. Phil and Margaret have just announced that they’re having another baby so it looks like I’ll be an uncle for the second time round. At least that’s taking the attention off me, which makes for a change. Phil just keeps laughing at what you and me did because we remind him of himself ten years ago.

Get well soon, you alco! Do you no I didn’t think it was possible for a human being to go so green in the face. I think you have finally found your talent, Rosie, ha ha ha ha.

Alex/Mr. Cocky,

I FEEL AWFUL. My head is pounding, I have never had such a headache, I have never felt so ill before in my life. Mum and Dad are going ape shit. Honestly, you never get any sympathy in this house. I’m gonna be grounded for about thirty years and I’m being ‘prevented’ from seeing you because you’re ‘such a bad influence’. Yeah right, whatever.

Anyway, it doesn’t really matter what they do because I’m gonna see you at school tomorrow, unless they ‘prevent’ me from going there too, which is absolutely fine by me. Can’t believe we have double maths on a Monday morning. I would rather get my stomach pumped again. Five times over. See you on Monday then.

Oh by the way, in answer to your question, apart from my face smashing against that filthy pub floor, flashing lights, loud sirens, speeding cars and puking, I can’t remember anything else. But I bet that just about covers it. Anything else I should know about?

Rosie

To Rosie

Glad to hear everything is as normal as usual. Mum and Dad are driving me crazy too. I can’t believe I’m actually looking forward to going to school. At least no one will be able to nag us there.

From Alex

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dunne,

Following the recent actions of your daughter Rosie, we request a meeting with you at the school immediately. We need to discuss her behaviour and come to an agreement on a reasonable punishment. I have no doubt you understand the necessity of this. Alex Stewart’s parents will also be in attendance.

The scheduled time is Monday morning at 9 a.m.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Bogarty

Principal

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Suspended!

Holy shit! I didn’t think that old bogey would go ahead and suspend us! I’d swear we were axe murderers from the way that he was carrying on! Oh, this is the best punishment ever. I get to stay in bed for a whole week nursing a hangover instead of going to school!

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject I’m in hell

Glad life is going so wonderfully for you these days. I’m emailing you from the worst place in the world. An office. I have to work here with Dad for the entire week, filing shit and licking stamps. I swear to God I am NEVER EVER going to work in an office in my life.

The bastards aren’t even paying me.

A very pissed off Alex

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject A very pissed off Alex

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha em … I’ve forgotten what I was going to write … oh yeah … ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Lots of love from an extremely comfy, snuggy, warm and happy Rosie typing from her bedroom.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Lazy

I don’t care. There is an absolute babe working in this office. I am going to marry her. Now who’s laughing?

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Don Juan

Who is she?

From a non-lesbian so am therefore NOT jealous.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject To non-lesbian

I will for the time being humour you by calling you that although I have yet to see any evidence to suggest otherwise.

Her name is Bethany Williams and she is seventeen (older woman!), blonde, has a massive pair of boobs and the longest legs I have ever seen.

From the sex god

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Mr. Sex God (puke puke gag vomit)

She sounds like a giraffe. I’m sure she is a really nice person (not!). Have you even said hello to her or has your future wife yet to acknowledge your existence? (Apart from handing you memos to photocopy, of course.)

You have an instant message from: ALEX.

Alex: Hey there, Rosie, got some news for you.

Rosie: Leave me alone, please. I’m trying to concentrate on what Mr. Simpson is saying.

Alex: Hmmm wonder why … could it be those beautiful big blue eyes all you girls are always going on about?

Rosie: Nope, I have a great and growing interest in Excel. It’s so exciting – I could just sit in and do it all weekend.

Alex: Oh, you’re turning into such a bore.

Rosie: I WAS JOKING, YOU IDIOT! I hate this crap. I think my brain is turning to mush from listening to him. But go away anyway.

Alex: Do you not wanna hear my news?

Rosie: Nope.

Alex: Well, I’m telling you anyway.

Rosie: OK, what’s the big exciting news?

Alex: Well, you can eat your words, my friend, because virgin boy is no longer.

Alex: Hello?

Alex: You still there?

Alex: Rosie, c’mon, stop messing!

Rosie: Sorry, I seem to have fallen off my chair and knocked myself out. I had an awful dream you said you are no longer virgin boy.

Alex: No dream.

Rosie: I suppose that means you won’t be wearing your underwear over those tights any more.

Alex: I have no need for underwear at all now.

Rosie: Uuuugh! So who’s the unlucky girl? Please don’t say Bethany please don’t say Bethany …

Alex: Tough shit. It’s Bethany.

Alex: Hello?

Alex: Rosie?

Rosie: What?

Alex: Well?

Rosie: Well what?

Alex: Well say something.

Rosie: I really don’t know what you want me to say, Alex. I think you need to get yourself some male friends because I’m not gonna slap you on the back and ask for gory details.

Alex: Just tell me what you think.

Rosie: To be honest, from what I hear about her, I think she’s a slut.

Alex: Oh, come on, you don’t even no the girl, you’ve never even met her. You call anyone who sleeps with anyone a slut.

Rosie: I’ve seen her around and, eh, SLIGHT exaggeration there, Alex. I call people who sleep with different people every day of the week sluts.

Alex: You no that’s not true.

Rosie: You keep spelling KNOW wrong. It’s KNOW not NO.

Alex: Shut up with the ‘know’ thing. You’ve been going on about that since we were about five!

Rosie: Yeah, exactly, so you think you would listen by now.

Alex: Oh forget I said anything.

Rosie: Oh, Alex, I’m just worried about you. I know you really like her, and all I’m saying is that she’s not a one-man kind of girl.

Alex: Well, she is now.

Rosie: Are you two going out with each other?!

Alex: Yes.

Rosie: YES?????

Alex: You sound surprised.

Rosie: I just didn’t think Bethany went out with people, I thought she just slept with them.

Rosie: Alex?

Rosie: OK, OK, I’m sorry.

Alex: Rosie, you need to stop doing that.

Rosie: I no I do.

Alex: Ha ha.

Mr. Simpson: You two, get down to the principal’s office now.

Rosie: WHAT??? OH, SIR, PLEASE, I WAS LISTENING TO YOU!

Mr. Simpson: Rosie, I haven’t spoken for the last fifteen minutes. You are supposed to be working on an assignment now.

Rosie: Oh. Well, it’s not my fault. Alex is an awful influence on me. He just never lets me concentrate on my school work.

Alex: I just had something really important to tell Rosie and it just couldn’t wait.

Mr. Simpson: So I see, Alex. Congratulations.

Alex: Eh … how do you know what it was?

Mr. Simpson: I think you two would find it interesting sometimes if you listen to me every now and again. You can really learn some useful tips, like how to keep an instant message private so everyone else can’t see.

Alex: Are you telling me other people in the class can read this?

Mr. Simpson: Yes I am.

Alex: Oh my God.

Rosie: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Mr. Simpson: Rosie!

Rosie: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Mr. Simpson: ROSIE!!!

Rosie: Yes, sir.

Mr. Simpson: Get out of the class now.

Alex: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Mr. Simpson: You too, Alex.

Chapter 3

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Julie’s house party

Hiya, long time no see … I hope they’re not working you to death down there at ‘the office’. I’ve hardly seen you at all this summer. There’s a party at Julie’s house tonight so was just wondering if you wanted to go. I don’t really want to go on my own. Anyway, I’m sure you’re busy doing whatever it is you do so just ring me when you get a chance or email me back.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Re: Julie’s house party

Rosie, this is just quick email. Real busy. Can’t go out tonight, promised Bethany would go to cinema. Sorry! You go and have fun.

Rosie, hello from Portugal! Weather here really hot. Dad got sunstroke and all Mum does is lie by the pool, which is really boring. Not much people here my age. Hotel quiet (on front of postcard) and it’s right on the beach, as you can see. You would love to work here! I’m bringing home a collection of those little shampoos and shower caps and stuff that you love. The bathrobe is too big to fit into my bag. See you when I get back. Alex

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Catching up?

How was the holiday? Haven’t heard from you since you’ve been back. Fancy going out tonight to catch up?

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Re: Catching up?

Sorry have been so busy since I got back. Got you pressie. Can’t go out tonight but will drop your pressie by before I head out.

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Re: Catching up?

Didn’t see you last night. I want my little shampoos, ha ha.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Re: Catching up?

Heading to Donegal for the weekend. Beth’s parents have a little ‘hideaway’ there. Will drop your pressie by when I get back.

To the most inconsiderate asshole of a friend

I’m writing you this letter because I know that if I say what I have to say to your face I will probably punch you.

I don’t know you any more. I don’t see you any more. All I get is a quick text or a rushed email from you every few days. I know you are busy and I know you have Bethany, but hello? I’m supposed to be your best friend.

You have no idea what this summer has been like. Since we were kids we pushed away every single person that could possibly have been our friend until there was only me and you. It’s not that we didn’t want anyone else, it’s just that we didn’t need them. You always had me. I always had you. Now you have Bethany and I have no one.

Sadly it looks like you don’t need me any more. I feel like those other people that used to try to become our friends. I know you’re probably not doing it deliberately just as we never did. Anyway, I’m not moaning on about how much I hate her, I’m just trying to tell you that I miss you. And that, well … I’m lonely.

Whenever you cancel nights out I end up staying home with Mum and Dad watching TV. Stephanie’s always out and even Kevin has more of a life than I do. It’s so depressing. This was supposed to be our summer of fun. What happened? Can’t you be friends with two people at once?

I know you have found someone who is extra special, and that you both have a unique ‘bond’, or whatever, that you and I will never have. But we have another bond: we’re best friends. Or does the best friend bond disappear as soon as you meet somebody else? Maybe it does, and I just don’t understand that because I haven’t met that ‘somebody special’. I’m not in any hurry to either. I liked things the way they were.

In a few years’ time if my name ever comes up you will probably say, ‘Rosie. Now there’s a name I haven’t heard for ages. We used to be best friends. I wonder what she’s doing now; I haven’t seen or thought of her in years!’ You will sound like my mum and dad when they have dinner parties with friends and talk about old times. They mention people I’ve never even heard of when they’re talking about some of the most important days of their lives. How could Mum’s bridesmaid of twenty years ago be someone she doesn’t even ring up now? Or in Dad’s case, how could he not know where his own best friend from school lives?

Anyway, my point is (I know, I know, there is one), I don’t want to be one of those easily forgotten people, so important at the time, so special, so influential and so treasured, yet years later just a vague face and a distant memory. I want us to be best friends for ever, Alex.

I’m happy you’re happy, really I am, but I feel like I’ve been left behind. Maybe our time has come and gone. Maybe your time is now meant to be spent with Bethany. And if that’s the case I won’t bother sending you this letter. And if I’m not sending this letter then what am I doing still writing it? OK, I’m going now and I’m ripping these muddled thoughts up.

Your friend,

Rosie

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Buttercup!!

Hey, Buttercup, you OK? (Haven’t called you that for a long time!) I haven’t heard or seen you in a while. I’m sending you this email because every time I call by your house, you’re either in the bath or not there. Should I begin to take this personally? But knowing you, if you had a problem with me you wouldn’t be too shy to let me know all about it!

Anyway, once the summer is over we’ll see each other every day. We’ll be sick of the sight of each other then! I can’t believe this is our last year in school. It’s crazy! This time next year I’ll be studying medicine and you will be hotel manager woman extraordinaire! Things at work have been frantic. Dad kind of gave me a promotion so I’ve more to do than just filing and labelling. (I answer phones now too.) But I need the money and at least I get to see Bethany everyday. How’s your job as chief dishwasher at The Dragon? I’m amazed you turned down baby-sitting for that. You could have stayed in all night and watched TV instead of turning your hands to prunes while you scrape egg noodles from woks. Anyway, email me or call me back or something.

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Moonbeam!

It’s not because I hate Bethany that I’m not seeing much of you (although I do hate her) it’s just that I think Bethany dislikes me just a little. It could have something to do with the fact that a friend of hers told her what I wrote about her in that (not so) private instant messaging thingy in computer class last year. But I suppose you already know that. I don’t think she liked being called a slut, I don’t know why … some women are just funny like that. (Speaking of computer class, you know Mr. Simpson got married this summer? I’m gutted. I’ll never look at Excel in the same way again.)

Anyway it’s your birthday soon! You will have finally reached the grand old age of eighteen! Want to go out and do some legal celebrating (well, legal for you, anyway)? Let me know.

PS. Please STOP calling me Buttercup!

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject 18th Birthday

Good to hear you’re alive after all. I was beginning to worry! I would love to celebrate my 18th with you but Bethany’s parents are taking me and my parents out for dinner to the Hazel. (How posh is that?) It’s so we can all get to know each other. Sorry, another night definitely.

Dearest Alex,

Well whoopdeedoo for you.

Fuck Bethany.

Fuck her parents.

Fuck the Hazel.

And fuck you.

Love your best friend Rosie

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Happy Birthday!

OK then. Well, enjoy the meal. Happy birthday!

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject DISASTER!

I can’t believe this is happening! I was just talking to your mum; called over for a chat and she told me the bad news. This is the worst news ever! Please call me when you can. Your boss keeps telling me you can’t take calls during working hours – QUIT, Mr. I never EVER want to work in an office.

This is so terrible. I feel awful!

Chapter 4

Dear Mr. Stewart,

We are delighted to inform you that you have been accepted to fill the position of Vice President of Charles and Charles Co. We are thrilled that you will be joining the team over here and we look forward to welcoming you and your family to Boston.

I hope the relocation package we are offering is to your satisfaction. If there is anything further that Charles and Charles Co. can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. Maria Agnesi, personnel executive, will call you to discuss a suitable date for you to begin work.

We look forward to seeing you at the office.

Welcome to the team!

Yours sincerely,

Robert Brasco

President, Charles and Charles Co.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Re: DISASTER!

I’ll call you when I get home. It’s true. Dad was offered a job doing something that sounds incredibly boring … I don’t really know, I wasn’t listening when he told me exactly what. I can’t understand why he has to go all the way over to Boston to do a boring job. There’s plenty of them right here. He can have mine.

I’m so pissed off. I don’t want to go. I only have a year left in school. This is such the wrong time to leave. I don’t want to go to a stupid American high school. I don’t want to leave you.

We can talk about it later. We have to think of a way that I can stay. This is really bad, Rosie.

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Stay with me!

Don’t go! Mum and Dad said that you could stay here for the year! Finish school in Dublin and then we can both decide what to do after that! Please stay! It will be so brilliant, us living together. It’ll be just like when we were young and we used to keep each other up all night with those walkie-talkies! We used to hear more static than our voices but we thought we were so cool! Remember that time on Christmas Eve absolutely years ago when we had a ‘Santa’ watch? We planned it for weeks, drawing little diagrams of the road and maps of our houses just so we could cover every angle and not miss him. You were on the 7–10 p.m. watch and I was on the 10 p. m.–1 a.m. watch. You were supposed to wake up and take over from me, but – surprise, surprise – you didn’t. I stayed awake all night, screaming down into that walkie-talkie, trying to wake you up! Ah well, it was your loss. I saw Santa and you didn’t …

If you stay with us, Alex, we’ll be able to talk all night! It would be so much fun. When we were kids we always wanted to live together. Now’s our chance.

Talk to your mum and dad about it. Convince them to say yes. Anyway, you’re eighteen so you can do what you like!

Rosie,

I didn’t want to wake you so your mum said she would pass this on to you. You no I hate goodbyes, but anyway, it’s not goodbye because you’re going to come over and visit all the time. Promise me. Mum and Dad wouldn’t even let me stay with Phil, never mind you. I couldn’t convince them. They want to keep their eye on me for my final year of school.

I have to go … I’ll miss you. Ring you when I get there.

Love,

Alex

PS. I told you, I was awake that Christmas Eve. My battery just went dead on my walkietalkie … (and I did see Santa, I’ll have you no).

Alex,

Good luck, little brother. Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy yourself once you get there and I can’t wait to come and visit. Despite having Margaret and the kids, I still feel like moving over with the lot of you. I’ll miss you all. It won’t be the same without you. Stop worrying about Rosie. Her life’s not going to fall apart just because you’re in different countries. But if it’ll make you feel any better I’ll look out for her for you – she does almost seem like my little sister. By the way, if Sandy doesn’t learn how to control her bladder in this house then I’m sending her over to you on a plane.

We’ll miss you,

Phil (+ Margaret, William and Fiona)

From Rosie

To Stephanie

Subject Urgent sisterly advice needed

I can’t believe he’s gone, Steph. I can’t believe you’re gone. Why is everyone leaving me? Surely you could have ‘found yourself’ a little closer to home? But France? Alex left only a few weeks ago but I almost feel like he’s dead …

Why did he have to break up with Slutty Bethany just two weeks before he left? Then I wouldn’t have gotten used to him being around so much again. Things really got back to normal, Steph. It was brilliant. We spent every second together and had so much fun!

Brian the Whine threw a going-away party for Alex just last week; I think it was just an excuse for Brian the Whine to get permission from his parents to have a party, to be honest, because the two of them never liked each other. Not since that pizza in James’s hair incident. But anyway, Whine held the party in his house and invited all of his friends, and me and Alex knew hardly anyone in the entire place! The people we did know we can’t stand, so we left and headed into town. You know O’Brien’s where we held your surprise 21st? Well, we went there and Alex had the bright idea of standing outside the pub door and pretending to be the bouncer. (There was none on the door that night because it was only a Monday.) Well, he pulled it off anyway because he’s really tall and muscly – you know Alex! Anyway, we stood there for ages turning people away; I don’t think he let one person in. Eventually we got bored and headed inside to the empty pub. Of course, the more drinks we had, the more me and Alex ended up getting all weepy about him moving away … Apart from that the night was brilliant. I miss the times we had, just us together like that.

You can’t imagine how lonely it is at school these days. I’m just short of getting down on my hands and knees and begging for someone to be my friend. How pathetic. No one really cares. I spent the last few years ignoring them so they don’t feel like they really have to talk to me. I think some of them are even enjoying it. The teachers are loving it. Mr. Simpson called me back after class to congratulate me on how well I’m doing lately. It’s shameful; Alex would be appalled if he found out I was actually working at school. I’m horrified that things have gotten so bad that I actually pay attention to the teachers. They’re the only people who even talk to me from one day to the next. How depressing.

I wake up in the morning and I feel like I’m missing something. I know that there’s something not right, and it takes me a while to remember what it is … then I remember. My best friend is gone. My only friend. It was silly of me to rely so much on one person. It’s all coming back on me now.

Anyway, sorry for whinging on and on all the time. I’m sure you have enough problems of your own to worry about. Tell me how my sophisticated big sis is doing over in France. Strange you’re over there – you always hated French class. At least it’s only for a few months, right? And then you’re coming back? Dad’s still not happy about you dropping out of college. Why you had to go away to find yourself is beyond me. Just look in the mirror. What’s the restaurant like? Have you dropped any plates yet? Are you going to work there for long? Any nice men? There must be; French men are yummy. If there are any spare men that you don’t want, send them my way.

Love,

Rosie

PS. Dad wants to know if you have enough money and if you’ve found yourself yet. Mum wants to know if you are eating properly. Little Kevin (he is so tall now you wouldn’t believe!) wants to know if you’ll send him some video game or other over. I don’t know what he’s talking about so just ignore him.

From Stephanie

To Rosie

Subject Re: Urgent sisterly advice

Hello, my darling little sister.

Don’t worry about Alex. I’ve thought long and hard about it and I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s a good idea he’s not there for your final year of school because at least for the first year EVER you may not get suspended. Think of how proud you would make Mum and Dad. (Oh, by the way, tell them I’m broke, starving and currently looking for myself in an internet café in Paris.)

I definitely know how you feel right now. I’m alone here too, but just stick the year out and when you’re finished maybe Alex will move back to Ireland, or you can go to college in Boston!

Aim for something, Rosie, I know you don’t want to hear it, but it will help. Aim for what you want and the year will all make sense. Go to Boston if that will make you happy. Study hotel management like you’ve always wanted.

You’re only young, Rosie, and I know that you absolutely hate to hear that but it’s true. What seems tragic now won’t even be an issue in a few years’ time. You’re only seventeen. You and Alex have the rest of your lives to catch up together. After all, soulmates always end up together. Silly Bethany won’t even be remembered then. Ex-girlfriends are easily forgotten. Best friends stay with you for ever.

Take care. Tell Mum and Dad I said hi and that I’m still looking for myself but may have found someone else in the process. Tall, dark and handsome …

Chapter 5

Dear Ms. Rosie Dunne,

Thank you for your application to study Hotel Management with us at Boston College. We are delighted to inform you that you were successful in your application …

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Boston here I come!

I GOT IN!! Boston College, here I come!!!

WAHOOO! The letter arrived just this morning and I am soooo excited! You’d better not move a muscle, Mr. Stewart, because I am finally coming to see you. It’ll be great, even though you and I won’t be studying at the same college. (Harvard is far too distinguished for the likes of me!) But I think it’s just as well because I don’t think we can really afford to get suspended again …

Email or call me as soon as possible. I’d call you but Dad put a block on long-distance calls, as you know, after the last bill. Mum and Dad are so proud, they’re phoning all the family to tell them. I think they’re hoping I’ll be the first Dunne child to go to college and actually finish the course. Dad keeps warning me not to go trying to ‘find myself’ anywhere like Stephanie did. By the way, it doesn’t look like Steph is coming home anytime soon. She met some chef that works at the restaurant she’s waiting at, and she’s officially ‘in love’.

The phone hasn’t stopped ringing all day with congratulations! Honestly, Alex, the house is buzzing! Paul and Eileen from across the road sent over a bunch of flowers for me, which was really nice. Mum’s getting the house ready for a get-together tonight, just a few sandwiches and cocktail sausages, that kind of thing. Kevin is happy I’m leaving so he can be even more spoiled than usual. I’ll miss the brat even though he never talks to me. I’ll miss Mum and Dad even more, but right now everyone is just so excited I’ve been accepted to think about the fact that I won’t be living here any more. I suppose the enormity of it will hit me the day I wave goodbye, but in the meantime we’ll continue to celebrate!

PS. One of these days I can run a hotel and you can be the doctor-in-the-house who saves the lives of the guests I poison in the restaurant, just like we always planned. Oh, this has all worked out wonderfully …

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Re: Boston here I come!

This is brilliant news! I can’t wait to see you too! Harvard isn’t too far away from Boston College (well, in comparison to being a whole ocean apart – can you believe Harvard accepted me? It must be the intellects’ idea of a hilarious joke). I’m too excited to type – just get over here. When are you coming?

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject September

I won’t be over till September, only a few days before the semester starts, because I have got so many things to sort out you wouldn’t believe!

The debs are at the end of August – will you come over for them? Everyone would love to see you, and I need someone to go with! We will have so much fun and we can annoy all our teachers, just like old times … Let me know.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Re: Debs

Of course I’ll come home for our debs. I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Where r u???

I’m at the internet café at the airport. Me & Dad have been here for hours. I tried your house phone and mobile. Don’t know where else to call. Hope everything’s ok.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Sorry!

Rosie, I am so sorry. This whole day has been an absolute nightmare. There was a foul-up with the flight. I don’t no what happened, but my name wasn’t in the system when I went to collect my ticket. I’ve been here all day trying to get another flight. They’re all booked because of people flying home from holidays and students returning home, etc. I’m on standby, but so far there’s been nothing. I’m just hanging around the airport waiting for a flight. This is a nightmare.

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Flight tomorrow

Dad’s talking to the lady at Aer Lingus ticket desk. She says there’s a flight that leaves Boston tomorrow at 10.10 a.m. It takes five hours to get here so that will make it 3 p. m., then we’re five hours ahead, which will make it 8 p.m. We could collect you from airport and go straight to ball? Or maybe you’d prefer to go to my house first? You can’t wear your tux on the plane because you’ll get all crumpled. What do you think?

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Flight

Rosie, bad news. That flight is fully booked.

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Flight

Shit. Think, think, think. What can I do? It seems that we can get you here every other bloody day except tomorrow. Somebody up there really doesn’t want you to get on that plane. Maybe it’s a sign?

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject My fault

It’s my fault, I should have double-checked with the airline yesterday – they always say you should reconfirm your flights but whoever does? I no I’ve messed up your night but please go to the debs anyway. You still have the whole day to find someone else to go with you. Take loads of photos for me, and enjoy yourself. Sorry, Rosie.

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Re: My fault

It’s not your fault. I’m disappointed but let’s be realistic, it’s not the end of the world. I’m gonna be in Boston in a little over a month and we’ll be seeing each other EVERY DAY! Make sure you get your money back for that flight, the eejits. We’ll have a brilliant time. I better go searching for a man now …

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Manhunt

Any luck finding a man?

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Man found

What a stupid question!! Of course I found a man. I’m insulted you even needed to ask …

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Mystery man

Then who is it?

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Secret man

That would be absolutely none of your business.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Invisible man

HA! You didn’t find a date!! I knew it!

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Big strong man

Yes I did.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject No man

No you didn’t.

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Yes, man!

Yes I did.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject What man?

THEN WHO IS IT?

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Almost a man

Brian.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Brian?

BRIAN? BRIAN THE WHINE?

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Re: Brian?

Maybe …

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject HA HA!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha, you’re going to the debs with Brian the Whine?! Talk about scraping the barrel! Brian who lifted your skirt when you were six, in front of everyone in the school yard, to reveal your knickers? The Brian you were stuck sitting beside for all of second class, who ate fish sandwiches every day for lunch and picked his nose while you ate your sandwiches? The Brian who followed us home from school everyday singing ‘Rosie and Alex up a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G?’ and made you cry and ignore me for a week? The Brian who spilled his beer all down your new top at my going-away party? The Brian you absolutely can’t stand and was the one person you actually hated all throughout school? And now you’re going to the last school dance ever, with Brian?

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject No, the other Brian

Yes, Alex, that Brian. Now may I ask that you please stop emailing me as my darling mother is currently tying knots in my head trying to make me look half decent? She has also been reading your emails and wants you to know that Brian the Whine won’t be lifting up my skirt tonight.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Re: Brian

Well, it won’t be for lack of trying. Have fun! May I suggest that you wear your beer goggles tonight?

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Re: Beer goggles

The beer goggles will be well and truly on! Brian was the only person I could get last minute, thanks to you. All I have to do is stand in with him for the photos so that Mum and Dad can have lovely memories of their daughter going to the debs all dressed up with a man in a tuxedo. The tables seat ten so I won’t even have to talk to him at dinner. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you, Alex?

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Re: Re: Beer goggles

Not really. I’d love to be there instead. Don’t do anything that I wouldn’t do …

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Re: Re: Re: Beer goggles

Well, that doesn’t rule out much. Hair’s done now, have to get the rest of me ready. I’ll let you know how it went tomorrow.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Debs

How were the debs last night? No doubt you’re nursing a hangover. I’ll wait to hear from you tomorrow but I’ll wait no longer! I want to know everything!

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Debs

Did you get my last email? I keep calling and there’s no answer. What’s up? I hope you’re busy preparing for the big move over to me! Email me soon, please.

Steph: Rosie, stop avoiding Alex and tell him how the debs went. Alex is even emailing me wondering what happened, and I’m certainly not going to tell him! The poor guy missed out and all he wants to know is who did what, where and when.

Rosie: Well, I certainly won’t be telling him who did who.

Steph: Ha ha.

Rosie: It’s not funny.

Steph: I think it’s hilarious. Come on, it’s been three weeks now!

Rosie: Are you sure it’s three weeks?

Steph: Yeah, why?

Rosie: Holy shit.

Rosie has logged off.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Hello??

Rosie, are you there? Are you having problems with your email? Please reply. You should be getting on a plane soon to come over here – you’ll miss the start of term.

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject Please, Rosie?

Are you mad at me? I’m sorry I couldn’t go to the debs ball, but I thought you understood. Things with whiny Briany can’t have gone that badly, can they? What have you been doing all month? This is ridiculous. Why doesn’t anyone answer the phone at your house when I call?

Answer me,

Alex

Dear Alice,

Hi, it’s Alex here. I’m just writing to see if Rosie’s OK. I haven’t heard from her and I was getting a bit worried, to tell you the truth. It’s unusual for me to not hear from her in so long. Every time I call the house it just goes on to answering machine. Are you getting my messages? Maybe you’ve all gone away? Please let me no what’s happening, and tell Rosie to call.

Best wishes,

Alex

Dear Sandra,

Alex has been leaving messages with us all week and he’s terribly concerned about Rosie. I know you’re worried about him worrying about Rosie so I’m just writing to let you know the situation …

From Alex

To Rosie

Subject You’re not coming to Boston?

My mum told me today that you’re not coming to Boston. Please tell me what’s happening. I’m so worried. Did I do something wrong? You no that I am always here for you when you need me.

Whatever it is, Rosie, I will understand and will always be here to help you. Please let me no what is happening. I’m going out of my mind here. If you don’t get in touch with me, I’m booking a flight back to Ireland to see you myself.

Love,

Alex

From Stephanie

To Rosie

Subject I’m coming over

Rosie, my sweetie, don’t worry. Just take deep breaths and try to relax. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe this is the correct path for you; perhaps Boston wasn’t. I’m booking a flight and I’ll be home as soon as I can. Hang in there, little sis.

Love,

Stephanie

Dear Miss Rosie Dunne,

Thank you for your recent letter. Boston College acknowledges that you will not be accepting your position this year.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Whitworth

Rosie, can’t believe this is the decision u have made. You know I am not in support of it. I’m moving away as I had already planned. Hope everything works out well 4 u.

From Rosie

To Alex

Subject Help

Oh God, Alex, what have I done?