Rose

I stare up at him panicking internally.

If I say anything, the plan is ruined and I can't be with Ryder anymore. I-I can't stand that. I'd lose it.

A quick lie assmbles in my mind and I bite my lip.

"He's been bothering me, trying to get me home and I've been brushing him off. He asked me in house the day before we came to the hotel and I already told you the time before. I didn't want you to worry so I didn't tell you." I shrug, making it seem unimportant and trival.

Ryder stares down at me.

"...then why'd you say you know?" He asks, leaning in a bit.

"Huh?" I swallow. I hate lying to him.

"You said you fucking knew something, what?"

My mind dances and I nod slowly.

"Yeah, um, he told me my father wanted me home and I responded how I did. This is why I didn't tell you, you're worrying too much, let's just get food. Don't let Caleb ruin our date." I grab his elbow and start walking, dragging him with me.

"I knew I should've shot him that day." He mutters as we go.

Suddenly, he stops us and looks down at me.

"Are you ok?"

I pause then scoff.

"I wouldn't let Caleb phase me, trust me." I continue dragging him and he follows, not bringing the event up again.

I feel relief spread through me. Just a little longer and he'll learn the truth. The lies will stop.

A sour feeling remains though.

Lies are still lies.

But the truth coming out, right now, would end us.

How did Caleb get Rose's number? Why is she keeping things from me? What is going on?

I know if I ask she'll brush me off as usual, but I'm going crazy trying not to say anything.

I need more information.

Rose sits across from me eating and I smile.

Her gaze meets mine and she smiles back at me with a mouth full of pancakes.

Her teeth show and her cheeks chub up. My heart swells as I reach out and pinch one of them.

She swats my hand away.

"That's annoying." She rolls her eyes yet a grin remains on her face.

How fucking adorable.

I chuckle and get up. Rose tilts her head and furrows her brows.

"Bathroom." I say, shooting a finger out in the direction.

She nods.

I make my way there and into a stall. The shiny silver walls surround me and the white automatic toilet sits behind. I lean against the wall and pull out my phone.

I stroll through my contacts and find 'Hacker Boi'. Pressing the number I wait for him to pick up.

"Yeah, boss?" He answers.

"Can you get me any info that connects Caleb and Rose? Anything at all?" I ask, as my anger rises at the mention of his name.

"All you ever hit me up for nowadays is Rose. What happened to bros before hoes? We used to-"

"I'm being serious. Can you?"

He sighs.

"Of course I can. I'll call you when I get something." His tone seems tired.

"Thanks. We could watch a game some time, but right now I'm feeling like a mess. I need to make sure Rose is stable in my life. Don't take it to heart." I say, reasoning with him. He's like a brother to me, and I know he's always going to be there. Rose though, feels like she could disappear in a blink of an eye.

And it scares me. More than anything ever has.

I clench my jaw and fist for a second.

I can fix this. She's here, she's right out there, go have a good time, don't think too much and ruin this for her.

She said she wanted our little retreat to be fun. Perfect.

I just hope this isn't her goodbye. Please God. Let her stay with me forever and always.

I scoff, realizing I'm praying. I don't pray.

She has me doing, feeling, imagining all this new shit. The least she can do, is not have me paranoid about her leaving me. The least.

I take a deep breath and push off the stall wall.

I'll do as much as I have to, to keep her by my side.

Especially now when she feels so far.

______________________________________

784k

1/30/19

Guyss I was thinking about updating again today, should I? I kinda really want to do, idk tho. This chapter doesn't feel like enough.

Thanks for all the followers btw I didnt really expect you guys to even mind me. If I reach 1k I'll def. update everyday for a week or 10 days I guys pick I promise.

Thanks for all the support I'm really in love with u all.

Ciao.