The following week passed by in an emotional blur. During that time, Rosaline asked Erik if she could stay with him at his house as she didn't feel comfortable returning home. Of course, Erik welcomed Rosaline with open arms, however he knew that it was only a matter of time until she would eventually need to leave. She was so insistent on not returning home that she even had to purchase new work clothes and organise school work using Erik's home office. Despite some of the distressing issues that the two lovers were currently faced with, Erik had to admit that he thoroughly enjoyed going to sleep each evening with Rosaline and having the opportunity to wake up next to her each new morning. It was those smaller privileges in his life that made Erik feel excessively blessed. Still, seeing the saddened expression on his sweethearts face made him want to steal her away for the weekend and hopefully help change her current gloomy demeanour.

"Love, I have some news to share with you." Erik announced Friday evening, after he had spotted Rosaline reclining against the sofa in the living room.

"What kind of news?" She quietly asked him.

For obvious reasons, Rosaline hadn't been particularly talkative or affectionate over the past few days. Although she had assured Erik that she was slowly becoming herself again, he knew better than to simply accept what she was telling him. It wasn't that she was necessarily lying to him, but rather she didn't want to hurt Erik anymore than her family already had by admitting that she was in fact still reeling from the events that had occurred with her parents and brothers.

"Good news I hope." Erik optimistically began, whilst taking a seat beside her and wrapping a protective arm over her shoulder.

"I have arranged for us to spend the weekend at a luxurious retreat near the snowy mountains, located in Glasslea." He revealed.

Rosaline slowly shifted in his hold, before a confused expression took over her face.

"Why?" She despondently replied.

"Do I need a reason to want to indulge my girlfriend?" Erik inquired with a cheeky look.

"The truth is Rose, I think we both need to get away for a few days to clear our heads and hopefully spend some quality time with one another. Don't get me wrong sweetheart, as much as I have enjoyed you saying here this past week I feel as though we haven't really spoken as much or acted like true ourselves." Erik glumly admitted.

"Don't you miss smiling with me, or laughing at me or even kissing me? I know I do. I want all those things with you again love." He continued, whilst searching Rosaline's eyes for even a hint of what she was thinking.

"Of course I want all those things too. It's just been hard trying to ignore what happened with my family and I'm sorry if it seemed like I was directing my sadness towards you, that was never my intention Erik." She bravely confessed.

Erik grasped Rosaline's delicate hand in his own and rubbed her knuckles as she continued to look at him. He could see the sincerity behind her eyes as she spoke, which naturally comforted him as she chose that next moment to stroke his cheek in a loving way.

"I apologise if I've been the worst girlfriend this past week, but I promise you that I'll try and lighten up during the trip." Rosaline pleaded.

"Rose, you haven't been the worst girlfriend. Not by a long shot, sweetheart. Especially given the difficult week you've had. I just want to be able to give you the happiness you deserve." Assured Erik with a warm smile.

"So does that mean you'll join me on the trip?" Erik steadily questioned.

"Would you have gone without me?" Rosaline humourlessly asked him.

"Not a chance." Erik grinned, before leaning in to press his lips sweetly against hers.

That same evening, Erik helped Rosaline whilst she packed a small bag of essential items. Erik informed her that she needn't to pack much else besides undergarments and her pyjamas, as they would buying snow gear once they arrived at their destination. As it were, Erik and Rosaline retreated to bed sooner than expected that night as they had a early wake up call the next morning. What Erik hadn't told Rosaline before falling asleep however was in how they would be travelling to the retreat.

Waking up the next morning, Erik was relived to see the bright smile etched onto Rosaline's face. It seemed that their conversation last night was enough to make her feel relaxed and to put their troubles behind them, even if only for the weekend. Rosaline had her eyes closed and leaned her head against Erik's shoulder during the car ride to the airport. Erik was slightly surprised by the fact that Rose wasn't asking any questions, but he assumed that was because it was still too early to be engaging in any kind of conversation.

"Rosaline? We're here sweetheart." Erik whispered against her temple.

Erik pressed a sentimental kiss in her hair, before slowly lifting Rosaline's head from his shoulder. Whilst Rose took a few minutes to gather herself, Erik exited out of the vehicle to collect their belongings from the boot of the car. He thanked his driver Mr Arnold, while he opened up the passenger door and outstretched his hand for Rosaline to accept. She willingly placed her palm in his hand and offered him a sweet smile in appreciation. It didn't take long before Rosaline observed her surroundings and noticed that the pair were standing on an airport tarmac.

"Erik, what are we doing here? Why aren't we checking in?" Rosaline asked in a confused expression.

"That's because I've already taken care of everything else ahead of time sweetheart. The only thing you need to worry about is stepping onto that private plane behind me." Erik informed her with an award winning smile.

Erik watched as Rosaline's mouth slowly widened in shock, upon hearing such news. He had carefully planned their trip from start to finish and he had hoped that by taking off in a private plane, Rosaline would succumb to being spoilt by him over the next two days.

"Erik, this is crazy!" She disbelievingly exclaimed.

"Just wait until you see what other surprises I have in store for us." Erik vowed with a lighthearted wink and proud grin.