Darkened Roses [Complete][Book 1 of Roses Trilogy]

Chapter 19; Old Friends

*Rose's POV*

"Hey Mark, remember me?" I spoke into the phone.

"Rosalyn, I thought you forgot all about me, its been five years" Mark's voice was excited as I let out a laugh.

"I haven't, trust me. I've just been busy with school and my new job" I told him, as I heard his deep chuckle through the receiver.

"I have a feeling this isn't a purely social call, whats going on in that pretty head of yours?" He asked. Man, he always knew when something was wrong.

"A lot, way too much for a phone call" I responded, and he took a moment to respond.

"I have a spare room if you'd like to come and talk" He extended the offer easily, his voice calm.

"That would be amazing, you are truly an amazing friend" I told him, and he laughed.

"I know" He sounded so sure.

"Don't let that go to your huge ego, I'll be there in three days okay? Thanks again" I told him, and I could almost see him rolling his eyes.

"Yep, can't wait to see you" He said before we said good bye and hung up. I headed back into the house to see Ray had moved from the door to sitting on the couch.

"Ray, babe? I've gotta go to LA, I'll be back in Austin soon" He didn't answer, didn't look up. Something was up, but honestly I didn't care anymore. He was being an unresponsive jerk.

*Ray's POV*

I hadn't been able to look Rose in the eyes when I got back. I looked everywhere but at her. I couldn't see the inevitable hurt in her eyes when I told her what happened. I also couldn't lie to the one who held my heart, but if I loved her, why did I give into Traci? She left me, and during the ten minutes she was gone, I had moved to the couch.

"Ray, Babe? I've gotta go to LA, I'll be back in Austin soon" I didn't answer her. She was leaving me, and I hadn't even told her. I wondered if she would ever come back, but before I could say anything she was headed upstairs and I felt a tear slip down my cheek. What if this wasn't to last? Was this love only temporary? If it was then why did I feel so strongly to her? I sighed, putting my head in my hands.

*Rose's POV*

I opened my computer and found a flight out to LA that departs tomorrow morning. Booking it, I glanced over at the clock to see it read 3:30 and I sighed a little roughly. I packed all my clothes and my books. I set my laptop in its case, plugged in my phone before a text beeped.

When does your flight leave? - Sent from Marki

Tomorrow morning, b in LA by three - Sent to Marki

I smiled for the first time since Ray had left to see her for lunch. A knock on the door frame made me look up from the phone for a moment before a beep signaled another text. I turned away from the figure in the door to glance at the screen in my hands.

Great, I'll pick you up k? - Sent from Marki

K, see you then - Sent to Marki

"Who are you texting?" A rough voice asked and I glanced up to see Ray there. He had a wet stain running down his cheek and I got up from the bed, stepping over to him. I didn't hug him or anything, but I stood near him.

"A friend" He only nodded, sitting on the bed, his hands rested on his knees and his head was tilted down.

"I don't know what happened, b-" Ray held up a hand, telling me to stop.

"Traci kissed me, and I- I gave in for a few seconds before pushing her away" Ray had a tear in his eye as he revealed the truth. I put a hand over my mouth with a soft gasp, hurt flooded into my eyes and I could feel my heart crack. I didn't say anything, just grabbed my suitcase, laptop case, phone and charger. I could hear a soft sob, but I couldn't comfort him. My mind was forcing me to stay away, he had done a bad thing.

xxxx

Flight number 1504 to Los Angeles International now boarding

The voice called over the intercom, as I headed to the gate. I handed my ticket over and proceeded onto the plane, finding my seat. Settling down, I got a text and glanced at it.

I'm sorry baby, please forgive me - Sent from Ray<3

I didn't respond, instead I got out of the messaging app and plugged in my headphones, blaring select Skillet, Imagine Dragons, Bon Jovi and more into my ears as the plane got ready to take off.

xxxx

"Rose!" A voice called as I turned to see a tall man with dark hair, wearing a flannel shirt with dark jeans and sneakers.

"Mark!" I called, running towards him and bear-hugged him.

"Its been too long" He chuckled as we broke apart.

"It has, it has" I agreed as we grabbed my suitcase. We got flocked by a few fans with some asking if we were dating. Blushing I shook my head as Mark chuckled. Once they were done, we headed to his car, and he drove us to his apartment.

Once we got into the two bedroom apartment, he pointed out the guest room and I set my things down.

"I have to record a few videos, then we can talk about everything going on in that head of yours" He smirked, tapping my head. I glared him as he laughed, heading to his office.

Sitting myself on his couch, I received another text from Ray. With a groan I looked at the text.

Baby, please don't be mad, I love you - Sent from Ray<3

Ignoring the message, I locked my phone, set it on the coffee table and put on a quiet TV show to provide company while Mark finished doing his YouTube stuff.

About two hours later, he came back out a smile on his face as I turned off the tv.

"Start at the beginning" He said, settling himself beside me on the couch.

"Well..."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Well, Rose just has all kinds of youtube friends, including Mr. Markiplier here. He inspired her before she went off to college and listened to her, and he inspires myself as well, even though I do not know him in person, just on his videos. Anyway, here enjoy to long-awaited updates to Darkened Roses.