The Thorn To My Rose

What is your secret?

Rosie's POV:

The drive home with Aiden was eerily quiet.

" A penny for your thoughts?" I said, causing Aiden to snap out of his little trance that he had going.

" Roro, why aren't we a happy family again?" For a little kid, Aiden had always been observant. I guess I never really thought he had picked up anything because I was so busy with trying to figure out what happened between me and my mom.

" I didn't think you noticed anything to be honest." I looked over at him. He was staring at me intently as if trying to read my mind somehow.

" I noticed things. But I guess I always thought everything will go back to normal. I didn't think everything would end up like this. Rosie I want to come home, I am tired of being treated like a little kid who doesn't understand what is happening around him. Do you know how it feels to have to go over to a friends house and have people walk on eggshells every time they see me."

I didn't bother to interrupt him. Aiden has always been observant but it was so hard to tell how he was feeling. He was pretty verbal about his feelings but I guess this is a new type of feeling for him. I know exactly what that feeling is.

It is pity. I saw it in every strangers eyes growing up. Pity for mom who was still a baby raising a baby. How parents would pick up their kids from school or attend recitals or plays and I was still there waiting for my mom to finish classes herself or work.

Aiden has that same look in his eyes. The look of defeat.

" Rosie I hate this feeling. I dont know how to handle the stares, the whispers. The silence is so loud that I can't even think" He said quietly.

Damn, I felt that. Okay Rosie. Think. Dont say something insensitive.

" We can conquer anything and everything together. I remember the day you were born. You were literally the best thing to have ever happen to me Aiden. When I got to hold you for the first time you grab my finger with your little ones and I swore to everyone. Even to god that I was going to be the best big sister for you. I am sorry that I could be there for you lately but I promise that I would not let you go through what I did alone."

" I love you more than anything in this world and I will protect you. Just know that we will figure everything out. Even if me and mommy aren't going to mend our relationship." Aiden was wiping the tears from his eyes. While I was blinking my tears away.

" you promise?" Aiden asked looking at me with his beautiful eyes.

That was something I replied confidently with my whole chest.

"I promise baby" I leaned in for a hug which was reciprocated. Once we finally reached the house I hesitated to go inside for a minute.

Aiden also sat there which was kind of interesting considering I thought he would've been the first one to get out of the car.

" You okay? " I asked, looking over at him. He was looking at me like he was expecting me to get out first.

" Together?" He asked with a sheepish smile.

" You think I was just gonna drop you off here and dip out?" I said sarcastically. He chuckled at that comment. We both eventually gathered enough courage to get out of the car and go inside the house.

I was not used to the silence. Normally when I was coming home either my mom or dad would be home or in some cases my uncle or nanny would be home. It was neve this quit when I came home so it was a eerie feeling.

" I gonna go to mom and dads room. Maybe moms there" Aiden said. As I watched him hesitating if I wanted to join him.

I walked into my room. Everything still placed where I last left it. I laid down on my bed just staring up at the ceiling. I was lost in thought. Aiden was calling me from downstairs.

" Roro!" Panic shot through my veins as I ran down the stairs, skipping every other step. How I managed not to trip was a miracle in itself.

I reached Aiden and saw that he had a letter in his hands.

" She left." was all he said as he was sitting in the dining room table with his head down.

I walked towards him, I can see that he was crying. As he wipes his tears from his face. His shoulders shaking with a muffled cry.

" Let me see that." Holding out my hand. His shaking hands gently holding the letter towards me.

" Dear Tyler,

I'm sorry you had to find out this way but now that everything is going to shit I figured I might as well come clean.- " What is she talking about? Aiden shrugged his shoulders while looking at me.

I kept reading.

" Just was too much of a coward to tell you to your face. I haven't been completely honest with you. I know what I have been doing is unforgivable, I have signed over our divorce papers, I have hidden in your bank log in your office. Along with my wedding bands. I am tired of pretending to be such a perfect person with a perfect husband and kids. If you're reading this now. I am long gone. Please don't try to look for me. I am paying for my sins. I hope one day you will be able to forgive me. Even if I can never forgive myself. Back when we were in middle school. My parents had made a deal with a very successful and dangerous man. Dads company was going under since he was about worried about himself and did not want to give up the company, he started dealing and got involved with a group of bad and dangerous "clients", he couldn't pay back the money he owed and since my mother tried to help, her funds were also dropping. In the end they couldn't pay back what was owed so they used me as collateral".

I read the rest of the letter. I couldn't wrap it around my head. There were so many blanks that needed to be filled in. I was more confused as to why she went to such drastic measures. I resented her actions towards me. Sure according to her it was not with ill intent but still WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!

Anger, Rage, Heartbreak, were all emotions that were burning my skin. I was fuming but more confused than ever.

" Roro? does that mean mom is not coming back?" Aiden softly asked. Peering over at him I can see unshed tears building in his eyes.

" Sweetheart, I dont know what is happening but if you know dad, I am sure that he will go to the end of the earth to search for her. No matter what it takes." I promised.

Aiden was tired from everything that happened today, here I am caressing Aidens hair as he laid down fast asleep with his head on my lap.

Aiden was sleeping soundly and here I sat. Numb. Numb to every emotion that came my way.

Lost in thought. Thinking about mom, dad, and just everything.

I fixed Aiden and covered him with his duvet before heading into my own room.

Putting my phone to charge I jumped onto my bed. The more I dwell in my thoughts I didn't realize that tears were already falling.

I cried from anger and frustration and sadness. But if I was completely honest I was crying because I was scared.

Scared of the truth, the lie, the unknown.

There is more to the letter I just know it. If there is something I know about my mom is that she wouldn't just abandon her family, her children.

I picked up my phone and dialed the only person that I know that can give me some type of clue as to where mom could be.

Or at least I hope.

My heart felt like it was gonna fall out of chest. my heart beat pounding erratically in my ear. Growing louder with each ring.

" Sweetheart? are you there?"

" Dad? I need your help."