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

Chapter 20; Explaining

•Rose's POV•

"Well it started after I applied for a job at a gaming company named Rooster Teeth, and I applied for their subsequent channel Achievement Hunter" Mark's eyebrows went up at the name but stayed quiet as I continued.

"I met the Hunters, well, met them in real life. I had started watching them when I was still in college, I think it was junior year. I had started crushing on the one called Ray, and then we met and I thought he was cool. Well, we start dating a couple days later, just after my sister was put in the hospital on life support. Then I received my niece but couldn't handle raising her and had our brother take her. Then my sister died, her ex came into the picture trying to claim the child, but he was kicked out" I took a pause, as Mark rested a hand on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry for your sister" He spoke and I nodded, silently thanking him before I carried on with my story.

"Fast-forward a week or so and I was perfectly happy. Then a call from his mother came and I flew out to New York with him to support him. His mother also wanted to meet me. It turns out that the reason she wanted us there was because Rays father, her ex, was trying to get back with her but he wasn't a great father or husband. Then after we met Ray's dear old father, his ex-girlfriend showed up, begging him to at least talk with her. The next day when he came back from the lunch with her, he was dead silent, it was weird. Then he admitted it, they had kissed, and he told me that he had gave in, if only for a few seconds. I needed to get away and spill to someone I trusted more than myself. That someone was you, and thank you for listening" I finished my story and before I knew it, he had taken me in his arms and gave me a hug.

"Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me, I will always listen to your problems" He spoke, pulling away as I smiled at him. Suddenly my phone started ringing, playing All Of Me by John Legend which was the ringtone I had chosen for Ray.

"Are you going to answer that?" Mark asked me and I shook my head.

"I need a few days" He nodded understandingly as I grabbed my phone and shut it off, setting it on the coffee table.

"I have something to tell you as well Rose" Mark told me, as I looked over at him, motioning for him to go on.

"I know Ray, I met him at my first Pax, oh a year ago maybe. We became friends and we often talked of our past to each other. I don't know if he told you but Traci broke his heart and I believe you are the first girlfriend he's had since her. I know he wouldn't do anything to hurt you, but you are more than welcome to stay for a few days" He explained, watching my reaction. Mark knew Ray? I hadn't know that, Ray never mentioned it. But what Mark said might help me forgive Ray faster, maybe. I nodded, before he decided to change the direction of the conversation.

"Wade and Bob are coming over tomorrow for a few days. You remember them right?" He asked, and I smiled, remembering the comedic adventures that would ensue whenever Mark, Wade and Bob got together.

xxxx

2 weeks, for 2 weeks I had stayed with Mark. Geoff had called me, curious as to where I was and upset with my not showing up for work. I told him that I needed a some more time, but I would be back before the first week of October. He called on September 15th and it's now the 20th of September.

"Are you okay to go back?" Mark asked as he watched me book a flight out to Austin for tomorrow afternoon. He was so kind to me these past two weeks as I tried to get over and forgive Ray for that thing with Traci.

"Yeah, besides I need to go back to work. Geoff would kill me if I wasn't back before October like I said" I told him, shutting the laptop and swinging myself around to face him.

"Okay, but you need to promise that you will call and keep in touch this time" He told me as I smiled, nodding my head.

"I will"

We spent the rest of the day chatting and playing video games. I had appeared in a couple of his videos and the fans were mostly confused and often comments on those videos consisted of What is Ray's girlfriend doing with Mark? Or Is Rose cheating on Ray? Mark commented to most of them with the basic No and in each video with me, in the description he made it painfully clear that we weren't dating.

The hours flew by and eventually we both drifted to our rooms and I packed my things, making sure I had everything before I laid down on the bed. Suddenly my phone rang:

'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you

It was Ray, for the tenth time this week. Finally I felt ready to answer him. I pressed the green accept button and held my phone to my ear.

"Hello?"

"Rosa, baby, I've been trying to get a hold of you"

"Hey Ray, I've been a little busy"

"I've seen the videos, but I don't care about that. I miss you so much. I am so sorry about what I did and I know it was an asshole move. Please come back to me. I love you Rosa" His voice sounded so upset and it cracked when he spoke the last four words.

"Okay" I didn't allow any more conversation because I felt tears in my eyes. I hung the phone up and sighed to myself. Clutching the phone to my chest, I closed my eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep.

xxxx

Boarding call for flight 6095 to Austin TX in gate 20

"I guess that's me, bye Mark and thank you for everything" I hugged him goodbye and he smiled at me.

"Your more than welcome. Have a safe trip" He hugged me back before I headed to the gate. My carry on bag in my hand as I boarded the plane. Once in my seat I switched my phone to airplane mode and plugged in my headphones allowing music to flow into my ears. My eyes drifted shut and my phone was shifted into my pocket as I lost consciousness.

•

My eyes flew open as red alarm lights flashed red and blared their alarm sound. I grabbed my phone and quickly sent a text to Ray, possibly my last one ever.

Was flying home to you, flight 6095. Crashing. love you -Sent to Ray<3

I barely heard the sent message ding as the plane tilted downwards, spiraling towards a huge mountain with snow capping the top.

[ Hey My Little Mogars. I'm so sorry for the constant delay in stories and their respective updates. I have been crammed with work and now preparing for college. I'm sorry to say but this story has maybe six more chapters but I'm considering a sequel :D For now, Mama Mogar bids you all farewell until the next chapter ]