Saving Rose

Secrets

When I woke up, I heard Jaime and Tony talking. I yawned silently, peeking around my bunk curtain. Vic and his brother weren't there for some reason, but I didn't really dwell on it. They were probably doing interviews, signings, or some other musician-y thing. I saw Jaime and Tony watching TV in the other room, sitting on the couch. Jaime's silky black hair was sticking out in every possible direction, so he probably hadn't even brushed his hair yet. Tony, on the other hand, looked like he was already halfway through his day.

"I'm worried about her. She looks so scared of every little thing, like someone's gonna jump out and hurt her. Like nobody's ever gonna...like... love her or something, like she's been hurt too many times," Jaime said. My eyes got big when I realized he could be talking about me. No, he isn't. You're just paranoid.

I'm fine, even if they are talking about me, though. just fine. But you're not fine, a little voice pointed out in the back of my mind. I ignored it. It was wrong.

"You should talk to her. Cheer her up, dude!" Tony exclaimed, and I sighed and rolled my eyes.

I closed my eyes and pulled out my phone and earphones. I noticed it was around 7 in the morning, which was a little too early. Then, I put on some Bring Me The Horizon. I didn't want to hear the rest of the conversation. I didn't want to know what it would bring.

Soon, I had gently dozed back off, after the playlist reached its halfway point.

Jaime's POV

"Why me? I-I'm not... I don't know what to say to her!" I said, frustrated. I scratched the back of my neck, not really able to think clearly. It was too early.

I was usually good with girls, but Rose was different. She wasn't just any girl. I didn't know why she was so different, but I'd find out.

"Because!!" Tony said, using the laziest excuse ever. Pshhh, real creative. I wasn't going to give him an answer. Would I even have an answer for myself? I doubted it.

"Give me a better reason! Cause I wouldn't even know what to say. I'm not... depressed; I don't know how it feels!"

"Yeah well she'll listen to you best!"

"And why is that?"

"Don't pretend like you're clueless, Jaime!"

"Wha-"

"You two like each other. You're in love, and neither of you will admit it! She'll open up to you! It just takes time!" I stood there for a few moments, processing his words. Are we in love? I just met her! We're not in love! We can't be! No, it isn't possible! I was just tired last night. Right?

I sighed angrily. Tony just wouldn't let up. I should just tell him. "It's just that I don't want to make it worse. I don't know how she feels. I barely know who she is. I don't know why she feels like she does, cause she's definitely not telling us everything. What if I mess up and something happens to her? What if she starts cutting again or kills herself?" I rambled on, feeling better to tell him my suspicions. He stared at me, wide eyed. Did I say something wrong? I quickly think of my exact words.

"Wait. Cutting... Again?" Tony said, confused. Oh.

He seemed worried. Almost as much as I was.

"She has scars on her arms. That's why she wears clothing that always covers her arms and wrists. When we were working the merchandise booth, she fell asleep. Her hoodie slipped up her arms a little bit. They're not just by her wrists. She's worse than we thought," I said sadly, closing my eyes and sighing. Well, it was a relief to tell someone at least. I just wished the secret wasn't so dangerous. I wished it wasn't like this. What would make her feel so terrible? What was so bad that she'd self-harm?