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

Chapter 21: Ray...

•Ray's POV•

I still felt like a complete ass and it's been 2 weeks since the incident. When I returned from New York, I was different. The guys figured it out the first day I came back to work. I was tired, grouchy and quiet in any videos recorded that day. Geoff immediately cornered me once I was clocked out for the day.

*Flashback*

"Ray" Geoff's voice sounded somewhere behind me as I was headed to Rose's truck.

"What?" I whirled around snapping at him. He stopped cold, eyes narrowed.

"What is going on with you?" I didn't want to tell him, I didn't want to own up to the mistake that may have cost me my Rosa.

"Nothing" I responded, turning back to the truck.

"Well, until you figure it out, I want you to take a leave of absence, no I'm telling you that you are on leave until you know what's wrong" I stopped dead, my head turned back to face him. With a single nod, I climbed into the truck.

*Flashback end*

For the past two weeks I've sat on the couch, staring into nothingness. I called Rosalyn several times but with no answer. I never moved from my spot, except to use the toilet. Maybe she'll answer this time I thought as I dialed her number again. This time she did pick up and I felt my spirit lift if only for a little bit.

"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" I had checked youtube now and then and as I was subscribed to my friend Mark's channel, I saw his new videos. Rose hadn't mentioned she knew him, but it was obvious because she was in some of his videos. When I said 'I love you, Rosa' my voice cracked.

"Okay" Did that mean she was coming home? Was Rosalyn coming back to Austin? I couldn't ask anymore questions as the line dropped dead as she hung up. Lowering my head, I sighed softly and put the phone down. I felt my old spirit coming back as I rose from the couch and walked into the bathroom. I finally looked in the mirror and almost looked away at the image. My eyes had dark dark bags under them, my cheeks were sunken it, my ribs showed through my skin, dark brown hair was matted and greased back from not being washed, I felt and looked horrible. I turned on the shower and took off the only article of clothing I had on, my shorts. I stepped into the water and felt it wash away the dirt as I washed my hair and body.

Stepping out of the shower, I dried off and wrapped my towel around my waist. Glancing in the mirror I looked a little more lively. The bags were still under my eyes and my ribs still showed, my cheeks still sunken in. My eyes were a brighter chocolate brown and less dull and my hair wasn't greasy anymore. Walking into the bedroom I slipped on a simple brown tank and shorts. Walking into the kitchen I looked into the fridge and had to stop myself from slamming it shut. Almost all the food in there was spoiled. The only things that weren't was the milk, Rose's wine coolers and my soda. I cleaned the entire fridge out, along with the pantry and cupboards. I also threw out the bananas that were growing quite black. Once all the bad foods were thrown out and in the complex's dumpster, I cleaned up any and all dirty dishes from the kitchen, living room and bedroom. Then I cleaned all the dirty clothes, throwing them in piles and washing them. Once the clothes were started, I swept, vacuumed, dusted and cleaned the entire apartment.

Sighing, I looked around the apartment and smiled. All the dishes were dried and put away, the trash completely picked up and thrown out. The clothes were all folded and put away, and it looked spotless. I noticed some fruit flies and ants, so I sighed, grabbing my phone, the truck keys, my wallet and left the apartment, driving to the store. I entered the store and grabbed some bug bombs that were guaranteed to kill ants, fruit flies and any other bug. I set them in the house and pulled the plugs on the grenade shaped bombs, before leaving the house, locking the door and sighed.

My stomach growled and I read the packages, I had 12 hours before the apartment could be entered. Heading to the truck, I called Geoff and asked him if he would talk to me. Geoff agreed and I drove to his house. Pulling into the driveway, I noticed Griffon's vehicle wasn't there, so it would be just Geoff and I. Shutting the truck off, I got out and walked up to his door, knocking on the wood.

"Ray" Geoff greeted as he allowed me into his house. He led the way into the living room and sat down on a love seat, gesturing for me to sit on the couch.

"What's on your mind?" Geoff knew what I wanted to talk to him about, but he was being kind.

"I wanted to tell you I figured out what was going on, well I knew what it was two weeks ago, but I wasn't  ready to admit to it" I responded, and he gestured for me to go on. I told him the entire story and he just sat there, watching me.

"I understand now why Rose was gone for two weeks, but I don't think you've lost her" Geoff finally spoke after a few moments of silence.

"I know she's coming back, she finally answered me, but that aside, do you have any food, and um, because I neglected the house chores, I'm out of the apartment for 12 hours" Geoff smiled, letting out a chuckle.

"Yes I have food and yes you can stay here, just take Gavin's room. He's over at Michael's for the night, something about a Team Nice Dynamite night out" 

"Thanks Geoff" 

"Anytime buddy"

xxxx

I woke up in the morning, my eyes flicking open as I heard a text message beep and grabbed at my phone, clicking the button to read the messages.

Was flying home to you, flight 6095. Crashing. love you -Sent from Rosa

"No, nonononono" I muttered under my breath, flying off the bed and yanking the door wide open. I ran towards Geoff's room, but he wasn't there. I rushed to the kitchen, empty. The bathroom door was wide open, not in there. Finally I made my way to the living room where he sat there, drinking coffee, legs propped up on an ottoman.

"Geoff" Tears had started streaming down my face as he looked up. Immediately he got up from his seat, walking over towards me. I didn't say a thing, just showed him the text and his face dropped.