The Tangled Rose (Book One in the Tangled Series) (Editing)

Chapter 21

Rose's POV

The next morning I turn over and there is a warm body next to me. Siting up straight I look down at him and remember it is Eric. His face looks so soft and peaceful but slightly pained. His arm is behind his head and his hair is brushing softly against his eyebrows. Looking down at my hands I think back to last night. I was so weak in front of everyone.... how could I do that? I hear a grumble from behind me and I look back at Eric. His eyes start to open then he gives me a soft smile as he sits up in the bed. He didn't get under the covers last night... I wonder if he got really cold? I look away from him and get off the bed as soon as I can walking out to the kitchen to make some tea but when I get out there-there is a note on the table
with a mug of tea on a hot plate.

'Hey, Rose. I am sorry I had to leave this morning. I'll be back later and I am all yours.' it is signed with Crystal's signature.

Grabbing the tea I go and sit down on the couch holding the mug in both of my hands letting the warmth go through me. A hand is placed on my shoulder before Eric comes into view sitting down on the couch facing me. He doesn't pressure me to say anything or do anything he just sits there like he is offering me his presence. A part of me wants to fall apart with him. I know he hurt me badly but right now my life is falling apart and his presence is the best thing I could hope for. I need him to help me through this then we can work through us.

"Can I get you anything... or do anything for you?" the question surprises me making me look at him and he is looking at me with soft eyes lined with concern. I shake my head and look back at the tea taking a sip. Suddenly a rush goes through me and I set the mug down turning to Eric with tears threatening to fall.

"I don't want to see him again." I feel something wet slide down my face and sadness washes over his eyes. He wipes my eyes and his hand rests on the side of my face.

"I can go with you to his apartment to pick up your stuff. Do you know when he is working or do you have a key?" I lean my face into his hand temporarily as another tear falls.

"He should be at work now." The words softly flow from my mouth.

~~~~~~

We park across the street from Andre's apartment in Eric's car. Turning the car off he glances over at me and I start to taste blood in my mouth realizing I've been biting my lip.

"You don't have to go in Rose. No one is forcing you too. Just tell me what you need and I can go in and get it for you." He says looking at me with concern but I shake my head in response.

"No, I need to go in too. I can't expect you to do it for me." I say taking a deep breath before stepping out of the car. I can't fall apart here. Not now. I just need to be strong. I can do this it's not like Andre is here and I'm also not alone in this. Eric gets out right after me and takes the lead walking up to the apartment first. Handing him the keys. He unlocks the door holding his arm out in front of me as he checks to make sure no one is home. I can tell that he is just trying to be protective and I appreciate it.. so much. Placing my hand gently on his arm, I look up at him.

"Its okay Eric," I speak softly to try to calm his nerves. Looking back at me he smiles slightly. "I will go get my clothes out of the bedroom. Can you get my things out of the bathroom please." Nodding he heads down the hall to the bathroom.

Eric's POV

Shuffling through the bathroom, I try to grab anything I think belongs to Rose. Being in this apartment makes me so uneasy. I want to rip things apart for the pain he caused Rose but at the same time, there is unrightfully placed jealousy that he was here for her when I was not. In many ways. Shaking my head I run my hands through my hair getting the thought out of my head.

"Hey Eric I am going to run this box of my clothes out to your car," Rose yells out in her soft voice. Before I have the chance to tell her that I have the keys I hear the door shut. Oh well, she will just come back in to get the keys. "Let go of me!" I hear Rose cry out. Confusion and anger tumble through me and I rush out to the living room where Andre is standing there holding Rose's arms.

"Hey! Let her go!" I say lunging in between them and grabbing his arm hard making him let go of her. "Rose get back!" I say protectively

I am in front Rose with my arm behind me holding onto her hand gently as my body towers just slightly over Andre's. He is also pretty tall but still about an inch or so shorter than me.

"You need to leave now. I understand this is your apartment but Rose is here right now to get her things." I say in my gruff tone and he takes a couple of steps back. There is anger in his eyes and it doesn't falter as he looks between Rose and I.

"I just came to get Jamey's necklace. S-she needs it for her shoot." He says seeming to be slightly intimidated by me.

"Why!" Rose yells out from behind me taking me by surprise. Turning to her I see tears on her cheeks. "Why did you do it?! H-how could you?!" She cries out and her knees become weak as she starts to fall but I catch her in my arms. Her body is shaking violently. Looking back at Andre there is a glare in my eye.

"Leave now! Before I do something you will regret!" He stumbles back and gives me that look that he and I aren't finished talking before he heads out the door.

I sit down on the floor and hold Rose as she cries in my arms mumbling to herself with the pain seeping through her words.

"Why did he do it? I-I don't understand." she cries out and I wish I could just take the pain away from her.

"Hey, why don't you go out to the car and I'll finish up. Then we can go out and do something fun okay?" I reply trying to think of anything to make her feel better. She sniffles and looks up at me so I dry her eyes. I stand up slowly and help Rose up on her feet. She gives me a big hug before pulling away and wiping her face. "I am going to go wash my face while you finish packing a few things." she leans I kissing my cheek and surprise washes over me. "Thank you for being here."

"Anything for you Rose," I reply looking deep into her eyes wishing she knew how much I meant those words.

After we finish in Andre's apartment, I put a couple of boxes in the trunk of my car as Rose gets in the passenger seat. Getting back in the car, Rose looks at me like she has something on her mind.

"I have to stop at my place to grab something, okay?" I say looking back at her as I pull out and head to my place. We park outside my apartment and I turn off the car stepping out.

"You can come in if you want," I say casually before she steps out. She doesn't really say much as we step inside the apartment. "Feel free to get comfortable. Can I get you anything to eat?" I ask and she just shakes her head as she wanders off to my bedroom. "That's just my room!" I say slightly embarrassed because I think its kind of a mess but she goes in anyway filling up a glass of water with ice I take it in the bedroom and find Rose curled up with her head against my pillow and her eyes closed.

"Rose? I got you some ice water since you haven't had much to drink today." I say sitting on the bed beside her and setting the glass of water on the end table. I gently place my hand on hers but she kisses my hand and pulls me towards her.

"P-Please lay with me... I-I don't want to be alone." I nod not wanting to protest her and lay down behind her pulling her against my chest as my arms wrap around her firmly. She mumbles softly snuggling into my arms and the back of her head rests gently against my lips. Her hair smells of pomagranates and heaven. It's a good thing she can't see my face right now I know there is a faint blush on my cheeks. I kiss the back of her head gently. Minutes pass and I end up falling asleep.

Rose's POV

Opening my eyes, Eric's face comes into view and I am instantly relieved. He looks so calm and his arms are still wrapped securely around me like a blanket. When I am with him it helps me realize that my pain is only temporary.