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

Chapter 23

It's been almost 2 weeks since that night at Eric's place when I practically got shit-faced. Eric and I have been spending a little time together but I've been spending my nights at Crystals place. I feel so bad for her because she has to put up with my recent nightmares where I wake up screaming and crying. It's just waking up in so much pain and I dont even know what it's from but I have made the decision that I am going to take a trip back home to Missouri to be with my dad and brother. I've already talked with them about it and my brother apparently forgot to mention that he has been staying at the house and working out of home. My dad said he would be taking a few weeks off work so him and I could spend some time together so he is now staying there as well.

Shoving the last of my garments into my suit case there is a knock at my bedroom door. I close the suitcase zipping it up and answer the door.

"Heyy how is packing?" She asks biting the side of her lip nervously. I can tell she is still really worried about me. Placing my hand on her shoulder she pulls me into a big hug before she starts mumbling. "You know I love you so much right Rose?! I will always be here for you. You can always talk to me. I can totally go with you if you want." A soft smile spreads across my face. I squeeze her slender body tightly before letting her go.

"I know you are always here for me but I couldn't ask you to just pick up and leave. You have your responsibilities here. I love you too Crystal but I will be okay." Suddenly there is a knock on the apartment door breaking the moment. "I'll get it." I say patting Crystal's shoulder as we walk to the door together. Opening the door there is Eric and Oliver standing there but Oliver has an annoyed look on his face.

I smirk lines my lips."so I see you guys are getting along."

"No-" Oliver says ubruptively before Eric interrupts him.

"Of course we are." He says leaning in and kissing my cheek before walking into the apartment. I place my hand on Oliver's shoulder and he gives me that look like he is annoyed but happy to see me. He gives me a hug before walking in. Tur ong around I notice Crystal and Oliver blushing and looking away. "Awkward." Eric laughs out before looking over at me. "So you all ready to go?"

Smiling softly I look over my group of supportive friends before answering. "Yeah I'm all ready to go. Oliver can you do me a favor and stay here with Crystal."

"Yeah no problem." he says plopping down onto the couch. Eric goes back into the room and grabs my suitcase bringing it out to the living room.

"I will take this out to the car and let you say you goodbyes." He says with a soft smile heading out the door.

Crystal comes up giving me a big hug. "You be careful Rose and if you need anything call me!" She says pulling away reluctantly wiping a tear that has fallen. She is like my sister and I love her so much.

"I promise I will. I love you so much girl but I'm only going to be gone a month." I reply squeezing her hands gently.

Eric and I finally get to the airport and he parks in the parking garage before letting out a sigh and I know he is finally going to say something.

"Rose.." I close my eyes for a moment before opening them and looking at him. "God you know I'm going to miss those blue eyes of yours right.." he says softly and pleading.

Placing my hand on the side of his face I say, "I will be okay." He kisses my hand and it surprises me.

"Please let me go with you." He says and his voice pains me. I dont know what's going on.

"Eric I need to do this for myself. There has been this pit in my stomach and I need a new atmosphere. It will only be a month." Suddenly my phone goes off and it is the alarm that I set to tell me when there is 10 minutes left till my flight boards. "Eric I got to go." I say unbuckling my seatbelt and stepping out of the truck. Eric gets out grabbing my luggage before we walk inside the airport looking for my flight terminal. An announcement calls out as we get up to it that they are now boarding. I stand in front of it turning to look at Eric.

"Be safe.." he trails off and his voice makes me want to start crying I hug him tightly and he wraps his big arms around me kissing the top of my head. It's like we stand there in each others arms for minutes but it's only seconds.

"Good bye Eric." I brush my hand against st the side of his face grabbing my suitcase. I hand the woman my ticket and head down the terminal glancing back at Eric and he is waving at me so I wave back. I place my hand on my stomach as it starts to hurt. I turn away looking down as I get onto the plane. Why does it feel like I'm saying goodbye?

Crystal's POV

Biting my lip worry still settles inside me as I worry for Rose. I love her so much and she has gone through so much pain. If only she knew that her and I are very alike. So much of her past related to nine it's scary and with that being true it just hurts me and makes me so angry that she had to go through that because she doesn't deserve that. The only upside is that it just proves that we will always have each other.

There is a tap on my shoulder and I glance over snapping out of my mind remembering that Oliver is right beside me. Leaning back in the couch my legs are crossed along with my arms and I am biting the side of my lip. Gosh I just cant seem to stop worrying.

"Are you okay?" Oliver asks and I look up at him. He has that sort of refinedness about him. His cheekbones are well defined and his light brown shorter hair is styled softly. He is really quite handsome. Shaking my thoughts away I feel my face heat up. I rub my face over. I mean it's been years I need to let myself feel and I'll be okay. It's just when someone strips you down till you are nothing it takes a huge toll on you.

Oliver stand up and holds out his hand. "Come on let's go out and get something to eat. Rose will be okay. You need to eat." He says with a soft smile and it melts my heart. Taking his hand I stand up and we head out of my apartment walking to the closest diner.