3 GUYS, A GIRL, AND A ROSE
Chapter Twenty-Six
Rose had come home. She had spent the night
again at Jack's, not wanting to leave him alone. She felt guilty for what
happened to Christina. Felt horrible that Jack was blaming himself. She knew
why Christina fell down the stairs. She knew Jack and herself were the reason
why she ran out the apartment way she did.
Rose didn't regret sleeping with Jack though.
It was the happiest moment. She only regretted leaving his bedroom in just his
shirt when Christina was there.
Rose returned home, taking a shower. She had
borrowed Jack's clothes after taking a shower there yesterday.
"Rose, where were you?" her mother
asked.
"I was with Jack."
"For two days?"
"Yeah. He had to go to the hospital
yesterday. His friend was in the hospital. I went with him."
"Oh. Sorry to hear that. You could have
called."
"Sorry, Mother."
"Mr. Hockley was here. I wish you were
here to see him."
"It's over between us, Mother."
"Yes I know, dear. I'm going to Mr. and
Mrs. Winston's. I'll see you later." Ruth shut Rose's bedroom door behind
her.
Rose lay out in her bed. Jack had told her
everything that happened in Christina's hospital room when they had gotten back
to his apartment. She tried to comfort him, but failed. He felt miserable.
Rose's thoughts were interrupted by her cell
phone. She saw on the caller ID that it was Jack.
"Hey!"
"Hi Rose."
"You don't sound to good."
"That obvious?'
"Yeah. Do you wanna come over?"
"Yeah. I'll be there in an hour."
"Alright. I'll see you then." She
waited for him to hang up on the other end and then hung her cell phone up. She
hoped him coming was for the best.
*****
Jack had come over Rose's house. Happy to see
her, upset that Christina wasn't picking up her phone. He only got her machine.
"Hey!" Rose said hugging him. Jack
returned the hug and kissed her. He wanted it to stay that way. "Come
in." He held her hand, she lead him into the living room.
"So, you just wanna stay here or go
somewhere, do something?"
"We can stay here. My mom won't be home.
She'll be home after midnight."
"Alright."
"Jack, are you okay?'
"I don't know. I tried calling
Christina. She won't pick up her phone. I called her cell phone. I got her
voicemail. I called her apartment. I got the machine. Fabrizio told me Tommy
took her home today. She won't talk me. I haven't spoken to Tommy either."
"I am sorry. I know how much you care
for her."
"We've been best friends for seven
months. Now it's just turned to shit." Rose sat next to him, embracing
him. He buried his head into her shoulder.
He loved Rose so much. She was the only good
thing happening in his life right now. It used to be Christina. Now it was
gone. Everything. He loved Christina so much, though. He had been in love with
her. He only loved her as a friend now. His best friend. He didn't know what to
do. Didn't know what he could do to make her forgive him.
Rose and Jack lay down on the couch. They
cuddled close together, not saying anything. He fell asleep. Wondering if
Christina and his friendship would survive.