Chapter 4

Chapter Four:

   Rosie Mae's POV

"Have you found your phone yet?"

"No, I haven't. I might just have to get a new one." I tell Faith, obviously leaving out the part that Eric stole it and I have yet to get it back, if ever.

"You still haven't even told me what the hell happened the other night." Faith exclaimed, flipping through her notebook as she found the page she was looking for.

"I told you already," I sigh, slumping in the chair at the table we sit at inside of the school's library. "I was looking for the bathroom and just walked in. I didn't know that was Blake's brother though."

Faith openly rolls her eyes and directs her attention on me, clearly not buying my story. "I'm not talking about how you walked in. I'm asking how you ended up in the room with the door closed with three guys." She restates, pursing her lips. "Anyone can just barge in. No one just stays in the room...and I'll say it again...with the door closed."

I do my best attempt at laughing it off as if she's ridiculous. But she was right, how does someone end up in that situation with a logical excuse? I obviously can't tell her the truth. "It was a party and it was just guys being guys." I shrug. "It wasn't a big deal at all."

"Your face said otherwise" she mumbled as she went back to her notes.

That night had been weighing on me for two days now. I had still had yet to tell Blake I had met his brother. I wasn't sure how to go about it. Blake made it known his feelings about being around his brother without Blake being present as well. He gave plenty of warnings that I never took as seriously as I should have.

Though no one can blame me for not expecting to meet him by seeing him about to kill a man.

Blake wasn't the only reason the night felt heavy still. I was torn between telling someone, the cops, Blake...anyone that Eric would have murdered that poor man if I hadn't entered the room when I did. Who's to say Eric didn't kill him after Faith and I left? Or the day after. Or the day after that. He was dangerous. He couldn't just be roaming the streets pointing guns at people. Eric showed no signs of a poker face with his threats.

But Eric is Blake's brother. How would he feel if I snitched? Would he even believe me if I told him? Surely he would, given him knowing how his brother is already. I didn't want to risk hurting their brotherly bond or my relationship with Blake. It's such a fragile situation but it's not something that can just be ignored forever.

If something did happen to that man, I would never forgive myself for not saying anything to anyone. It feels like I would be a part of the crime for being so silent. I've never been this torn in my entire life. In one swift handful of minutes, it's like my whole life has completely flipped upside down.

"Well now that you've finally met Eric...what do you think?" Faith asks me, face beaming in delight at the mere thought of him. Not that I could blame her too much...he was an extremely handsome man. "Isn't he the sexiest man you've ever seen?!"

I laugh and begin putting my things in my bag. When I think of Eric, it definitely isn't about his looks...it's about the gun firmly in his hand. "He seemed like a cool guy." I tell her simply. "I only talked to him for a few minutes though." I added, making my story all the more believable.

"You know he will be at Blake's tonight, right? For the Christmas party?" She asked me.

I had completely forgotten about the Christmas party amongst the hectic last few days I've had. Blake had told me about it a week or so ago. I sigh out loud and groan a little. "I totally forgot about that. I haven't even picked a dress out yet."

Blake came from a family with money. Which meant their Christmas parties seemed like a ball to me. Everyone wore fancy dresses and tuxes, drank out of the most expensive wine glasses and talked only about their success stories. It was like a movie to me watching them all in action. It was always fun for Faith and I to take advantage of these get together s they had; pretending to be rich and classy for the day. It was like their own five minutes of a gossip girl lifestyle we always dreamed of. The two of them Must have watched every season a handful of times.

"I actually have this red, open back spaghetti strap one. I think you'd look great in it. I can't pull it off." She giggles, jotting something down on the page in front of her. "I can bring it later and we can ride together."

"You're a life saver." I give her a quick kiss on the cheek and call out, "see you later!" As I head towards the libraries exit to meet with Blake.

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"Oh honey! I'm so glad you could come!" Blake's mother, Pam gushes as she pulls me into a hug. "I was hoping your mom would let you come on such short notice."

It always amazed me how beautiful Pam is. She moved with such grace, an effortless action seemingly extraordinary coming from her. I always wanted to be just like her. Her bright green eyes, long auburn hair, and petite stance stood confident under everyone's gaze, owning every room she walked into. Her husband Jasper, adored her, not only for her beauty but for her seemingly perfect character. He doted on her like she was his life, his grace, and his only focus. Their relationship was admired by anyone who knew them.

"Of course." I smiled. "She knows I would never miss an event of yours."

The red dress Faith lent me fit perfectly. It just reached past my ankles, exposing my red heels I matched with it. The back was out so I decided to put my hair up in a bun, fly away curls framing my face. I kept my makeup light, like I always do.

One of the cater waiters brought by sparkling waters for Faith and I and handed a glass of wine to Pam who gave her appreciation before returning to the conversation. "Blake will be down any minute. He had a late start getting ready. You know how he is." She waves a dismissive hand. "I'll catch up with you two later. I should go greet some guests." She tells us as she touches our arms softly before heading to a group of women not too far from us.

"Blake better have something for this." Faith grumbled, giving her sparkling water a look of disgust and a small shake.

Right on cue, Blake appeared in front of us, holding a flask in his fist with a sly grin. "You know I'd never attend one of these without a little something." He tells us with a chuckle, glancing around to make sure no one notices before pouring a little liquor into both of our glasses.

"Thank you thank you." Faith said before taking a long drink.

Usually when I drank, I liked to keep the drinks to a minimum. Not too many but just enough to get a little buzz going. This evening was different. The last thing I wanted was to have any sliver of sobriety. Having to face Eric, knowing what I already know was an intimidating thought within itself. I'd need the liquid courage to get through this. 

"Excited to see Eric?" Faith asked Blake who took a long swig from the flask before shoving it in his front pocket.

Blake nodded, glancing around the party as if in search of his brother. Maybe I'd get lucky and Eric wouldn't show up tonight. But being it is his first day seeing his family since being home, Eric more than likely wouldn't miss it.  "Yeah, of course. I just hope my parents are too."

I give him a confused look. "They're obviously really happy tonight. Why wouldn't they be excited?"

Blake just chuckled and said, "yeah, they'll be excited and happy for the crowd. But when everyone leaves...they get extremely emotional about his whole situation." His attention then set on me as he asked, "are you good? You've already finished your drink and you're being really quiet."

My eyes flicker to him and then my glass. I flush a little, realizing there was only a little sip left. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little distracted."

There was a shift in the room suddenly. A dark cloud passed over me but everyone around us lit up at a certain someone entering the large house. A feel myself shrink back again, much like a did the other night at the party. I haven't seen him yet, but I can feel him near.

"Speak of the devil." Blake mumbled, his body turning to face the grand entrance, where Eric stood in all his glory.

Eric had on a black tux, his shoulder length wavy brown hair in a pretty mess. Those almost black eyes scanned the people who greeted him, everyone immediately surrounding him with questions and hello's. It's like he casted a spell on everyone in the room.

Eric kept a lazy hand in his pocket, as the other one shook hands and pulled people into side hugs.

It was weird seeing him smile with such joy painted across his face. It was like looking at a whole different person than he was at the party. He still wore his mystery and dominance with pride, but he seemed almost...approachable? Nice maybe?

If I could take back the other night and have this be my first impression of Eric...I would.

He worked the room like a professional, seeming like the oldest and wisest in the house even though he's only twenty two. Blake mumbled something about how he always has to be center of attention and Faith replied, telling him it's his first day home and to chill.

I ignored their banter, fixated on Eric, unable to tear my eyes from him. Flashbacks of that night we met flashed through my mind, reminding me of just how bad of a man he is.

"Blake!" Pam called, eyes lit up with an arm around her son. "Come say hello to your brother!"

Blake said something under his breath, not loud enough for me to hear as he started for his parents and brother. I watched as they embraced, exchanging smiles and saying things out of ear shot.

"You should've picked the hotter brother." Faith whisper yells over to me.

I nudge her playfully, whispering back, "shut up. That was so loud. And that's a horrible thing to say!" I couldn't deny that she was right. Blake was hot...but he was nothing compared to Eric. Blake had boyish features of the average eighteen year old. Eric had the features of a grown man...and the dominance of one too. They were complete opposites.

"It's true." She added with a shrug

"Rosie! Come, darling!" Pam said after a minute.

I could feel the eyes from surrounding people on me, watching as I smiled softly and handed Faith my drink. I took a deep breath before allowing my feet to carry me over to them.

It felt like the longest walk ever.

I saw Blake staring at me with a grin. Beside him was Eric, staring at me as well, wearing a cheeky grin. He was relishing in this and it was already annoying me, not even having made it to them yet. It was an odd feeling, seeing them both watching me expectantly, both wearing similar expressions.

"This is our son Eric." Jasper told me, having no clue that we've already met. No one knew but Faith still. "Eric, this is Rosie Mae, Blake's girlfriend. She's more like family." He shoots me a warm smile and I return it, clasping my hands together in front of me, trying to keep from fidgeting.

Eric burned holes into me with his eyes as I tried to avoid meeting them. "Nice to meet you, Rosie Mae." That smooth voice was like music to my ears. I couldn't help the warmth that engulfed my body after hearing it.

I looked at him, trying to mask my confusion. I didn't know us meeting would be kept a secret. "Nice to meet you too." This is just yet another lie I'll have to keep up with since meeting Eric. Wonderful.

The conversation didn't go much further than their parents explaining how long Eric will be in town for and how well he's doing in college, next semester being his last one. Which was absolutely shocking to me considering what I had witnessed from him. I didn't take him for a straight A, hitting the books all the time, type of guy. Though I guess I could be wrong.

I was happy that Pam and Jasper headed up the conversation, leaving me to have to say little to nothing. I had zero intentions of having any words with Eric unless I absolutely had to. Blake seemed uncomfortable the entire time. I knew their relationship had been rocky before, but I didn't expect Blake to be so reserved in front of his own brother.

"Are you okay?" I asked Blake, peering up at him after pulling him aside. I was officially on my third glass, my buzz settling in nicely, making me feel a bit lighter on my feet and not as worried about Eric.

Blake ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Eric told me he's not really in college. He's just been living in a apartment there."

Well that makes sense.

"It's just another lie I have to keep for him. I'm so tired of it." He continued. "I wish he'd just leave me out of it."

"Why don't you tell him that?" I suggested, finishing off my drink.

He arched a curious eyebrow at me, asking, "since when are you not trying to make peace all the time? I figured you'd tell me to try to understand or something."

I glance around the room, trying my best to play it cool. If there was one person who knew me best, it was Blake. He could always tell when something was off. My acting skill will have to be one hundred percent if I want to get away with this stupid lie. I can't just come out and tell him I hate his brother.

"I just don't think you need the added stress." I tell him, lying smoothly. "It's clearly already gotten to you and it's only his first day back. Maybe it's best to just stay out of the drama?"

Blake nodded, believing every word I said. "You're right. I'll have a talk with him. This winter break can't be about me covering for him all the time. I'm over doing that at this point."

Blake had gotten distracted, mingling with a couple of his uncles about college plans. I had managed to steal Blake's flask, sneaking sips in dim lit corners of the house.

One thing I never got tired of was walking around their house and garden out back.

After about an hour of drinking, the flask was about empty and I was far past buzzed, admittedly drunk as my feet swayed a little, carrying me wherever they wanted to go. I admired the large paintings on the walls down the long corridors of the home before I found myself outside.

Pam kept the garden immaculate. With the help of gardeners of course. During the day in the summer and spring, it seemed like she always had people working on it. It was Pam's favorite part of the house, especially designed for her.

The stringed lights lit the stone walkway path through the garden, making it even more beautiful at night. I loved coming out and reading or just sitting on the benches while Blake played video games or did homework.

"Missing something?"

The familiar and unexpected voice made me almost jump out of my skin, whipping around to face Eric, standing tall and smug, holding my phone up.

My eyes flickered between the phone and him before casting towards the house, wondering how fast I'd have to run to get to the house before he'd catch me. I had no idea what was about to happen. The last I had spoken to him like this, he was telling me he was going to kill me. Now being all alone, at night, in a garden...it was a good opportunity that he could easily take.

"I didn't think I'd ever see it again." My liquid courage spoke for me. "Give it back."

"Or what?" He scoffed, accompanied by a chuckle right after. "I don't think I need it anymore anyway. If you were going to run that pretty mouth of yours, you would've already."

My eyes narrow in on him, arms crossing over my chest. "And what makes you think I still won't?" I retort.

My body stiffened as Eric took slow steps towards me, challenging me to back away. I stood my ground, holding his gaze but I swallowed the lump in my throat. No matter how drunk I may be, I was definitely still scared of the man.

His arm reached out, grabbing my hand and raising it up between us before placing my phone in my palm. His eyes never broke contact with mine as he simply states, "because I will kill you before anyone catches me. You know this." He claimed. "That's why you haven't said anything."

I remained silent, the thought of that being the truth bouncing around in my head. He could be right. I believed whole heartedly that he would've killed that man right then and there if I hadn't walked in and I think he would've killed both of us if Faith hadn't came looking for me. I believe Eric now...when he stares me dead in the eye and tells me he will kill me if I tell anyone.

Eric's hand left mine and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. My fingers wrapped around my phone before crossing back over my chest.

"I don't believe you." I spoke, having little control over my mouth tonight.

A light grin played on his lips. "You're drunk. I can see you shaking, love." He scanned me over, making me realize that I was in fact visibly shaking under his stare and closeness.

"You don't scare me, Eric." I lied, something I will surely soon become good at after all I've been doing of it. "If anything, I have the power over you now. I could rat you out right now if I wanted to." I tried my best to calm my nerves and sound as stern as I could.

"Under certain circumstances that would be true." Eric told me, nonchalantly reaching behind himself, his tux jacket being pushed aside in the process. He reveals the gun from that night, bringing it between us to place the barrel against my stomach. "I could pull the trigger right now. You'd go missing. No one would find you, Rosie Mae."

My eyes pooled with tears out of fear. Blinking, a single tear ran down each cheek. This time I couldn't control my trembling as I felt the cold metal through the thin fabric of my dress.

"I won't say anything." My voice broke, looking up at him with pleading eyes. "Please, Eric. I swear I won't. I'll keep lying. Just don't kill me."

I swear I saw the satisfaction pass over his face, as if getting exactly what he wanted...for me to beg.

"I won't kill you, Rosie Mae. You're my brother's girlfriend." He said in a way as if I should have already known that. He pulled the gun away, returning it to its place, tucked in the back of his waistband. He paused for a moment before saying, "I mean...of course that's if you don't say anything. If you do...off with your head."

I took a step back, wanting to get farther away from him. This guys was a psycho. I should've never left Blake's side.

"What do you want from me?" I asked, avoiding his gaze as I stared at the flowers beside our feet.

"I already told you. For you to stay silent." He answered. "To ensure that...you'll be seeing a lot more of me."

Eric's hand reached up, hooking a finger underneath my chin, raising my head up to look at him. "I think you're in for one killer break."

My hand shoved his away, making him chuckle as he backed away, dropping his hand down to his side before turning and walking back to the house.

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