Page 255 of When We Fall: Part One
“Baby, where are you?” I put her on speakerphone.
“Um, I’d rather not say. I just needed a break. I didn’t have my phone. I got this one, though, to make calls with. For now, anyway.”
“I can come get you,” I said as Enzo sat forward with glassy eyes.
“Rosebud, baby.” Cole practically crawled to the phone. “Tell us where you are. We’ve been worried sick. We’ll come get you?—”
“I-I’m not coming home right now. I need a few more days.”
“What? Rosalie, we’re almost fucking dead here with worry,” Enzo said. “Do you have any fucking idea what we’ve been through? Do you?”
“Hey,” I murmured, shooting Enzo a warning look.
He quieted.
“What do you need?” I asked gently. “We’ll do it.”
“It’s not you guys. It’s me. I just need this time away. I’m tired of the fights. I’ve been learning some stuff and clearing my head. I couldn’t call you until now, but I promise I’m OK and that I’ll be home soon.”
“I don’t feel comfortable with you being gone. I can come stay with you,” I said thickly. “Get a hotel room right next to yours. I won’t bother you?—”
“Foxy, no. I need this time away, OK? Besides, I-I’m not alone.”
Cole visibly bristled at her words. “Who the fuck are you with, Rosebud?”
She sighed. “This is what I’m talking about. I don’t want this level of anger and control. I’m tired of it. I just… I need a break.”
“Are you leaving us?” Cole demanded. “Is that what this is? Is it? Is this how you fucking do it? I swear to god, Rosalie. I will fucking find you?—”
“Don’t go,” E called out in a trembling voice. “I’ll cha-change. I can change, sweetheart. Please. Please…” He let out a soft sob. “Don’t leave me. Please, Rosalie. Please. I’ll do anything.”
I winced as his face reddened and tears did a free fall from his eyes.
“E, man, come on,” Cole grunted. “Relax.”
He sobbed a little harder before getting to his feet and going into the kitchen. There was a crash a few moments later. Cole sighed and got up, following him into the kitchen.
“Rosalie, take the time you need,” Enzo finally said. “Just… don’t give up, OK?”
“I’m not giving up. I’m fighting for us,” she said gently. “I’m sorry. I’m just so overwhelmed right now. I love you, Enzo. Foxy. Tell Ethan and Cole.”
“I love you, too,” I said thickly as Enzo said it back to her.
“Give me three more days, OK? I’ll come home in three days. I promise. If you want me home.”
“I will never not want you here,” Enzo said fiercely. “Come home, baby. We’ll wait.”
“Thank you,” she said, her voice shaking. “I’ll see you soon. Please take care of Ethan.”
“We will,” I answered softly.
The line disconnected, leaving us in silence.
“What do we do?” Enzo asked.
“We wait,” I said.
“I mean, when she comes home?”
