Nate

Being honest with her was really relieving and liberating. I wouldn't have to hide and be anxious all the time now, but I still had to find an explanation to give to Cole.

I could always tell him my father came home to see me-

My phone rang interrupting my thoughts. I was on the bed thinking and the phone was next to me. I looked at the caller ID and rolled my eyes.

Speak of the devil.

"Hello father" I said picking up.

"Nate, how have you been?"

He surely wants something.

"I'm very well, how about you and mom?" I asked.

"We are all good but your mother misses you. When are you thinking of visiting?"

I didn't know what to say. Normally I would visit anytime they asked since I didn't really have anything to do during daytime, but this time I had someone in the apartment. I couldn't leave her alone, she was in danger.

"I-I don't really know, I've been a little busy lately"

"Come on Nate, how long has it been since you last came to see me and your mother? Don't you want to spend a little time with us?"

Okay now he's just acting weird.

"Dad, are you sure you don't just want to ask me for something. You can just straight up say it-"

"Nate no. We really do miss you. Plus, your brother moved out and we're all alone now. We miss having our family with us"

"Did mom pay you to say this?"

"Look Nate, I don't have time. This Friday, be here and we're inviting your brother as well" He said and ended the call.

Ugh.

_________

"So are you going or not?"

"I-I have to go Rosy, I'm sorry"

"It's okay I can stay alone for a day" She said smiling softly.

"No no no, you're not staying here alone"

"But-"

"You have two options" I said smirking. "You can either stay with Serenity and Ares-"

"Nate, I don't want to bother them-"

"-or you can come with me and pretend to be my girlfriend"

She was speechless. She went agape and her eyes widened letting me see her beautiful eye color.

"Okay I'm staying with Serenity"

I whined and crossed my arms, "That's no fun"

"Can we ask her first? Maybe she won't want me there"

"Are you kidding me? She will be so excited to have you there" I said taking out my phone.

I called Serenity who sounded excited to know about Rose as she kept asking me questions. I explained the situation and asked her if she could stay over.

"Of course!" She yelled excitedly.

"Did you ask Ares?"

"Well no, but who cares? I mean he won't mind and I want to meet her properly"

"Okay okay, I'll let her know. Thank you" I chuckled.

"Thank you for letting me meet her, Bye!" She said and ended the call.

"See? she was so excited about it" I told Rosy.

"I guess it's okay for one day" She mumbled. "What if she doesn't like me?"

"Sweetheart, she'll love you" I assured her and put my arm around her shoulders. "What's wrong?" I asked when I saw her face becoming red.

"N-nothing" She whispered and looked down.

My phone rang and I rolled my eyes thinking it was my father.

"Now what?" I snapped.

But it wasn't dad

"What's wrong man?"

I immediately stood up and left the room. I couldn't be close to her while I was talking to him, it made me feel weird.

"Hey sorry, I thought you were my dad" I chuckled.

"So what was it about the phone call?" He asked.

What was the excuse again?

"My father came home to see me and he called me when he didn't find me there" I said all in one breath.

"Oh I see, I mean it's better than a thief" He laughed.

He laughs like a pig but worse

"Believe me I would rather it being a thief"

"So when are you coming back?" He asked.

"My dad invited me to his house so I will be away for a few days, I'll let you know when I come back"

"Okay, I'll take the time to find that little bitch" He snarled.

Oh no no no, we don't want that now.

"Um actually I wont be away till Friday so how about I come today?" I asked.

"Oh sure"

"Alright, see you later. Bye" I said and ended the call.

I went back to the living room to see Rosy waiting for me.

"Was it him?" she asked.

"Yes. I have to go today"

"Be careful" She whispered and stood up walking to her room.

_________

"Glad you're back" He said patting my back.

Thanks, the feeling isn't mutual.

"I'm glad I'm back too" I smiled.

"So since you're here, I have to go see my father. Can you stay alone here for a little while?"

"Sure thing" I smirked.

"Okay I'll see you in a bit then" He said and walked away.

Just what I needed.

I roamed around the building trying to find one person.

I smirked when I entered a room and saw him on the computer.

"Oh Johnny" I called out. The kid flinched and turned around immediately looking scared as ever.

"Please don't hurt me, I didn't do anything"

I raised an eyebrow, "I know. That's why I won't hurt you" I said slowly walking towards him. "So Johnny, why are you here?" I asked looking around the room.

"I-I work here" He stuttered.

"I mean, how did you get here? Are you here on your own free will?"

"I-I-"

"Johnny, let's get one thing straight. I'm not Cole and I'm not going to hurt. I'm just going to ask a few questions so I know what's going on here. I'm new remember?"

He nodded, "Mr Balker found me and gave me a job"

"I don't think so" I said. "Where did he find you?" I asked.

"I-"

"Look kid. I was once like you, I know what's going on in your head. You don't want to trust anyone because you keep thinking everything is a trap and people are just looking for reasons to hurt you"

He looked down and gulped.

"See you around Johnny" I said and left the room.

"Wait, sir!" He said halting me.

I smirked and turned around, "Yes?" I asked.

"Mr Balker, he's not as nice as you think. You seem like a good person so be careful" He whispered.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, eager to know.

"He's a bad person"

"What is your job here. What does he make you do?"

"He wants me to find Rose"

"Rose? His girl?" I spat.

"Y-yes. She's a really kind person and if he finds her he-" He stopped himself from continuing.

"So you don't want to find her"

"She doesn't deserve it"

"Do you like her?" I asked. I was a little stressed about that. The thought of him liking her or even them being together gave me a weird feeling. It made me feel sad.

"As a sister"

"Look, I appreciate you telling me that stuff and I promise I won't tell anybody, but don't trust anybody else"

He nodded.

"Now I want you to tell me if you have found her"

"I haven't, I don't have any leads"

"I see. I want you to tell me whenever he's close to finding her"

"Okay sir"

Sir again. First Rosy, now him. Am I really getting that old? I'm only twenty six.

"And Johnny? Please just call me Nate"