The Mesh (Raura)

Chapter 42

December 20th,  1am

Ross' POV

The party is still wild but I'm sat in one particular room with Jasper's little niece while waiting for him to return with a glass of water for her. I really have nothing else to do at the moment because everyone is in pairs and I am the single one at this party.

Rosalyn is sitting on the bed, covered with sheets, and looking out the window. I clear my throat as I look at her.

"What did you mean when you said I look like some guy in a picture?", I ask her and her gaze meets mine.

She then surprises me by giving me a bright smile. "I like you. What's your name?"

She ignores my question. Very well.

"I'm Ross. "

"I'm Rosalyn. It's almost the same. ", she giggles, referring to our names.

I chuckle. "Yeah. Do you have a nickname or do they call you by a full name all the time?"

"Uncle Jas calls me princess when he isn't mad. ", she whispers.

"Why do you think he's mad?"

"Because I came here alone. He doesn't like that. "

I pause and look at the snow outside, deciding on what to say next.

"Well, I will call you Rosie. ", I suggest.

Her eyes seem to have sparkled when she hears the calling. I chuckle at her pleased expression.

"That's pretty. ", she allows it. "Do you have a nickname?"

Smile creeps up to my lips. "Um..how do you create a nickname for the name Ross? It's like on the list of the shortest names ever. "

"Hm. But that's not fair. You should have a nickname too. ", she speaks as she stares at her little fingers.

"Many things aren't fair. ", I light up the screen of my phone. Okay, I have no pride now that I still have no messages from her.

I type Laura a quick text asking if she's okay. Maybe she fell asleep. She probably was tired. I shouldn't be that selfish to let my mood drop just because I wanted her to congratulate me first.

"Why are you sad?", Rosie asks. "Is it because you don't have a nickname?"

I laugh at her caring but silly question and shake my head. "I'm not sad. Just worried. "

"Why?"

Curious little one.

"One person won't answer my texts. "

"Is it your wife?", the girl makes me blush with the question.

I shake my head. "No, no. She's my girlfriend. "

"Why is that different? She will be your wife then. ", she grins widely at me and claps her hands.

I sink deeper into my embarrassment, not saying a word. Like she would understand how the adult world works. I won't spoil the nasty deets for her. She probably thinks everyone is prince charming with their beautiful princesses.

"I suppose.. " I laugh a bit and look away. "Why did you come alone? Where is your mom?", I question.

Her mood suddenly drops and she covers herself up to her nose.

"Mommy always leaves me alone. She just goes somewhere. I think she visits Mr Doctor because she looks sick. "

My heart aches for her. I gulp. "But what about your dad?"