"Rose...Rose" I recognized that voice, where is it coming from?

I opened my eyes and in front of me were those emerald eyes staring at me.

I woke up gasping for air. My heart was pounding so hard the sound was deafening. I glanced over at my nightstand; I had to squint a little to make out the dim numbers on my clock. 3 AM.

"Now she's in my dreams too?" I said out loud to the dark empty room.

I got up slowly and walked over to my balcony door. The blood was still rushing, and my heartbeat was all I heard. I opened the door and noticed immediately that the air smelled different. The sky was grey. It was so dark it was almost impossible to make out anything. I stepped out from the shelter of my room, and tiny cold droplets covered my body gently. It was raining. The realization calmed me immediately. I tilted my head back slightly and let the cold drops cool my face. Rainy weather was my favorite. The rain always made me think of this word mom used to call me. Pluviophile, which then became my favorite word.

She explained it meant "lover of rain, someone who finds joy and peace of mind in the rain." I said the words out loud, hearing her voice in my head.

In times like these, I missed her. I leaned over the railing, letting my skin feel every inch of the wet steel cooling my arms. The rain was gentle, but if you stood still and quiet long enough, you could hear the sound of the rain hitting the leaves and dropping onto another leaf and another.

I took a deep breath, the air was fantastic, and there was hardly any wind. The silence made me think back to dinner. Henrietta didn't say a word about what happened earlier. We just sat in silence as we ate the entire time. All she did was tell it was going to rain tonight.

What was so special about Jade for Henrietta to completely shut down? Does she know something? If so, what? I'm not going to let this go until I know. I just have to, and if it's connected to why I feel that sharp pain every time she has looked at me.

I stood out there for a while, just clearing my mind. As the rain got stronger, I went back inside but left the door open.

3:45 AM I should probably try and get more sleep. I changed into dry clothes and got back in bed. It didn't take long until I was fast asleep again.

I woke up to an awful sound; what else could it be but my alarm clock. I groaned as I whacked the clock to stop. I rolled to my back and stared at the ceiling.

"A new day. Isn't that what they say in cheesy movies? it's a brand new day," I said mockingly as if someone would reply to me if I kept talking to nothing long enough.

Unwillingly I got out of bed and started to get ready. When I got downstairs, Henrietta was nowhere to be seen. Odd. She usually leaves after me. I walked to the coffee maker and saw a blue sticky note attached to it.

"Good morning dear, I got called in early this morning, I loaded the coffee maker for you. See you tonight! - Henrietta."

Well, that explains it then. Unless she just left early to avoid me. I laughed to myself. I pressed the button on the side of the machine, and soon enough, it came to life with its unique sounds.

I looked around the house and sighed. Odd being alone. I used to love it back home, but now I miss Henriettas' presence. I'd even take Ethan right now-

"Good morning!!" The door slammed open.

I screamed and looked at the idiot who ran inside.

"You asshole! you scared me!" I screamed.

Ethan burst out laughing. "I'm sorry, but you should see your face." he continued laughing.

"Not funny!!" I tried arguing back.

Ethan kept on laughing as he took his wet shoes and jacket off and came to the kitchen.

"Okay, okay," He slowly stopped laughing; "I'm sorry," He said.

"Whatever," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Hey! I thought that was a very heartfelt apology!" He said and flung his arms around dramatically.

"I think I should at least get a hug!"

I looked at him and raised one eyebrow.

"Oh, cmon berry blast, I could use one since my apology was so coldly rejected." He said and opened his arms, looking "sad."

"Oh, fine. this once." I said and hugged him.

It had been a while since I last hugged anyone. Not that I'd ever say this to him, but this does feel nice.

The hug went on for a while. It's like we both really needed one; I wonder why he did?

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

The coffee was ready, which startled us both slightly. We let go and looked at each other for a second.

"You really need to let me have a cup of coffee first before you burst in here like a maniac with a chainsaw!" I said and reached for a cup from the cabinet.

"I know." He replied hanging his head low like he's not enjoying scaring me.

"Do you want tea?" I asked, trying to fill the silence.

"You remembered huh?" He laughed.

"Well yeah, since you went to such extreme lengths to embarrass me the first time." He smiled.

"I didn't mean to embarrass you." He said softly.

I blushed.

"Do you want some or not?" I tried hiding the fact I was blushing.

"Sure. I'd love some." He said, still smiling.

I turned around and stopped...

I had no idea where anything was. I think Ethan picked up on that. He walked past me to a cabinet and grabbed a box of tea. I moved out of his way and sat down on one of the chairs around the kitchen table.

"Thank you," I said, slightly embarrassed.

"Of course, like I said, I know this house like the back of my hands." Ethan said as he filled the kettle and switched it on.

He then picked a teabag out of the box, smelled it, and returned it. Picked another one. Same thing. Until the third try, which he placed on the counter and closed the box. He took the bag, tore it open and gently opened the string, and put it at the bottom of his cup.

"Have you never seen someone make tea before?" He asked, keeping his eyes on the cup.

Shit. Did he notice me looking at him? I thought.

"I- uh yes, I have!" I Tried;

"You just have away with that. it looks so natural for you." I said.

"Do I now?" He chuckled.

"Well thank you."

He picked up the kettle and began to pour the water. I watched as the steam rose from the cup as the water splashed into it, like the flavor of the teabag mixed in the fumes and danced out of the cup.

Ethan turned to me, lifting the bag by the string. Up, down. Up, down. Until he sat down. He let go of the string and looked at me.

"Why are you staring me? You're being a little creepy there Berry." Ethan asked me.

"That's a good question." I laughed.

"I didn't sleep well last night. I guess I'm a little slow this morning."

"That's okay." He laughed and took a sip of his tea.

"Yeah," I said, drinking my coffee.

"So... any plans for the weekend?" He said, trying to make conversation

I didn't even realize that it was Friday until he mentioned it.

"Oh, um no nothing, you?" I replied.

"Not really, just relax, I think," Ethan said, sipping his tea.

"That sounds nice."

"I think so too." Ethan said with a slight smile.

Both of us sort of woke up for the morning and we didn't talk much after he sat down. Ethan was mainly on his phone.

"We should get going. You ready with your coffee?" He asked startling me. I zoned out once again.

"Oh um yeah."

My coffee had gotten cold already while he was making his tea, but he didn't need to know that.

"Well good. I'm about done with the tea. So you ready to leave or?" He said, leaning forward about to stand up.

"Yeah I'm just gonna go grab my coat real quick." I replied and stood up.

When I got back, He was already at the door waiting for me.

"Let's go." He said, motioning to hurry.

We walked outside, and it was still raining. Perfect, now it was raining a little harder, so there was no trouble hearing it. It sounded even more beautiful with the foggy morning.

Ethan pulled his hood up while I let the water soak me.

"Not a rain person?"

"Not really." he grinned.

The schoolyard was empty, which didn't surprise me. Everyone was inside, sheltering from the rain.

When we got in, we made our way to our lockers. Ethan's was first, then mine. We put our soaked jackets in there and took out some books.

I closed my locker while Ethan fiddled with his phone.

"Anything interesting?" I asked.

Ethan lifted his head, covering his phone smirking.

"Maaaybe." He replied.

"Well cmon out with it." I insisted.

"Oh nothing, nothing at all.. just this person I've been talking with." He said nervously.

"Ooooo" I teased

"How scandalous." I ridiculed.

Ethan laughed and blushed slightly.

"Shut up berry, anyways whats the deal with you not having a phone? You know it would make it easier to contact you." He asserted, changing the subject.

"Why do you need to get in contact with me?" I asked, trying to avoid answering the question.

"Well what if I see something funny? Or a baby seal? you know these things are very important." He tried having a stern tone while smiling.

"I guess I'm just old-fashioned," I replied, brushing off everything he said.

"I guess I can accept this answer once, but I will be having a chat with Henrietta." He kept at it.

"hahah okay dad, sure." I laughed.

We both laughed as we walked upstairs. What else would greet us sitting at the tables except screecher one and two, followed by some guys I recognize from my class.

"Ethan! Rose! over here!!" One of them screamed, and everyone's head immediately turned to us.

"Hey, guys! Ethan took the lead as always.

"Hey! We barely see you anymore Ethan! why does the newbie get to have all your attention?" The first one continued and shot me a look.

"Great, this was precisely what I needed." I thought.

"He's just helping me out. He can leave whenever." I replied, and they all looked at me, shocked like it was a miracle I could speak.

"Well in that case maybe I should swoop you up and give Ethan here a break." A deep male voice from the table announced and looked me up and down. I think his name was Brody.

"I'm good thanks." I replied.

"Awe cmon, Give me a shot, would ya?" Brody continued as he stood up and got closer to me.

"Dude, if I wanted a sack of hormones drooling on me I'd give my friends little brother a call. Now back off." I persisted.

"Dang, girls got claws. hot." He said and backed up, still staring at me.

"Omg, Brody, you're disgusting. Rose pay no mind to him. I don't think we have officially met. I'm Christy, and this is Clarissa, Jackson, Reagan, and Brody you know." The first one, apparently named Christy, said and smiled.

"So you guys have any plans for the weekend?" Ethan blurted out.

"Oh, you know, just hanging at the beach probably," Christy said, and everyone nodded in agreeance.

"Oh nice." Ethan said.

Like a gift from the gods, the bell rang for the class to start, and we headed that way. I sighed as I sat down; Ethan laughed and sat next to me.

"Not a fan of the popular kids?" He asked.

"No definitely not," I said in a sassy tone.

"You need to protect me from them." I demanded.

"I shall," Ethan said in a goofy voice as we both burst out laughing.

"Why is that?" He asked as we pretended to listen to our teacher explaining something about history.

"Its just they're all the same. The girls think everyone wants to be them so they can say whatever they want thinking everything revolves around them. The guys expect everyone to fall to the ground begging by them when they just look at them. I don't like arrogant people like that. Its like they don't any feeling of remorse by their actions." I whispered.

"Wow." Ethan paused.

"I never thought of it like that. You're right though. Its like you have to be grateful when they harass you even if you don't like them." Ethan explained.

"Exactly..." I noted.

"Excuse me." A female voice in front of the class said in an annoyed tone.

"Sorry!" Ethan said and turned to me, holding back a smile.

We dropped the conversation there and tried to actually pay attention.

The day went by surprisingly well. As he promised, he kept me away from the popular kids very comically. By lunch, I noticed I hadn't seen Jade all day...

"So berry, do you surf?" Ethan interrupted my thoughts.

"Um, yea. Back home I did." I said as I refocused to reality.

"Oh thats cool! Would you want to go surfing this weekend?" Ethan asked with a mouth full of lettuce.

"Why not. Sounds fun, if I heard you correctly behind all that lettuce. You don't have to stuff your mouth with it you know." I said and chuckled.

"It's good, berry. Leave me alone." He said, pretending to be hurt and fake sniffled.

I giggled as he proved his point and deliberately stuffed his mouth with even more lettuce, now with a couple of tomatoes too. He looked at me and gave a wide smile.

"That's so gross close your mouth!" I screamed, covering my eyes as I laughed.

We finished eating our lunch and headed back to continue our routine school day. When the day ended, it was still raining a little and foggy. I was standing at the bottom of the steps waiting on Ethan, but he was nowhere to be seen. It's not like I needed him to walk me home. I guess I just assumed we'd be walking together. Oh well. I thought and began walking down the road.

I made it to the entrance of the little forest path when I heard someone say my name behind me.

"There you are, I almost lost ya." I turned and saw Brody jogging towards me in the rain.

"What do you want?" I said in a rude tone, hoping he'd take the hint.

"Ouch... So hostile, why isn't Ethan with you?" He asked.

"I don't need Ethan to walk home." I demanded.

"Bet you don't. You seem feisty." He said and took a step closer.

I started to get uncomfortable as he stepped forward. I took one back.

"Oh, cmon, don't be scared now. I promise I won't bite." He said with a disgusting smile.

"I'd like for you to leave me alone. Now." I said while taking another step back.

"Why? You think you'd be thrilled to have someone like me take an interest in you." He said and continued to get closer to me.

"Well, to your disappointment I am not. Now. Leave. Me. Alone..." I said, getting louder with every word.

I took another step and felt something hit my back. He cornered me to a tree. I started to panic.

"He planned this?" I thought.

He smirked as I realized. He kept coming closer until he was right in front of me, so close I could smell his body spray.

"You know, you ought to think about how you talk to me, looking who's in charge here." He said, rolling up his sleeves.

"So is this what you do? Stalk and corner girls and expect them to just kiss the ground you walk on thanking you for the harassment?" I scoffed.

He put one arm against the tree and leaned closer. He was so close I felt his breath on my face.

"Want to know what I think?" He said and looked at my lips and back to my eyes.

"I think you find me attractive. You did as soon as you saw me. You just put up a fight to play hard to get. Truth is, you want me." He leaned in, and I pushed him off of me.

"What the fuck is wrong with you!?" I yelled.

He was shocked at first but then laughed.

"See? Playing hard to get!"

At this point, I was getting so panicked my brain started to fog. I can't fight him. He's twice my size. He'll pin me down easy. He kept talking, but it all was drowned by the sound of my blood rushing through my body, and before I noticed it, he was right in front of me again. This time he grabbed my wrist.

Shit.

As he crept closer to me, placing his hand on my waist, I could feel the warmth of his hand on me… my eyes shut tighter as I was expecting the worst but was too frozen to do anything.

"The things I want to do to you." He whispered and leaned towards my neck.

Please, someone, help me!! I screamed in my mind. I felt paralyzed. Why aren't I fighting back? I'm strong, aren't I? I could try. I tried moving my arm, but he tightened his grip on my wrist.

Someone.. please...

Then I heard loud rustling followed by a deep growl.

I opened my eyes and didn't even notice Brody letting go of my arm and was now next to me, looking terrified. I looked at what was in front of me and gasped. A big black wolf stood in front of us. It was staring at Brody growling. Brody stood there frozen as the wolf growled. It took a slight step forward, and Brody started backing up slowly. After a few steps, he turned around and ran away. There was a long silence as I tried to understand what had happened. I looked at the wolf, who was now looking at me. I stood still waiting for it to leave, but it just sat down and stared at me, wagging its tail.

I felt relief knowing he was gone and that this little guy probably won't attack me. The adrenaline passed, and I felt my legs give out, and I fell to the ground. Without a thought, I started crying. I lifted my hands to my face covering my eyes, crying. My wrist was hurting a lot. I heard a small whimper and looked up, confused, and saw the wolf looking at me with its head turned sideways.

"Oh this?" I said and lifted my wrist that was visibly red.

"Yeah the guy you scared off wasn't very nice to me... Thank you for that, little guy, you really saved me." The dog straightened its head and smiled, wagging its tail.

Wait, did it understand me? I wondered.

The wolf walked towards me slowly and sat in front of me. It lowered its head and poked my wrist with its nose, and then licked it.

I raised my other hand and patted its head.

"Well thank you, little guy."

Looking at its size, I guessed and assumed it was a male.

I kept petting until he stopped licking my wrist. He growled slightly and backed up. I watched him as he watched me. He turned his head fast towards the entrance and took off in the opposite direction.

I wonder what got into him. As if the situation wasn't odd enough.

Not long after that, I heard footsteps, then I saw Ethan walking with his eyes glued to his phone. He lifted his head, saw me, and ran towards me.

"Rose!" He kneeled down on the ground.

"Are you okay? I got held up and figured you took off. What happened?" He explained, panicked.

"Oh nothing, I just tripped on a loose branch. Nothing serious." I was too embarrassed to tell him what really happened.

"What's wrong with your wrist?" He asked, suspecting my story.

"I landed on it," I replied, trying to keep from crying.

He looked at me for a second. I felt like he could see right through me. His eyes wandered around me, until he sighed.

"Damn blues, what am I going to do with you? I leave you alone for one moment and you hurt yourself." Ethan smiled slightly, but his eyes told me he had an idea what had happened.

"I'm just clumsy." I tried laughing but could feel my eyes starting to water.

"C'mon, lets get you up and home." He got up and helped me up.

He picked up my bag from the ground and carried it as we walked home in silence.