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E p i p h a n y

(n.) a moment of sudden revelation.

♡♡♡

The more you hide your feelings for someone, the more you fall for them.

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N o t e

Happy Pi Day everyone (If you noticed) and no, I am not a nerd - intellectual bad ass is more like it.

3.14.15

♡♡♡

It was a lie -her Mom wasn't bugging her- let alone aware that she was in a guys' house.

There was just something about going to Aaron's house, something that she just didn't have the temptation to resist.

It was a perfect reason to visit the good 'ole school data base, a beam plastered on her face as her eyes scanned through the thousands and thousands of students' names.

And she was glad she did.

Nobody knew where she was, not even Chase. She just told her Mom that she had some errands to run before she bought a tray of cookies and rushed over to his house.

The moment she entered his house, she didn't regret a single thing.

Luke was a nice fellow, she thought, and was extremely polite to her. He had warm hazel eyes that she instantly relaxed with. (Even though she thought she knocked at the wrong door)

But it was absolutely nothing compared to Aaron's eyes - the brightest blue she has ever seen.

He had the prettiest iris she has ever seen.

She wasn't surprised when he gave her the cold shoulder (Which she was determined to remove), but was more surprised when he let her in for tea and ramen.

Tristan was her favourite, it was something that nature was just waiting for her to confess.

He was adorable, and he had brains - something she always appreciated in a guy.

But she had eyes for another.

Aiden could make her feel a bit awkward and queasy, but she had a feeling he was going to be a great friend to have in the future.

Andrew was an absolute sweetheart, enough said.

She wasn't expecting to meet any of them really, but she was glad she did.

"So what do you do around here?" Rose asked curiously while Aaron kept her now empty bowl of Ramen in the sink.

He gave her a look. "What normal people do in their homes."

She gave him a look too. "Well no way Captain Obvious."

"But it's the truth Sergeant Sarcasm," He replied to her, shrugging his shoulders as he exhaled. "Have something in mind?"

She thought for a while before she nodded her hear, her eyes were playful. "How about we play Scavenger Hunt?"

He rolled his eyes. "Do I look like a five year old to you?"

"No," She pointed out, her lips etched onto a smile. "But you look like an amazing host who is willing to do everything the visitor says right?"

"Oh for fuck's sake."

☆☆☆

"I don't get it Aaron," She sighed as she scowled. "There is literally only a number of places where you can hide a stupid cup."

"And because playing scavenger hunt with only two players makes even more sense." He told her coolly, sighing as he made himself comfortable on the sofa. "Give up yet?" He asked her, making her shake her head at his ridiculous question.

"Okay, am I hot or cold?" She asked him, watching as an annoyed expression crossed his face. "Come on now, I think I can make use of this."

"I thought Scavenger Hunts had no clues."

"They don't."

He sighed. "You're cold."

She took 3 steps backwards. "Now?"

"Cold."

5 steps forward.

"Cold."

7 steps to the left.

"Cold."

3 steps to the right.

"Cold."

"Is it outside the house?"

Her heart shattered, her entire body flew up in flames and her mind and soul just swished out of her body -

He smiled.

He smiled a heart warming, earth shattering, volcano erupting smile.

And she stopped breathing.

He had dimples - on both his cheeks, indenting the smile that garnished his lips.

He had the most beautiful smile she has ever seen.

A smile so beautiful that she didn't blame him that he rarely did, a smile that could make blind people see, a smile that could make the world at ease and a smile that could make Rose's heart beat like a beast within her.

His smile lighted up the entire room, and filled the darkest dwellings with a beautiful glow that he radiated.

A smile that left her breathless, speechless, heart pounding, hands shaking, and unstable.

His smile was truly, a blessing.

Her heart shattered, and demolished itself as all thoughts of this stupid game escaped her mind because all she could think off and all she could possibly process was that Aaron DeGarner was smiling.

And he looked beautiful.

"No." He told her, that silly smile still playing on his lips. "You give up?" His eyes were twinkling.

Well her heart did a long time ago.

"Umm-" She shook herself out of her trance as she nodded her head. "Where is it?"

He got up, and then stood right in front of he, towering her small figure as he grabbed the damn cup from the top shelf.

"There you go," He told her, handing her the cup. "I won."

That smile was gone.

"Hey no fair," She reasoned, huffing in annoyance. "I'm not tall enough to reach that."

He shrugged. "Not my fault."

She got irritated. "But you found the key so easily!"

"It's not my fault that you hid it the most obvious place either." He said, making Rose snicker.

"This isn't over," She told him. "Mark my words."

He shrugged. "Whatever."

She then looked at her wrist watch as a frown settled on her lips. "Well I have to get going now," She walked to the couch and grabbed her bag and jacket. "See you at school Aaron."

"Rose wait," The way he said her name made her want to squeal. "Let me drop you home." He told her, already putting his shoes on as his eyes flickered to the clock. "It's 6 at night and I will be stupid if I let you go out alone."

She shook her head. "No Aaron it's fine-"

"Non sense," He said as he walked to her. "Lead the way." He told her as he opened the door for her.

Her heart was screaming.

"Okay." She said quietly, giving him a small smile as she exited his apartment and went to hers.

With him every step of the way.

☆☆☆

"So what's your favourite food?" She asked him as they walked along the chilly streets, the slight moonlight making Aaron look even more beautiful.

She would give anything to see him smile again.

The subtle sunshine left made his features look more strong - more prominent but his eyes.

The yellow rays reflected the azure from his eyes perfectly, and they looked crystal clear being framed by his brown eyelashes while his skin illuminated.

She never knew someone could look this good when the day was coming to an end.

He shrugged. "I don't really have a favourite, I'm not picky." He told her, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his jeans before a frown settled on his lips.

"What's wro-"

"You're cold," He told her, sighing a breath before he peeled his jacket off her and draped it on her shoulders. "You could've asked."

"How are you even sure I was cold?" She asked, raising a challenging eyebrow.

He slightly smiled. "You're hands are shivering," He looked at her. "And your bottom lip is trembling."

She nodded her head as her fingers pulled his black jacket closer to her. "Good work."

He rose an eyebrow before shaking his head - she wanted him to smile.

"Okay, there's my stop." She told him as she saw the familiar door and place. "Thank you for walking me Aaron," She thanked him as a smile illuminated her features. "It means a lot to me."

He nodded his head. "No problem."

Then silence surrounded both of them, Rose staring at Aaron for a few silent moments as he did her.

She then went on her tippy toes and wrapped her arms around him as she said quietly. "Thank you again, and see you tomorrow."

He immediately stiffened underneath her touch.

"See you," He told her, awkwardly wrapping an arm around her as he cleared his throat. "Tomorrow." He completed, giving her a small nod as she released him.

Her heart was pounding.

She gave him one last smile before she skipped to her house.

Literally.

☆☆☆

"But Mom," Rose groaned, a pout settling on her lips as she sighed. "Why not?"

Her Mom gave her a look. "Rose no."

"But whyyyyy?" She said, letting out a breath. "It's not drugs."

Helen quirked an eyebrow. "I won't see you in 3 days."

Rose sighed. "Your point?"

"No," Helen said flatly as she resumed to folding the now dried clothes. "I won't allow it."

"You know Mom," Rose said. "Most kids my age get pregnant, drink and smoke." She explained, her hand gestures showing just how confident she really was. "And you won't allow me to buy a book?"

Helen rolled her eyes. "You told me that around 45 times now," She gave Rose a pointed look. "And you know how you get when you finish a book." She sighed as she folded a towel. "I don't want to go through that again."

Rose's lips settled in a thin line. "Fine." She said. "I won't talk to you about books anymore," She mumbled, pursing her lips as she exhaled. "I promise."

Helen exhaled. "Rose you know I love you. And you cannot imagine how happy I am that you are not getting pregnant, or drinking or smoking." She turned her attention to her pouting daughter as she folded one of Peter's sweaters (Which made Helen cringe at the colour scheme). "But won't you rather spend your allowance on something else? Like maybe clothes? Or a group hangout?"

"No," Rose answered almost immediately. "I would rather dissect my own intestines."

Helen cringed. "Alright then," She shook her head to try to remove the dreadful image. "Have it your way."

"So it's still a no?" Rose inquired, crossing her arms in annoyance as she stared at her Mom in disbelief.

This cannot be happening.

Helen's eyes started sparkling in victory. "Yup."

Rose groaned before she yelled. "Dad!"

Clutters and bangs from the kitchen were heard before Peter came rushing in, breathing heavily as his hair stuck to his forehead. "What, why, where, who died, what happened, is everyone okay?"

Rose pursed her lips. "Mom won't let me buy books again."

Peter exhaled a breath of relief. "Goodness me," He rubbed the sweat off his temples. "I thought something happened."

Helen spared her husband a glance before she said. "It's still a no Rose."

"Helen," Peter said, his tone understanding and hopeful as he took one look at Rose's pleading eyes (Something she knew was her Father's weakness.). "You know, kids her age get pregnant and drink, and-"

"Smoke," Helen gave her husband an annoyed look. "I know the drill."

"And how do you have the power to say no to this little thing?" Peter said as he wrapped an arm around his daughter, kissing the top of her head as he continued. "I mean look at her."

"Did you forget what she did last week?" Helen pointed out, rolling her hazel eyes at her husband as she mumbled. "Stupid piercing."

"It was fake Helen," Peter clarified, patting Rose's shoulder as he looked at her. "Wasn't it honey?"

"Of course it was Daddy," Rose said, knowing how much Helen hated it when she talked like this. "I am a very good child."

"See?" Peter said, looking at his wife as he continued. "It was a sticker Helen."

"I know Peter, I know," Helen muttered darkly, glaring at both Peter and Rose. "Give me one good reason why I should let her go when she almost gave you a heart attack and me a stroke?"

Peter leaned from one foot to another - looking like a 7 year old child who was trying to convince his Mommy to buy him another pack of M&M's- before he said. "Because she is the apple of our eyes?"

Helen rolled her eyes. "I will never understand both of you."

Peter grinned. "That's the beauty of it all."

"She's still not getting books Peter." Helen deadpanned, a groan escaping her lips as she carried the piles of folded clothes and walked to the bedroom and shouted. "Nothing will change my mind." Her voice echoed to Peter and Rose, as they both sighed.

Like father like daughter.

And both of them did everything simultaneously as they leaned against the washing machine:

Ran a hand through their hair,

Rubbed their noses with the pad of their thumbs,

Scratched the right side of their jaws,

And then look at each other.

Her father's blue eyes were sparkling as she could feel him stick a crumpled piece of rubbery paper against her hand. "Just don't tell her."

She looked down at the fifty dollar note before she grinned. "As usual."

Her father gave her a playful smile. "As usual."

And then they both let out a laugh before they stayed in the laundry room for a few more minutes (So that they could come out to face Helen with neutral faces.) and then Rose proceeded to do homework, while Peter tried a new pancake recipe.

It was just another day in the McLean household.

☆☆☆

Sneaking out of the house was never Rose's thing to do - alone.

But when it was concerning books and their beautiful covers, she would never call Chase.

She would always remember how she called him once when she sneaked out of the house to go to her local bookstore, and how he accidentally dropped the book right in the middle of a muddy puddle, and the other time when he accidentally bent the spine of the paper back book and tore the first 2 pages.

She shuddered at the memory.

She slipped the hoodie of her sweat shirt right on top of her head and quietly walked around the house, smiling as she heard her Dad distract her Mom.

And when her small figure caught the corner of his eye, he took his wife's hand and sat on the sofa (Which was facing away from the door), and ran a hand through his hair.

First signal.

"Helen you know what I miss?" Peter asked, rubbing the tip of his nose with his finger.

Second signal.

"What is it?" Helen asked flatly, exhausted and all she wanted to do was sleep.

"Rock music." Peter grinned, scratching the back of his ear before he blared out the familiar rock beat through the speaker.

Third signal.

And then she ran out of the house.

With no strings attached.

☆☆☆

It was never a surprise when she would come back home at around midnight, and by the looks on how beautiful the book store seems today, she was willing to go back home at 1 am.

There were new arrivals, 50% discounts (The words that made her heart jump) and even brand new collector's editions.

It was basically a heaven on her to little Rose, and there was no way she was leaving this store empty handed.

She fingered the 50 dollar note in her pocket as a grin made its way to her lips - now what to buy?

Her brown eyes scanned the store, nodding her head at the books she already owns, and returning her attention to the shelves which had books with beautiful covers, and even books which she has been keeping an eye for.

"Oh hey Rose," Eric -the store employee- greeted her with a smile. "Didn't expect to see you here this late."

"Me neither," Rose told him, slightly baffled by all the beautiful books around her. "How are you doing Eric?"

"Same old same old," He replied, giving her a smile. "Anything I can help you with?"

Rose quirked an eyebrow. "After all this time, you still ask?"

Eric shrugged, his grey eyes twinkling with sincerity as he reasoned. "You can never be too sure."

Rose let out a small laugh as she patted Eric's shoulder. "I'm fine big guy, I'll find my way."

Eric nodded his head. "If you need anything, you know where to find me."

"In the graphic novel section, got it." Rose grinned, watching Eric roll his eyes.

"You know I can't stand words," He shuddered. "Pictures are more awesome."

"Yeah whatever you say," Rose replied, a grin tugging on her lips as she nodded her head. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have some books to buy."

And she did.

She went through almost every single book in the store: reading theirs blurbs, or judging their covers and scents of their pages (Don't judge) and eventually, she came back out with about 7 to 8 books and she couldn't be happier.

As Rose had these 7 books stacked up in her tiny arms, Eric rose an eyebrow at her as he passed by.

"Well aren't you lucky this time?" Eric said as he took some (Well most) of the books off her arms as he grinned. "Didn't think you were going out with this many."

"Well how many did you think I was leaving with?" Rose asked, her annoyed brown gaze meeting his playful grey one as she huffed.

"I would say 2," Eric replied, nodding his head at his answer. "And if you were really really lucky, 3."

She sent him a playful glare. "You're lucky we're friends."

"And you're lucky that we're having a 50% discount if you buy more than 3 books." Eric grinned, then chuckled as he watched Rose's eyes become wide.

"No way," Rose said quietly, feeling her chest hammer with joy. "No you're lying, I don't believe you."

Eric shrugged, running a hand through his dark hair. "Check for yourself."

She eyed him suspiciously. "You pinky swear you're not lying?" She asked him, holding up her pinky as she lifted an eyebrow.

Eric chuckled before he shuffled with the books in his arm, and entwined his pinky with hers. "Pinky promise."

And she squealed.

And it wasn't the first time she did, and it wasn't the first time that Eric laughed.

☆☆☆

It was raining today.

At this time of the year, Canada would usually be chilly but somehow sunny.

But it was raining today.

And Rose, considering how tiny she really was, always had cold hands and fingers.

It wasn't that she was cold or freezing, it was just some sort of weird hereditary thing from her Dad, (Who was never cold either) and Helen made it her job to worry for the both of them.

But her fingers were warm today, this fuzzy feeling running through her hands as she smiled through the chilly air - probably because of the brand new hard cover book resting in her backpack.

"What's gotten you in the mood today?" Chase said as he rolled his tinted window down with an eyebrow raised. "You are practically radiating."

"Hey Chase," Rose said, giving him a sweet smile as she entered the car and buckled up her seat belt. "How are you today?"

Chase gave her a weird look. "Considering how you didn't complain on how I am fifteen minutes late, and it is raining, then I am not okay," He poked her smiling cheek. "Who are you and what have you done to Rose?"

"You're being silly right now Chase," Rose noted, giving him a sweet smile as she made herself comfortable in the seat. (Which consisted of wiggling herself in the seat, crossing her legs, uncrossing them again, and then another round of wiggling.)

"Let me guess," Chase glanced at her with a grin on her face. "You're parents allowed you to drink coffee again."