/sel-ˌküth/

♡♡♡

We accept the love we think we deserve.

♡♡♡

It was very rare when Rose would wake up in a ponytail.

She was more of a go-to-sleep-with-a-bun kind of girl, and when she woke up and found how messy and knotted her blonde locks were she got immensely confused.

And it wasn't just a regular confusion -considering how she woke up in her room- it was a type of confusion that conquered all her brain cells into thinking how she actually ended up her.

She peeled the white blankets off her body as she crossed her eyebrows, rubbing some of the sleepiness of her eyes as she crossed her eyebrows again - why was she here?

She scratched the back of her neck as she looked around, and if she wasn't mistaken this was her room.

My name is Rose McLean and I am suppose to be at school, she thought to herself, shaking her head as she sighed, Then what the fudge cakes am I doing here?

She slowly got up, shaking her head when she felt a headache coming. She then took small steps out of the room, observing the quiet atmosphere of the house.

Mom and Dad are at work ,she thought, And probably still didn't come home.

She swallowed the little saliva in her mouth as her throat went dry - how did she get here?

She quietly crept through her house, keenly listening to any strange noises and trying to identify any weird smells.

Her

heart

was

a

mess.

She took a small breath as her feet lead her to the kitchen, her brown eyes observing the room as she slowly tip toed to the sink. She looked from side to side, her breathing still not in order before she grabbed a cup (Cringing when it made a cling noise) and poured herself a cup of water.

She even drank quietly.

She still didn't know what was going on, and it was frustrating Rose to the brim.

She hated being the last one to be informed, absolutely despised it when she couldn't figure out a Math equation or Physics formula, but disliked it even more when she couldn't figure herself out.

She let out a small sigh - what now?

Just as she was about to put the cup away, a small Post It! Note caught the corner of her eye.

The bright neon yellow piece of paper was casually sitting on the kitchen counter, with its dark blue inked hand writing, it was basically waiting to be read.

She quickly grabbed it, her brown eyes scattering all through out the paper, taking in its every syllable as she unravelled the answer to all her questions right before her very eyes.

So I need to do this quick, since the school kinda called, but you my friend, slept in school.

You were dead cold when I got you, and you're kinda lucky you didn't get any God damn detention..

Anywho, gotta run and get to school before I get suspended for trespassing during school hours. (The things I do for you)

Love,

Your overly attractive and insanely kind best friend,

Chase

Rose's cheeks were already flustered by the time she reached half the note - she actually slept in school?

Her heart was wilding beating against her chest, thumping and bumping even more embarassment throughout her body as she rubbed her cheeks with her cold hands (This was the only time it came in handy - to soothe down blushing cheeks)

She even noticed the little winky face Chase drew on the edge of the note, and she groaned.

He was going to hold onto this forever.

She shook her head before she sighed - Well now what?

Was she suppose to go back to school? It's already 3:12

Call Mom or Dad? They're at work.

Do homework? I didn't note down today's homework.

A breath escaped her lips (She absolutely hated it when she missed school work) as she made her way to the living room, plopping down on the couch as she tried to get her thoughts together.

Her hands stroked her phone in her jean pocket, an idea creeping up into her mind as a smile decorated her lips.

She took her phone in hand, dialling Chase's familiar number as her eyes were glittering in excitement. (Rose was one weird girl) as she awaited for her best friend to answer.

"Hello?" Chase answered, the shuffles in the background an obvious obstacle as he talked.

"Hey Chase," Rose said, her tone soft and grateful as she smiled. "Thank you for what you did today," She said, pressing the phone closer to her ear as she nodded her head. "It means a lot to me." She finished off, tucking a stray piece of hair (Which was tangled to its worst) behind her ear.

And then he laughed - a legit, out-of-the-heart laugh.

"Why are you laughing?" Rose said, crossing her eyebrows as she chewed on her bottom lip. "Did I say something funny?"

Chase laughed again. "The day you say something funny will be the day I get an A* in Accounting." She could hear the multiple chats in the background, talking as Chase moved through the school hall. "Which isn't anytime soon I can assure you."

"Why are you so mean?" Rose pouted, shaking her head as she sighed. "And why were you laughing to begin with?"

"I think I wrote in that damn Post it that I brought you home," Her heart started racing. "I didn't say I was the one that found you." She could hear the grin in his voice, tickling her insides as her brain stormed for answers.

Who can it be then?

"Who was it then?" Rose whispered, feeling her heart thump against her throat as she inhaled - Stay calm, it might not be him.

"He's actually on his way over there," Chase was grinning. "And he has all your homework and notes," She couldn't breathe. "So see for yourself."

"Crumbs," Rose muttered, running a hand through her tangled (Extremely tangled) blonde hair as she sighed. "Just tell me Chase."

"Dude watch where you're going!" Chase said, sighing into the phone before he apologised. "Sorry bout that, some people I swear."

"Chase,"

"Rose,"

"Stop,"

"But I like this, it's very rare when we have these over the phone."

"Chase,"

"Rose,"

She sighed. "Why are you so annoying?"

He grinned. "Why are you so nosy? All I'm saying is that he's on his way there with your homework, your God damn homework. Shouldn't you be happy that you're not going to spend the day doing nothing?"

Homework was the last thing on her mind

Rose let out a groan. "Why are you always like this?"

"Because what's this friendship without annoying each other once in a while?" Chase replied, a throaty chuckle escaping his lips as she groaned again. "I have to go now Rose, I only have Accounting left and I'll be right over."

She couldn't handle this

"You're a jerk," She muttered, pacing around the room as her heart accelerated. "A huge one."

Chase grinned. "That's what she-"

She hung up on him.

✿✿✿

When Rose was anxious, she paced around the room. A lot.

She already circled her bedroom about a dozen times, took 24 laps around the living room and was now in the kitchen, pacing around as she waited for her water to boil.

She also sighed way too much - it was just a natural way for her body to remove the excess stress and pressure it obtained over a phone call.

She looked out the window every now and then, checking whether anyone she knew was walking across the neighbourhood towards her house.

She had only one boy in her mind

She made her tea, with shaky hands and a racing mind, she was surprised she could pour the boiling water without burning herself let alone adding 2 spoons of sugar without screwing up.

Her mind was a mess

She sat down in the living room, her cup of tea in hand as she shook her head - this over thinking must be unhealthy or something.

She took a sip of her tea, scowling at herself when she could feel the hot liquid sizzle her tongue.

She was in no condition to do anything

She kept the tea on the coffee table (Which she was always confused on why it was called a coffee table and not a regular table) before she got up and took one more glance at the window.

Her guts just fell

Because what she saw, made her entire throat go dry.

She could see his blue eyes from here, the slight sunlight making his hair seem lighter, his movements more gentle as his eyes scanned the neighbourhood.

350 heartbeats, 400 heartbeats, 450 heartbeats.

She didn't know what to do.

And so, she started pacing again.

But just as she was on her 5th pace, she caught sight of herself on the reflection on the coffee table and

she

just

wanted

to

scream.

Her hair was more of a mess than it was hair, and there was some dirt on the side of her face (She honestly didn't know where in God's name did that come from) and she couldn't help but notice the random red marks blotched on her cheeks, making her seem as though she just went into a punch fight that went terribly wrong.

No, no, no

She dashed to the bathroom, grimacing at her reflection as she inhaled a deep breath - in and out, in and out.

She combed her fingers through her hair, hissing as she tugged too hard before she decided there was no undoing what God has lead her hair's fate to.

She washed her faced quickly, not before hearing the door bell ring (Which practically made her heart land on the God damn sink) and scrubbing her face with her fingers.

She then thanked the Lord for the lip balm on the counter, which she took in hand while she simultaneously dried her face with a towel before she rushed down stairs.

She applied the lip balm on sloppily, making it seem as though the clear balm was actually oil on the side of her mouth before she threw it anywhere where Aaron wouldn't see it. She then pinched her cheeks, wincing as she realised she applied way more pressure than she intended before she stumbled to the door.

She tried (Again, she really did) to flatten her hair one more time before she opened the door, her heart making a language of its own when her eyes laid on him.

He seemed calm, his face neutral as he gave her a small nod before he said. "Hello Rose,"

That was the first time he started the conversation - she was internally squealing.

"Hi," She said, giving him a small smile, chewing on her bottom lip as she met his blue gaze again.

They're so beautiful

"I hope Chase told you I was coming over," Aaron said, adjusting the strap of his bag on his shoulder before he continued. "I don't mean to surprise you."

Her heart was smiling

"Yeah he told me," Rose said, scratching her arm (Which was kinda weird) before she said. "Well come on in."

Aaron nodded his head as he entered her house, giving her a small nod as he said. "Thank you."

He quietly moved across the wooden floors, his blue eyes flickering to the photos hung on her cream walls, and she could've sworn his eyes were smiling.

They became this deep blue colour, as though the sky has finally decided to bloom - removing all the dark clouds as the beautiful midnight blue came into view, specks of sunlight peeking through the light clouds.

It was absolutely beautiful

She gave him a beam. "Take a seat Aaron."

He looked at her, the edges of his lips lifting up as he nodded his head. "Thank you."

She couldn't breathe anymore.

She watched as he took a seat on the sofa, awkwardly taking his bag off his shoulder as he carefully placed it on the floor. All the black he was wearing was greatly contrasting against everything in this house, even the God damn sofa was white.

She took a seat next to him, she could feel how firm his shoulders were before she asked. "Were you the one that brought me here?"

He shook his head. "No."

"Were you the one that made Chase bring me here?"

He shook his head again. "No." His eyes were becoming bright

Rose took a small breath, her eyes darting to the floor as she felt her cheeks burn (She wasn't used to any of this really) before her eyes flickered to his. "Were you the one that found me?"

His gaze became soft as a ghost of a smile danced on his lips, before he nodded his head. "Yes."

And she had people do a lot of things for her in the past, and she is grateful on how God showers her with blessing, but this, this gratitude was something entirely different.

She could feel her chest lighten as she heard his words, a small smile tugging on her lips as she looked up to see how calm his eyes were - he was making it look as if it was nothing.

Her heart was making a song of its own

"Thank you," She said softly, her gentle stare meeting his cool one. "That was very nice of you Aaron, I don't think you understand how kind of you that was."

He shrugged. "It was nothing." She was right

"My God I've been such a bother to you lately," Rose said, feeling how much of a burden she must've been to Aaron. "I'm so sorry."

Aaron shook his head, playing with his entwined fingers on his lap as he spoke. "Because we really can't help it when we just get high on coffee and have an all nighter for a damn Physics test right?" His eyes were twinkling

She let out a small laugh. "Not my fault I happen to be an exceptional case when it comes to sleep," Her smile was so bright, full of life. "But thank you Aaron, I should probably do something to make up for it."

Aaron shook his head. "I might be an ass and all, but when it comes to things like this I don't want you to think I want anything in return," He told her, his eyes scanning her house, his voice quiet as though he was telling her a small secret that he never told anyone before.

Her heart was hammering against her chest, small breaths escaping her body as her toes curled - how could he have this effect on her?

"Although a cup of water sounds really good right now." He told her, his blue eyes emitting a hint of mischief while Rose immediately got up.

"On the way sir," She said, laughing a moment later as she headed to the kitchen and fixed him a cup of mild water.

She still couldn't tame her heart

She handed him the cup, giving him a small smile as she asked. "Do you want anything to eat? I think we have some biscuits and leftover chicken,"

"Are you implying that you are only being this kind to me so that I could finish your leftovers?"

Her brown eyes widened. "What no! I swear I was just asking beca-"

He let out a small laugh -her heart took a leap again- "I'm just messing with you Rose, I'm not that hungry anyway," He carefully placed his cup of half-drunken water on the coffee table before he turned to her. "Thank you for the water."

She gave him a weird look. "Why are you thanking me for everything? It's just water Aaron, I should've given it to you the moment you entered."

He shrugged. "Not very often people offer me things."

Her heart dropped. "Well their loss," She shrugged, watching as his lips curved into a sort of smile. It was like an in-between smile and frown, which she found utterly fascinating since she never saw anyone achieve it.

He looked beautiful.

He then eyed her weirdly, crossing his eyebrows as his gaze lingered on her lips before he took the pad of his thumb and wiped the corner of her lip. "Sorry, there was just some oil over there."

God damn lip balm.

✿✿✿

They found out she had Eczema - the kind that Rose couldn't even pronounce.

"Atopic dermatitis," Aaron said, inspecting her infected arm as he nodded his head. "It's a grass allergy." He concluded, his blue eyes still observing her rashed hand.

It all started when she scratched her arm when Aaron came, and at one point, all she could really do was scratch. Aaron then decided to take matters into his own hands (No pun intended) and examine her arm and hand, which made him conclude she was allergic to the school's grass.

"But how?" Rose asked, furrowing her eyebrows as she shook her head. "Grass is harmless."

Aaron nodded his head, his eyes still solely focused on her hand and arm as he mindlessly reasoned, "Grass and grass pollen are harmless substances, but when they enter your immune system, the immune system goes hypersensitive. Our body assumes them to be harmful and reacts adversely, and starts releasing antibodies which causes inflammation in the body."

She was going to become smitten

"Are you sure you're taking the same Biology I am?" Rose asked, shaking her head as she still tried to comprehend what he just said. "I never heard that in my life."

"I would be taking the same biology as you if I were in your grade Rose," Aaron said, shaking his head as he got up. "Do you have any petroleum jelly around here?"

Well she's stupid. "Uh yeah, in the kitchen, first drawer on top." Rose replied, watching as he nodded his head and headed to the kitchen.

She didn't really notice how tall he was until she saw how he was almost as tall as the kitchen entrance, there was about an inch or two between him and the door, and it kinda startled her.

He came back to the living room and took a seat on the sofa with the petroleum jelly in hand before he took her arm again. "Eczema is usually caused by a combination of things, usually triggered by irritants which in this case was the grass pollen, and it's not that serious of a matter, but it can get quite itchy." He opened the petroleum jelly, and dipped his fingers in before he smeared it on her arm. "The key to healing is to moisturise the skin, and I recommend you use Petroleum jelly Rose," She forgot what he was saying the moment his fingers touched her arm. "The grease from the Petroleum jelly makes the skin feel good and is a quick and effective method." His fingers were so gentle. "And also, try to manage to take a warm shower or bath every now and then alright?"

"Huh? Uh yeah sure! Will do Doctor Aaron!" She replied, giving him a big smile as she nodded her head. "Warm showers and petroleum jelly it is."

She couldn't help but admire, how even when she looked at her worst, he didn't show any change in the way he looked at her. He didn't grimace or cringe, didn't look at her differently, and that soothed her heart. (Because her hair probably looked 10 times worse than it initially was)

He nodded his head. "Just don't scratch it, it'll get worse if you do."

She nodded her head too. "Thanks for the heads up."

She never knew hands could feel this good, that his finger tips were as gentle as they were now. It was such a mystery when it came to Aaron DeGarner, because he seems as though he has kids for breakfast and adults for dinner, and here he was, helping her with her Eczema.

She smiled, he wasn't as bad as he made himself look.