/fɪˈlɒkəli/

♡♡♡

Sometimes people are beautiful,

not in looks,

not in what they say,

just in the way they are.

♡♡♡

Her body was still tingling as she walked home, a wide grin stamped on her lips as she rang her door bell.

Her heart was dancing in her chest.

"Oh hey Rose," Her Dad smiled. "Your Mother's going to kill you."

"I know," Rose said warily. "but I texted you." She argued, pouting as she entered home.

Her father nodded. "And I told her that, but she wasn't buying it."

Rose sighed. "Where is sh-"

"And where have you been young lady?" Helen asked, hands on her hips as she shot Rose a stern look.

"I've been at a friend's house," Rose mumbled, her cheeks giving her away as she added. "I called you Mom, I swear."

Helen hitched an eyebrow, eyeing her daughter suspiciously. "Why was it so sudden Rose?"

Because he was sick, I had to help him.

Rose shrugged. "She offered and I thought why not?" A grin then tickled Rose lips. "And I thought you always encouraged meeting new people Mom, what's wrong with this one?" Rose asked, the self satisfied expression on her face made her Mom's lips drop.

Even Peter's slight smirk made a string of confidence boost up her spine.

"Uh - why of course I do love the fact that you're making friends and umm - it satisfies me to the end, but I need to officially meet her too Rose," Helen managed to spit out, her hazel eyes still uneasy as she added. "Well then, at least tell me her name."

He's more beautiful than words could describe.

"Her name's Lana," The lie slipped through Rose's lips so fluently, as though it was settling itself right at the bottom of her tongue, waiting for its chance to slither out.

Anything for Aaron.

"Hmm," Helen said, pursing her lips in annoyance before she nodded her head. "Alright, I guess there's nothing wrong with a girl's night out once in a while."

Rose gave her Mom a small smile. "You know it."

"Oh believe me, she does." Peter piped in, grinning. "She ditched so many dates with me for one of those."

Helen grinned. "And I still don't regret it."

Peter chuckled, shaking his head in humor. "Didn't say you did."

Rose smiled before she let out a fake yawn. "Anyway, I'm kind of tired now, so I'm going to bed-"

"How was school sweetie?" Helen asked, a small smile on her lips as she sat down on one of the sofas. "I forgot to ask you,"

"Uh, it went alright," She hated lying, lying, lying. "I aced my English quiz."

Helen's hazel eyes brightened. "That's nice sweetie, we're always proud of you Rose, remember that." She looked at her husband. "Aren't we Peter?"

"Always," Peter smiled at Rose, ruffling her hair as he left a kiss to her forehead. "Alright, off to bed you go."

All for Aaron, Aaron, Aaron.

"Night Mom," She kissed her Mom's cheek. "Night Dad." She had to go on her tippy toes to kiss her Dad's cheek.

"Night darling,"

"Good night sweetie."

Rose then scurried to her room, closing the door behind her as she fell onto her bed. She still couldn't breathe, couldn't breathe, couldn't breathe.

Rose peeled her bag off her shoulder and plopped it on the floor. Why was the room so hot?

Her body was flaming up; tickling places she never knew existed as she laid on her bed. Her stomach was doing weird flips, tingling her entire chest as she exhaled.

Rose then managed to close the lights, a delicate smile on her face as she rummaged through her bag and took Great Expectations out.

She read until 3 am, the book gently pressed against her palms while the flashlight blared its subtle rays out.

She was thinking of Aaron.

☂☂☂

"Is he alright now?" Lana asked Rose as they walked to class. "You had me worried yesterday,"

"Yeah he's alright now - at least I hope so," Rose replied as she loosened her bun. "And you didn't need to worry silly, I'm alright."

Lana smiled. "We missed you yesterday,"

"We?" Rose crossed her eyebrows, confusion flooding her brown eyes as she stared at Lana.

"Yeah we," Lana laughed. "You know: Andrew, Chase, Tristan, Luke," Her hazel eyes hardened, almost toxic. "And Aiden," She spat.

"Why do you hate him so much?" Rose mumbled, rubbing her sleep deprived eyes. "He isn't Satan's kid,"

"Well if Satan did have a kid, it would be Aiden," Lana argued angrily. "He's annoying."

Rose shrugged. "But he is funny."

"His sense of humor disgusts me,"

"Oh really now?"

Lana and Rose turned their heads to find Aiden, leaning against his locker as his amused blue stare contrasted against his tan complexion. Aiden then loosened up the collar of his shirt. Quirked an eyebrow. "My sense of humor disgusts you?"

Oh good Lord

Lana's eyes didn't falter, but rather blazed in even more fire. "Sickens me,"

Aiden let out a sarcastic laugh. Nodded his head. Looked at Rose. "Well let me walk you to class Rose,"

"She has class with me," Lana seethed, her lethal gaze shooting daggers at Aiden.

Aiden then walked towards the ladies. Smirked. "She has biology with me now, and not history." His eyes seemed so amused, the blue in them shimmering lightly. Not as beautiful as Aaron's. "Isn't that right Rose?"

Rose gulped. God. "Umm y-yeah,"

Aiden's grin widened. He then glanced at Lana, before he said in the most sarcastic tone he could master. "Look whose Mrs. Wise Pants now,"

Lana cheeks flushed with rage as she eyed him; her jaw clenched while she shook her head. "You're unbelievable."

"Unbelievably attractive," Aiden replied, a grin still on his lips. "When you ladies are done, I will be waiting for Rose,"

And it was as though Lana's cheeks became even redder as she watched Aiden walk back to his locker. "I loathe him."

Rose sighed. "He's a nice guy Lana, I promise."

Her furious stare was still on Aiden. "To you he is,"

Rose bit the inside of her cheek, exhaling a small breath. "I don't want to get in between this, both of you are my friends."

Lana's gaze softened, giving Rose a small nod of her head. "I understand Rose, no worries." She gave Rose a small smile. "I'll see you in physics,"

Rose smiled. "See you."

Lana gave Rose a wink before she pulled her books closer to her chest and walked away, her luscious blonde curls bouncing up and down as she did.

"Hey Rose," Aiden gave her a smile. "How are you today?"

"I'm alright Aiden," She smiled at him. "How are you?"

He gave her a flat expression. "Lover boy wouldn't stop talking about you, so frankly I'm exhausted."

She flushed. "Lover boy?" She couldn't breathe, couldn't breathe, couldn't breathe.

Aiden grinned, amused eyes flickering towards her as they walked. "Yes, lover boy. You know a guy that has-"

"I know what a lover boy is Aiden," Rose said annoyed, rolling her eyes. "Who is it?"

His grin widened. "Who do you think it is?"

Aaron, Aaron, Aaron.

Rose shrugged, her cheeks flaming up in embarrassment. "I really don't know, I doubt anyone would be interested in me."

Aiden frowned. "I know you might not be that popular Rose, but you're just as interesting." The grin was back. "And he's not interested anymore; he's in love with you."

Her eyes widened. "What?" Her heart was screaming.

Aiden gave her a small nod of his head as he smiled. "Do you have someone in mind?"

Yes. "No."

"I was hoping you would," Aiden frowned. "Not even one guy?" He grinned. "Not even me?"

Only a boy who wears black and has the most beautiful blue eyes she has ever seen.

"No." She replied, inhaling a nervous breath. "Is this a joke?"

Aiden smiled, he smiled as though he knew something she didn't. "Most probably."

She smacked his arm before she exhaled a breath. "You scared me."

Aiden peered at her from the corner of his eye. "Why would that scare you?"

"Because I wouldn't know if I liked that person back," Rose replied, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

"Loved," Aiden corrected, grinning. "It's just the cycle of life Rose, you shouldn't be afraid to break someone's heart."

She looked at him. "Why not?"

"Because we all heal," Aiden told her, smiling. "and besides, we all have our special someone right?" Yes. "The only problem is our special someones might not always be each other." Aiden said, giving her an encouraging smile.

"God that was deep Aiden," Rose was baffled, completely blown away. "Who would've known that you have all that in you?"

Aiden smirked. "Believe me, there's a lot more."

Rose shook her head, smiling. "You're gross."

Aiden then let out a small laugh as he opened the door for her. "And you're quite clueless aren't you?"

"Not clueless Aiden," Rose said annoyed. "I just don't notice things quickly."

"Ah," Aiden hummed. "as you wish."

Rose narrowed her eyes at him. "Is there something you have to tell me Aiden?"

He grinned. "No," He then took a seat next to her, smiling. His gaze never left hers. "I'm just here to learn."

Rose hesitantly nodded her head. "Okay."

He winked at her. "You really are clueless."

"Didn't I tell you? I just don't notice things-"

"Good morning class."

And the entire class, Aiden sent her amused glances, and she knew that he knew something she didn't.

Her heart couldn't stop screaming.

☂☂☂

After class, Rose made her way to English -her heart was out of control- but it wasn't regular to see a green eyed prick leaning against the class door.

"Emette," She wanted to kill him. "Could you move? I don't have time for your rubbish today."

"Is the little princess in a bad mood?" Emette smirked, green eyes glimmering with mischief. "Well guess what," He leaned closer to Rose, his figure towering over own. "I.Don't.Care."

She gritted her teeth. "I need to get to class."

"Don't we all?"

"Emette please,"

He grinned. Nodded his head. Pushed himself off the door. "It's always been fun Rose," He then placed his mouth on her ear. "who knew that you could be this interesting?"

He grinned lightly before he shoved his hands in his pockets and walked off; leaving a rather flabbergasted Rose.

What just happened?

Rose shook her head before she entered class - it was probably another one of Emette's twisted ways to mess with Rose's brain.

Aaron, Aaron, Aaron.

Rose took a seat on her chair as her eyes scanned the room for a particular blue eyed boy - where was he?

Aaron always seemed to be earlier to class than Rose was, and not seeing his bored expression as she entered English made her stomach hollow.

Breathe, breathe, breathe.

Where was he?

Worry started to flow through Rose's body; circulating itself along with awful scenarios as the clock ticked. Breathe, breathe, breathe.

He was probably just getting some extra things from his locker, or perhaps even having a drink of water.

But what if he has a fever again? Is he coughing? Did he fall unconscious again? Or worse, what if he-

The scraping of the chair snapped Rose out of her acidic thoughts, her brown orbs instantly clicked onto Aaron's blue ones.

My God, my God, my God.

"Aaron," Rose smiled, feeling her heart exhale its beats. "How are you today?"

Aaron gave Rose a small nod. "I'm feeling better, thank you again."

She nodded her head. "No problem."

The thing about seeing Aaron was Aaron.

There was just something unexplainable when Aaron was near Rose. It seemed as though his body heat was enough to spark up this fatal reaction. It was so beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

Her favourite part of English was when Mrs. Lory would start explaining - because nothing was more beautiful than seeing Aaron concentrate.

When Aaron concentrated, nothing else in the world mattered. He wouldn't notice anything around him other than the words that were said to him - not even Rose's enraptured eyes.

Everything was visible to Rose: the firm curve of his shoulders, the delicate arc of his neck, and even the slender shape of his nose.

She knew boys were called hot, and handsome, and sexy, but Aaron was just beautiful.

Absolutely, incredibly beautiful.

It was as though nothing in this world could compare to him, like anything her eyes have laid sight on before Aaron was not even close to his beauty.

His eyes would always seem to shift shades of blue with each blink he took; his luscious eyelashes made Rose always envious, but it also added to the beauty.

She didn't care whether he wore all black or that he was lanky and skinny, because Aaron had so so much more to him than people knew about.

He has secrets tucked underneath his tongue, flowing through his veins, and below the lids of his eyes.

And she wanted to know each and every single one of them.

"Remember class, homework does carry assessment points," Mrs. Lory said as the bell rang. "Have a good day all of you and class dismissed."

Rose felt light headed (Admiring Aaron could do that to you) as she packed up her stuff. She and Aaron didn't talk much, except for the few words here and there as well as the nods of his head - which kind of upset her, but she wasn't that bothered.

There were always other English classes, and that was good enough for her.

"Rose,"

Her

"Yeah?"

heart

"You look nice in a bun."

stopped.

She stared at Aaron, her brown eyes wide with surprise while her cheeks tingled. God, God, God. "Thank you," She said shyly, looking up to him through her eyelashes.

She couldn't breathe properly.

Aaron gave her a small smile. Stood up. And then left.

He left her so breathless.

Any air that she thought she preserved swished out of her body like how autumn leaves fell to the floor. Sometimes she wondered whether he did it on purpose, but other time she wondered whether he was opening up to her.

And this was one of those other times.

She left English with a smile adorning her face; her sparkling brown eyes brightening up the dull, cloudy day.

It was as though she was stuffed with sunshine and rainbows and stars and everything nice, nice, nice.

She felt like a cloud walking, so easy and light as she hurried off to lunch. Her heart was still swooning in her chest.

Rose shuffled some books in her locker before she headed to lunch; a small smile still on her lips as she felt her bun at the nape of her neck.

Aaron like this bun.

He liked her hair.

She wanted to scream all over again.

And just as expected, Lana and Aiden were already shooting glares at each other as she took a seat at the lunch table. Aaron was there too, quietly sipping on his water as he seemed ignorant towards his surroundings.

But it seemed as though when Rose took a seat, everything in Aaron resurrected.

His blue gaze seemed to rejuvenate with teal as they stared at her, his expression neutral while his eyes were screaming at her.

His shoulders awakened. His lips bloomed into a small smile. His eyes started to twinkle. And Rose couldn't breathe anymore.

"Can you two shut up?" Andrew sighed as he eyed Aiden and Lana. "If you want to work this out, work it out somewhere else, because I'm not up for this shit."

Luke nodded his head while Tristan just stared.

Tristan then gave Rose a small smile, which she gladly returned before shoving a fry into his mouth. Chase was looking at her too, his eyebrow quirked in amusement as he took a sip of his water.

And his eyes told her everything.

He caught her staring.

Rose immediately looked away; ashamed by the fact that her best friend caught her admiring Aaron. It was as if a volcano erupted right in the middle of her chest, blazing off the embarrassment through her cheeks.

"Alright then," Aiden grinned. "I'll settle this somewhere else." He gave Lana one last glare before his amused gaze settled on Andrew. "Well, how did date number 2 go?"

And that seemed to spark the mischief in Andrew's dark eyes too.

"Dude, she didn't pull away from the scooch," Andrew told him. "She even gave me the look."

Aiden's eyes widened. "No way.." But when Andrew enthusiastically nodded his head, Aiden grinned. "The scooch and the look?" He eyed Andrew, who had a silly grin playing on his light pink lips before he said. "Now I don't know what the fuck are you still doing here."

Chase let out a chuckle while Aaron rolled her eyes. Even Lana seemed to be sucked into the conversation as she keenly awaited for Andrew's response.

Tristan let out a chuckle, casually ruffling his hair. "You two are the only bloody idiots who actually believe the scooch and 'the look' can determine a girl's affection." He deadpanned.

Lana gave him the thumbs up.

Aiden ignored him. "What about the movie?"

Andrew shrugged. "Didn't get the opportunity."

Aiden rolled his eyes. "How the fuck didn't you get the opportunity to do the move when you both were in a closed room for about 2 hours?"

"An hour and a half," Tristan corrected, drinking some of his milk. And when Aiden and Andrew gave him weird looks, he sighed. "I saw the movie yesterday and it was absolute shit."

Andrew nodded his head. "True."

Tristan took another sip of his milk, the contemplation clear in his eyes before he asked. "What is the move?"

Lana snorted.

And Aaron, Aaron, Aaron.

He seemed to be fighting a smile.

Even Chase clamped a hand over his mouth, but the smile was secretly whispering itself to Rose's eyes.

And she too found herself smiling.

"You seriously don't know what the move is?" Aiden asked Tristan, and he looked like he was a brink away from laughing his head off. "Well, how do I explain it to you? It's basically when-like you try and- no I need to demonstrate this." Aiden's amused stare landed on Rose. "Any volunteers?"

Rose could feel her breathing shorten as a smirk climbed its way to Aiden's lips, and she lightly shook her head.

And that only seemed to make Aiden's smirk even more playful.

"Oh what the hell?" She heard Andrew mumble. "The things I do for you Tris," He muttered before he said. "Alright bro, you can do it on me, but I can only see you as a friend."

Aiden was still looking at Rose before he nodded his head. "No problem." But there was something about the way he said it that made Rose squirm in her seat.