Beneath The Rose

PART 1

AIYLA'S P.O.V

I looked in the mirror, yet I was unable to recognize myself. Was this truly me? My dark hair was tightly curled, almost tangling with my lengthened eyelashes. My lips a shocking red, and my dress hugging my body a little more than usual. Looking around, I realized that perhaps I was at a party, as there were lights and pieces of broken glass scattered around the room, with the sound of the music slowly getting louder. I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, with a grip tighter than the dress I was wearing.

''Burhan?'' I asked, as I turned around to see his face.

Then, the lights switched off. I could no longer see myself, nor him. My heart stopped. All I could see in this darkness was a set of deep set eyes. Everything about him was different to Burhan. I had never seen such a face before. I attempted to brush his hand off my shoulder, yet he continued to pull me closer. My ears became overpowered as the volume of the music increased tenfold, causing me to place my hands on my ears and scream for help.

I gasped for air.

———

The next minute, I opened my eyes to find myself in my own bedroom, with a deadly silence. Just how I like it. So was that a dream? A nightmare, to be precise. I was wearing my oversized grey hoodie, with my hair wrapped in a loose bun. I was me, thankfully. The eyes of that man still haunted me, no matter how much I tried to shake the thought off. The only eyes I live for are Burhan's. My best friend. More than that. He's the only person I feel safe around, and the one who made me who I am today. So I hope I never have to see those eyes again, even if it's just in a dream.

It was 8:30am, I was running late for my interview at the university. This time next year me and Burhan will be studying together. I've worked so hard, as well as helping Burhan with his studies so that we can stay together at university. My day starts and finishes with thoughts of Burhan. He's unexpressive, a little aloof, but ever so good at heart. We've known each other for the past 5 years, the majority of our school life. In a school full of hundreds of students, he's the only one I have ever felt connected to.

I rolled out of bed and got dressed quickly, and left for the bus stop. As I was walking to the bus stop, I texted Burhan to let him know I'm almost there, as he's usually always there on time. But he read my message and didn't reply. 5 minutes later, when I reached the bus stop, my phone chimed.

''I'm going in my car instead.'' he had said.

Oh, I guess I forgot to mention. He's a rich kid, but that's never mattered to me. He's always been so humble, you wouldn't be able to tell that he comes from a well-off background. Though, I was slightly disappointed that he informed me of his change of plan so late. I looked outside of the window for the remainder of the bus journey, as perhaps the views may entertain me as much as Burhan would've, if he hadn't decided to stand me up on such an important day for the both of us. I also took the chance to skim through the questions I had printed out to prepare myself, as my hands continued to tremble with anxiety. I wondered if I would be able to get in to my dream degree. More importantly, would me and Burhan both get in? I could only hope for the best. Finally, the bus pulled up at the university bus stop, and I prepared to exit the noisy vehicle.

———

I walked through the busy campus, as dozens of unknown faces examined me from head to toe. I would be lying if I said I wasn't uncomfortable. The scent of strong perfume mixed with cigarette smoke lingered in the air, as I coughed in disgust. This was the state of the country's top university, but what can you do? A girl's got to chase her dreams. I have dreamt of studying here since I stepped into school, and I've imagined Burhan to be by my side in every step. Though, I walk into the university all alone.