Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 8 - the Date & Betrayal

Aurora's anticipation for her date with Tyler simmered as she got ready, Ashley by her side offering her support. Their bond had grown much stronger as friends, they were best friends, even as Mara's distance became more noticeable. She was pushing them both away. With her outfit carefully selected - a short white tennis skirt paired with long stockings that went over her knees, a stylish green top, and a large chic jacket - Aurora felt a surge of confidence coursing through her veins. 'I look amazing, Tyler will not be able to keep his eyes off my legs...'
She applied the finishing touches to her makeup, accentuating her features with a touch of eyeliner and sticky lip gloss, making her lips look like a glazed donut.

Descending the stairs, Aurora couldn't ignore the tension in the air, particularly between Mara and Matteo. Mara was sitting close to him, leaning to his side and he looked like he wanted to disappear into the couch. Matteo's expression shifted from discomfort to curiosity as he noticed Aurora's departure: "Where are you going?" he inquired, his tone tinged with a hint of irritation. Aurora offered him a coy smile, deliberately leaving his question unanswered as she made her way out of the common room.

Turning to address Mara, she offered a playful quip: "Don't wait up," before disappearing from sight. With each step, Aurora's excitement mounted, her thoughts consumed by the promise of the evening ahead.

In the hallway, Aurora's steps faltered as a firm hand closed around her wrist, halting her progress. Startled, she turned to find Matteo standing before her, his expression dark and unreadable. "What are you doing, Matteo?" she demanded, attempting to pull away from his grasp, but he held on firmly, refusing to let go.

His voice was tinged with a mix of concern and frustration as he questioned: "Where are you going dressed like that?" Aurora met his gaze with defiance, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "I'm going on a date, Matteo, and like always - it's none of your business," she retorted, her tone laced with amusement.

Matteo's reaction was immediate, a mixture of exasperation and protectiveness evident in his demeanour. "Of course it's my business," he countered, his voice tinged with urgency, "What if you go out with some maniac, get killed, and then I can't even give any info about your killer to the cops?"

Aurora sighed, her resolve waning in the face of his intensity. "Well, you can give as many details as you like, considering my potential killer is a friend of yours," she quipped, a hint of bitterness colouring her words.

He looked deep in her eyes with coldness and said: "You're going out with Tyler?" she nodded and smiled, but before she could react or say anything, Matteo's lips crashed against hers, catching her off guard. Instinctively, she leaned into the kiss, the world around them fading into insignificance as their passion flared. She knew she should push him away, but she couldn't. She didn't want to. As Matteo deepened the kiss, Aurora's mind clouded with desire, her thoughts consumed by the intensity of the kiss, she moaned.

With a sudden surge of strength, Matteo lifted her onto the windowsill, positioning himself between her thighs, his lips trailing down her neck in a teasing caress. But just as quickly as it had begun, he pulled away, leaving Aurora breathless and bewildered.

"If I have to watch as you're going out with another guy," he said, "then I'd like to see you think about anything else besides this kiss on your date," he grinned, "Have fun, Aurora."

And with that cryptic statement, Matteo turned on his heel and strode away back to the dorms, leaving Aurora to grapple with the tumult of emotions swirling within her, 'What just happened?'

...........

The Three Broomsticks, nestled in the heart of Hogsmeade, was a haven of warmth and camaraderie. Its rustic charm was accentuated by the crackling fireplace, casting dancing shadows on the worn wooden tables and cozy booths. The air was thick with the comforting scent of butterbeer and savory dishes, drawing in patrons seeking refuge from the chilly autumn air. Tyler's compliment elicited a blush from Aurora, who chuckled softly in response before launching into conversation, "You look great." "Thanks, Tyler."

As they delved into discussions about their respective families and backgrounds, Aurora found herself opening up to Tyler, though she held back certain details about her past, previous school and brother as well. She appreciated his easygoing demeanour and the sense of trust that seemed to naturally blossom between them. Despite her lingering thoughts about Matteo, she felt a sense of comfort in Tyler's presence, allowing herself to be fully present in the moment.

Their date eventually led them to the tranquil shores of the Black Lake, where the moon cast a silvery glow over the rippling waters. The soft rustle of the surrounding trees and the distant hoot of an owl created an atmosphere of tranquility, providing a peaceful backdrop for their heartfelt conversation.

As they strolled along the water's edge, Tyler's words hung in the air, his vulnerability echoing in the stillness of the night:

"Aurora, I like you. And you know I do. I'm not sure how you feel about me yet, but I'd like to date you and only you. Could you perhaps consider becoming my girlfriend?"

Aurora's heart fluttered at his confession, her mind racing as she grappled with the weight of his feelings. Sensing her hesitation, Tyler's expression softened, his eyes searching hers for any sign of reciprocation.

"Could you give me a few days to think about it, Tyler?" He nodded and smiled, glad she had not rejected him yet.

In that moment, amidst the serene beauty of the lake, Aurora found herself at a crossroads, torn between the familiarity of the past and the possibility of a new beginning.

........

In the confines of their dorm room, Aurora sat alone, her thoughts swirling as she processed the events of the evening. The soft glow of candlelight cast flickering shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of quiet introspection. Suddenly, the door burst open, and Mara entered with an infectious smile, her excitement palpable. Aurora couldn't help but chuckle, grateful for her friend's presence,

'Has she finally decided to stop being cold towards me?'

"Aurora!" Mara exclaimed, bounding over and enveloping her friend in a tight hug. "You won't believe what happened!" Aurora genuenly smiled, 'She looks happy.'

"What's got you so thrilled?" she asked, curiosity tinged with a hint of apprehension.

Mara's eyes sparkled with excitement as she practically bounced on her toes. "I slept with Matteo!" she exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a rush. "It was amazing, Aurora, like nothing I've ever experienced before!"

Aurora's heart sank at Mara's revelation, a knot forming in her stomach. She forced a smile, masking her inner turmoil as she struggled to find the right words. "Wow, Mara, that's... unexpected," she managed to say, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

Mara's enthusiasm was palpable as she continued to recount the details of her encounter with Matteo, oblivious to Aurora's inner turmoil. Aurora's smile faltered at Mara's words, her mind racing as she grappled with conflicting emotions. She knew she had to tread carefully, mindful of Mara's feelings even as her own heart ached.

"So..." Mara said, "he suddenly left after you left the common room. I was a bit confused why, he seemed agitated. But... When he got back, he seemed a lot better, so I asked what happened and then he just pulled me into a kiss. The BEST kiss of my life. He then took my hand and lead me to his room and we did it, gosh, ughhh, Aurora, it was amazing! He is just like all the girls said - he knows what he's doing in bed!"

Aurora stood still, trying to take it all in. She didn't exactly understand what she was feeling in that moment. She didn't think she wanted to understand. All she knew was that right now she was glad she had gone on the date with Tyler. Now she understood - Matteo was definitely the wrong guy. She was right to stay away.

Summoning all her strength, Aurora mustered a congratulatory smile. "I'm so happy for you, Mara," she said, her words sincere despite the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. "You deserve all the happiness in the world."

As Mara's excitement filled the room once more, Aurora couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. Yet, despite the pang of disappointment, she found solace in the knowledge that her own date with Tyler had provided clarity, leading her to a decision she felt confident about. "Oh, sorry," Mara continued, "I didn't even ask how your date with Tyler went." Aurora, still smiling, but not with her eyes, said: "The date was perfect. He asked me to be his girlfriend. And I think I'm going to say yes."

Mara jumped from happiness saying: "Now we can go on double dates!"

'Yippee.'