Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 27 - the Revelations

In the bustling hallway, Aurora made her way from class alongside Ashley, a stack of books in her arms. Suddenly, their path was intercepted by a visibly agitated Tyler, with Matteo trailing behind him. Aurora's heart sank as she braced herself for the confrontation that was about to unfold.

"You are fucking MATTEO?" Tyler's voice cut through the air, filled with anger and disbelief. The sudden attention of the surrounding students made Aurora feel exposed, and she urged Tyler to lower his voice. "Tyler, calm down. Everyone can hear you," she whispered urgently, hoping to diffuse the tension. Matteo approached, his demeanour calm and composed. Tyler turned to him, frustration evident in his voice. "Why her, huh? You could have any other fucking girl - why that one?" he demanded, his words laced with accusation.

Matteo's expression remained unchanged as he met Tyler's gaze head-on. "The same reason you're so angry right now," he replied evenly, his tone betraying no hint of remorse.

Aurora, feeling the weight of the situation, reached out to Tyler, her voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. You should have heard it from me. I was afraid to tell you that I... had fallen for him," she admitted, her eyes pleading for understanding. Tyler's anger seemed to soften as he looked at her, his expression pained. "You love him?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Aurora nodded silently, her heart heavy with guilt. Matteo watched with a sense of pride, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

Ashley stood by, silent witness to the emotional exchange unfolding before her. Tyler let out a sigh, his resolve wavering. "Fine. I understand," he conceded, his voice tinged with resignation.

Aurora couldn't bear the thought of Tyler leaving like this, "Do you hate me, Tyler?" she asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty. Tyler met her gaze with a mixture of sadness and acceptance. "I could never hate you, Aurora" he replied softly, before turning away and walking off, leaving her to grapple with the aftermath of their conversation.

.............

Amidst the whispers and glares of disapproval from her peers, Aurora stood tall, her heart filled with a newfound happiness. It was official now – she and Matteo were a couple. As they walked hand in hand through the corridors of Hogwarts, Aurora couldn't ignore the sharp looks and hushed murmurs directed their way, but she refused to let them dampen her spirits. The knowledge that their relationship was the subject of gossip and speculation among their classmates didn't bother Aurora. She had learned from Ashley the art of brushing off the judgments and opinions of others. Despite the occasional derogatory remarks of jealous witches calling her a 'slut' and hostile stares from almost every girl in school, Aurora remained unfazed, choosing instead to focus on the joy and contentment that being with Matteo brought her.

Aurora paid the girls no mind. She was too busy reveling in the warmth of Matteo's hand in hers, in the affectionate glances they exchanged, and in the simple happiness of being with someone who truly cared for her.

With Matteo by her side, Aurora felt stronger and more confident than ever before. She refused to let the negativity of others overshadow the love and happiness they shared. As they continued their journey together, Aurora was determined to cherish every moment and embrace the love that had blossomed between them, regardless of what anyone else had to say.

.............

Aurora sat in her room, the soft glow of the evening sunlight filtering through the window as she immersed herself in the pages of 'Little Women'. With her homework completed, she had finally found a moment of peace to lose herself in the world of literature. She rarely spent time alone in her room, usually Mara was there, Aurora never wanted to stay alone with Mara, so she'd usually read in the common room. The tranquility of the girls' room was shattered, however, when the door burst open with a force that made Aurora jump in her seat.

In rushed Ashley, her normally cheerful demeanour replaced by a look of devastation. Aurora's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her friend's distress, and she instinctively threw aside her book, concern etching her features. "What's wrong, Ash?" she exclaimed, rising to her feet and crossing the room in quick strides. "Did someone hurt you?"

Ashley's breath came in ragged gasps as she collapsed near Aurora's bed, her hands clutching the sheets as if seeking solace. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she buried her face in the fabric, her sobs muffled by the softness of the bedding. The sight pierced Aurora's heart, filling her with a sense of helplessness as she knelt beside her friend, her own eyes welling up with tears. That's when she said:

"I'm pregnant."

The room fell silent. Aurora's mouth hung open as Ashley's face was embedded in her sheets. All she could say was: "Does Faize know?" and Ashley shook her head no. Aurora sighed, the weight of Ashley's revelation settling heavily in the room. "Will you tell Faize?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. Ashley remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the floor as she wrestled with her thoughts. Sensing her friend's turmoil, Aurora pressed gently, "It is Faize's, right?"

Ashley's laughter broke the heavy silence, and she finally lifted her head to meet Aurora's gaze. "Yes," she admitted softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I'm only a month along."

Aurora reached out, her hand finding its way to Ashley's back as she offered comfort. "What will you do?" she inquired gently, her voice laced with empathy. "I don't know," Ashley confessed, her voice trembling slightly. "My parents would probably be jumping for joy, but Faize and I just got together last year. A baby could ruin it all."

Aurora enveloped her friend in a warm hug, her reassurance genuine. "No," she countered firmly. "A baby never ruins anything. It's the parents' reaction and selfishness that ruin everything. You will be a wonderful mother, Ash. I know you will."

Ashley chuckled weakly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I need to tell Faize, don't I?" she mused, a hint of uncertainty lingering in her voice. Aurora nodded in response, offering her friend a tissue to wipe away her tears.

...............

Aurora heard a commotion coming from the Slytherin common room and decided to investigate. Pushing through the crowd, she spotted Matteo crouched behind a couch, a pillow clutched to his chest as if for protection. His uncomfortable smile hinted at mischief.

Mara's voice pierced the air, cutting through the laughter of the other students. "Matteo, TALK TO ME! COME HERE," she demanded, her tone pleading. Matteo responded by playfully hurling a pillow at her, calling out, "Away, demon!"

Undeterred, Mara persisted, her frustration evident, "You're being fucking ridiculous, Matteo," she retorted, her voice rising above the laughter. Matteo's response only fueled the amusement of the onlookers. "I am ridiculous? You're the one who was in my bed NAKED and wouldn't leave when I told you to!"

"Just come and talk to me," Mara growled.

Aurora, growing increasingly irritated by the scene unfolding before her, stepped forward to intervene. "Talk about what?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the chaos. Mara turned to her, her anger palpable. "None of your fucking business, whore!" she spat, her tone venomous.

Aurora's eyes hardened as she locked gazes with Mara. "If you want to talk to my boyfriend alone, I have the right to know what about," she countered, her voice steely. Mara laughed coldly, dismissing Aurora's claim. "He is NOT your boyfriend!" she insisted.

Matteo, seizing the opportunity to diffuse the tension, interjected with a playful retort. "Am too!" he declared with a smirk before darting off to the safety of his room and locking the door behind him. Tyler and Faize were both on the floor, fighting back tears as they laughed.

Aurora turned to Mara, her expression firm. "Try going into his room again, and I won't hesitate to hex you... just like before," she warned before turning on her heel and exiting the common room, leaving behind a mixture of ooos and laughter from the other students.