When Roses Fade To Black

Chapter 1: ROSIE

The bell finally rang after the most boring history class in the world, and that's coming from me. I was gathering my things when I heard the familiar, deep voice beside me.

''Come on, let's go to lunch.''

I turned towards him. Even when he's sitting, he has a few inches on me so I tilted my head up His dark, intense gaze met mine and a rare smile tugged at his lips. At least, I think it was-a smile. I might have been imagined it. ''I'll get you that blueberry muffin you love so much.''

My stomach did a strange flip but I told myself it's because of the muffin-- not the guy who came with it. His voice, it was smooth like honey, lingering between us as I found myself study him for a while. For a moment, I felt like it was just the two of us. I tried to shake off that feeling when I realized what I was staring at him, ignoring the warmth creeping up my neck. Sure, he was attractive but I'd never felt this way about him before.

With dark, brown hair and a devastatingly handsome face Jake Russell has been following me around since I helped him with a math test 3 months ago, but this was the first time I had this strange flutter in me.

''You don't have to keep buying me stuff Jake.'' I said softly.

''I know I don't have to, Rose. I want to. Now come on, get up.''

He stood and offered his hand to help me up. I hesitated for a moment, glancing between his hand and his eyes, then sighed. Finally, I accepted his hand and he pulled me to my feet. Once he was sure I was steady, he released my hand and grabbed my books from the desk, picked up my bag from the floor and slid over his shoulder.

''After you.'' He said gesturing me to go on.

We walked in silence, only our footsteps echoing and the chatters of students around us, until we reached the cafeteria.

I didn't understand why this guy kept hanging around me. Jake is not exactly the type to do anyone any favors, you know. He is your typical bad boy-- delinquent, cold, distant, whatever you want to say. He is like one of those mysterious characters in books who you can never quite figure out. You know the ones? The brooding bad boys who have deep, troubled pasts, always wear black and ride motorcycles that probably don't even exist.

But here he was, helping me carry my books, buying me blueberry muffins every day, even protecting me from the guys who bully me because I'm a nerd, apparently. They say that's the reason they bully me, but who knows.

He claims he's doing it because I helped him, and in his book you help people who help you. Although, he definitely doesn't need to help me this much. But again who knows what's going on in his head? The guy is harder to read than Sophie's Choice.

''Sit.'' He commanded with his cold, deep voice, looking down at me. 'I'll bring your lunch.''

Without waiting me to respond, he placed my bag on the table and walked off toward to the lunch line.

I watched him walking away, unable to stop myself from admiring his figure. Yes, he has a deadly body too; even wearing casual clothes you can see how muscular he is. I wouldn't be surprised if he told me he was living at the gym.

But I quickly tear my gaze away, focusing on people around us who seemed to be watching him as well.

You can say he's quite popular at school despite his cold demeanor. Well, generally people are afraid of him ,but still he is popular. On the other hand, I keep it to myself. I don't really care about having friends-- since they are not exactly nice to me. Since they see me as a nerd, they think it's easy to walk over me. They are not wrong, though. I cannot really defend myself, and they know it.

I want to stand up for myself, I really do. But when someone does something to me, I just freeze. I just stay frozen in shock. I don't know why. I hate how weak I am. It's like, something just shuts down in me. Maybe someday I will stand up for myself-- I hope so anyway.

Since Jake started hanging out with me,though, no one dares to even look at my way. I mean they are still trying to bully me but Jake take cares of it. Some guy called Rus even apologized to me. I'm guessing Jake had something to do with it but he doesn't admit it obviously.

As much as I appreciate his help, part of me can't feel but feel guilty. I mean, I should be able to handle this by myself, right? I can't always rely on him to come and save me. That just makes me even more pathetic.

But here I am, letting him stepping in every time. I can't deny that he makes everything much easier.

''Here.'' His voice broke my train of thought, and I looked up to see him placing the tray in front of me before sitting across from me.

''Thank you.'' I said and tried to hide the warmth creeping up my cheeks. I swear his lips twitched up for a split second.

I ignored the weird feeling in my stomach and focused on my lunch. I also chose to ignore the stares we got from the students around us.

This had been my life for the past few months. I was a loner before him, but now it feels like everyone is talking about me and Jake. They seemed as surprised as me, and I could see why. Before me, no one had ever seen him with anyone other than his so-called ''friend group'', which mostly includes guys like him from what I know.

But here he was, sitting across me, watching me eat lunch. And looking mighty fine, I might add.

He leaned over at the table, placing his elbows on the table. His gaze never left me.

''What do you say we ditch the rest of the school?'' When I say I nearly choked on my food, you must believe me.

''You know who you are talking to, right?'' I asked with disbelief. I didn't even skipped a school day when I was sick like hell. ''You can't be serious.''

''I know, Rose.'' The way he says Rose does something to me I can't really put a name on. ''But it might be fun.''

I stared at him like he grew a second head. He chuckled in response. He. Actually. Chuckled.

And it was a good sound, I hate to admit.

''Fine, fine.'' He said, his expression softened. Yes, shocking I know. ''I won't insist. But you are missing out.''

He then leaned back on his chair, still watching me with that intense gaze of his.

''Is there something on my face?''

''No, Rose. There is nothing on your face.''

''Why are you staring then?''

''You're pretty.''

And just like that, the world paused. I blinked, unsure if I heard him right. His gaze didn't waver, like he actually meant it.

Well, shit.