Her life was far from perfect.
With an absent father, an alcoholic mother, and two younger siblings to take care of, Aurora never believed in an exemplary life for herself and therefore for others.
Everyone looked at her from their rose-colored gl...
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All I wanted was to be done with the week. School had been barebale with Faith's presence but that didn't dilute the pain that was my home life.
What I'd done the other night... It had lifted only a few feathers off the weight I held but I still felt stressed and done. I was to the point of finding random things to do to keep myself occupied like drawing or reading but with my siblings to take care of, I did less of my own hobbies and more of attending to theirs.
That exactly had led me to bring them to the park today; the Saturday after the hardest week of my life. Everything was fine, even the pain of having to hand over a twenty-dollar bill to my siblings after they'd spotted an ice cream stand after playing for over an hour at Apex Park. All was good until I spotted Oliver Moore's lingering stare from afar.
Of course, my day had to have a pairing of bad or all was wrong in the world. It's made violently clear as Oliver makes his way in my direction.
Here we go.
Where was Faith when I needed her?
I have to pretend I don't see him walk toward me to keep the embarrassing doom to a minimum. When he reaches me he stands beside me, looking to where I have my focus on Jack and Mia. "Are those your siblings?" I nod.
"You know, it would be nice If I got some words out of you for once. It's kind of awkward talking to only get gestures." He scoffs and I have the sudden urge to punch him. Was that wrong?
I look up at him. "You know what's awkward? Take being new to the state and the first interaction with someone your age is some sex-driven boy objectifying you." He seems genuinely taken aback by my comment. "I didn't objectify you I was inviting you to a party."
This was like talking to a brick wall.
"Faith says you're the school's playboy and I believe her. Because I trust her and because I've witnessed it first hand so there is no denying it."
"Well, I–" He falls short of words. Gotcha.
"Look, we started off on the wrong foot and yes I admit I let my dick think first when I met you but I swear I meant no harm." No harm is accidentally stepping on an ant, not laying your hands on an unknown girl. This boy was aggravating beyond explanation.
"I'm not interested in whatever it is you were trying to do. Plus, didn't Faith tell you to stay away from me?" Genuine fear flashes through his brown eyes. "Yeah, that's what I thought. Now, this was a sweet conversation but I've gotta go so–" Before I can escape, Oliver catches hold of my forearm and says wait.
"I'm serious, I'm trying to fix things here Aurora." How did he-
"People don't call me that." I clap back in an instant making him recoil his hold. "Sorry. I'm sorry, please I'm trying to be better. Come on at least have a conversation with me that doesn't end in you running away from me." I stare up at those pleading brown iris' and contemplate my decision.
My eyes draw back to where Mia and Jack still stood watching for their ice cream and back to the annoying boy in front of me. "Make it quick." Oliver flickers a smile in achievement and nods. "I'm Oliver." He holds out a hand of greeting to which I look t like he's infected.
"And I'm not stupid. I know your name."
Oliver groans, rolling his eyes with aggravation. "Do you have to be this sassy? Work with me here." I sigh, shaking his hand quickly and tucking my hand back into the front of my jeans pocket. "I'm Rory."
This felt pointless but if it meant putting another unwanted problem to rest, I could manage.
Oliver stares at me, not awkwardly but as if truly taking me in. "I really didn't mean to break your boundaries. Sure I'm Apex's playboy but I'm good in-general company. Ask Faith." He says, shrugging his shoulders. "She should have some good memories with me besides scolding me."
"She seems to keep you and your friend in check."
Oliver smiles at that. "Yeah, but I'm not sure Liam should count for points given how obsessed he is with her." I frown in confusion. "Are they a thing?" He shakes his head saying, "Nah. Faith deemed herself off limits a while back and Liam is being respectful."
I'm not sure what lets me ask the next question but the second it leaves my mouth I slap a hand over my mouth. "And what about you?" Oliver gives me a 'Are you insane' look before waving his arms in a no motion. "Oh, god no. I love Faith but as my friend and nothing more."
Before I can get anything else out Jack and Mia come running back to my side with ice cream cones in hand. "Look!" Mia yelps excitedly.
Being ashamed of my siblings was never in the cards but when I'm making things right with a weird boy like Oliver, it certainly is embarrassing to have two kids cling to your side.
"Who are you?" My eyes widen at the rude remark that comes out of Jack's mouth. "Jack, be nice."
"Aurora's friend. I'm Oliver." Oliver reaches a hand out to Jack but I shove it away and stick a finger in his face. "We aren't friends you liar. Don't lie to the kid." Oliver laughs, rolling his eyes at me. "You are so difficult for no reason."
"Oh yeah? And exactly what do you think I think of you?"
"That I'm hot?"
"And that's exactly why I'm walking away." I take Jack and Mia's small hands in my own and break for my car but Oliver finishes with one last sentence that has me halting. "I like your name. Even if you seem to hate it." I look over my shoulder at his tall frame.
"Okay."
Oliver chuckles and shakes his head. "Okay? That's all you have to say?" I shrug, slightly turning to face him again. "I'm not sure what you want me to say." When did this suddenly become part of my day? All I wanted was to make a quick stop at the park.
He stares at me. Really looks at me for several beats and then smirks. "I'm going to figure you out Aurora Mabel Finely."
"How do you know–" Oliver plugs his earbuds into his ears and turns into a jog away from me leaving me mid-sentence.
How the hell did he know my name? I thought just knowing my first name was unnerving but him reciting my entire name when no one but my own family knew it was truly something else. It sent unwarranted chills coiling down my back and I'm not sure if I'm glad it's not a bad kind.
"Let's go." I try to brush off the curious flag waving in my mind as I take Jack and Mia's hands and finally make my way to the car and back home. I try not to wonder how to feel about the thought of someone unraveling me and finding out every bit of ugly I withheld from everyone.
