Romanticized

Chapter One

452 days b e f o r e the day

The Crave was a cafe known to us teenagers as a place where we could drink a shitload of cheap coffee and smoke our lungs out. Just kidding. Well actually that sort of is true, cheap coffee, good music, and overpriced cigarettes.
   It was our safe haven. But nowadays, it was overrated. We were the cool kids, we were different, we went against what was socially acceptable, and most importantly we chose to be us. Weirdly, people liked us.
   Phillip Briar was my best friend. He was tall and pale skinned, his hair was that typical emo haircut except he always gels it up, his eyes were a pale green, wide, beautiful and curious. Overall he was handsome and definitely hot, no wonder girls fell for him. He was always in sweaters or band shirts, ripped jeans that didn't quite fit well and his signature tattered chucks.
   He's had his fair share of girls but no one compared to Aria (pronounced as ar-a-ya) Perrault who soon became part of our friendship. She was of French descent, beautiful, kind, and carefree. She had curly blonde locks and had a love for flowers, be it in her hair, clothes, or accessories, she was tall and fair skinned, tan from all the time she spent on the beach over summer, her eyes were a rich hazel that looked gold in a few rare occasions. She was a goddess of serenity, her style was calm and airy, she was an angel.
   Then there's me. I'm Leila Halifax by the way. I'd describe myself as capricious, odd, and laid back. Short ginger waves of hair, I had my mom's eyes, it was the same color as the Caribbean sea, fair pale skin, and slightly freckled cheeks. My style was always leather or denim, lace, and a lot of pink. I think I'm a pretty asexual person knowing that I've never really felt anything real for anyone. Maybe it was the sappy romance movies I've seen growing up, or the distaste I felt for the standards these said expectations in romance created, but I'm pretty sure it's not easy to attract me, no matter how naïve I tend to be.
   Phil's band was the reason we loved to go to the Crave, that and because the coffee is good, and they didn't really care about who smokes inside, I mean I guess technically I'm not a kid anymore, I'm already a senior but I've never seen them bat an eye at some 14 year old smoking, I don't know but I did see one last time.
   Aria sat in front of me, playing with the fabric of her white dress as she stirred the cup of coffee which stood before her. "So have you seen the new guy? He's hot." She said.
   "The tall blonde one? I think his name's Sam or something." I replied as I took a drag of my cigarette.
   "That's the one. So do you find him cute?"
   "Yeah, he has that whole bad boy look to him," I smiled, "Call me cliché but I like 'em dark and rebellious."
   "Good, because Phil invited him to hang and they're on their way right now." She smirked.
   "Well thanks for telling me." I said sarcastically, smiling faintly. "Is this Phil's way of not being the only guy in our group?"
   "I think it is, also maybe because we thought you'd like him, like, more than a friend." She raised her brow at me with a smug smirk plastered on to her face.
   I sighed, shaking my head as I looked down to my feet, "I knew it." I chuckled.
   "What? He's obviously your type, I mean, you don't even notice the new guys yet you noticed him."
   "Uh, maybe cause the guy sits next to me in Literature class."
   "Whatever, you'll love him, you'll thank me for this and I know it." She smiled.

It wasn't long until Phil arrived with his band, trailing behind them was the familiar blonde, Sam. "Hello, love of my life." Phil said, placing a kiss on Aria's forehead. "Hello my less attractive sister." He said, ruffling my hair.
   I faked a hurt look, placing my hand on my chest, "Oh brother, you have yet to see the truth and a mirror."
   "Sam, this is my girlfriend Aria and my best friend Leila."
   "Hey." I said, lifting a hand to give a slight wave.
   Sam smiled at me and I was able to observe him in detail, he had clear skin, he was pale, maybe even as pale as me, his eyes were a beautiful chocolate brown, he had a perfect jawline and his blonde hair was tousled perfectly to the side, a wavy mess that he kept longer than how guys usually kept it.
   "Hey there Sam." Aria said cheerfully.
   Sam gave a curt nod and smiled as well.
   "Now we'll catch up later, right now I gotta help the band fix up, Sam's going to sing for us this fine afternoon." Phil smiled as he picked up his guitarcase and amplifier and headed to the stage with Sam following him.
   The blonde boy turned to glance at me and as our eyes connected I swear he smiled at me for a moment.

Though I absolutely hate to admit it, the boy had me in pieces. His looks and charm were one thing, but his talent was unexpected. I mean, sure, the guy can sing, everyone else can, too. But he was definitely something else, he was unlike anything I've ever heard.
   I could clearly hear the immature squeals and giggles coming from the girls in the audience, most of them I was familiar with. It was irritating at some point because if Phil hadn't adjusted the microphone volume, I wouldn't have been able to hear his voice. It's the first time I've seen the Crave this crowded.
   Though I wasn't looking at her, I knew for sure that there was a smug look plastered on Aria's face. Maybe I cared, but right now I couldn't find the power to tell her to shut up.

There were moments that I wanted to get lost in, this was definitely one of those.