The Rose That Never Withered (Wattys 2017)

-Centuries After: The Present-

-This takes place roughly three and a half centuries later.-

-The present time period.-

I was running late.

Again.

I guess staying up until one in the morning isn't the best idea in the world. My netflix and chill had turned into netflix and bags under my eyes. Big, black bags under my ocean colored eyes. My orbs had lost their life as I struggled to even keep them open.

My eyes were my favorite part about myself, and because of my late night exploits, I look nothing but a walking zombie.

"Ro hurry up! We're gonna be late for school!"

Jessica's, my best friend slash accomplice, voice could be heard from downstairs. I quickly stuffed my notebook from the dresser into my backpack, along with my other books and binders, pausing to look at myself in the floor length mirror at the corner of my room.

I am never going to stay up late ever again.

Yep. That will never happen.

"Ro! What's taking you so damn long?!" you could already tell patience was not one of her strongest points. She raised an eyebrow questioningly, before walking over to me and invading my personal space.

"Woah Jess, invading my personal bubble here"

She examined my face a bit more before saying "You look like death dude."

I sigh dramatically "Thanks Jess" I rolled my eyes, but smiled nonetheless. "That's such a huge boost to my ego"

"Your welcome. Now hurry up woman!!!"

"I know! I know! Sheeesh, can't even have peace in the mornings anymore"

I was reaching for a pen in my made bed when something caught my eye. Lying in my bedside table was a single, red rose that I didn't even notice until now.

"Weird" I mumbled.

"What was that? You said something Ro?" Jessica followed my line of vision to see what I was looking at. I stuffed the pen I was holding, zipping my backpack rather hastily, as I grabbed her hand, effectively pulling her out the door.

"Nothing. Let's go! We're already 5 minutes late!"

"Jesus Ro, slow down!" She said while I pulled on her left arm as we made our way down the stairs and out the door, all the way to her parked Audi just in front of the house. Mom and dad had already left for work. They both had an early meeting today so I was tasked to lock the house before leaving, only child and all.

"Dude! Not cool Ro!" Jessica said once we were already on the road "What was that about, anyway? You went all terminator on me"

"Huh?" I was staring at the window, not quite hearing what she said "Oh that? It's uh, nothing."

"Uh huh."she said not quite believing me. She glanced at me briefly, tapping her manicured hands on the steering wheel as we waited for the light to turn green. "You sure it's nothing? You look a little pale Ro"

"What's up with you and criticizing my face?" I said, trying to lighten up the mood. The light turned green and the car started to move again.

"That's because I care Ro. And you didn't really answer me."

I sighed. Looking back outside the passing trees. "I probably just need more sleep Jess. I stayed up late again, you know. The usual "one more episode" thing"

She nodded as if she finally solved the mystery to my wonderful bed face. "Oh, that explains it. You should stop abusing your body Ro, it's the only one you have"