BEAUTY FROM ASHES

SEVENTEEN

~You have so much but are always hungry for more stop looking up at everything you don't have and look around at everything you do~
-Rupi Kaur

        MILEA'S POV

-Next Day-

I was currently on my off period. I was heading to the bathroom.

When I came out I saw Aiden at his locker. I headed towards him.

"Hey." He glanced at me, "Hey." I stared at my feet, "You have an off period too?" He nodded. I smiled, "Do you want to accompany me?"

He turned around to face me. He sighed, "Milea, don't take this the wrong way, but no. Listen, I need to study for my Calculus test, and you're very bubbly. So I'd end up talking to you than studying. Which I don't mind but I need to do well in my test-"

I cut him off and chuckled, "Aiden it's chilled. Don't worry about it." He sighed and smiled. "Catch you later." I nodded.

Now I just feel stupid. He could've just said no, (I mean which he did.) But then he felt sorry for me and then he rambled.

I turned around and frowned. Just when I was about to head to my spot the bell rang. Which signalled that I have double Bio.

Now I need to face Aiden, and I'm not going to lie, I feel awkward. I mean I just got rejected, but it's chilled because this is normal. It happens all the time- and I'm late.

Ahh, now I need to face Aiden, the multiple stares and a lecture and then I still need to give an excuse as to why I'm late.

Yup, just as I prediected. I then awkwardly made my way to Aiden. He quickly pulled out my chair for me and handed me my notes. He also handed over his book for me to copy his notes.

        AIDEN'S POV

Honestly, I just wanted to be alone. I still haven't read the letter that my dad's sent me.

I've been so curious to see what he has written; but then to hurt to read his words.

I just feel like those words would just be empty promises.

When Milea approached me and asked me to sit with her I just didn't want to be around her. Not that she's a bad person, (I mean I discovered that she's not.)

Okay, I did lie about needing to study for my Calculus test. Although, I am writing a Calculus test today, which I prepared for last night. So technically I'm not lying, right?

Even the boys are on my case about me being distant and all that. I just can't bring myself to tell them, I feel guilty for even keeping Bell in the dark about this.

I was so caught up in my thoughts, that Milea nudged me gently. "Aiden, did you get all that?"

I glanced at her, "Sorry, what?" She groaned and put her head on her arms.

Ah shoot Aiden, way to go. I touched her arm gently, "Milea. I'm sorry." She looked up, "You know what, lets do this again."

She then explained the entire experiment to me. This time I was paying close attention to her.

Then I zoned out.

She stared at me, "Aiden are you okay? You're never like this." I chuckled, "I'm fine. Just tired." She nodded. "Tell you what, let me do this expiremet, but eveytime the teacher looks our way you pass me something."

I chuckled and nodded.

Thank you, Milea.

       MILEA'S POV

Okay, something is definatly up. I mean he keeps zoning out and he's been being to sensitive. Not that I mind his sensitivity, it's just that he had a strong dislike towards me not to long ago. Also, he doesn't seem like the sensitive type.

I kept glancing at him, trying to analyse him. His to difficult to read. He caught me staring, he then whispered in my ear "Milea, you need something?" I shook my head. He nodded and continued working.

The bell rang and I told Aiden I'd see him at lunch.

When I got to the cafeteria, there was a variety of food, as always. So I went with fries and a salad.

Stop judging. It's rude.

As soon as I sat down Liam burst out laughing, "Balanced diet, I see." I rolled my eyes, "Mhm." Connor chuckled and stole some fries. "Hey, those were mine." He chuckled, "It's mine now." Bella grabbed his cheeseburger and threw it at me. I winked at her.

He stared at me, "Hey, that was mine." I chuckled, "It's mine now." He pouted, and I gave in. So I handed him my salad.

Everyone else burst out laughing. Connor smirked, "Lucky for you, this is my favourite salad." I gave him a thumbs up as I ate his burger.

Lunch was over, but Aiden didn't pitch. As we were walking out, I pulled Bella and Ava close to me.

They stared at me,"What's up with Aiden?" Ava shrugged, "This time, I don't even know." Bell sighed, "I'm trying to figure that one out too. His been so-" I cut her off, "Distant." She nodded.