Peekaboo, I See The Real You

Fallen leaves

You are probably expecting to read the words, 'It was an ordinary day for an ordinary kid', but, this is far from the truth. Rose was beyond average, though I suppose the day was fairly normal for her; she got dressed early in the morning, then signed a few autographs. Soon after that, she was in her limousine being driven to school. Now? Walking across the school grounds as long as her stubborn feet would let her go. Many people waved and smiled at her, some even daring to walk up to her. Of course, she had to put on her fake smile and look happy to see them. She had done this so many times, she was practically an expert; it was very difficult to tell apart her genuinely happy face and her fake happy face. I guess, this could have been because it had been many years since she felt an emotion even close to joy. 

Nearing closer to the humongous doors of 'Appleville High', Rose looked behind her at the fallen, red and orange leaves of the once blooming tree. Now, it just looked dead and bare. Rose wondered if it's emerald leaves would ever return. Underneath the trees, however, sat a person, looking beyond the sketchbook he was holding to the bare trees. Rose wondered what beauty he saw in something so hopeless. After all, happy endings only exist to be told to kids to make them feel like there is such a thing.

It wasn't until the last lesson of the day that there was anything worth telling you. I could have told you of how Rose strutted along the coddidor in her heels, her long, blonde locks swaying behind her. I could have told you how many students gazed into her emerald green eyes, wishing she'd notice them, but crumpled to the ground like the autumn leaves outside, nerves taking over them. However, this happened every day for Rose. In fact, she never realised how different her life ever was. 

Pushing open the doors of her art class, she entered the last lesson of the day, ready for whatever approached, or whoever, even if it happened to be her least favourite substitute teacher. Rose stopped in her tracks and looked up into the glaring eyes of Mrs.Sanderson. She knew she was 'in for a treat'. 

"Oh! Well, if it isn't the infamous Rose Pearl," Rose heard these words from Mrs.Sanderson's mouth, but she didn't dare look into her cavernous eyes as the teacher spoke.

"Yeah, it's me," Rose stated awkwardly, still avoiding her eyes.

"Since you were a minute late, the only seat left is next to Alex. I wouldn't make a fuss about it or you will only be adding onto your punishment."

As she walked towards the designated seat, she noticed who 'Alex' must be and halted, looking towards him in confusion. He looked awfully similar to the boy she saw earlier sitting under the trees, only now he was wearing a glare upon his face, staring straight at her. Of course, one could confuse staring with a good thing, such as the many stares Rose usually received from her fans. However, this stare was hatred. Pure hatred. She didn't sense a hint of admiration from him, but rather almost anger. She didn't bother putting on a fake smile for him to see; what he felt towards her was what she felt towards everyone in the world.

"Just sit. I don't need to hear a full introduction. I know who you are," Alex mumbled under his breath, lifeless. Obeying, Rose sat in the seat next to him, leaning as far away from him as she could. 

"Now, students. I want you to draw a portrait of the person sat next to you. It can be realistic, Picasso style or any others. All I want is a full stack of drawings by the end of this lesson. Otherwise, you know the consequences." A murmur was heard throughout the classroom.

"Begin!"

Instantly, Rose noticed Alex had started. He had gone for his own, unique style. It was a cross between realism and cartoon and, despite how negative his drawing was, she couldn't deny how good he was at it. The flick of his pencil, the perfect, even strokes. She shook her head in denial. She was supposed to hate him, so she realised she had to at least act like it. Hurrying, she decided to start drawing hers. First, Rose thought, the eyes. She tried to look at the front of his head, but his head was stuck in his drawing, facing away. Finally, she decided to tap his hand, which was currently holding his pencil. As she touched his hand, she realised how natural it felt, but quickly let go, forcing the thought out of her mind. His head instantly turned, facing towards her, his mood unchanged. 

"Just needed to see your face," Rose muttered. He only looked towards her for another second before carrying on with his own. Curious, Rose leaned over his shoulder to see his. Reluctantly, Alex instantly pulled it away. 

"Why can't I see your drawing, Alex?"

"Surely you would rather believe that everyone loves you than realise the truth."

"I don't understa-." Alex turned his drawing to face her and Rose felt a sudden rush of anger and sorrow hit her. She felt like a literal book, completely read in a way she never imagined, she never wanted. He drew her for what she's truly was: an arrogant and cocky mess. Around the drawing, were neat labels, each with an offensive word on it. At first you could expect to see words such as 'lame' or 'stupid', but, as she read on, they got worse and worse. Her eyes filled up with tears, her fists clenched tight. When she turned to face him, his face told her he realised what he had done, but he didn't give her an explanation. He didn't apologise or tell her anything comforting. He just sat there, emotionless. Although Rose knew it could all get sorted once the teacher comes over and realised she was crying, she knew the teacher wouldn't at all be on her side. The best punishment she could get was a detention, despite being innocent, so she did what the first thing that came to her mind was; punch him. 

A wave of guilt came over Rose, but it was too late. Her fist was already digging into his once, smooth, olive skin, now just a velvet mess. Blood was oozing out of his nose, but it didn't stop there; he wasn't going down without a fight. By the end of it, they were both dripping in a mixture of tears and blood. 

"DETENTION ALL MONTH, ALEX AND ROSE! I EXPECTED BETTER FROM YOU!" Mrs.Sanderson's shouts weren't heard above the shrieks of the classroom, but the very clear siren of the police was, getting louder and louder, pericing Rose's ears.