Peekaboo, I See The Real You

Heart-Shaped Pancakes

Rose walked into the kitchen, looking like she had never heard of the word 'sleep' before. Alex didn't seem to notice, or care, for he was too busy preparing breakfast. 

"Hey, roomie!" Alex seemed way cheerier than usual.

"Hey," Rose muttered, walking like she'd been infected by a zombie.

"What's up with you? Not get much sleep? Well, I decided I should make us food; we can't live on takeaway pizza forever. I swear, the pizza delivery guy could probably walk here blindfolded from the amount of times he's come here."

Rose laughed, slightly more cheery than she was a minute ago. In front of her was a pancake, in the shape of a heart, syrup drizzled over the top. As she bit into it, she could taste the warm, light pancake with the sweet syrup. It melted in her mouth as she slid it in. 

"Thank you, Alex. Why did you do this? I swear it's not Valentine's Day, is it?" Rose closed her eyes as the powerful explosion of sugar hit her mouth.

"It's an early birthday breakfast. I know it's a day until you turn fifteen, but I realised I should be a bit kinder."

Rose wore a surprised expression upon her face, her eyes still baggy, "You remembered?"

Alex nodded, now taking a bite into his, "So, what is happening on your birthday?"

Rose didn't look particularly excited about it, but answered all the same, "I guess I'll have to throw a party. I don't know who to invite, though. My friends haven't spoken to me since..." She looked down at the scratch on her throat. "Since you know what happened." Alex looked down to the floor, not sure what to say. Realising her mistake, Rose quickly added on, "Although I'll never forget it, I already forgave you, Alex. We'll find a way to get through this. I promise." She held out her and and he held it, a glint of hope in his eyes.

Rose didn't know why she couldn't sleep at all the previous night. Many things had crossed her mind, both good and bad and she had lied when she said she'd forgiven Alex. It would take much more than an explanation for her to forgive him for what he did. I suppose, she had so much going on, it was hard to process it all; first her parent's death, then a fight, then being strangled to kissing the exact same person who previously strangled her. Only so much could be processed in someone's mind. Not to mention, she couldn't even say or do anything without the whole world knowing. This could be why she was so secretive - she just didnt want information leaping from one person to the next.

After school, Rose was planning a party, Alex snooping the kitchen cupboards. Out of one, however, he pulled out shot glasses. He threw a sneaky grin to Rose, who instantly got out of her seat and pulled several alcoholic drinks out of the cupboard, including Vodka, several beers and a few cocktails. "Drink selections," she smiled at him as she placed them on the counter top, already prepared for tomrows party. She then continued writing down her invites, before texting each person and waiting for replies.