Kiss It Better

Part 1: Perfect ~ Chapter 1 (February 2012)

I found a love for me. Darling just dive right in and follow my lead. Well I found a girl, beautiful and sweet. I never knew you were "the someone" waiting for me. 'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love, not knowing what it was. I will not give you up this time. But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own and in your eyes you're holding mine.

Rose Ruvelle walked into first period, late as usual. Even two months into the second semester, no matter how quickly she got up in the morning, her step-mother was always behind schedule and Rose arrived ten minutes after the bell, as usual.

"Miss Ruvelle, late again." Mrs. Villanueva, the eleventh grade English teacher, said without even glancing in her direction.

"Sorry, Mrs. Villanueva. Car troubles." Rose said, finding a place to sit. Normally, she would sit in the corner seat closest to the door, but it was occupied by a girl with honey brown eyes. Instead, she sat two chairs away and a row behind.

Throughout class, Rose found herself distracted by the girl. She watched the way her hand moved across the paper of her notebook as she took down notes. The way her eyes narrowed when she tried to understand half of what Mrs. Villanueva was saying. But most importantly, Rose caught the way the girl blushed when she realized she was being watched.

Pretty soon, the bell rang, signalling the end of the first period. The girl got up and packed up her things then headed for the door. Rose began to follow her when-

"Rose, come here please." Mrs. Villanueva called out. Rose sighed and went over, noting that the girl went left. "You have been late to class too many times."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Villanueva, I was having car troubles." Rose lied.

"Every morning?" She asked in disbelief.

"No."

"But that's the excuse you always use."

"I know."

"Do you even have your license?"

"It's my mom's car."

"I think I've given you more than enough warnings, Rose. The next time you're late, I'm giving you a detention. Maybe you should try using the bus."

"Yes, Mrs. Villanueva." Rose sighed. "May I go now?"

"Yes. You don't want to be late for second period. I advise you be on your way and don't get distracted."

Rose exited the room and went left. She went to study hall and checked in. Scanning the room, she saw the girl sitting in the far corner, taking out a textbook and some homework.

She walked over to her and sat down across the table. The girl looked up at her, surprised.

"Um, hi." She whispered.

"Hi, I'm Rose." Rose smiled.

"I know."

Now it was Rose's turn to be surprised. "You do? I guess my reputation proceeds me."

"Everyone knows who you are, Rose. Captain of the cheer squad, single, popular, best partier. You know, the stereotype. Also the step-daughter of Elena Di Nola, the infamous Miami drug lord. Not necessarily the best reputation."

"I'm gonna pretend that didn't hurt." Rose said, sighing. "What's your name?"

"Luisa."

"Well, Luisa, where are you from?"

Luisa blinked and looked at her with an 'are you really that stupid?' look. "Here? Miami?"

"Oh, really? What high school did you transfer from?"