Every rose has its thorn.

Chapter Thirteen: Guessing games.

January 18th

I scribbled hurriedly on the the torn paper. It didn't need to be substantial, nor did it have to be perfect. The words blurted out in ink as they came to my mind - an exact replication of my thoughts.

"If I am reading this, the three events have became reality. Anna will have shown her true side, someone dear to me will be lost and I will be on the run. I write this letter in the hopes that these events, which have been said to have happened to so many people in the presence of Anna, will not happen to me. I fear that the first of these events is not far on the horizon - I can not deny my feeling for Lauren any longer. The notes should serve as a reminder to anyone who forgets. An indirect piece of literature can reawaken the subconscious, so the events will stay foreveraccessibleto those who need them most. I" The grip of the pen snapped and splintered in my palm. I winced and pulled a shard from my thumb, grabbing a new pen and carrying on.

"will keep this letter enclosed and away from prying eyes, and will strive to stop these three events occurring.

Signed A.M

Dated 18th of January, 2010."

I folded the letter clumsily, sliding the three notes into it and withdrawing a plain wooden box. Throwing the letter in haphazardly,I slammed the lid shut and buried it deep at the back of my cupboard. Not exactly the best hiding place, but good enough. I sighed and checked my phone; I had three new messages. I tapped my finger lightly on the "view" button and began to read the first.

"Phone fund gives you money off.." I grunted and slid the screen along to the next message.

"Hey, do you have my house key?" I've been sitting locked out for an hour! :( xxx" It read. I checked the name - it was Lauren. I laughed and pressed reply.

"Haven't seen it, come round for a bit till your mam is back? xxx" I asked, pressing send and advancing to the final text.

"We still on for our date when I get back off holiday? xx" It was Anna. My expression dropped a little, but I managed to pick it back up without too much difficulty.

"Yeah :) xx" I replied, before closing the phone and dropping it on my bedside table. I sighed and lay down, the warmth and comfort of my bed pulling me into a trance, only to be awoken by the high pitched call of a doorbell. I leaped off the bed and downstairs, where outside a perfect feminine form awaited.

"What's the password?" I asked through the letterbox. There was a laugh, and a pair of sublime lips appeared at the other side.

"I don't know the password, but would a hug act as an acceptable substitute?" She replied. I pretended to ponder, then answered.

"Fair enough, but if you turn out to be a murderer,I'mgoing to be really upset with you." I slipped the key off it's hanger and unlocked the door. I opened it gently, poking my nose through the very slight gap that it produced.

"Enter." I said sinisterly. Lauren laughed again as I opened the door fully and let her in. She pulled me into a warm embrace instantaneously, her arms snaking around my waist and locking in place. I let my arms curl around her neck and placed my cheek on the side of her head. I could feel her heartbeat, peaceful and rhythmic against me as I melted into her familiar touch as my heart screamed out at me never to let her go. Eventually, much to my dismay, the hug ended. I lingered for a second as we pulled apart, stroking the back of her finger with mine, then stopped. There was a short, awkward silence before either of us spoke again.

"So how are you?" I asked, breaking the tension in the nick of time.

"I'm good, though I've been sitting on my doorstep bored out of my mind for an hour. You?" She replied as we turned and walked upstairs into my bedroom.

"I'm fine I guess, not perfect but all the better for seeing you." I answered. Lauren smiled an immense smile and blushed furiously.

"Ever the charmer. Where is Anna by the way? I haven't seen her for a while." She asked as we collapsed onto my bed and flicked the TV on.

"She's on holiday, back on thetwentieth I think. Why?" I asked, confused.

"Oh, nothing." She replied, looking away.

"Tell me, please?" I insisted. There was another awkward silence.

"It's nothing."

"Why won't you tell me then?"

"Because it'd be a waste of time."

"Well this is even more of a time waste, is it not?"

"It is, so why did you start it off?"

"I..wait..what?" I stuttered, baffled. Lauren smirked and ruffled my hair.

"Forget it, for me?" She pleaded, her gaze peaceful and tender. It drew me in, tugging at my heart, and coupled with her intense beauty, I caved.

"Fine!" I said with an exasperated sigh and a smallchuckle. "You know, one day you won't be able to get away with that, and then you'll be screwed." I added. The pushed me playfully and smiled.

"I'll always be able to get away with it and you know it." She said triumphantly.