Black Rose

Chapter Three* (Edited)

a/n: i'm updating often now!

CHAPTER THREE

E L L I O T     P O V

Several weeks have passed by since the encounter with Rose, yet I found myself undeniably drawn to her presence in the school corridors. Despite my reluctance, my gaze involuntarily drifted towards her locker area even if she wasn't there. Even if she isn't physically there she was mentally clouding my mind. It frustrated me because there was this pull and I wasn't sure why it was there because I don't know her. What confused me further was that I was unaware of the fact that she was well known throughout the school.

Typically, I devote my undivided attention to my assigned tasks or to those that are close to me. I had perfected shutting out the world around me, which allowed me to immerse myself in my own thoughts. However, her presence disrupted this ability; she was the only one I couldn't seem to block out, specifically during the classes that we shared.

It was something about her that attracted my attention towards her and it was frustrating especially not knowing why.

What's funny is that, when we're not in the same class together I can't seem to block the rest of the people in the room. I struggle to ignore the other students which frustrates me to the end. This level of irritation is something I have never experienced before, and I feel powerless since I can't control it.

Mr. Romano assigned us a group project. After the last incident we chose the farthest end of the classroom so there are no potential distractions after the last incident. I shuddered slightly when I heard my name called out. I glanced up, and noticed Rose's widened eyes and her eyebrows raises, to which mirrored Ty's. However Ava's demeanor suggested that she looked irritated. What happened?

"Well, well, well, would you look at that? Aren't I amazing?" Rose remarked, a playful grin lighting up her features as she casually swept her dark hair behind her shoulder. Freckles feathered across her nose, emphasizing her rosy cheeks and plump lips, as her eyes twinkled with mischief. Rose smirked at Ava, she leaned in, whispering something in her ear, and I couldn't make out what she said.

"What's going on?" I interjected, attempting to shake away the thoughts. Ava met my gaze briefly before turning away, leaving me perplexed. Why is she irritated? Concerned, I turned to Ty, only to find him observing me with an amused expression. I raised my eyebrow in question, instead of giving me a clue, he shrugged his shoulders, and contained a snicker.

"I couldn't help but notice you seemed a bit stuck with your part," Rose said while smiling innocently.

"I was about to offer you some help, but Ava and Ty mentioned something about you being really focused when you are in a zone. I didn't quite buy it, but they insisted that they tried before, but nothing seemed to go through those ears of yours. But then, I called your name just once, and voila, you looked up instantly," she said while plopping her elbows on the lab table, as her hands cradled her face.

I let out a sigh as I felt my heart pounding against my chest, making it difficult to catch my breath. Am I having a heart attack? Her fingers taped against her cheeks in a rhythm, her lips glossy as she spoke. I couldn't make out the words but my attention drew entirely towards her. I found it funny how unwanted voices always seem to find me, and when I wanted to hear one it was difficult too.

She was dressed in a dark blue dress that matched my own dark blue shirt, a coincidence that clouded my mind. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I realized I had been staring at her. I clutched my pencil tightly, in the hopes that she hadn't noticed. I despised this feeling and I hope that I won't have it again. I had to figure something out; I can't go on like this.