“Apology is a lovely perfume; it can transform the clumsiest moment into a gracious gift.” ~ Margaret Lee Runbeck

It didn’t take as long as I thought with pulling myself together in the girl’s bathroom, a part of me thought that being wounded by a male once again I’d be a wreck and sobbing mess. However I wasn’t and that simply was because I hadn’t let myself come undone to my full potential, I simply wouldn’t let myself completely crack.

Pulling myself together with a couple deep breaths as I leant over a sink in the toilets I glanced up in the mirror just to make sure my eyes weren’t some red raw mess that stuck out so easily and vibrantly. I checked my faced, dabbing my face with some water to cool and lighten my tense and tight feeling face. Taking a couple more deep breaths I looked myself in the eyes, just simply staring.

I knew that this was a good thing, a great thing if anything for what had just happened. Blake’s words had only infuriated me more, filling me with red hot rage and disgust. He had utterly no right or clue to claim he knew everything and to talk down to be so patronizingly and it only made me more agitated and frustrated by him. It was perfect in a crude way; his actions only made me dislike him and make him more infuriating which made me avoiding him and not growing soft for him ten times easier.

He had in a twisted way done a favor for me.

Pulling myself together and sighing softly I made my way out of the girl toilets and back down to our media room praying and hoping with every part of my body that he wasn’t there. I had killed enough time in there to be sure he wouldn’t be still there. Yet I already knew he wouldn’t be in there, why would he actually want to be there still? He had gotten under my skin just like he wanted to do so for all I knew he probably had skipped out on school now.

“Oh, it’s only you.” My voice filled with utter relief as I stepped through the room to fine Aaron in there in his seat with his feet up on the table, resting back in the chair as he tapped his pen along to an imaginary beat on his knee cap, looking so relax and placid that it made me smile.

Aaron smiled at me “Fearing of someone else were you?”

I blushed faintly looking away “No.” I sulked resisting the urge to fold my arms and pout.

Aaron sighed heavily “What happened?” he murmured gently, curiously.

I sighed throwing myself roughly in a chair at the small table “Nothing happened, he’s just a jerk.” I grunted.

“Well that jerk I had to basically shove out of this room to get him to leave. Do you want to tell me why he was so against leaving this room without apologizing to you?” he asked softly, raising a brow.

I frowned at him “You’re lying.” I stated simply.

He raised a brow “You don’t think he sat in that very chair,” he said nodding to my seat “and refused to leave until you came back so you two could talk?”

I snorted “I don’t believe the kid knows what an apology is.”

Aaron’s lips tugged into a smile before he sighed heavily “Look, I don’t know about you but this here” he began holding up a piece of paper before sliding it over to me “isn’t the best material you’ve written.”

I looked down at the piece of paper, a mortified blush creeping up along my cheeks and face at the sight of the mock interview I had just done with Blake before. My words raced all over the words, reading all the things I had said, true but crude words. A mix of sheepishness, shame and laughter drifted throughout my entire body reading over the words and my messy aggravated scrawl.

I bit my bottom lip as finally I met his gaze sheepishly “I don’t see anything wrong with it….” I trailed off with a small impish grin.

Aaron laughed with a snort “Sure, if it was Angel’s magazine.” The two of us breaking into laughter at the thought of it.

Aaron’s deep heavy sigh bought from our laughter “Look Bay, I’m printing tomorrow morning.” I stopped laughing “It’s a good thing he’s across the road because I want you emailing me through the interview by tomorrow morning.”

I was ready to protest, to shout and stamp my feet on the verge of a tantrum. No way in hell was I willingly going to interview let alone talk to Blake again, not to mention outside of school. There was no way in hell I was going to do this!

As if knowing the string and shouts to come Aaron sent me a stern look that instantly had me cowering back and shutting up “No buts.”

✿

After school I procrastinated. I did everything possible so I didn’t have to interview Blake, even avoiding and declining going over to Charley’s to hang out with her. I got home being utterly dedicated at avoiding Blake on the walk home so I didn’t run into him, I cleaned my room, I did all my homework hell I even sat down and helped Mitch with his homework. When I was left with utterly nothing to do as an excuse or some form of procrastination I even texted Callie and Angel trying to see if they were willing, by the end I only got one reply and I knew I simply couldn’t put off any longer.

Begrudgingly and stalling time in any way possible – such as by taking the tiniest of steps – I made my way across the street and over to Charley’s house. I had to admit it felt weird calling it Charley’s house in such a way because now it was also Blake’s and Dave’s house too. So what should I call it now? Should I still call it my second home with him in there?

As if to make me more confused I realized stepping into the house that the house in somewhat ways already felt different with the new members of the house. It had still been over a week but I noticed I wasn’t as willing to just walk right in like I used to, I even found myself wondering if I should knock for a moment. It felt different what with the splatter and rain of male items and possessions, it had me less relaxed. Or was that simple because he now lived in this house?

The thought alone of Blake in this house had chills racing through my body; it wasn’t as if I hadn’t noticed the affect he had on me. these days I found myself checking my appearance twice to make sure I looked….nice, I’d also find myself more conscious of what I did, said and other things. I couldn’t deny the fact that my traitorous body was highly aware of him and quick to respond to any signs and traces of him, let alone what his sinful touch did to me. Some would call that simple and pure lust and the thought alone had me blushing crimson.

Yet I knew more than ever that lust was all it would ever be and nothing more, simple lusting, plain and simple. I wasn’t going to allow anything more come from it than simple explosive chemistry from such a brute. Hell, there were many other males in the vicinity that would be a better match for me than Blake and I simply had avoided them all too and that’s how I wanted it to stay. No males, plain and simple. I just had recognize the fact what with Blake being Charley’s step brother and him living near and close and not to mention his kick out of pestering me things would be harder. Especially with the flaming sparks between us.

That’s all it will ever be though, nothing more.

Walking down the hall I stopped at an archway that looked into the lounge room where Kate and her partner Dave where lounging on the couch and sharing such a moment that I couldn’t help but feel invasive. Kate was curled into Dave’s side, her chin resting on his chest as he ran his fingers through her hair, murmuring something low in her ear making her to giggle like some school girl and slap at his chest.

The sight had me torn with a million of thoughts and questions. The sight alone I couldn’t deny was simply adorable, beautiful even, that honey moon stage was a beautiful and peaceful scene and right now that’s where they were at. A part of me – the stupid naive part of me – wanted that, craved it and longed for it. It was such a little part of me, just a tiny glimmer because the rest of me knew what happened once you handed your heart over to a man or anyone really and that alone had me resisting the urge to scrunch up my nose or look at Kate in pity.

As if reading my thoughts Dave looked up at me and suddenly I blushed feeling like a creeper for having just stood there looking in on such a moment. How messed up did he think I was now?

I had met Dave a couple times before he had moved in, the odd moments when he’d spend the weekend over at Kate’s or came to visit. I remember being there for the first time Charley met him simply because she was a wreck of emotions and most of all petrified. After a simple introduction thought I excused myself and went, the moment already fallen into a perfect moment that I didn’t need to invade.

Dave was a sweet man and I hadn’t heard anything from anyone or seen anything that said otherwise, he was like any regular father. He was a man that was a softie, a joker too that was willing to do anything to win the love and affection of Charley and even his own son. Charley had once told me that Blake was actually much worse than what he was – if that was even possible – but once her mum met Blake she helped Dave get Blake on the right track, or from my perspective simply just a track. I didn’t really know what had caused Blake to go off the rails and I had honestly never thought about it, I just simply presumed it was his mother or he was just normally a brute. It’s not like I cared and I surely didn’t care what difference there was to how he was back in his old town to being here or even if there was any difference.

I simply didn’t care, or that’s what I told the spark of curiosity within me.

I cleared my dry throat feeling suddenly embarrassed and shy “Hi, ummm…..is Blake here?” I mumbled softly praying that Dave said no. I didn’t really know – or care – what Blake did out of school seeing since he didn’t get close to people due to his badass image and all. He probably just hung out behind buildings smoking and picking up hookers, it wouldn’t surprise me.

Dave’s eyes were a hazel shade different from his son’s vibrant green forest eyes that enchanted you and brainwashed you. He had however his sons scruffy black hair but Dave’s was more so kept well when Blake simply didn’t seem to give a crap about it. Dave was a reasonably built man but the big difference between the pair was that instead of Blake’s signature smirk Dave wore a genuine friendly smile that made you feel welcomed and relaxed rather than being assessed and mocked at.

Dave smiled at me and I was praying for a simple no, yet luck never has or was on my side “Yeah, sure. He’s upstairs in his new room.” He smiled nodding his head towards the stairs.

I held back the grimace or curse of profanities, instead I sighed “Okay, thanks. I’ve got to interview him for the school newsletter.” I answered to their curious gazes.

Dave’s grin grew “Good luck with that.” making Kate giggle.

I huffed “I’m going to need it.” I muttered.

Turning towards the stairs I knew I couldn’t put it off any longer or even hang out with Dave and Kate for a way of procrastinating simply because it was obvious that they wanted and needed alone time. I made my way up the stairs, gripping the question sheet tight in my hands as I gave myself another pep talk, I’d simply get in and get out. After that it would be over, no more Blake and I could avoid him as much as I liked, there’d be no one or one time which only created danger and heat, so much heat.

Making my up the hall and to the door which once used to be their spare bedroom I listened to the heavy blare of heavy and heady bass and guitar strings coupled with the male voice who bellowed to his lyrics passionately and loudly, my ears protesting from outside the room with the door closed.

Shaking myself awake I shoved the door opened and stepped into the room, glancing around the room I was more than happy to find the room empty of any presence of Blake. I was more than happy; in fact I smiled at the fact alone as I glanced around. As long as he wasn’t hiding waiting to scare me or he hadn’t stuffed one of his hookers in one of his cupboards for me to find I was more than happy, ecstatic really.

I stepped deeper into the room curiosity possessing my body as I glanced about the room. His walls were painted the same color before it became his room, a dark olive brown that was tanned nicely. The floor was a grey marl color that was still the same before he moved in. the rest of his room was…..messy and yet it wasn’t, surprisingly. His bed sheets were deep navy blue that suite nicely and I honestly wanted to snuggle into his sheets where I’m sure where his spicy scent would intoxicate me the most.

The rest of his room I found…..fascinating. by his bed that was a double bed resting against the wall with only one side to crawl on from there was a scattering of CDs, a mobile, an iPod, bits of paper and textbooks that also ran along a desk against the opposite wall to the bed. There was a built in cupboard next to the door and above the head of the bed was the window looking outside giving a view of the front of the house and actually my house. A part of me prayed that he wasn’t some creep with a pair of binoculars and I had to admit I scanned the room a second time to make sure.

His room was at the end of the day a guy’s room, somewhat familiar to my brother Mitch’s but a bit more mature and older. There were a bunch of bands on the walls and there was one photo frame on his bedside table and due to its angle I couldn’t see it. The rest of his room had the odd clothes but the main clutter was from the few odd boxes on the floor that were yet to be thrown out or unpacked.

I couldn’t help but feel fascinated by being in Blake’s space slightly surprised at the things I saw and also didn’t see. Like posters of naked chicks on the wall – like my brother – or a pig sty like a predicted or even the scent of cigarettes. I was predicting something more him; badass, player like and maybe even dark and brooding, instead it was a fairly lit and fresh room and it didn’t stink but rather it was intoxicating and enticing, and the floor wasn’t cluttered or messy. No, it was in all honesty the opposite of what I predicted and if I didn’t know Blake lived and owned this room I would have presumed it was owned by another and maybe even – dare I say it – by someone I’d be interested in.

Walking in closer I loved and cherished whilst I could the way his spicy musky scent tickled at my nose making a faint smile. I stepped closer, taking a few steps in as I glanced at his large stereo system sitting on his desk, more dominating than it being for his homework and such. My eyes glanced over the countless CDs, my eyes caught the photo frame and I couldn’t help the spark of curiosity that ignited within me.

Taking cautious steps towards it, I let my fingers trail along the edge of the table and bench, the deep wood silky smooth and carved nicely. My fingers picked up the photo frame, the sleek cool glass refreshing to my heating body the more his scent attacked my senses. My finger trailed down the side at a girl, no, a woman that dominated the photograph.

She was a gorgeous person, with a fine face and faint and dainty structure line; she looked small and quaint, like I could pick her up in my arms simply and put her in my handbag without anyone around me blinking an eye. She had a soft chocolate brown with the few auburn strands of red catching the light, the sun in the background and shining and dancing through her waving and wild hair in the wind. She was reaching for the camera with a wide smile and laughter, trying to block the camera or pull it away or something. What really caught my gaze and told me who it was were the eyes, the blazing forest green eyes of her son.

This was Blake’s mum.

“And to the right ladies and gents you’ll find the owners cupboard, hiding the most secret of treasures beyond your wildest imagine.” A soft yet reverberating voice slithered into the room coiling tightly around my body.

I gasped startled, squealing a yelp as I jumped the photo frame falling on the bed and luckily not smashing as I clutched my chest with wide eyes and thundering chest. “Holly shit.” I gasped, feeling as if any second my heart would smash through my ribs and run away leaving me breathless.

The corner of Blake’s lips curled up “I think that’s the first time I’ve heard our innocent bella curse.” He murmured softly. He was leaning against the doorframe of his room, arms folded with amused eyes and I couldn’t help but wonder how long this sexy God had been standing there watching for.

I sighed “You know, I don’t think dead hookers are really hidden treasures.”

He frowned at me, as if I was honestly some deranged psychopath and I honestly didn’t blame him, I could admit it was one of the most stupid and lamest things I had ever said. Yet I was simply going to blame it on the fact that I was still caught in fright and shock.

I ran my fingers through my hair, laughing short and soft under my breath as I gestured to his closet “The so called treasures beyond your wildest imagine.” I said, mimicking his tone of acting like a tourist guide.

He smiled softly at me, his lips quirking as he walked over towards the cupboard and opened it showing me a small smug smirk of his at the sight of a bundle of clothes and other random objects that my eyes didn’t rest on long enough to take into account or care for. “Hooker clean my dear.” He sang.

I bit my bottom lip fighting back a blush as I looked away; the corner of my eyes watching as he walked over and pushed shut the rest of his door before crossing his room to his desk where he turned the dial on his speakers down for quite some time until it was very faint background music. I turned to watch him more with curiosity though as he then began to shove the bundle of boxes stacked high on his desk’s chair and plunked himself down on it, sitting backwards on it but facing me nevertheless.

Blake looked up at me, no smirk but a rather soft face as he gestured for me to sit on his bed, which I stood in front of. I looked behind me warily at it, I should be wondering or hesitating rather if I sat down on his beds and sheets would that alone give me crabs? When really all I was wondering looking at his inviting and taunting bed was if I sat on there and nestled myself in that sheer taunting bliss would I get back up? Or most importantly would I walk out of this room earning crabs in a more…..physical manner?

Sighing softly I sat down on the edge, stiff and slightly cautious of myself and I think honestly Blake could see it, he said nothing though. He only crossed his arms slightly under his chin, resting his chin on his folded hands as he watched me, swinging softly on his chair. The air around us was all stiff, awkward and silent, hell we weren’t even arguing!

“You look good,” he said eventually, his eyes watching me closely his eyes more so trained on my own face, searching my eyes.

I huffed furious “If you’re just going to use a string of pick up li-“

“….for a girl that had been treated like utter shit a couple hours ago by some dick.” He finished for himself, speaking over me and utterly ignoring my words.

I could admit I was rendered utterly and completely speechless for a few moments, my mouth hanging slightly agape and my heart pounding loudly in my ears “What?” I breathed softly.

His lips twitched grimly “Look, I’m just going to say it, before for how I acted I’m sorry, I was an utter and complete douche and it was stupid.”

That sobered me up and instantly I pulled a stony expression back across my face having been reminded of what had actually happened before I stepped into this room. It was as if this room had some sort of control over me, making me soft when in fact I knew my weakness was simply the boy before me, the stupid bully.

He sighed raking his fingers through his hair “I’m not making up excuses or anything alright? I’m just saying I’m sorry.” Watching him I could see by his body expression that apologizing wasn’t something he was used to let alone did, it nearly had me going soft, almost.

I sighed “Okay, whatever.” I muttered trying to keep my resolve strong in such a refined room stuck alone with simply just him and his enticing scent “Let’s just get this over and done with.” I grunted as I glanced down at the paper in my hands.

Blake didn’t comment or press it from there, he silently and politely answered to my stiff questions, my voice I kept neutral and devoid of all emotion the entire time. He answered them and I’d just scratch his response down, or what to work with. It was simple and sweet and quick since I wasn’t making him extend and there wasn’t glorious, fun chatter filled in between it all.

By the end of it I was more than itching to get out of this room and just flee, countless times I had bit my tongue for asking for more and all or to just snuggle down and let my shield down and ask him more or random things. Though I kept to my stony exterior getting it over and done with, over the moon about the fact that once I walked out of this room my life could go back to the life with no boy drama and though it may be more boring it was safer.

“Okay, we’re done. Thanks.” I said softly with a heavy sigh as I stood up, keeping my gaze off him the entire time like during the interview.

“That’s okay.” Blake murmured softly.

I didn’t understand really Blake’s case at all, I didn’t know if he simply was tired and bored and wanted this all over and done with himself thus he wasn’t aggravating me or such, or was he simply not doing so since his dad and step mother were downstairs? Or was the reason even that he had obviously pushed it as much as could today already what with me being an emotionless robot right now? Maybe he pitied me and felt bad? I hope he felt bad, he deserved it after he was such a jerk to me about it!

Getting up I made my way around Blake to the door as he spoke “You know, I wouldn’t have blamed you for just using the other interview.” He said chuckling roughly, sheepishly as he scratched the back of his neck.

I paused, frowning "You know, if you're trying to make friends....insulting me is never going to work." I murmured softly, honestly.

“Well, what will work?” he asked genuinely interested.

I paused wondering what to say, I honestly didn't want him to be around me with his jerk like qualities and behaviours. Hell even if he was nice I wouldn’t want him to be around because that would only make things ten times harder to resist. But what was the harm in answering? It wasn’t as if he wanted to know so he could improve, or to actually be my friend. We were acquaintances, if anything enemies and that’s all we’d ever be.

So turning the door handle I answered honestly, telling him what will earn him into my good books – not that he would ever be – before stepping through the door and leaving as fresh air and freedom encased around my heated form.

“To be my friend you have to be there....you'll never know when I may just need you."

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