"Come, please, Sophie." Rachel begs me over the phone and I lean back in my chair.

"I have my date with Alex later." I say, just the thought of it making butterflies erupt in my stomach. I basically hear her rolling her eyes over the phone.

"Exactly! Wouldn't it be nice to grab a drink before you head out?" She asks me in a pleading voice. "Just for an hour or two." She adds as I chew on my lip nervously.

"Starbucks is having a special..." She says and I sigh, giving in.

"Fine. Alright, I'll come." I say and she cheers. "But only for an hour alright?"

She lets out another cheer before I put the phone down and I stretch my arms above my head. Alex decided to take me on our first date today and I'm super excited despite not knowing where we're we going. I shake me head before climbing into the shower and getting ready. After thirty minutes of getting myself sorted out, I'm walking downstairs with my bag and phone.

When my mom sees me, she smirks. "Going to go visit your boyfriend?" She teases and I groan.

"No." I answer. "I'm going to go for drinks with Rachel. I'll see you later." I say, pecking her cheek and she grins, shouting out "Don't be late for your date!" Before I walk out the front door with a ghost of a smile playing on my face as I head to my car.

I eye the paint and sigh in content. When was the last time I drove this thing? With that in mind, I open the front door and slide inside. Instantly the smell of vanilla wafts up my nose and I smile as I put my key in the ignition and pull out of the driveway. Once at Starbucks, I park my car and head inside to find Rachel already sitting at a corner booth away from all the bustling people. As I walk towards her, I remember the last conversation I had with Courtney here and shake me head at that girl's ideas. I slide into the booth, opposite Rachel, making her look up from her phone with a smile as she switches it off and puts it away.

"So, how is Mrs Rosewood doing this fine day?" She asks me and I roll my eyes.

"Please." I groan.
"I've had enough of these jokes with my mom."

Rachel raises a curious eyebrow at me and I sigh. When I got home Friday night, the first thing my mother did was pummel me with questions about Alex. I began to tell her what happened, yes, explaining the kiss- vaguely of course- which then lead to her and I'm sad to say, I, squealing in excitement.

"I knew you two were going to get together." She gushed as she pulled back from our hug and sat on the couch where I took the place next to her. I had rolled my eyes. "He always looked at you too long to be just a friend." She said and I had blushed at her words.

"Did dad look at you like that?" I had blurted before shaking my head at my bluntness and telling her she didn't need to answer. She had given me a wistful smile as a dazed look had come over her face. "In the beginning, yes." Was her simple reply and I watched as she reminisced over the memories she had with my father before she was switched back into reality and was smiling at me agan.

She enveloped my hand in hers as she spoke gently. "How are you feeling about this though?"
I had thought long and hard about her question before answering.

"I'm really happy because I like Alex a lot but I'm also really..." I had pursed my lips, trying to find the right word.

"Scared?" My mom had filled in. I looked up at her and I nodded.

"Yeah. I'm scared."

She smiled knowingly. "You can't let that stop you." She had responded and I nodded.
"Don't let fear stop you from falling in love."

My eyes had bulged out of their sockets and I spluttered on my saliva. What had she been thinking?
"Woah," I had said. "love? That's a bit far, mom. We've only just started dating."

She nodded.
"I know that sweetie, but things can change very quickly."

I had looked at her in shock that she was already talking about L-word when it came to Alex and I. Maybe I would fall in love with Alex and maybe I wouldn't. I won't deny that I hope he's the special one, but only time could tell. I shook my head at my mom.

"It's still early days,"

She laughed lightly before pulling me into her side and switching it on to the Bachelorette while my mind went into overdrive about my mom's words.

"Wow. Your mom is pretty keen on this Sophex ship too." Rachel says just as the barista brings us our drinks. He puts a Chocolate Frappachino in front of me and I grin in satisfaction that Rachel knew exactly what I would want.

As he walks away, I look back at Rachel. "Sophex? Are you kidding me?" I ask incredulously and she shrugs with a smile. I roll my eyes at the couple name.

"So," she starts. "do you have any idea where you two are going this evening?" She asks. I shake my head with a sigh.

"No. Not at all." I answer. Rachel nods.

"And, uh, how have things been with Chris?" She asks and I tense at her question. Racking my brain for an answer, I settle with a shrug while trying to avoid the guilt gnawing at my stomach.

"He doesn't even spare me a glance so I don't know. But I don't think he's happy I'm with Alex." I say, taking a sip from my drink as Rachel gives me a sympathetic look. Since the day that Chris confessed his feelings to me, I've felt like this huge weight has being placed on my shoulders.

I don't know who to be more mad at; him or myself.

"And the..." She trails off unsurely.

"Elite." I fill in for her.

"Yeah, the Elite. How are they taking this?"

"None of them have confronted us but the glares say enough. The peace won't last for long." I answer and she sighs.

"I am so sorry that you have to deal with dimwits like that." Rachel apologizes, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. I give her a small smile.

"It's okay because I've got some amazing friends to make up for it." I respond to which she smiles at.

"So, have you spoken to your parents?" I ask her, wanting a change of subject. She nods, giving me a wide grin.

"Yep. I'll officially be attending the
University f Miami Lakes." She announces and I laugh.

"I'm so happy for you, Rach." I respond. "And since We'll be attending the same university, I'll finally be able to go to school with my best friend." I say and she grins in happiness. Since I'm going into philanthropy, I've decided to study linguistics to help me on the path to that dream. Luckily, the University of Miami Lakes offers that.

It's then that her phone vibrates on the table, the screen lighting up as the message is displayed. She glances at it briefly, her lips tilting up in the beginning of a smile, and I find myself smirking.

"How," I start, making her look at me with raised eyebrows as she sips from her drink. "are things going with Cole?" I ask, playing with my straw. She gives me a naughty smile and a dust of pink lines her cheeks.

"It's fine," she shrugs and I gape.

"Fine?" I ask incredulously. "Just fine?" She looks at me with an odd emotion that I can't quite put my finger on.

"Yeah."

I watch her face for any give away of emotion but nothing really comes.

"So you don't like him?" I clarify.

"No! I do." She answers and my lips twitch into a smile as she notices her slip. She sighs.

"I really like him and I think he likes me back," she states and I snort at that. 'Like' is an understatement.

He's as whipped for her as I am for Alex.

"So?" I ask. "When are you going to tell him?"

She shrugs again. "I've been meaning to but I just haven't found the right moment. Also, I want to be completely sure about my feelings before I confess anything." I purse my lips but nod in understanding. Rachel has always had a very mature way of thinking.

I glance at the clock on the wall and sling my bag back over my shoulder. "I got to go, alright? I'll text you later." I say, sliding out of the booth. She gives me a toothy grin.

"Enjoy your date!" She calls out and I laugh as I leave the café.

****

It occurred to me on the drive home that I have nothing to wear for my date with Alex. Of course, the fact that he is refusing to tell me where we're going isn't exactly helping either. When I walk into the house, my mom comes to greet me only to notice how panic-stricken I am.

"What's wrong?" She asks me in worry.

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I have nothing to wear." I say and my mom's worried expression slowly morphs into a amused one.

"Relax, Sophie." She says softly as she grabs my shoulders. "I'm sure you'll find something in your closet," She smiles at me reassuringly.

My shoulders slump in defeat, "You're right."

She laughs. "Of course I am, now go get ready before you're late." She instructs me and I giggle as she pushes me to the stairs.

I walk up, opening my bedroom door and chucking my bag onto my desk as I run a hand over my face. My mom is right. I have enough clothes to have something suitable for today. I just wanted something different I guess.

I should've gone shopping yesterday.

I walk over to my closet before pausing my actions as the gold box on my bed catches my attention. I turn around and walk towards it with a frown. A decent sized, gold gift box with a glittery bow is resting on my bed.

I take the white tag between my fingers and read the message scrawled in black pen on it.

For you, Princess.

It simply says and a smile makes its way onto my face as I realize it's from Alex. I open the pretty box to reveal clothing and I feel my smile widen. I pull out a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans that are quite stylish and put them on my bed as I pull out a black shirt which is really pretty. It has a connected choker to it while it has a deep v-line cut. It's slight baggy taking away the 'formal' look that it gives off.

I then pull out a pair of open sandals that give off a tropical vibe and check the size, hoping he got the right one. I check and it's the correct size.

Huh. I didn't know Alex knew that.

I then see a a piece of paper in the now empty box and open it up, reading it with a small smile on my face:

I hope you like what I bought for you :) Your best friend knows you well... If you're wondering, I am (fine, and Rachel too) the one who picked this out for you.

I can't wait to see you later :)

I smile at how cute this is and shake my head at how supportive Rachel is of mine and Alex's relationship. I then set out to get ready.

After a quick shower, I put the clothes on and smile at how it looks. I then put light makeup on, trying to go for a more natural look. I then curl my hair and clip the front pieces back before finishing the whole look off with my black shoulder bag.

After the forty-five minutes of getting ready, I look at myself in the mirror and nod my head in approval at the finished product. I head downstairs just to hear the doorbell ring, my mom coming out of the kitchen to answer the door. When she pulls it back, she reveals Alex in a simple black button-up shirt, jeans and a pair of boots. In his hand is a bouquet of flowers.

As he talks to my mom, I walk to be next to her and when they both notice me, they fall quiet. My eyes immediately go to Alex and I see his eyes gaze over my outfit before he looks at me with so much adoration that I almost feel like hiding behind my mom.

His Adams-apple bops up and down and my mom is the first to talk. "You look beautiful, sweetie." My mom gushes and I smile. Alex looks at me breathlessly.

"Yeah," he says softly. "you look stunning."I blush at the comment before we just stare at each other again.

"These are for you," Alex smiles as he hands me the bouquet of white flowers and I take them gratefully.

"Mmh," I tease. "the bad boy knows how to be a gentleman." I say and he chuckles, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Only if the girl is special," he says, staring at me intensely.

I stare back with just as much intensity before realising my mom is still next to me so I turn to her, who is watching in amusement.
"Can you put these in a vase for me?" I ask her, giving her the flowers. She nods, pecking my cheek and bidding her goodbyes as Alex and I walk to his car.

The drive is mostly silent but it's that comfortable kind of silence. I watch the scenery go by in anticipation for where we're going. However, after twenty minutes of still driving - us now entering the town over- I become a bit antsy.

"Where are we going?" I ask, making Alex look at me in amusement.

"I told you it's a surprise." He responds.

I groan and give him my best puppy dog pout which he laughs at. My lips twitch, wanting to stretch into a smile however, I keep them in a pout. He glances at me again before shaking his head stubbornly. I sigh in defeat before crossing my arms in frustration.

"Hey," he says, putting his hand on my thigh "we're nearly there."

I sigh, "Fine. But just so you know, I don't like surprises." I mumble. He laughs, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"We both know that's a lie."

I roll my eyes but smile as I look out the window since Alex knows me so well. We've only known each other for such short span of time yet it feels like I've known him forever. With our hands intertwined and resting on my knee, I can't help but feel that all is right in the world.

Another fifteen minutes in and we're heading into the more dodgy part of town with the dilapidated houses, trashcans on the side of the streets that have trash overflowing from them, the lawn of the houses are dead, the cobbled pathways breaking away. A few kids run around, playing soccer and I frown as to why we're here. I've never been to this side, the reputation never being good, so I can't help but feel a little fascinated at how diverse people live. I turn to Alex, who seems to know this side by rote, and give him a questioning look.

"What are we doing in this part of town?" I ask curiously. He glances at me briefly before smirking.

"Let me guess, it's a surprise?" I say sarcastically and he nods.
We eventually reach a small shopping centre which has another building next to it. The building looks quite out of place as it's brightly lit with colorful signs and is painted in bright pastel pink which puts the store next to it to shame.

A rollerskating alley is what the building is.

Alex parks the car and gives me a small smile before heading around the car and opening my door. We walk towards the roller skating alley and when Alex pushes the door open for us, my eyes widen.

The room gives off a 50's vibe with the bright pastel colours, illuminated signs and the alley that has people skating around in as music plays in the background and strobe lights flicker. There's a small café selling all different kinds of food and the people who are eating at them are laughing animatedly.

I love it.

"Surprise," Alex whispers as he looks at me. I give him a wide grin and lean up to give him a light peck. "I love it," I answer truthfully. Besides the happiness that he expresses, a bit of relief follows suite.

He was nervous about our date, I think. That thought makes me grin like a schoolgirl.

He drags me to the counter where a young lady stands behind it with a shirt reading 'Rick's Skating Alley'

When she sees us, she gives a bright smile. "Hello, what can I so for you?" She asks.

Alex smiles, "Two tickets, please." He says, handing her the money as she puts it into the system.

"That voice sounds familiar," A voice from the back yells before a lady in her fifties- I think- comes out. Her blonde hair is pulled up into a bun and she wears the same golf shirt as the cashier. When she looks at Alex, her eyes twinkle in recognition before a gasp escapes her mouth.

"Alex!" She gushes, walking around the counter and to us.

"Rick! Come out here!" She yells to the backroom she just came out of.

"Im busy!" A masculine voice responds.

"I don't care!" She huffs.

A grunt is followed before a man who seems to be about the same age comes out. His hair is greying with age but his blue eyes and distinct features prove that he must've being a heartbreaker back in the day. When he sees Alex, his face breaks into a grin and he walks over.

The lady hugs Alex and gives him a sloppy kiss on the cheek and the man gives Alex a very joyful embrace. They both look at Alex with smiles and eyes that are twinkling.

"Hello Aunt Cory and Uncle Rick," Alex greets. "I want you to meet someone." He says, pulling me towards them with a tug on my hand. I step forward gingerly, smiling at the couple before me.

"So this is the girl?" Rick says, glancing at Alex.

"Hello, I'm Sophie." I introduce, sticking my hand out.

The lady laughs, "You must be mad if you think I'm shaking your hand." She says before pulling me into a hug. My eyes widen at first but I soon return the gesture before she lets me go. However, her husband takes my hand and shakes it.

"You're beautiful." Cory says and I blush.

"Thank you." I respond.

"So, is this what brings you here?" Cory asks Alex. Alex chuckles with a nod.

"First date?" Rick asks me and I nod with a nervous giggle.

"First date." I confirm.

"I'm glad to see you finally settling down with a girl." Rick says. Alex nods as he smiles at me.

"Say," Cory starts, her features softening considerably.
"how's your mom and Lily?"

That takes me by surprise.

Clearly Cory and Rick know of Alex's family. And definitely on a personal level.

Alex gives them a tight smile.
"They're alright." He responds.

The older couple look at him and nod. "We're glad to hear that." Cory says softly. Rick puts his hand on his wife's shoulder and smiles. "Let's leave these two to their date."

Cory nods as they say goodbye to Alex before hugging me.
"It was lovely meeting you, Sophie." Cory says and I smile as they walk away.

A few minutes later and we both have roller-skates on. However, Alex is the only who can actually skate in them. Really well, might I add. I stand up unsteadily and Alex laughs as he grabs my hand, helping me into the arena. Once we're in, we start skating around although I look like a newborn deer trying to walk on ice. I squeal as I nearly fall and Alex grips my waist, steadying me.

"How are you so good at this?" I grumble and he shrugs.

"Got a lot of practice as a kid."

Before I can ask him how exactly that is, he instructs me on how to skate.

"Bend your legs slightly and move each foot outwards at a slight angle." He instructs me. I try but miserably fail and I sigh.

"Hey," he says as we stand by the barrier and he clips my chin. "You'll get the hang of it, okay?"

I can't utter a coherent response at our proximity so I just nod.
He leans back with a victorious smile, knowing his affect on me, before we get back to what we were originally doing. A few attempts later and I'm starting to get the hang of it. Of course I'm not anywhere near as good as Alex, let alone what you can classify as 'good', but I'm getting the hang of it.

I grin as I move forward on my own and Alex laughs, clapping his hands at me. "There you go!" He cheers. "You got it!" He exclaims, skating up to me and he giving me a proud grin.

He pushes me against the barrier, his hands going around my waist. Mine automatically wrap around his neck as he leans closer.
"You're a natural," He whispers, causing my breathing to become erratic.

I roll my eyes at him "Says the pro." I retort.

He smirks, "You know what else I'm good at?" He asks and his eyes flicker to my lips before meeting my eyes. However, before I can answer he does it himself.

"This." he kisses me.

****

Three- tiring- hours later, Alex and I are pulling off our skates and handing it to the girl at front. He grips my hand as we head outside, the sky already dark and thestars twinkling in the sky. My feet are aching and my legs feel like jelly so I waddle to the car like a duck.

To say I had fun is an understatement. Alex and I skated around, him trying to teach me a few moves, we told each other ridiculous stories, talked about trivial things and of course, made-out numerous amount of times.

And I've finally come to a conclusion; Alex's lips against mine is my new favorite feeling.
I can't get enough of his kisses.

When we're in the car, I rub my feet. "My feet are killing me." I groan because let me tell you; three hours of skating kills your feet. Alex chuckles before starting the car which seems very out of place here, and pulls out of the parking lot. However, I notice that he doesn't head back in the direction we came from.

"Where are we going?" I ask. Alex smiles softly.

"I want to show you something." He answers vaguely, once again. We eventually pull up by a park, which has a beautiful view of the sky, besides dilapidated and run-down apartments.

Alex sits still in the car and I wonder what the hell we're doing here. Alex climbs out the car and I follow after him as he walks to the park and takes a seat on the grass. I frown at him before taking a seat next to him all the while wondering if it's safe for us to do this.

Then again, Alex can fight pretty well.

Alex leans back on his hands as he stares at the sky, his face blank. As blank as a paper and I frown. His eyes have a glazed over look to them. He looks so emotionless.

"I used to go there all the time." He says softly, his voice thick with emotion. He clears his throat to try and stop it.

I frown, the night air nipping at my skin. "The alley?" I ask and he nods.

"When I needed to clear my head and forget about my family, my life, my father," his voice cracks on the last word "I would go there and skate for a few hours. Aunt Cory and Uncle Rick had an idea of what was going on at home so they never made me pay. They even helped my mom out with Lily a few times." He says and my heart aches at seeing his pained expression.

"Since my dad was an alcoholic and we couldn't pay the bills, we were forced to live in the more dodgy side of town." He says before finally looking away from the sky and at me and then across the road.

"The left window on the third floor was my room." He says and I look at him in confusion before realization dawns on me.

"You lived here?" I ask softly and he nods.

"Yeah."

I don't know what to say because what do I say?

Sorry? What's that going to do?

I purse my lips, silence being my reply and Alex sits up, resting his hands on his knees.
"I just sometimes think; what the fuck did we do to deserve what my dad did? What the fuck did my mother do?" Alex asks hoarsely. I shake my head.

"You didn't do anything, Alex. None of you did." I respond and he turns to look at me and I am taken aback by the expression he wears. It's sadness, anger and confusion all rolled into one.

"Then why did he do it? Why?" He croaks.

I wish I had an answer but I don't.

I chew on my cheek in thought.
"Sometimes broken people break people. And sometimes we just have to go through a lot of shit to learn some valuable lessons. Even if we can't see it now." I say, looking back at him. He holds my stare.

"Why did you bring me here?" I ask.

He purses his lips. "I wanted you to see a part of me that not many have seen. I wanted you to see who I was." He states and as much as I feel so fucking honored and special that he would show me something like this and open up about his past, I can't help but correct him.

"Your circumstances don't make you who you are." I respond.

"You're so special." He whispers and I smile softly.

"Not as much as you, Alex Rosewood." I respond. He gives me a small smile before he lays down on his back and stares at the magnificent sky, me following shortly after.

I stare at the black canvas, the white splatters of paint that twinkle making me feel at ease. The ground feels cool beneath me but Alex's hand that is intertwined with mine, creating the only distance between us, causes a warm sensation to stir in my stomach.

"I'm so happy I've met you." He says. "For being here. With you."

I smile. "I am too."

Silence follows before I break it, turning to face his angelic face.

"Alex," I say, making him look at me.

"Yeah?" He whispers.

I chew on my lip nervously.
"I'm trusting you with my heart. Don't break it, okay?"

He smiles, his eyes softening.
"I won't."

If you don't think that was cute, I don't know what is.
I mean, come on! I need an Alex Rosewood in my life, mahn.

How did you find this chapter? The date? Finding a little bit more about his past?

Let me know what you think! :)

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