SOPHIA

Sorry about last night. You should probably ice your head and take some Advil.

-Dylan

I read the note over for the third time since I woke up, trying to figure out why Dylan was trying to get my attention in the middle of the night. And why he used such a big rock, he could've broken my window.

When we were younger he threw rocks at my window all the time to get my attention, in the day time, but never so late.

I thought about asking him what he wanted, but eventually decided against it. He probably already felt bad, I didn't want to make him feel worse by bringing it up. So instead I planned to pretend like it never happened.

Once I was at school it was easy to act like I didn't have a bruise on my forehead covered by a small mountain of make up. No one other than Dylan and I knew what happened so nobody suspected anything. I could go about my morning like usual, and as a bonus I didn't see Dylan which made things even easier.

No one noticed anything off about me in first period which further proved that pretending was the right thing to do, so I was feeling pretty confident as I walked into Environmental Awareness class until I remembered the project and who my partner was.

I slowly made my way to the back of the class and plopped down in my new spot with an annoyed huff. This was the last place I wanted to be as a dull headache began to prick my forehead.

Students quickly filled in and the only person left was Damon. No surprise there.

Just as the bell rung he slipped into class, but at least he wasn't late this time.

He took his spot beside me as he shot a glare my way which I gladly returned.

As usual, Mr. Willis started off right away.

"I'm sure you're all just dying to know what this year long project is about, so I'll get right to it." He started, pausing to see if we were all paying attention, and of course we were.

"You and your partner will be assigned a small tree. The tree will already be fully grown but you are responsible of keeping it alive.

"All the trees have different meanings, and legend says that if you take care of the tree well, the meaning will come true in your life or between you and your partner."

I scoffed quietly.

"To keep your tree alive it needs love, affection and of course water. So that's what you'll give it. Even name the tree if you want.

"You will also be doing a written assignment, without your partner. I'll hand out the packages with the assignment next week."

Half the class looked at him with dumbfounded expressions while others looked confused and a couple people even looked pleased. And when I say a couple people I mean me and Damon. The rules to the project meant I would do all the tree work alone. We wouldn't have to work together at all, and for the written part Damon would't have me to rely on. I smirked at the thought of him failing the project without my help.

"Oh and by the way, you'll be filming the times you take care of your tree. Not every time but a video diary once or twice a week so I know that both you and your partner are doing an equal amount of work."

Now Damon and I were scowling at Mr. Devil.

"And class, you can take turns with the tree, you don't have to always be with your partner." He informed us.

I let out a sigh of relief. At least I didn't have to spend the whole project with the irritating human beside me.

For the rest of the class Mr. Willis assigned trees and rambled on about how we should talk to it about everything. Apparently talking to a tree could be very therapeutic.

Damon and I got assigned the bonsai tree, which I learnt symbolized harmony, peace, balance, and all that is good.

It didn't matter how good we took care of that tree, peace would never happen between us.

- - - - - - -

I was at my locker at the end of the day, putting my unneeded books away when someone grabbed my waist and spun me around to face them.

I came face to chest with Dylan and cursed my nerves as my palms grew sweaty and my heartbeat sped up. Maybe I hadn't quite gotten rid of that crush I had on him all those years ago.

"Hey Fia." He greeted, still holding my waist.

My heart skipped a beat when he used his nickname for me.

"Lan." I breathed like the love stricken girl I was.

He gave me a heart stopping smile, "We should hang out today."

I nodded eagerly. I didn't have any plans, and even if I did I would cancel them all for Dylan.

"Great, I'll meet you at your house since we both have cars, then I'll take you out somewhere." Dylan told me, before giving me a hug and walking away.

Leaning against my locker I let out a dreamy sigh, and regretted it instantly when I realized how stupid I must've looked.

I scanned the hallway for anyone who might've witnessed my embarrassing cliché moment and the only person I saw was Damon, glaring at me. What was his problem?

I gave him a little smirk, hoping to get him just a little bit angry, then slammed my locker shut and hurried to my car.

I drove home quicker than usual so I'd have time to freshen up before Dylan got there.

Once I was home I ran up to my room to fixed my hair and make up. I needed to add more concealer to my bruise, but other than that I just slathered on some lip balm and pulled a brush through my waves. When I was finished I rushed back downstairs to wait outside.

I pulled out my phone to fiddle with while I sat on my porch steps and about five minutes later a motorcycle pulled into Damon's driveway.

He had a motorcycle now? I couldn't wait for that obnoxiously loud thing to wake me up in the middle of the night when he was coming home from parties.

Thankfully before I could brood about the new addition to his driveway Dylan pulled up.

He gracefully stepped out of the car and walked over to me with that goofy smile of his stretching across his face.

"Hey beautiful." He greeted.

My heart started racing, something I realized I had to get used to now that he was back.

I smiled at him and got up from my porch steps.

"Ready to go?" He asked.

"Yup." I replied, popping the P.

He took my hand and brought me over to the passenger side of his car where he opened the door for me. He had always been a gentleman and I was glad that hadn't changed.

I got in and appreciated the soft seats while Dylan walked around to the driver's side. These seats were so comfortable. I liked his car almost as much as I liked my own.

"So where are we going?" I asked once we turned off my street.

"That's for me to know, and you to find out." He answered, sending me a sly wink.

I rolled my eyes, I should've known he wouldn't tell me - he never had in the past.

I turned on the radio to distract myself from the curiously burning in me, and sang alone when I recognized a song.

"You've gotten better since I left. I didn't know that was possible." He mused when the song ended.

I blushed at the compliment and muttered a quiet "Thanks."

Ten minutes later we pulled up to the cinema.

"I don't know if you're thinking of this as a date, but I am." Dylan said bluntly as he turned off his car.

My heart felt like it was going to jump right out of my chest.

"A date huh?" I teased, playing it off like I wasn't freaking out inside.

"I mean, if that's alright with you." He quickly corrected.

"Of course it's alright with me. I'm glad this is a date." I told him, laughing lightly.

He let out a sigh of relief.

"Well lets go, I thought we could watch a movie." He told me.

I grinned at him and nodded. This was my first ever real date, but I wasn't about to tell him that.

We walked hand in hand into the cinema. To others it probably looked like we were a couple, even though we weren't. Yet.

I couldn't get the goofy grin off my face as we walked up to the counter to get our movie tickets.

"Wanna watch a horror movie? I know those are your favourite." Dylan suggested.

I eagerly nodded my head.

This was a dream come true. I'd been imagining this night since the moment I met Dylan and now it was finally happening. After he left I never thought I'd see him again, I couldn't even imagine that one day he'd be taking me out on a date.

After buying our tickets, which Dylan paid for, we got a big bag of popcorn for us to share and pop for each of us, all of which Dylan also paid for.

I usually didn't like when people paid for me, but it was a sweet gesture, so I didn't make a fuss.

Together we walked into the movie theatre and sat down at the very back.

Once the movie started Dylan put his arm around me and I cuddled up to him. This was perfect apart from the arm rest between us.

Half way though the movie Dylan turned to me.

"You're beautiful Fia." He whispered out of nowhere.

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach at the compliment and how sincere he sounded.

"Thanks." I muttered, hiding my face in his chest so he didn't see my bright red blush.

When I looked back up at him he was already looking at me.

Slowly he leaned down and at first I didn't know what he was doing, but then I realized the intention.

I started leaning up, and just before our lips met, an ear pricing scream came from the movie, causing us to jump apart. After that we just went back to watching the movie.

I couldn't believe we almost kissed. I almost kissed Dylan Russo, the guy I'd had a crush on since forever.

After the movie we headed back to his car and he drove me home. We chatted the whole time, just like we did when we were younger. It never got awkward or boring between us, we always had something entertaining to say.

Eventually we pulled up to my house, much to my dismay. I didn't want our time together to end.

We both got out of the car and he walked me to my front door, like in every cheesy romance movie.

"I had a really nice time tonight. We should do this again soon." Dylan said, turning to face me.

I nodded in agreement "Tonight was fun."

I was about to turn and open my door when Dylan swooped down and pressed his lips to mine.

I froze in surprise, but soon responded to the kiss. His lips were soft and warm as they moved against mine and the butterflies were having a party in my belly.

The night was officially perfect.

I heard a door slam from the house next door but paid no attention to it.

Once the kiss ended Dylan rested his forehead against mine and looked into my eyes for what felt like a lifetime but was probably only a few seconds. It was like time stood still when I was with him.

"I'll see you tomorrow." He finally said, taking a step back from me.

"Yeah" I breathed, sounding like an idiot. And to make matter worse I threw in a dorky wave.

He gave me one last smile before walking back to his car.

Once he had driven away I rushed into my house and ran up to my room, throwing myself onto my bed to squeal into my pillow.

I could still feel his lips against mine and I tried to commit the sensation to memory. I never wanted to forget this night.

Once I calmed down I looked around my room and saw something move out of the corner of my eye.

My attention was drawn to my window where I could see Damon pacing angrily in his room.

Usually I'd be the slightest bit curious about what got him so worked up but today I just didn't care. Instead of dwelling on him I decided to go to bed early so I wouldn't look tired tomorrow.

I had to look good for Dylan, right?