Chapter One

Namine

Painting with Roses

August 2, 2014, 4:34 p.m.

paintingwithroses: Sammy? You around?

paintingwithroses: Sammy…?

paintingwithroses: *sigh*

paintingwithroses: Damn it… I really needed your advice on something.

August 2, 2014, 6:22 p.m.

luckyXIII: Rosie?

luckyXIII: Sorry… I wasn't at my computer. Still here?

paintingwithroses: Oh thank God…

paintingwithroses: Sammy, I need your help.

luckyXIII: …?

luckyXIII: What's wrong?

paintingwithroses: My parents just told me we're moving. Like… all the way across the country!

luckyXIII: Whoa… why?

paintingwithroses: I think it's because of my sister… they really need to get out of this house.

paintingwithroses: But I don't want to move! I don't want to change schools… Oh God, just thinking about it makes me cringe. I mean, I was already nervous about going there without her this year, but… facing a whole new crowd? I don't think I can do it.

luckyXIII: Take a deep breath, I can hear you hyperventilating through the computer.

luckyXIII: I know it's scary, but I can see where your parents are coming from. I mean, they lost her so young. I can see why they'd want to get away.

paintingwithroses: Ughhhh… you're not supposed to agree with themmm…

luckyXIII: Well, it kind of makes sense. But hey, I understand why you're so scared to start at a new school. I definitely wouldn't want to do that.

paintingwithroses: Wouldn't it be great if I ended up at your school? Haha

luckyXIII: Yeah, like that would ever happen. XD The universe is definitely not that perfect.

paintingwithroses: I know… but I can dream. :P

luckyXIII: Have you calmed down a little?

paintingwithroses: I guess… You always know how to calm me down.

luckyXIII: Yeah… I guess I do.

July 7, 2014, 9:28 p.m.

luckyXIII: Rosie! I haven't heard from you all night, where ya at? ;P

luckyXIII: Rose…?

paintingwithroses: I… I just got back from the hospital…

luckyXIII: What?! Rosie, what happened? Are you okay?!

paintingwithroses: I… I'm fine, but… my sister died.

luckyXIII: …Your twin…? What do you mean she died?!

paintingwithroses: She was in her boyfriend's car… they were T-boned on the passenger's side by a semi… She… she didn't make it.

luckyXIII: Oh God, Rosie… I'm so sorry…

paintingwithroses: I don't even know how to function right now… I'm going to log off for awhile… I'll… I'll text you or something.

luckyXIII: Wait! Rosie I want to help… tell me how I can help!

Message not sent. User is offline.

August 2, 2014, 11:30 p.m.

I shut my laptop, having said goodnight to Sammy just moments before. Yawning, I stretched a little bit before rolling my desk chair back and standing up, ready to crawl into my bed and try to forget about the impending move. I glanced around my room and a small pang of sadness touched my heart. I'd have to start packing the next day… tearing apart the bedroom that I'd spent years and years in.

"Namine! Are you in bed yet?!" my mother hollered outside the door, making me cringe a little bit. "You know we have a big day tomorrow, get some sleep!"

"I'm going now, ma!" I yelled back, padding to my dresser to change into my pajamas.

As I grabbed my over-sized t-shirt, my eye caught on a picture of my twin sister and I together at one of the school's carnivals. Kairi and I had been so happy that day… She had pink cotton candy and I had blue, and the smiles we had were so genuine…

Tearing my eyes away, I quickly got changed and slipped under my comforter, which was anything but comfortable to me at that moment. What would really have been comforting would be Sammy's arms around me… though I couldn't really even effectively imagine that, since I had no idea what he looked like. When I met him online, we agreed not to share any personal details about ourselves besides our ages and genders. So, I know him as Sammy, an 18 year old high school senior, or soon to be. He knows me as Rosie, a 17 year old high school senior. I know it's not his real name, but it gives me something to call him at least.

Sammy and I met on a fan site for our favorite video game, and our friendship actually began with us arguing back and forth on what characters were canon with each other. When we finally realized how stupid we were being, we started to chat and eventually traded our Instant Messaging IDs and… I guess we just became really good friends. Honestly, I kind of have a crush on him. I realize how stupid it is, but seriously… if I knew him in real life, he would be the perfect guy for me.

Except I don't. I have no idea if he's actually 18, or if he's just playing me. It's a bit disconcerting, but he seemed harmless enough. He'd never asked me for anything creepy, like nude photos or cyber sex. Plus, he was there for me when Kairi died… which was more than I could say for any of my other so-called friends. They all freaked out and shied away from me, leaving me to deal with it by myself. But not Sammy. He talked to me through the whole thing.

August 24, 2014, 5:46 p.m.

paintingwithroses: You know, I really thought I would hate this place… but my new bedroom is pretty amazing.

luckyXIII: I take it you're all moved in?

paintingwithroses: Finally. I thought it would never end. And just in time too, school starts tomorrow!

luckyXIII: Ah, same here… not looking forward to that at all.

paintingwithroses: Neither am I… but ohhhh my god. I have my own bathroom! Like, innn my bedroom! And there's this little room that I think is supposed to be like… a study, but I'm going to use it for my art space!

luckyXIII: Damn, did you move into a mansion?

paintingwithroses: Uhmmmm no. But it's a pretty decent size, I guess. I think my parents are overcompensating a little bit for making me switch schools. Plus, with the money from the lawsuit against the truck driver, we can pretty much afford anything we want.

luckyXIII: Wow. Sounds awesome. Hey so, I did have a question.

paintingwithroses: Yeah?

luckyXIII: Can you maybe make me an avatar like yours? You know, your OC on the site? I have all the specs for mine, but I tried to draw him and well… it was not pretty.

paintingwithroses: Sure! Send me the info and stuff… I'll probably be able to get it done by the end of the week.

luckyXIII: Awesome! I'll email it to you.

paintingwithroses: I'll try to do him justice. ;)

luckyXIII: With your talent? I'm sure it'll be amazing.

August 25, 2014, 5:45 a.m.

When my alarm went off so early, I nearly had a heart attack. It'd been a long time since I'd woken up before 10, and an even longer time since I'd actually gotten up with my alarm. I slid my finger across the screen of my phone in a desperate attempt to silence the loud squawking tone, only succeeding after my millionth try. Much to my regret, I pulled myself to my feet and walked into my bathroom, starting to get ready for my first day at my new school.

Honestly, I was still terrified. I spent my entire shower wondering if I would get lost in the halls, or forget my schedule, or embarrass myself, or have to sit alone at lunch or…

I needed to stop. I needed to take a deep breath and calm down, just like Sammy said. I dried my platinum blonde hair quickly, forgoing the use of makeup at first but then going back and deciding to swipe on at least some mascara and lipgloss.

First day outfit… Something Kairi and I used to freak out about and plan a billion days in advance. We had the first day of school down to a science back when she was around. But for today, I would just slide on a simple white sundress and a pair of white flats. I wasn't so concerned with impressing people. I just wanted to get through my senior year in one piece so that I could start totally fresh in college.

"Namine, are you up?" my mom was suddenly in my doorway, giving it a timid little knock.

"Yeah, I'm just about ready, Mom… Just need to pack up my bookbag."

She was giving me that look… I could tell she had Kairi on her mind. "I, uhm… I'm glad that you like your new room. It looks like you settled in already."

"It's nice, yeah," I told her, giving her a little smile. "You're gonna be okay with me driving today, right…?"

My question definitely made her a bit uncomfortable. I don't think she'll ever trust cars again. "Yeah… just be safe and wear your seatbelt. And always slow down at intersections even if you have the right of way."

"I know, mom… I'll pay attention to the cars around me." The truck that hit Kairi had run a red light… didn't even slow down a little.

"Remember how to get there?" she asked, even though she'd driven me by the school about twenty times to make sure.

I just nodded, chuckling a little, "I'll be fine, Mom. Go get ready for work."

She gave me a quick hug before heading back to her own room, leaving me to grab some breakfast before school. All I really had time for was a Pop Tart and some orange juice, which was fine with me. Better than nothing, at least.

When I was done with breakfast, I got in my car and left for school… my stomach turning in knots the entire drive.

August 25, 2014, 7:20 a.m.

I was a little early, school started at 7:40, but I was glad to have a chance to find my locker and my first classroom before things got too crazy. They had shown me to my locker when I visited during the open house, so all I had to do was remember where it was… but one turn down the wrong hallway had me wandering aimlessly like an idiot.

"Need some help…?" I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard a low male voice sound from seemingly nowhere.

I turned in a full circle before a tall, red-haired man stepped out from one of the classrooms. "Uhm… maybe? Are… are you a teacher?"

His laugh was booming, echoing through the empty hallways. "No, no… I'm a senior this year. Name's Axel. Got it memorized?"

"Uh…. sure?" I offered, a little confused by his weird question. "I'm Namine, I'm new here this year."

"I know. I would have remembered you if I'd seen you before," he told me, stepping even closer. How tall was this guy? Jeez!

I nodded a little, "Yeah, I bet you would have memorized it, right?"

He gave me an odd look, not understanding my play on his earlier phrase. "Anyways, what locker are you looking for?"

"426," I told him, showing him the paper with all of the information on it. "They showed me last week, but this place is like a maze…"

"4? Then you must be a senior too, huh?" he asked, sizing me up as if he didn't believe me.

I shrugged, "Yeah? I mean, I know I look a little young but I am 17…"

"17? Damn… they keep pushing kids into school younger and younger… I'm already 19. But I had a little trouble back in middle school showing up for class, so they held me back a year."

Great, I ran into the start student of the school. "So do you know where it is?"

He was already walking away with my schedule as I asked, forcing me to run along behind him just to keep up with his long legs. I was only 5'2", and he was probably well over 6' tall. He took me back the way I came and down the proper hall, stopping in front of my locker and standing to the side, presenting it to me with a pointed finger, "Right here, doll."

Doll? Really? "Uhm… thanks. That's all, I guess," I told him as I started to fidget with the combination lock. I had the code written down on the same sheet, but it just wasn't working for me. I about screeched when his hand suddenly snaked around me, skillfully undoing the lock in just one try.

"You gotta turn it to the right first, not the left, see?" His voice was right in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

I opened my locker and took off my bookbag, trying to squirm away from him as I did. Personal space didn't seem to be big with him, but I definitely valued my own. "Thanks…"

As I started to unpack my stuff, specifically the binders I had picked up for each class, I noticed that he wasn't leaving.

"Soooo… why are you here so early anyways? Nobody else seems to be here yet, save for the teachers," I asked him, curious what a delinquent like him would be doing here so early.

"My buddy Roxas was supposed to meet me early to eat breakfast in the cafeteria, but he never showed. So I got bored and decided to map out my classes for the day."

I nodded, still finding his story a little shifty. "Well… I might need some help finding mine. Like I said, this place is a maze."

"Not really," he said, snatching my schedule from me again. "Plus, we have our first three classes together!"

"Really…?" I wondered. I was in all Honors or Advanced Placement classes…

He could sense my skepticism, because he laughed again, "Hey, just cause I decided not to go to gym in 8th grade doesn't make me stupid. I'm a pretty smart guy!"

"I… I'm sure you are," I mumbled, curious to see if that was true. I was about to ask him where our first class was when my phone vibrated on the shelf of my locker, buzzing against the metal loudly and scaring the crap out of me.

As he chuckled at me, I checked my phone to find a message from Sammy.

August 25, 2014, 7:28 a.m.

luckyXIII: Running behind already. D: Hope your first day is going better than mine!

paintingwithroses: Haha. It is! I mean, I kinda got totally lost trying to find my locker, but some guy helped me out!

luckyXIII: You have no idea how much I wish I was that guy…

paintingwithroses: Aww… I do too.

August 25, 2014, 7:30 a.m.

Axel must have seen me smiling, because he had this weird Cheshire cat grin going on, "Who ya talking to? Boyfriend?"

"Ugh… I wish. Just some guy I met online," I told him, quickly realizing how weird that must have sounded. "I mean, he's a friend."

"Hey, hey… I don't judge. Rox is always meeting friends online, so I'm used to the little secretive messages. Personally, I don't know how you guys do it. I could never be friends with someone I haven't met face to face," he told me, leaning against the locker next to mine. People were starting to show up little by little, increasing my anxiety a bit.

Grabbing my first period binder, my phone and my purse, I turned to Axel and shut my locker, "Walk me to class?"

"You got it, doll," he said, smiling a little as he started off down the hall again. When he noticed me practically sprinting to keep up with him, he slowed down considerably and laughed, "I gotta stop hanging out with short people…"

First period was AP Chemistry, and the setup had three students at each long desk sitting on weird little barstools. Axel dragged me towards the back of the room and claimed us a table, throwing a ratty, already used folder down at the middle seat. "Mind if I save a seat for Rox? He's got AP Chem first too."

I shrugged, taking the seat closest to the windows, "I don't mind." I continued to eyeball his gross folder, "I really don't get how you can reuse your school supplies… The best part of a new school year is getting all new folders and binders and notebooks and pens… Ooh, new pens are the best things ever…" I went off into a little tangent about my love for art supplies. I could tell already that I lost him.

"ROX!" he suddenly exclaimed, crossing the room in like… two strides and bro-hugging this short little blond guy. Actually, he was probably still taller than me, but next to Axel anybody looked tiny. "Where were you this morning?! I thought we were gonna have breakfast!"

The blond, whom I assumed to be Roxas, just eyeballed him, "You mean, you thought I was going to bring you a Pop Tart. Seriously, does your dad ever feed you?"

"Did you bring me one or not, man?" Axel pretty much begged, looking starved suddenly. When Roxas pulled one out of his bag, Axel pretty much drooled on it, ripping the package open and eating half of one in one bite. "Aww fuck yeah, wildberry… your mom knows how to shop, Rox…"

Roxas just sighed and looked back at me, suddenly curious, "Who's that?"

"Oh," Axel said, swallowing as he tried to talk, "That's …Namine? I adopted her."

That caught my attention, making me raise an eyebrow, "He rescued me from getting lost this morning."

"Right… I'm Roxas," he said, offering a hand to shake.

I returned the handshake lightly, kind of surprised by how warm his hands were. It was chilly in the school. I was right in him still being taller than me. Even sitting on the barstool, I could tell he would tower over me as well by at least a few inches. "Namine. I just transferred here."

He gave me this strange look of excitement for a minute, but then shook it off and nodded, "Cool. Well, you picked an… interesting guy to show you around, but we'll take care of you until you can get adjusted."

"Sounds good," I said, smiling a little. I wasn't used to making friends so quickly, but I wasn't about to turn any down. Axel was certainly strange, but in an endearing way. And Roxas seemed nice enough.

August 25, 2014, 12:30 p.m.

"Axel!" I squeaked, trying to dodge through people and keep up with him at the same time, "Don't lose me!" I had no idea how to get to the cafeteria, and the crowd of students in the hallways wasn't helping.

"I got ya," Roxas said, coming up behind me and latching his hand around my wrist.

After again being scared out of my skin, I sighed in relief and slowed down a little, "Oh thank God… how do you ever keep up with him?"

He just laughed, leading me to the cafeteria where Axel already had a small round table reserved for us. I set my stuff down, fishing around in my purse for my lunch money.

"So how are the lunches here? They were atrocious at my old school," I shuddered at the memory, looking back and forth between the two of them.

"I think they're decent," Axel said, standing up to get in line with us, "But I'll eat pretty much anything."

I shift a little, "Do they have a vegetarian option…?"

They both stared at me for a long moment before Axel laughed, "Makes sense, you being so skinny then. Yeah, they've got your weird rabbit food too."

"Thank God…" I mumbled, blushing a little. I've been a vegetarian since I really knew better. I honestly just don't like the taste and texture of meat. "And hey, I don't eat rabbit food! There's plenty of food besides vegetables without meat!"

Today's option happened to be one of my favorites, mac and cheese. We got our trays and went back to our table, all of us happy to have a break from the traditional first day class intros over and over and over…

"So we have most of our classes together in the afternoon too, except for art…" Axel said, looking over my schedule again. "But I think Roxas is in your art class! So you should have one of us with you at all times throughout the day!"

I nodded, a little glad that I'd have one class without Axel and his weirdness. It was almost confusing how Roxas and him were friends, but I guess it's true that opposites attract.

"Maybe you can help me in art… They accidentally put me in the accelerated class and it's too late to change my schedule, but I kind of royally suck at anything artistic," Roxas said, picking at his sad looking hamburger.

"Sure, I can help you out. Art is a breeze for me, I've been doing it since I could hold a pencil," I told him, wondering how bad he could really be if he was in AP Art with me. But he did say it was a mistake…

"Aww, score… we all have last period study hall together!" Axel exclaimed, stuffing my schedule back into my binder. I glared at him for that… I hate wrinkled papers. "This year is gonna be a total cake walk."

I just giggled, "Sure, Axe… lets pretend like it won't be difficult trying to get into college."

"College? Shit, I hadn't even thought that far ahead…" he mumled, his eyes widening a little.

Roxas chuckled, smiling at me, "I think you just broke his spirit, Namine."

"Hey, someone had to do it."