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Chapter 4: Secrets

Saturday came almost too quick for Rose. Myriah was at her house helping her get ready.

"I have nothing to wear!" Rose complained. She has tried on almost every outfit in her closet. Nothing seemed to work.

"What about what you're wearing?"

"I hate the way I look!"

"I highly doubt he'll care what you look like." Myriah stated. "Because, basically, Rose, You look great in anything."

Rose smiled. "Thanks. Okay, how about this?" She pulls out a white V-neck 3/4 sleeved shirt and a knee-length pink skirt with frills on the bottom. Myriah gave her friend a "2 thumbs up".

"Perfect. Now, let's do something with your hair..."
It was 2:00 in Central Park. Jake was sitting on a bench wearing his trademark red shirt and jeans. He was holding a few flowers for Rose. He looks to his right and smiles as he sees Rose...in...semi-formal...clothes...oops. Rose and Jake looked at each other and laughed. Rose was the first to pull herself together (A/N: To humor you, guys, I'll tell you what her hairstyle is. She has her hair in a bun)

"I-I wasn't too sure what to wear, so..."

"It's cool. I wasn't too sure either. Flowers for the lovely lady." Jake gives Rose the flowers. Rose gasps.

"Oh, Jake! They're beautiful! Thank you!" She sighs, and then sits down. "So...how's it going?"

"Great. Thanks for...you know...not killing me." Jake chuckles nervously.

"Oh, Jake, I could never kill you. The reason for that is...well...I like you. A lot."

"Really?" Rose nods. "Well...I...like you too. Rose, you're the nicest girl I've ever met. You're sweet, talented, and compassionate and understanding. Well, at least your good side is. What's with the alter-ego, anyway?"

"Well, you see...for years, the Huntsclan hated dragons. They think they're up to no good. I guess you can say that the Huntsclan is one of the more greedy folk. Since dragons are protectors of the magical community, the Huntsclan kills dragons so they can have trophies of magical creatures. That's why we have marks on our hands. To remind us of our destiny."
When I found out that the American Dragon was you, I decided this wasn't my destiny. Plus...my mother fell in love with a dragon, too."

"Wow." Jake was amazed. And shocked. "Wait, if you hate dragons, why is your dad one?"

"Well..."

(A/N: yep, you guessed it- another flashback)

Shannon was scared. Her husband betrayed her. She ran into her 10-year old daughters' room and locked the door. Rose woke up.

"Mommy? What's going on?"

"Hush, child." She grabs Rose and holds her. "I can't be with you much longer." Outside, Rose can hear her dad pounding on the door.

"SHANNON! OPEN THIS DOOR!"

"Your dad thinks you're at your Grandparents'. Hide under the bed." She hugs her. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Mommy." She hides under the bed. Shannon runs to the door and yanks it open.

"GET OUT! GET THE HECK OUT OF HERE!"

"YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME! YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME YOU WERE REJOINING THE HUNTSCLAN!"

"MAYBE IF YOU KEPT THAT A SECRET-" Rose heard no more except a mighty dragon roar, the sound of a claw scratching flesh, a scream, and a body hitting the floor. Rose panted quietly as tears sprang to her eyes. No. she thought then she heard someone slamming a door open and footsteps pounding up the stairs.

"You!" She heard someone snarl. She then saw a flash of green light and a body flying across the room.
Back to the present. Rose closed her eyes and sighs sadly.
"After that, my uncle told me my father told people who my mother was. He told me he saw my mom bleeding on the floor, so...he killed my father for revenge. He's been training me to be a Huntsgirl ever since."

Jake was sad for her. He couldn't think of what to say, so he put a comforting arm around her shoulders.

"Rose, I'm sorry. Is that why you couldn't slay me? You were afraid you'd suffer the same fate as your mom?"

"Yes. I know you wouldn't betray me but..." She sighs, and then changed the subject. "So, how long have you known?"

"Since the ski trip. I knew you looked familiar, I just couldn't place it."

"So that's why I heard someone yell my name as I got stuck in the avalanche! You took of my glove to see if I had a birthmark!" She groans in frustration. "Oh, man! How could I have been so blind?"

Jake took her hand in his. "Hey, it's okay." They stared at each other and slowly kissed.

Whoo! Long, huh?