If you don't know what's going on and why you're getting another chapter three, but please take a look at the important author's note at the end of chapter two before reading this!

Trigger Warning: There are mentions of abuse in this chapter.

Special thank you to the ladies who always pushed me to get this done! You know who you ladies are :D Your support is paramount to me!

Enjoy, loves.

Chapter 3 - Meet Trevor Knight

TPOV

Dream sequence

"Noooo!" I scream, my voice is hoarse from my loud cries from earlier.

"Come back here you little shit!" The scary man's voice booms through the living room as he grabs me by the shirt and pulls me up.

Once I'm standing straight up, he puts his hands roughly around my neck, "I told you not to run, you little shit!" He says, taking the cigarette out of his mouth.

"AHHHHH…"

End of Dream Sequence

"TREVOR! TREVOR!" I wake up, and my door is being hit on repeatedly.

I open my eyes and look at my surroundings breathing heavily while wiping my sweaty face with my arm. I take notice that my bed is a mess with no blanket in sight, where the hell did it go? I reach up to my hair, and it's a mess as well. Damn nightmares!

"TREVOR! TREVOR! Are you okay? Answer me!" The panicked voice of Mrs. Pierce resonates throughout my small bedroom in the attic.

I scramble out of bed and quickly put on a black t-shirt which clings to my body due to the sweat and slip on some pajama bottoms. I quietly walk towards the door but don't unlock it. "Mrs. Pierce, I'm fine," I whisper.

"Are you sure? Why don't you come out of your room? It's 7 am and the second time I heard your screams. I want to make sure you're okay." She says her voice laced with concern.

"I'm fine. Just a bad dream." I say from behind the door. I don't want her to see me like this. I don't want anyone to see me like this.

"I don't want to have to force my way in there, Trevor. But I will." She says in a more stern voice, and I sigh.

After I unlock the door, I quickly walk back towards my bed and stand towards the end of it. I don't want her to get upset with me for whatever reason; she sounded mad enough behind the closed door. I wouldn't be able to stand if she were to yell or hit me. I just can't. As soon as she walks into the room, she scans her surroundings and stands in the middle of my small room.

"Trevor, do you want to talk about it?" She says crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"N-n-no, Mrs. Pierce." I stutter and begin to look at the ground.

"Now, now Trevor. What did I tell you about when people are speaking with you?" She says pointedly. My eyes shoot up and I stand up straight.

"To always look them in the eyes," I try to answer with confidence.

"And what were you just doing?" She says now tapping her right foot to the ground repeatedly.

"I was looking at the ground when answering you. I apologize, Mrs. Pierce." I answer in shame.

She always tried to teach me how to be polite and respectful; I've always wanted to please her and anyone I've encountered. But sometimes, I just can't help but feel a bit afraid.

"That's fine, Trevor. You will soon learn your manners. Why don't you go ahead and get ready for the day? Breakfast will be ready by 8:30. I will have to drop off your sisters and brothers to their extracurricular activities. Do you need a ride to the Trevelyan's or are you going to bike there?"

"I'll take my bike, Mrs. Pierce." I fidget with my hands behind my back.

"Very well, Trevor. I will see you at breakfast." She walks out of the room, and I sigh in relief.

I slump onto my bed and just lay there for a few moments. I can't believe I woke her up, again! Stupid nightmares!

As I lay in bed, I can't help but think back to how much my life has changed…

Flashback (7 Years Ago)

I've been living in the foster care home since I was about eight years old. Finally, someone saved me out of that hell hole I once called home. My mother, Ella Knight, was a drug addict who just couldn't get her life straightened out even with a son.

Why did she even have me?

Why didn't she just give me away when she had a chance?

Between the ages of birth to about six years old, I could attest that things were seemingly okay. Our living situation still wasn't the best, but mama tried to provide me with the little that she could.

That is until the drugs started.

By the age of six, I noticed more men in our dingy little apartment than my own mother. I was young, but not completely stupid. She would always be so strung out and in her room that I hardly noticed that she was there.

Then, the abuse happened.

Her 'pimps' we're into beatings, cigarette burns, name-calling… you name it. I probably went through it.

Then, one morning I woke up and saw my mother lying there on the couch asleep, I presumed. All day long, I sat there on the floor of the living room and didn't bother to check if she was even breathing. I just assumed she was asleep, so I went about playing with my toys. That night, one of the men came and saw her lying on the couch and had a malicious look on his face. I ran towards the kitchen table, hid under it, and watched him intently.

He didn't care about me, I thought.

As I watched him put his two fingers on her neck, I gasped.

What is he doing?

Is he killing her?

When he pulled his fingers off his neck, he laughed almost like he's an evil villain. He picked up a needle off the table and threw it on the ground while walking towards the kitchen table that I was hiding under. He crouched down and grabbed my face, roughly. I was then looking into the eyes of this strange man in our apartment.

"Do you know what happened to your shit of a mother over there?" He pointed to the direction of my mama's body.

I just shook my head 'no.'

"Answer me, boy! Use that fucking voice of yours!" He yelled at me, and I flinched at his tone.

"N-n-no," I answered quietly.

He let go of my face quickly and stood straight up. I peeked up from under the kitchen table and looked up at him, wide-eyed.

"She's dead. That little whore you call mama just needed the drugs and now she overdosed. It looks like you'll be without a mommy. Can you handle that, little boy?" He said, and he straightened out his leather jacket, I shake my head.

"Well, you've got to! It looks like that little whore isn't coming back! And now, I've lost a fuck ton of money!" He yelled, then walked towards the door and with one last look at each other, he was gone.

I ran from the kitchen table and to my mama. There's no way she can be dead! I thought as I shook her body. I'm only eight years old! Kept on repeating in my mind as I panicked. When I reached for her again, I shook her body repeatedly.

"Mama?" I whispered as I shook her, nothing.

"Mama, please…" My voice was getting louder as I shook her again, nothing.

"Mama, wake up now!" I yelled while I shook her repeatedly, nothing.

I laid my ear on her chest and hoped to hear something, anything.

Nothing.

No type response from mama.

I ran out of the apartment as fast as my feet could take me and stopped at our neighbors' door.

Hesitantly, I knocked.

Two knocks, no answer.

Three knocks, still no answer.

I will not give up, I told myself.

I began to speak, "Hello? Is anyone there?" I doubt they could hear my voice since I spoke so quietly.

I continuously knocked on our neighbors' door. As I began to bang on the door, finally, our neighbor emerged.

I didn't speak. I just pull her towards my apartment, she walks in, and inspected the place.

The elderly woman turned towards me as she stood in front of mama's body and said, "how long has she been like this?" I shrugged my shoulders. I didn't want to answer; I didn't know her. "Have you called the cops?" she asked and I shook my head no. "Stay here and don't move." She told me and I just stood right where I was while she exited the apartment.

Thirty minutes later, some cops evaded the place. A kind woman approached me and asked me lots of questions. I picked and chose what I wanted to answer because I don't know these people and mama is just lying there on the couch.

Next thing I know, I'm being brought to the hospital and my new life began after that night…

End of Flashback

I get up from my bed and grab my towel. Exiting my bedroom, I go down the hall and the small staircase. As I am on my way to the bathroom, I run into my foster brother Jack.

"Hey, Trevor! Going to shower?" He says with his hair slicked back and wet.

"Yeah." I curtly answer. "Did you just get done?"

"I've been done!" He starts running to look at himself in the mirror of the hallway. "Go ahead, man! It's all yours! I'm heading down to the kitchen anyway!" He says excitedly and walks past me.

As I enter the bathroom, I strip myself of my clothes and hop right in. About thirty minutes later, I'm ready for breakfast.

I head downstairs and help set up the table with Jack. Jack has quickly become one of my good friends here. He came around the same time as I did. I was quiet, and so was he. We were both new to Mr. and Mrs. Pierce's home, and all the other children here were either younger or older than us. Throughout the years, many have been adopted while others have stayed, much like Jack and I. I don't know what his living situation used to be and he doesn't know mine. He never pried into my life just as I have never done in his. But, he was one of the only people I interacted with much.

And him not prying into my life worked well for me.

"Boys, thanks for setting up the table. Mr. Pierce will not join us this morning because he is working." She shouts from the kitchen. "Please call your brothers and sisters. We'll have breakfast then go on with our day." Mrs. Pierce shows up with a big tray full of food, while Jack and I both nod.

After a hearty breakfast, Mrs. Pierce and everyone else gets into the big van and she goes to drop them off to their extracurricular activities. While the other kids like to play sports and such, I enjoyed doing hard working labor jobs. Mrs. Pierce knew the Trevelyan's needed some yard help and they just lived a couple of blocks away.

I grab my coat, get on my bike and head to the Trevelyan's home. As soon as I arrive, I do my greetings to the other workers and search for Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan to bid my hello's.

I've been working here for awhile now and I do enjoy it, the Trevelyan's are a sweet couple and I get paid generously. I only work once or twice a week, depending, but it's enough to get by. I plan on going applying to Harvard and those are my big plans. Carrick Grey who is Mr. Trevelyan's son-in-law… well, he's a big inspiration for why I want to go to Harvard and also the fact that he's a lawyer; it's something I've considered taking up. We've only had brief conversations and I'm hoping one day I could really have a conversation with him.

I put on my gardening gear and head to the garden to do my usual routine.

As I'm watering Mrs. Trevelyan's roses, I notice the most beautiful brunette sitting on the bench and reading a book. I'm guessing she's what? A year or two younger than me and she's reading a classic novel. A beautiful bookworm, that's what she is.

Throughout the time that I've worked here, I've never seen anyone around my age. But, to my surprise, three young girls popped out of nowhere one day with Mr. and Mrs. Trevelyan. They've been here since.

I'm assuming they must not be from here because they seem don't actually look comfortable. I quickly noticed that they hardly spoke to strangers, but with time, the two out of the three girls opened up. The beautiful brunette is who has peaked my interest even in the slightest; she's the shyest one of them all. She's extremely quiet but observant. Even when she's around people, she seems to look as if she's alone. Her eyes give that away. There's no sparkle, no shine in them. It's as if they're almost lifeless. I've never paid attention to girls like this. I never noticed even the most remote small things about girls, but her? I don't know what it is. I know her name is Anastasia Rose, at least that's what Mrs. Trevelyan told me.

Rose.

It suits her perfectly.

I've always so badly wanted to talk to her, but I'm afraid.

What if she doesn't like me?

What if she thinks I'm so weirdo trying to speak to her? Ugh.

I guess I'll just stick to admiring her from afar. I think just saying "hi" to her is enough.

Right?

xxx xxx

One Friday afternoon, I decided to trim the roses closest to the bench. This is where she always reads, where is she? It's not the easiest job, but it's part of the things I have to get done. As I'm focusing on trimming the roses, I notice Anastasia is sitting on the bench with an open book in her hands. When the hell did she get here? How did I not notice earlier? I'm beginning to wonder if she enjoys being outside as much as I do? Is it because of me? She's so pale, almost deathly pale, and I would never see her as the type of girl to even want the sun shining on her. Yet, here she is.

As I'm casually trimming the roses, I can't help but sneak a couple of glances her way. My God, she is absolutely breathtaking. She has to be one of the most beautiful girls I've ever laid my eyes on. I don't find a lot of girls attractive. So, that's saying a lot coming from me. I notice a red rose is fully bloomed and it's beautiful, it reminds me of her, Anastasia Rose. My Rose. I think this is my chance, we've been just sharing looks at each other and simple gestures like a "hello" or "hi," but nothing more. I've got to make my move, I know my self-confidence is lacking, but I have to try.

I take a pair of scissors from my back pocket, snip the bloomed red rose, and quietly approach her. I know she's not reading because she's looking up at me with her beautiful blue eyes staring at me intently. She is wearing a confused look on her cute face, "a red rose for a beautiful girl, Rose." I say and bow. Bow? What the fuck! Why did I just bow? I probably ruined all my chances now!

She grabs the rose and her cheeks turn a beautiful shade of pinkish-red. So damn cute. She doesn't say a word and all she does is nods. Fuck, have I rendered her speechless? She smiles up at me showing me her pearly whites and I mirror the same expression. After a couple of moments, I tend back to the roses as she goes back to her bench, admiring the red rose I gave her with the open book in her lap.

Some weeks have passed and giving her a red rose every time I'd see her on the bench became second nature to me. It was something I felt like I needed to do. I wanted her to feel special, I wanted to make her feel beautiful, and I wanted her to feel like her presence means something to me. Every time I'd be out and tending to the roses I'd take a glance on at the bench and she'd always be right out here with me with a book in hand. My little bookworm. I loved seeing her tiny small frame sitting on the bench, those beautiful blue eyes always looking up once and awhile just taking in the beautiful garden that I tend to, and I just loved being around her. Simple as that. I know it's weird but I honestly just enjoy being around her, even if we don't necessarily exchange many words. She brought some type of odd peace to my work day even in our silence.

Is this what normal feels like?

Because I hope it is.

xxx xxx

Today, I want to make my Rose feel like the most special girl in the world.

My world.

I need to show her how special she is to me and how much our little hangouts have impacted my days working in the garden.

I'm riding my bike to the local market that sells fresh flowers. The past couple of weeks I've been doing some research on rose colors and their meanings. I had no idea that they have so many and that there are some that you can't just find them anywhere. I called many local boutiques and markets, while the search was difficult… I finally found one that isn't too far away from home, but it's definitely a little bit far from the Trevelyan's residence.

She's worth it, I kept thinking to myself and she truly is.

Upon arriving at the local market, I searched around for the purple roses. "Purple roses primarily stand for enchantment. The giver of the purple rose seeks to convey that he or she has fallen in love with the recipient at the very first sight. A deep magnetism and charm that makes the recipient almost irresistible are what the purple rose seeks to convey. The very first meeting has totally enticed the sender of these flowers, who simply cannot resist the object of his desire." It was the only rose that can explain how I honestly feel for her when words escape me. Yes, I think I love her. I hardly know her, but that doesn't matter. There's something about her, something so special and unique. I've never met someone like her at all. So, she deserves these flowers and I hope she takes them.

"I found them!" I fist pump in the air and grab a bouquet. I go to the cashier and pay for the flowers and then head straight for my bike. I look down at my watch and it's nearing 10 am. Fuck, I'm late! She's probably been waiting there for who knows how long. I am usually there by 9:30 am and it's nearing 10, I still have to ride my bike. Maybe I should have asked Mrs. Pierce for a ride! I get on my bike and pedal as fast as I can. I need to get there before she thinks I don't want to be around her. I have to!

It's nearing 10:45 am now and I have just arrived at the Trevelyan's front gate. I hop off my bike with the bouquet of roses in hand and run straight for the garden. As soon as I get there, I see her walking away from the bench with her head hanging low.

Fuck, is she crying?

"ROSE! ROSE!" I yell and she stops to turn around. I run up to her with the roses hidden behind my back. "I'm sorry that I'm late! I decided to stop by the market before I came here and brought you these." I pull the roses from behind my back and she looks at me with such awe. "You are as beautiful as any color, size, or shape of any form of roses, my Rose," I tell her with as much confidence I could muster. She deserves me at my best.

As soon as my hand touched her small hand, fireworks exploded inside of me. I feel a jolt of heat run throughout my whole body; I was shocked for a moment.

What the hell was that?

Why is my body reacting this way with such a simple touch?

Her face turns that cute shade of pinkish-red again and I can't help but think about how cute she really is. We look at each other wide-eyed, I'm sure she felt what I just did. I suddenly feel my face heating up under that blue-orb gaze. Fuck, those eyes. She pries her eyes away from mines and takes the roses and sits on the bench looking at them adoringly. I would buy her roses for the rest of my life If I could.

For months, we've been doing this routine over and over again. It never got old; if anything, I fell deeper in love with her. Our "hello" and "hi" soon turned into small conversations. It was incredible how comfortable I felt with her. I never felt this much comfort with anyone before. After I'd tend to Mrs. Trevelyan's garden, we'd usually lay on the grass and talk, or she'd read me a book. Her voice calmed me. It was so melodic. There was something about her voice that brought so much peace to my roaring thoughts and emotions. She made me feel normal. She made me feel wanted. She made me feel special. I could only hope that I've done that in return for her.

I shared small bits and pieces of my past, but nothing that she could start a search on. She never pried and she never pushed, it's what I admire most about her. I found out a little about her past, but she would usually freeze up when we'd talk about it.

In mentioning that, I also noticed little things about her. She always wore clothes that covered her entire body; the only skin you'd see is her hands and face. It was peculiar. Even on hot days, much like most days that have come and pass, she'd have a turtleneck sweater and jeans on. I'd be breaking a sweat when she seems to be at complete ease in her clothes. I also notice how she always looks at her surroundings. Is she looking for someone?

Whenever we'd talk, sometimes I'd think she isn't paying attention because she'd be looking elsewhere, but really, she's just looking at the other workers in the backyard. It's so odd. But, I never brought it up. I felt like maybe it had to do with her past and I know that's a sore subject for her. I kept these small observations to myself, but maybe in time… she'd be able to tell me everything.

Six months later

In the last six months, I began to see Rose less and less, to my liking. Just the mere thought saddened me. But, just coming here and seeing her smile even if it wasn't because of me was enough. She's been busy with Eamon and Claire Kavanagh and occasionally their son Ethan. They are the friends of Mr. and Mrs. Grey, who have also been visiting more often. Every time I made my greetings, I'd get the oddest feeling around Mrs. Grey. I'm almost sure she knew something about me, but I don't know what. She kept on looking at me with such sincerity and not an ounce of pity. Mr. Grey always asked me about my plans for the future, giving me as much information about Harvard, and a lot about his law firm back in Seattle. I finally got that talk with him and I've never felt so determined to live out my one of my dreams.

One day, I want to be a lawyer just like him.

I was happy to see open up to more people and that my Rose was smiling more often. It seems that she's bonded with the Kavanagh's along with her sisters. I'm happy for them. That cute little dimple on her left cheek that shows when she has a full smile… it's definitely imprinted in my heart. I'd know that smile anywhere.

xxx xxx

Today, Rose and I spend the day in the garden, mostly exploring. The Trevelyan's backyard is huge! They have tons of land, so we went out farther than we usually do just to spend some time alone together. The sun is just beginning to set, and the colors of the sky are beautiful like my Rose. We are in the middle of the grass just laying down, while Rose is reading to me. It's so serene out here; no one else but us, the grass, some trees, and her melodic voice. The change of scenery is nice. I take a look at her while she's reading out loud and she glances at me with the biggest grin.

I wish she'd smile like that forever and that we'd stay in this perfect bubble, forever. Although, I know it won't ever be possible.

Forever doesn't exist.

"Trevor, I've got something to tell you," Rose says as she puts the book down.

"What is it, Rose?" I sit up and gesture her to sit up too.

We are now facing each other.

She bites her bottom lip with a nervous look on her face. What could it be? "Please don't bite your lip, Rose. Tell me, what is it?" I take my thumb and brush it lightly over her bottom lip and pry it away from the death grip of her top teeth.

"We're moving," is all she says and bows her head in sadness. I don't know what to say and I certainly don't know how to feel. I thought she'd stay here with me forever. I thought we'd be able to stay in our bubble. I guess I was wrong.

"When are you leaving?" I ask with my voice barely above a whisper. Sadness. A pang of sorrow spreads through my heart and my mind. What will I do without her?

"Today," she whispers, and I swear I see a tear fall from her blue orbs. "The Kavanagh's are adopting us. Can you believe this Trevor? They're adopting all three of us!" Her voice sounds happy, but her eyes are telling me something entirely different. I stand up and go to one of Mrs. Trevelyan's rose bushes and clip one off. I approach Rose and hand her one last rose.

"I'm happy for you and your sisters, Rose." I tell her while trying to hide the sadness in my voice, "wherever you go, always remember that I'm always with you." I hand her the last rose and she grabs it, brings it to her nose and inhales deeply. I grab her other hand and leave a lingering kiss on it. "Promise me," I whisper, and she nods.

"I know that you haven't lived the best life and just know, this is a new opportunity for you. Live your life and don't let the fear of your past hold you back. Also, think of me often, Rose. Whenever I see any type of rose, I'll always think of you. You have made my days easier and I hope I've done the same for you. Maybe one day, we'll meet again." I tell her with all the confidence I could muster. My emotions are going haywire! I want to say that I love her, but maybe this isn't the best time. She's leaving me is what loops again and again in my mind.

As my eyes gaze upon hers, I swear I can tell she loves me. It's written not only on her face, but it's now in her eyes. But, could this be love? What we've been so custom to for all the times we've spent with each other, could this be love? I'm sure of my feelings, but is she sure about hers? She's young, but so am I. I know how I feel, but does she?

I do the one thing that I know would convey my thoughts and feelings towards her; I step closer while looking her straight in the eyes, and in a split second… my lips are on hers. If I thought I was feeling fireworks when our hands touched, I'm feeling a fucking explosion happen throughout my body. Her soft lips on my mine, I need to relish this. This is the only time I'd be able to kiss these lips and I fully intend on remembering every crease on these pouty pink lips of hers. Instinctively, I gently lay my hands on her waist; she stiffens then suddenly relaxes. Why? I try to pay no mind to her suddenly body adjustment to my hands on her and just focus on this kiss.

A few heartbeats later, I pull my lips away from hers. I miss those lips already. I rest my forehead upon hers and watch as Rose tries to calm herself down by taking deep breaths. Even with her eyes closed, she looks so beautiful. She finally opens then back up and gives me a small, shy smile. I give her a tight one knowing that our time is ticking away and just like that, she pulls away.

With one final goodbye and watery eyes, she gives me one last gaze. "Please, don't move." She says and I nod. She comes up right in front of me, the closest she's ever been. I can feel her breath on my chest as she stands on her tippy toes and gives me a lingering kiss on the cheek. "I love you," she whispers in my ear then quickly begins to walk away.

Stunned. That's the only word that is going through my mind. Does she love me? Does my Rose love me? I still haven't moved a muscle, and I have no idea why. I want to run up to her, hug her and tell her much I love her, but nothing. I don't move, not one bit. Is it because she told me not to? I've got no idea why, but I listened to her anyway. I watch her walk away, and I swear she must be crying. I can see her body trembling as she walks away.

Right when I think she'll truly just walk away without one more glance or word, I was utterly wrong. She takes one last look back at me and looks at me intently; it's like she's searching for something. I can only hope that my face and eyes are telling her everything she needs to know.

The way my heart beats faster at the thought of her. The butterflies I get in the pit of my stomach is because of her. The way my smile reaches my ears is because of her. The way my palms sweat at the mere sight of her. The flutter of electricity runs through my body when she and I share the simplest touches. Everything new that I am feeling, it's all because of her.

I hope that's what she sees when she looks back at me.

I hope that she can read the emotion written all over my face.

I love her.

Yes, I do.

Had I known this was our last day together, I would have told her... sooner.

Hmm... sound familiar?! I hope you all caught the hints I was dropping, hehe. In this chapter, Trevor is 15 years old which makes him and Ana two years apart. You will learn more about him and his journey within the next three chapters that I've been working tirelessly on. Then, we will switch to Ana's POV. That's where it'll get confusing because I'm not doing dual POV per chapter. I'm not matching their timelines as I write out the chapters, that's why. I will be time jumping through their lives at some point. So, once we get to the present time... everything will unfold in a better manner and be less confusing.

Thank you for reading! Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with me! Can't wait to see what you all think! x