Chapter 16

I opened my eyes, the light of the sun peeking in through the cracks of my blinds disturbing me from my sleep.

Moaning, I stretched my body. Then, I froze.

Quickly I sat straight up, remembering last night's events. Eyes wide, I lightly touched my lips with my fingertips.

Did Darren really kiss me, and did I kiss him back?

Yes.

I had to admit, what he did was more romantic than anything I could ever think of. The dinner, candlelight, compliments, touching, the French...

I shouldn't be feeling this, I should be feeling these feelings for Nick, my actual boyfriend. Not Darren, who...well, isn't.

But to be honest, I really didn't want to think about that now; I'd get a headache.

I got out of bed to get some-I looked at the clock-lunch. So I slept until noon, big deal. I have no school.

When I got to the kitchen, Mom was making a pie while Dad was helping her get the ingredients. And by helping, I mean he was casting spells to make them float over to her while he sat in a chair.

"I don't understand why you don't just cast a spell around dinnertime; it's easier," Dad said.

Mom rolled her eyes, "you're lucky I'm letting you get away with not actually making the turkey. I just want to cook something for dinner; I don't want to have to rely on magic for everything. Besides, doesn't it taste better when something is actually made the normal way?"

"It tastes the same," Dad argued, then smiled teasingly, "does it give you a sense of accomplishment to cook?"

Mom smirked, giggling. "Yes, it does, actually."

I didn't get what was so funny. I cleared my throat, notifying them of my presence.

"Oh, good morning, sweetie!" Mom greeted cheerfully, "happy Thanksgiving!"

"More like 'afternoon,'" Dad grinned, then wished me a happy Thanksgiving as well.

I returned it to both of them, then sat at the table.

Suddenly, I heard a humming noise.

My eyes widened, as I turned to look at Mom, who was grinning while humming the Wedding March.

"Me and Darren aren't getting married!" I snapped.

"Who said it was for you and Darren?" She countered slyly.

I couldn't keep the blush off my face.

"It's not for you at all," Dad grumbled, to which I grinned at.

"Now, Jax, you know Rose will get married someday," Mom chided gently with an amused smile.

"Not if I have anything to say about it," he replied.

"Don't worry, Dad. I'm not going anywhere," I smiled, reaching over to kiss him on the cheek. He smiled in response, then kissed me back on the cheek.

"So, how's training been coming along?" Dad asked suddenly.

"Good, Agamemnon thinks I'm progressing well."

"That's great, although it doesn't really surprise me. A Novoa is always great with their magic!" he grinned.

Mom simply raised an eyebrow with an amused smile on her lips.

"So, when will everyone be here?" I asked.

"Well, Grandpa Alonso will be here around four, and Aunt Jessie, Aunt Harmonia, and Aunt Iris should be here around four-thirty. The Van Pelt's, Rueda's, and Miller's should be here around that time too," Mom replied.

I smiled at the thought of them being here again. Even though Jimmy and Alex weren't my family, my parents were friends with their parents, so they were invited to Thanksgiving dinner. However, my smile dropped at the reminder of Aurora being here. Mom and Dad knew about Aurora's bullying me, but since they were friends with her parents that meant she had to come to Thanksgiving dinner too.

...

When the doorbell rang, I ran to get the door, thrusting it open. My eager smile dropped slightly.

"Hey Mr. and Mrs. Rueda...Aurora."

"Hey, Rose," Mr. Rueda replied.

"Rose, you look more beautiful everyday," Mrs. Rueda complimented.

I smiled and thanked her as Aurora stiffened.

"Hello, Aurora," I greeted monotonously.

"Rose," she replied in the same tone.

"Come in," I said, moving out of the way.

"Maddie, Diego. Nice to see you again," Grandpa commented with a smile.

"Thanks, Mr. Alonso. Same to you," Mr. Rueda replied.

"Maddie, Diego!" Mom cried out as she went to hug her friends. Dad came over and shook Mr. Rueda's hand with a smile, asking him how he's been.

Aurora and I just sat together awkwardly on the couch.

"Hey," I said, trying not to be awkward.

She ignored me.

I sighed, "look, can we talk?"

She turned her head slowly to face me. "Sure. Whatever."

I nodded, then led the way upstairs to my room. When I got there, I allowed her in and shut the door.

"Look," I began, "I'm just going to be cut right to the chase. Why do you hate me so much?"

Aurora was sitting on the bed, looking uncomfortable, until she got a little mad. "I just do, okay?" she stated in an annoyed tone.

"No, not okay," my gaze hardened, "why do you hate me? What's your reason?"

"Am I not allowed to not like a person?"

"You're allowed to, but everyone has a reason for disliking someone. So what's yours?"

"I don't want to talk about this, Rose. I hate you, and you hate me. Let's just leave it at that," she glared.

"No, we're not going to leave it at that. I want to know why you hate me so much."

"You want to know why?!" she exploded, standing up. "You really want to know why? Fine, I'll tell you! You have everything! You have a mother who was the Chosen One, a powerful wizard for a father, two best friends who love you and will always be by your side, a boyfriend, and the hottest guy in school likes you!" She broke off, stuttering. "I have nothing."

I stared at her, my features softening. "Hey," I said in a quieter voice, "you don't have 'nothing.' Your father is a Kanay, while your mother is a witch. You can control the elements and cast spells! I can't do that. You have your best friends, too. They might not be...hmm, the brightest, per say, but they do love you and would do anything for you. You may not have a boyfriend now, but you did have one in the past. As for Darren, I-I don't know if he likes me."

I know what happened last night at the school, but...I just didn't know what to think anymore. I didn't want to think of the fact that he could like me.

She rolled her eyes, "oh, please. That boy is practically in love with you. At swim practice all he does he stare at you, just like in school. He ignores all the other girls, instead giving all of his attention to you. I remember when you came to our first grade class, and when some Michael kid wanted to get you to be his partner for the break the ice exercise. Darren elbowed him out of the way then went to talk to you. And now he's threatened to take my powers away if I bother you again. I didn't even know he could do that!"

"Neither did I," I whispered, in disbelief. I remember when Darren told me that he threatened her, but still. How could he take a witch's powers away? How powerful is he?

I found that power to be pretty attractive.

No. Now isn't the time for that. I can't think about how he could stare at me in school, is an extremely powerful wizard, kisses amazingly, can speak fluently in French, German, and who knows what else, has those piercing blue eyes...STOP. Think about what's going on right now with Aurora.

"Aurora, I'm sorry that you don't like how things are in life, but that's the thing. It's life. I can't change who my parents are, and I can't change a boy's feelings for me. I think this is just immature, and needs to stop. I'm not saying that we should be best friends, but let's just be civil, okay?" I held out a hand.

Aurora tilted her head, clear blue eyes contemplating the offer. Finally, she shook my hand while rolling her eyes.

"Whatever. Deal."

A/N: I felt I didn't put in Aurora enough, and I wanted her to have some character, so I made this chapter.

delightisadream: I understand, we all get busy sometimes. I'm glad you did review though :) Lol, I was hoping people would like that line XD I still chuckle whenever I see it. His bicycle tire...X'D

Jemmalover1: Thank you! Haha, yeah, thank God she didn't XD

lovethatignites: I'm glad you liked it XD I'm also happy you like Darren now :) The phone call was in italics to signify that Rose and Darren were talking on the phone and not to each other. I know I probably could've put it in regular writing, but I thought the italics would be better. Oh, yes, Mrs. Novoa, I knew you'd love that ;D And I bet she does know what it means lol. Thank you :D

multishipper123: Thank you! Aww, yeah, he is cute, isn't he? ;)

tierrayaoi: Aren't they? ;)

5mairer: Maybe ;)

CelestialTitania: Haha, she does!

alessandramottam: Work has been taking much of my time away from writing :(

harmonizergirl1202: She should.

xDreamingAtMidnightx: I understand what that's like, thank you for reviewing anyway! I'm glad you liked the visuals! And Jimmy and Alex are up too! Yes, it was :)

shadowhunter167: Thank you! I think I've fallen in love with Darren too XD

BrownieGurl12: Lol, thanks XD Yeah he does need to go away X'D

alli211: Thanks!