A Storm of Roses

03

“So you're telling me a cute guy bought your s**t?” Florence questioned while she braided her hair back.

Skylar Stood up and took over braiding the back of her hair. His fingers twisting her dark locks into neat little rows. After he was done he took her favorite jar of hair oil and spread it along her scalp.

“ When you say it that way it sounds like I'm being unreasonable.” Skylarsaid

“Well who doesn't like free food?” she questioned while adding some gold pieces into her hair.

They were headed to a singing gig, they had landed at the local restaurant.

“I mean you know I love food, but he was way older than me and I don't know… I have never seen him in town before.”

“Maybe he’s a part of the new group that bought up all that land on the south side of town.” Florence said.

“Y...yeah, maybe. And he was just being polite. I'm thinking too much into it.”

Florence, Skylarand Ross had started a band their freshman year of highschool out of pure boredom. But they actually discovered that people actually like what they sing. Florence played the electric guitar and did background vocals while Ross played drums. Skylar Was the lead singer. Skylar Loved singing, it reminded him of his mother. She loved to sing and dance and could have been a huge star if she wanted to. But she loved his father and wanted a family instead of bright lights and screaming fans.

The band was called “ Pulling up Daisies” it was the best they could think of and they actually liked it so it stuck. They played at restaurants around town since they paid them well and gave them free food. Also the town was so small that there wasn't much else to do.

Snapping out of his thoughts he picked up his phone and saw that Ross was calling.

“Hey Ross… Yeah me and Florence are on our way down. Okay cool.” Skylar Said while hanging up his phone while putting it in his black pants. He was wearing black jeans with a white v-neck shirt and his favorite pair of Vans that needed a good wash. His curly hair was out and styled with some hair spray and a touch of gel. Florence had on a white summer dress and some black kitten heels.

Grabbing Florence Guitar they made their way down stairs.

“Don't you kids look nice, playing a gig today?” Florence's father asked. He was sitting in the living room watching the football game.

“Yeah we're playing at the Italian place in town for a birthday party.” Florence answered while she put clear gloss on.

Ross knocked at the door.

“Alright dad, I'll be back later with your dinner in the microwave. Love you bye.” Florence said

“ Bye sir.” Skylar Called over his shoulder.

Placing their equipment in the back of Ross' car they all hopped in.

“S..so are y...ou guys excited.” Ross asked with a bright smile.

“Hell, yeah this is going to be great!” Florence cheered.

Turning on the radio the group started to sing so they could get in the mood for when they would perform.

Ross was the sweetest guy Skylar Had ever known. He was quiet and pretty shy because he had a stutter and didn't want to embarrass himself. But Skylarand Florence didn't care about that and encouraged him to talk as much as he wanted. They were his friends and they wanted him to be happy and comfortable. Florence and Skylar Had met Ross during their freshman year of highschool and had clicked. They decided to start a band and their friendship grew and grew. They were inseparable and considered each other as family. Florence had even wanted them to date but Skylar Acknowledged the fact that he and Ross were better off as best friends rather than boyfriends. But don't get him wrong Ross was extremely handsome. His brown eyes were so bright and open and his smile could warm anyone's heart.

Ross also explained to them that he didn't care about gender, he cared about their personality and how they made him feel. So he was open to dating anyone. He also was afraid of relationships because he was so socially awkward and had issues. Issues that he wasn't fully comfortable talking about. But Skylar Could put some pieces together. Ross's life was hard before he moved in with his grandparents. His mother and father were the best parents and cared deeply about him but sadly they died in a house fire. His parents died saving his life and the traumatic event left him scarred especially since he witnessed it.

Skylar Assured him that when he was ready to date he would find someone that made him happy and accepted him for him and didn't care about his flaws. Because at the end of the day no one was perfect but everyone deserves to be loved. When they parked in the garage to the restaurant and removed their equipment they headed inside through the back door. The savory smell of spices and tomato sauce filled his senses, making him groan. Gosh he should have eaten before he got here.

“Skylar, stop drooling over meatballs and let’s get to work. After some songs you can get something to eat.” Florence scolded while grabbing his hand and taking him to the stage where they set up.

The dinner was decorated in pink streamers and purple and pink balloons. Young children were running around enjoying themselves. Grabbing the Mic Skylar Started to introduce them.

“Hello everyone, where the Daisies and we're here to celebrate Ellis 12th birthday!” he cheered and waved to the young girl at the party table. Her brown head topped with a sparkly pink birthday hat.

The young girl smiled and waved as her family and friends clapped. Skylar Started to sing kid friendly bubblegum pop songs like Katy Perry and Taylor swift. He died a little inside after every song but couldn't deny that seeing children happy warmed his heart.Skylar Felt like someone was staring extra hard at him but that was ridiculous since he was on a stage at a party singing. After an hour of singing they decided to take a break, since the kids were about to start their party games.

Getting down from the stage Skylar Got something to drink and started to fix a plate of spaghetti and take a deep bite of a meatball. Moaning at the taste and shoveling some more into his mouth. Red sauce getting on the corner of his mouth.

“The food must be pretty good here?” a deep voice asked behind him.

Jumping in fright he grabbed his plate tighter and spun around. The man from the donut shop stood behind him. He was wearing a navy blue button up and black slacks. The top of his shirt was unbuttoned showing his chest.

A deep chuckle snaps him out of his staring and a blush covers his cheeks.

“Uhh, yeah the food is pretty amazing here. The have the best meatballs here.” he says

“I'll have to try some since you recommend it.” He smiles, his teeth are white and oddly sharp on the corners.

Skylaris surprised when a napkin comes up and wipes at his lip.

“Um thank you.” he says awkwardly.

“Of course little one, your welcome.” he said his eyes are captivated on his face and Skylar Swears he sees a flash of gold.

“My name is Skylar.” he says trying to get him to stop calling him little one.

“What a beautiful name, My name is Eli Farinholt. It's a pleasure to meet you.” he says while holding out his large hand.

Skylar Takes it to be polite and is surprised to feel little electric shotts run up his arm. THey stare into each other's eyes.

“Skylar Was needed back on stage!” Florence shouts to him.

Look over his shoulder, “Okay I'm coming Flora.”

Looking back at Eli he wonders why he’s sad to let his hand go.

“Well I have to go back to work.” He explains

“Yes of course, maybe when we can see each other again?” Eli ask

Skylarbits his bottom lip and wonders if he should.

“Um, Okay can we meet at the donut shop tomorrow at 1 and talk again there?’ he replies.

“I'll be there. Goodbye for now Little one.” Eli says and watches Skylargo back on stage. He calms his wolf as it tries to claw its way out.