When you like someone, it makes you crazy.
They’re all you think about…
I’ve been obsessed with Nash for months now.
Every now and then I think he’s into me, too.
But honestly, I can’t really tell how he feels.
As I lay in my bed thinking about Nash…
My sweet thoughts of him are interrupted…
It’s a little late for visitors.
I race down the stairs and open the front door.
But there’s no one there.
I look down at the welcome mat…
And see a smooth, black vase.
Inside the vase is a single black rose.
I’ve never seen anything like it.
Nash asked me what my favorite color is.
I was dressed head to toe in purple…
But instead of saying “purple…”
I feel my face flush as I pick up the vase.
Wow. The black rose is so beautiful.
I know the perfect place for it.
I set the vase right beside my bed…
And drift off to sleep thinking of Nash.
The next day at school I walk up to Nash…
With butterflies in my stomach.
I tap him on the shoulder.
He turns to face me with a smile.
His curly brown hair is still wet from the shower.
He looks so cute as he leans in to hug me.
Ashley
I just wanted to tell you…
Ashley
I think that what you did last night…
Nash
What are you talking about?
Then, out of the corner of my eye…
I see a dark shape behind Nash.
It’s a girl named Cassandra.
She’s staring daggers at me.
Nash continues to look perplexed.
Ashley
Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry!
Ashley
Someone left a rose at my house.
Ashley
I thought it was you!
I giggle, completely embarrassed.
Nash
Well, that wasn’t me…
Nash
But it’s good to know that you like roses.
Nash
Now that I know that about you…
Nash
I’ll have to get you some.
Nash
Maybe later tonight?
My whole body feels warm.
Ashley
Yeah! That’d be nice.
Nash
How about if I pick you up at your house around seven?
I head into the bathroom…
To enjoy a moment of triumph.
But as I turn the corner into the restroom, I scream.
Two bloodshot eyes drill into me.
Cassandra
Big plans for tonight, Ashley?
Ashley
Jeez, Cassandra you scared me!
Cassandra
You’re making a big mistake.
Ashley
What are you talking about?
She grabs hold of my arms…
Her black nails digging into my skin.
Cassandra
Stay away from Nash…
Cassandra
Or I promise you’ll regret it.
Ashley
Get away from me! You’re hurting me!
Cassandra
This is only the beginning…
Cassandra
Unless you stay away.
Then, in the blink of an eye…
She moves past me out of the bathroom.
The faint scent of roses hangs in the air.
It’s then that I realize:
She must have been the one who left the black rose at my door.
The rest of the day at school I can’t concentrate.
Cassandra has always been a loner.
I run my fingers across the marks from her nails.
It’s clear that she’s in love with Nash.
I can’t blame her, but I won’t let that stop me from seeing him.
That night, I put on my cutest outfit.
As I check myself in the mirror…
The petals of the black rose…
Have all wilted and died.
All that’s left are awful thorns.
I snatch up the vase and toss it into the garbage.
Just then, a car horn beeps outside.
I yell out to my parents:
Ashley
I’m going out! I’ll see you later!
I hop excitedly into Nash’s passenger seat.
Nash
Hi there, beautiful!
Nash reaches into the back seat…
And presents me with a stunning bouquet of red roses.
Ashley
They’re beautiful! Thank you.
Nash
And now I want to take you to my favorite spot.
Ashley
Amazing! Let’s go.
Nash drives us up a winding mountainside.
The view of the city is incredible.
Vines and foliage cover the cliff face.
We get out of the car and he grabs my hand.
Ashley
I didn’t realize it was so dark.
Nash
It’s probably just the light.
He leads me by the hand up to the cliff’s edge.
There’s a bench covered in beautiful vines.
It overlooks the entire city.
We sit down beside one another.
I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.
But suddenly, something feels off.
There’s a tingling in the back of my throat.
And then I experience a sharp stabbing feeling.
There’s a red gleam in Nash’s eyes.
I try to speak, but I can’t.
Wet with blood from my tongue.
I scream and gag as it drops into my lap.
With black nails, Nash grabs my wrist.
Nash
I told you that you would regret it.
But it only comes out as a muffled cry.
I look down at my body in confusion.
My limbs feel heavy and stiff.
Thorns start to push their way through my skin.
Black stems tear through my arms and legs.
I yell with pain as they slowly rip my skin.
All over my body, black roses grow out of me…
And Nash begins to cackle.
His voice is feminine and wicked.
He looks deep into my eyes as his face changes.
His eyes get wider, and his hair gets longer.
His face hollows and thins until…
I’m staring into the red eyes of Cassandra.
She keeps screaming the words over and over…
As I feel myself sinking into the ground.
And bound by thorny stems…
Until all that’s left of me is the beautiful smell…
