"And that also means telling you when your thoughts are a bit..." He struggled to find the right word. "Far-fetched. You're so talented, but your strengths lie in business, just like me. It makes sense to stick with what we're good at, yes?"
To be honest, his words were going in one ear and leaving through the other. Luca's half-hearted apology-but-not-really-an-apology was something I'd had the pleasure of hearing many times before. Each time his recycled words lost their meaning for me. 
"Wait..." He let out a breath. "I'm doing this all wrong."
Huh?
I turned to look at him and he met my gaze. "I am sorry Fallon, for speaking to you how I did. I was out of line, and I realise that now. When you walked away, hurt and angry, I knew I messed up. I never want us to walk away from each other on bad terms, even if we disagree." He let out a deep breath. "At the end of the day, I'm your boyfriend, not your boss. I want the best for you, but ultimately you know what is right for yourself. Do you forgive me?"
As I stared at Luca, it was like a glow from above shone down on him. I saw him in a completely different light, similar to the one when we first met. 
Starting a new school, especially one like Durham Grammar, was extremely daunting. But as I walked down the hallway to my first class, I noticed a group of guys standing near the staircase. Out of all of them, Luca immediately stood out to me. 
Somehow, he commanded all their attention. He could have been speaking about the weather, but everyone was listening intently. It was clear he was the leader of the group, the one who held the most confidence and authority. 
I was immediately drawn to that, to his demeanour which bordered on being arrogant. I believed if I could act like that, or be associated with someone who acted like that, maybe I could survive being the new girl. 
Then when we locked eyes, he didn't smile, but regarded me with an expression I still didn't understand to this day. It seemed to be curiosity mixed with something else... something deeper. 
Despite his weird look, I'd offered him a smile. He approached me at lunch time the same day, and it was hi온라인카지노게임 from there.
My first ever boyfriend and friend in the school, Lucas Courtenay became a major part of my life. One that I had been starting to doubt, but this apology renewed hope within me. 
Now, Luca regarded me with a hopeful yet vulnerable expression. He was never one for apologies, which made me appreciate this one all the more. How could I stay angry at him after those lovely words?
But words are just that. Words.
Ignoring the nagging feeling within me, I leaned over to kiss him. For a short moment, all my negative thoughts faded away as he embraced me. When we pulled away I eyed the roses once more. 
"Why fake flowers?"
Luca started the car, glancing at the roses briefly before me. His blue eyes were serious as he took me in. "They were prettier than the real ones."
"First, I want to start with thanking you all for signing up to this year's  Welcome Buddy scheme." Headmaster Mason stood at the front of the assembly hall, addressing the many students before him.
"At Durham Grammar we receive students from all backgrounds. Making them feel welcomed and wanted is key. Each of you will be assigned with one or two new students in the same year group as you. For the first two months, you will act not only as they're schoolmate, but as their friend. You will help them get to their classes, offer them school advice to the best of their ability and encourage them to sign up for as many clubs as they can. Especially the swim team, Lord knows we need dedicated players there." A few chuckles rang out.