Every Rose Has Its Thorns

****VALENTINES DAY, SIX MONTHS LATER*****

After moving in with Candy, Dahlia couldn't be happier. She no longer had to sell her body for her father, and she had a chance at a normal life as a teen. Even better, her relationship with Derek grew stronger with each moment they sent together. This startled Dahlia, because she never felt this strongly about anyone. She was falling in love, and Derek was falling for her. Even though she was happy, she was also afraid that he would find out about her past lifestyle. Would Derek still feel the same way about her if he knew that not only that she was prostitute, but that he was a client of hers?

Everyone had gone completely lovesick at Degrassi. There were couples holding hands as they walked to class together, and there were some making out by the lockers. As Dahlia approached her locker, she saw a long-stemmed red rose taped to it, along with a note. It read:

I'll be thinking of you today, and I hope to see you tonight.

Happy Valentine's Day

-Derek

Dahlia couldn't help but blush. No one had ever made feel this way. As she turned to walk to her class, she saw Holly J glaring at her.

"Well, if it isn't Curly Sue. I guess you feel special just because you got a rose." Holly J sneered.

"Well, at least someone liked me enough to get me one. What did you get for Valentine's Day?" Dahlia retorted, and a few onlookers giggled. Holly J said nothing she just glared and walked away.

"Don't worry about her. She's just mad because nobody likes her because of what she said about Mia on TV." Chante said.

"Anyway, Derek must really like you. I never thought he could be so romantic." Said Anya. Dahlia just smiled.

"Maybe we should put the two of you in for King and Queen." said Chante.

"Maybe you should." Dahlia said, and the three of them walked to class together. When they walked into Mr. Perrino's class, Dahlia sat next to Derek.

"Thanks you for the rose. It was really sweet of you." she said.

"Not as sweet as you." Derek said smiling, and Dahlia could've swore she felt her heart stop.

"So, are we still on for the dance tonight?" Derek asked.

"Of course we are, silly." Dahlia said. But before she could say anything else, they were interrupted by Mr. Perrino.

"Mr. Haig, Ms. Moore." I don't mean to intrude on your love connection, but please pay attention." Mr. Perrino said, as the whole class laughed, causing both Dahlia and Derek to blush.

*LATER THAT EVENING*

" Oh, just look at you! Strike a pose for me." Candy said as she was snapping pictures of Dahlia. This was her first dance, and she was so excited, but also nervous. She looked fierce in a purple halter dress with matching heels, and her curly hair was in an elegant updo. Her makeup looked as if she came out of a beauty parlor, for it was flawless.

"If only your mother can see you now." Candy said as she snapped one last picture. "You look so beautiful." Dahlia just smiled. Just then, she heard a knock at the door. Candy went to go answer it, and it was Derek, holding a bouquet of flowers. He looked handsome in a black suit with a red tie. Derek handed the flowers to Dahlia and kissed her on the cheek, making Dahlia blush.

"Let me get another picture before you go." Candy said, and Derek put his arm around Dahlia, and they both smiled as Candy snap one last picture.

"Well, have fun you two, but not too much fun, if you know what I mean." Candy said with a wink.

"Candy!" Dahlia said, blushing.

"Oh, please. I was your age once, you know." Candy said as Dahlia and Derek walked out, hand in hand.

"You look beautiful." Derek said, looking into Dahlia's eyes.

"Thank you." Dahlia said.

"Your carriage awaits, madam." Derek said opening the passenger side of the car, and Dahlia got in the car. Derek got into the car, and they drove off to the dance.