RAVI (formerly Indie-America)

45

(((Edited•)))

   On the morning of the Summer Formal, I receive several text messages from people who attend Legacy High but whom I've never spoken to. It's in a school group chat. Everyone is so pumped up for the dance, exchanging well wishes and stuff like that. In the hype of it all, someone sends a photo of herself in a lingerie set instead of the gown she's supposed to wear. I don't want to laugh so I settle for a chuckle.

Luca video calls me the moment he sees I'm online, even though it's just 7 am and I literally haven't even gotten out of bed.

"Morning beautiful!!" He yells from the other side. Unlike me, Luca is outside his house all dressed up in a clean shirt and shorts. His hair is already brushed and he looks as if he's already had his breakfast.

"Morning," I say softly. I know I look like hell but Luca stretches his lips into an adoring smile.

"You look so beautiful, I could get used to this," he adds as an afterthought.

"If you say so, what are you doing?" I ask.

"My brother's coming next week so we're clearing his room," he explains.
"Is that Ravi!?" Someone shouts from inside the house and before Luca can respond Rachel appears on the screen. She looks much better than a sick person should.

"Ravi!" She greets me, energetic as always.

"Rachel! How are you feeling now?" I ask.

"Much better, my head doesn't hurt so much anymore,"

"You don't have to dare it so frequently," Luca reminds her as he shoves her away so he's the only one I'm seeing now.

"So are you ready for the dance?" He asks me, a naked smile on his face.

"It's 7 in the morning, I haven't even brushed. No, I am not," I say deadpan but he rolls his eyes.

"I mean mentally, are you mentally ready?" He tries again.

"Am I mentally ready to be kissed in front of the entire school-"

"And some other locations," he adds.

"No. But maybe I will when I get dressed,"

"This is you telling me to cut the call right?"

"This is me telling you I've still got 5 minutes before my mum comes into my room and I'm planning on making use of it," I point back to my bed and he laughs heartily.

"Ok, then. I'll see you tonight, kisses," he shoves his face all over the camera, pouting at me and I quickly hang up so I don't have to look at the horrid sight anymore.

I'm about to lie down again when my door opens and mum comes in,

"Five more minutes!" I cry but she shakes her head and waltz in.

"Ravi dear, Kendall and Simran are already downstairs doing their chores so that they'll have more time to help you for tonight. Get up and go help them, or at least clean up your room," she glances at my wardrobe which is scattered and rather disorganized.

"Fine then, I'll do something," I throw my hands up and get off the bed.

Mum was right, Ken and Simmi were both downstairs in the kitchen with Aunt SanJ. Dad and Uncle Jeevan were chatting over their cups of coffee and Mara was being forced to sit next to them.

"Ravi," she jumps the moment she sees me and they turn to face me.

"Good morning dad, uncle," I greet them the same time Mara starts tugging on my dress.