Thin Lines

Chapter 9

"How was detention," Ruby asked through the phone, a hint of teasing laced throught her voice.

My phone was propped up against a silky, ruffled, pink cushion, displaying Ruby's name across the screen. Whilst my ears were tuned into the call, the rest of my body was solely concentrating on the stillness of my hand. My eyes bulging from my sockets, refusing to blink and risk messing up my otherwise perfect nail design.

As the final flick of the brush created a near perfect feather effect, I released a heavy breath and twirled my stiff wrist with relief.

Turning my full attention, briefly, to the phone I rolled my eyes, despite knowing Ruby couldn't see me. "That was all your fault, you should totally swap places with me for the week."

"How was it my fault". She quizzed innocently, her voice becoming softer through the phone. An image of her batting her eyelids with fake innocence interrupted my thoughts.

"You set me up!" I ground out, my hand reaching out to dip the brush into the polish once more. "You had Brody totally ambush me earlier!"

"Girrrl, you exaggerate," She laughs before a knowing twinkle enters her voice. "It was worth it though right?" She quizzes.

I take a moment to register the question, subconsciously lowering my eyes to scan the newly placed ring on my finger. "Oh my god, I forgot to show you!" I exclaimed, the ring having jogged my thoughts.

My hands took over my body, moving quicker than my thoughts could keep up. Dropping the, thankfully dry, nail brush beside my crossed legs, I reached across and scrambled for a grip on my phone. This simple action being made that much harder by the need to ensure no nail was smudged.

A quick swipe upwards and I was clicking away at the camera button, angling my hand in every which direction. With a satisfied smile, I selected two photos, showcasing the new addition to my jewellery collection, and sent them to Ruby.

"Oh, My, God" She practically screamed, making me cringe away from the high pitch. "Is that what I think it is?!"

"Yesss!" I squealed back, bouncing up and down in pure elation. "He gave it to me earlier."

"Told you it was worth it!"

I rolled my eyes at her gleeful 'I told you so' voice, failing to hold back the unsolicited giggle which tickled my tongue.

"Yeah yeah, shhhh" I groaned.

There was a pause on her side  before a now hesitant voice came through. "So... does that mean.." She didn't finish her sentence, although the train of thought was obvious.

Was the open relationship over? It was a question I was still asking myself. Brody was so elusive with his answer. Whilst I hoped it was yes, I also knew my hope was often misplaced when it came to him.

"I... I'm not sure" I answered truthfully, my voice evidently sagging in enthusiasm.

Another pause from Ruby, the only sound reaching my ear canal being a light static noise.

"I'm sorry Alice," a mix of pity and sympathy were evident in her voice when she finally spoke, knocking into the soft tissue of my skin.

I didn't want her pity! Or anyone elses for that matter. Who was anyone else to pity me for my own decisions, as if their own were any better.

I clenched my jaw to stop myself from snapping down the phone. Instead, trying to keep my composure, my body turned back to where the nail brush sat. Picking it up, I focused on the miniture swipes and swishes that it took to perfect the final feather. A smile emanating once I had done, holding up my hand to admire the gold feathers embedded on a cream base layer.