The girl in the mirror

chapter 6

Glossary 

Appa means dad 

Eve POV

Ashwin and Anshia got there before me. Ashwin has a scowl on his face. Anshia can't stop giggling. "What did Anshia do now". Ashwin was about to answer before Anshia cut him off "He's just mad cause I'm telling the truth and he's in denial".

"Denial of what".

"Of having a-".

Ashwin slaps his hand on her mouth. He begins ranting at her in malayalam. It's times like this where I hate it when I can't speak it. His face twisted as he released all that desi rage in him. His voice got all high pitched and started cracking in some areas

I tried to cover my giggles with a cough but that failed...miserably. Ashwin, frustrated with everything, yells "it's not funny!". It was just a slight voice crack in that but that was all that was needed. I lost it. I laugh so hard I fall on the floor. Anshia starts crackling as well. Ashwin just throws her hands up in frustration.

I finally got myself together after a couple of minutes. I clutch my sore ribs, as I look up at him. I was going to speak when I saw his face. He's smiling while looking at me. It wasn't like his usual big wide ones or the sarcastic smirk. It was a small gentle smile. He shakes his head and looks at me to say something. He freezes like me and we just stare at each other.Wow, his eyes are so beautiful. Its honey coloured with streaks of dark brown. He sharply turns his head. Oh god I was staring into his eyes. I also turn away. Why is my heart beating so loudly?

Ashwin POV

I'm going to kill Anshia. Yelling at Eve to stop laughing didn't help one bit. God why did Anshia have to bring it up. I glance at Eve rolling on the ground. Pfff. I giggle but cover it with a cough. I put on a scowl and try to look away from her. But I can't help it. Seeing her rolling on the floor is hilarious. I can't help but smile. I shake my head. I go to say something to her when I see her looking up at me. I freeze.

I'm stunned. I knew she was pretty but man she's so gorgeous up close. Huh I never noticed she had freckles. There are little stars scattered across her cheeks. I want to trace and count every one.

I sharply turn my head away covering my face. My face feels like it's been set on fire. Oh my god why am I thinking these thoughts. Ashwin you have gone insane. You can't just think that about your friend like that". I try to collect my cool but it's not working.

Eve POV

Anisha stops laughing. " Uh what's wrong with you two?". "

Nothing!" We yell at the same time.

I make up a random excuse "Um aunty is calling me bye".

"Huh I didn't hear anything-". Anshia's voice fades away as I rush down the ladder. Aunty yells at me to be careful otherwise I would fall. I mumble that I will be careful. I rush into my room and close the door behind me

. I slowly slide to the floor, the door supporting me.

Did I just run out of the attic and nearly trip down the stairs cause I was staring at a boy's eyes. Great job Eve. They were really pretty though. Omg stop. I hate my brain.

Ashwin POV

After Eve rushs off, I make a stupid excuse to run off home. I crash on my bed. I lay down still before screaming into my pillow. Why am I like this? Whyyyyyy. Get yourself together Ashwin. You can't think about how you have to count all of her freckles or hold her in your arms or how much you want to kiss. I punch my pillow. What was God thinking making her that pretty?

I hate having crushes. 

Eve POV

My blank page just stares at me. I'm back in my room. It's late at night. I'm facing the window outside. My pencil hovers over the page. The only thing I can think of is him. His cheeky smile when he tenses us. The lazy pose on the floor. His hurt expression when Anshia and I teamed up on him that one time. Those striking honey eyes that draw me in. I snap out of it and see that my whole page is covered with sketches of him.

I tear it out and toss it in the trash. I grip my hair "Ugh Eve what are you doing ". I hate this feeling. I glance at the bin before digging out the crumpled up page. I smooth it out as much as possible. A huge sigh escapes me. I tuck in the back of my sketchbook. Calm down Eve, it's just you finding him attractive and a really nice person. Nothing else. He's just a friend.

In the morning I drag myself to the dining table. I didn't get any sleep last night. Emma sits on the table eating dosa. She's all dressed up to go to school. "Hey chechi" she grins. She is way too happy in the morning.

"Did you stay up too late?" Aunty asks as she puts scrambled eggs and dosa on my plate. "Yeah" I answer back. She shakes her head and begins to lecture me on sleeping early. She and Mama are really siblings. Emma giggles. I pinch her cheeks "what are you laughing at. Don't you have to go to school". She sticks out her tongue. "Hurry up and eat, you're going to miss the bus." Emma's eyes bulge out when she realises the time. She gobbles up her food and rushes out of the room "Bye love you".

"Love you, have fun" Auntie yells back.

"Hey poppa can I go to the market? You know me and aunty went a couple of times' ' I ask. "Maybe on the weekend. Your aunt is busy today and I have to meet a friend".

"Oh I can just go by myself. I know it's not that hard. The bus is arriving soon".

"It's too dangerous to go on your own''.

"It will be fine Poppa, right Aunty?".

Aunty nods "Appa it's fine, She's a big girl now".

Poppa is still worried but Auntie reassures him. He sighs and pulls out his wallet. He takes out a couple of rupees. "Poppa, it's fine, I have money". He insists and puts in my hands.Well more money doesn't hurt.

After lunch I head out. I tie my hair as I walk to the bus stop. I know the route, I have been there a couple of times with Aunty. The ride is noisy, packed with people. I just plug my earphones in and look outside. After 15 minutes I get off. The market is this open square brimming with stalls selling all kinds of things. This is the first time I have been there by myself. My nerves tense up. As I walk through the food stalls I bump into someone.