SHIVANI CROSSThe bell rang above the door as I walked in, it was my first time at this store, I usually buy my books from the bookstore a block away, how convenient of them to be out of stock.
My eyes were fixated at the surprisingly stacked shelves, the store wasn't as big as the one I usually patronize, but it was impressive nonetheless. I didn't notice the shop keeper approaching
"Hello, welcome to whispering pages book shop, what adventure can I help you get started with today?" I looked up to the face of the sunny small voice.
"Shit!" I jolted away, her look of confusion forced me to compose myself. "Is something wrong" she asked still smiling,
I slipped out her wallet skillfully walking with a smirk as I zipped it open, my smile turned upside down as 2 dollar bill stared back at me, I picked up the candy in it, it wasn't even candy just a breath mint, I can't remember when last I saw money this worn out. I dropped the mint back into the purse zipping it close. I'd probably end up having bad luck for the rest of the day if I take this dirty money. Ugh, just looking at me makes me feel wretched. I turned back walking a few feet forward, the girl looked so deep in thought, her pace was really slow and thoughtful. The first thing I noticed about her was her hair which stood out. I mean no duh, it's literally red!
"YO tomato head" I called her intuitively, she turned to face me. Damn! She's pretty.
"No, you just surprised me a bit" I sighed turning to the book shelve, "oh, I'm sorry" she apologized, she doesn't seem to recognize me at least, that's good.
"What do you need" she inquired, "Rewrite the stars the series 4th edition" she beamed "You, have good taste" she practically squealed rushing to the other shelve, scanning the shelve with her finger. "This, is the last copy, you're really lucky, this book is amazing" she had a genuine smile this time, she tried to blow off the short red hair strand that fell on her face, her hair was red and pretty, "oh so you read her work too?"
"Do I?" she bit her lower lip as if trying to contain her excitement, a sigh left her lips "she's fucking good. I especially love Rewrite the star, its wholesome, it's like all in one, perfect romance, adventure, its complexity matches that of the real word. She really went all out on this particular book, I even read an article that said the book is based on her real-life experiences"
"You don't say?" of course I knew about it all, but I wanna listen to her, her voice was so cute, small and soothing.
"Yeah, I swear I cried like hell when Serafina had to leave for a military camp, leaving Melody hanging after her confession" she gasped putting her small hands over her mouth staring at me "I'm so sorry, I just spoiled it for you, didn't I" I laughed at how cute she looked, I wrapped my hand against my chest. "Yes, you did, but it's okay, I like spoilers" she let her hand fall from her mouth. "You do?"
"Yeah, they give me the boost I need to read, sometimes I just need the extra push, you know something to look forward too" I said staring down at her figure, her long lashes which roofed her big brown eyes caught mine for just a second, she looked away handing the book to me, "then you're gonna love the part where they kissed at the airport" her voice was tentative. My finger brushed her's as I held the book, "Can't wait" she cleared her throat when I still left my hand on hers, "oh, I'm sorry, here" I pushed my hand into my pockets and paid for the book, for some reason I had butter flies in my stomach. I rushed out a bit awkwardly than I hoped. "Come again next time" I heard her call after me, casually I walked down the street releasing a breath I didn't realize I was holding, why was I so weird right now? She was probably so uncomfortable, and butterflies? lol those were probably spiders crawling around my tummy. How stupid of me to stay so long in there, it would have turned dark if she had realized I was the person who had tried to steal from her, it was a miracle that she didn't recognize me, worst part she could call the cops on me, that was way too risky. It's really sunny today. It will be rush hour soon I should head home.
I unlocked the apartment door, welcomed by the familiar scent of cigarette, the soft thud of my shoes hitting the hard wood floor, I tossed my keys into the bowl that sat on the entry table. I threw my jacket on the couch approaching the kitchen. I opened the half empty fridge and grabbed a bottle of water, taking a long sip as I leaned against the counter. My eyes drifted to the window a small sigh leaving my lips. "you're back" I jumped, nearly dropping the water, my heart leaping into my throat. Whirling around I saw Nadia standing by the door smirking. "FUCK! Nadia" I exclaimed putting the bottle of water down. "I thought you would never come back, I was beginning to lose hope" she smiled walking towards me. "What are you doing here" I asked a bit agitated, "what do you mean, I came here to see you, obviously" she embraced me. "I've missed you" she whispered into my ears sending goosebumps all through my body. I pulled away glaring daggers at her. "you've not answered my question" She giggled walking back into the room, I followed. She slumped into the couch, "you're so hot when you're pissed" when I didn't say anything she got back up, wrapping her hands and around my neck, her face few inches from mine, our eyes met, she placed her soft red lips on mine, like a rock I stayed still, denying her access to my mouth, she tried to kiss me again, I turned away, picking up my jacket from the couch.
"Fine, if you won't answer me. I'm going to take a shower, don't touch my stuff" yeah right, that last line was a waste of breath but it had to be said even though it's of no use. "Rowan called" her high-pitched voice dropped as she mentioned the name, I turned to her in a flash "What?" My voice trembled as chills spread through me. How is that possible? Did he figure it out? How did he even...
"it's about your mom, Shivani" her voice slicer through my thoughts
"How did he get your contact info" My heart was Racing out of control and I could hear my thoughts go a hundred mile per second.
"Shivani listen"
"How long have you been talking to him"
"Shivani, that's not the point, just listen to me, IT'S IMPORTANT!" she yelled pulling my arm to get my attention
"Does he know where I'm at" The real question I wanted to ask was if I needed to run away again.
"SHIVANI LISTEN PLEASE!"
"Nadia...
"YOUR MOM IS DEAD SHIVANI" Nadia screamed tightening her grip on my arm, the room went quiet, not this again.
YOU ARE READING
KISS AND TELL
Romance"I AM NOT A LESBIAN," screamed Olivia Skye, the girl who supposedly was to be my lover and the only reason I came out in the first place. I looked around to make sure no one heard that. I moved closer to hold her, but she took a step back. My chest...