Mirror Images

Chapter 1

"Watch out!" My best friend yells from across the courtyard. I open my eyes as a basketball comes hurtling towards me. I reach up, trying in vain to catch it. It slips through my arms and hits the person behind me. I hear a surprised grunt from behind and cringe inwardly. I turn around, planning on apologizing profusely, but see that the person standing there has caught the ball. He smiles lightly at me and hands it back. I feel my face light up. I want to curl into myself.

"Hey, thanks," I mutter bashfully. He's handsome. With sandy-brown hair and hazel-colored eyes that show a history I can't even begin to touch. I tuck my red hair behind my ear, holding the basketball close to my chest.

His smile catches on the edges of his face as he says, "No problem. Keep this in mind for next time, don't daydream while playing basketball. You could get hurt." I nod slightly, trying not to stare at him too much. His face pinches awkwardly, as both of us stare at each other, not knowing what to say.

"Haha, well, I should get going. Thanks for the information." I knock against my head, implying that I'll remember what he said, but he doesn't seem to understand what I mean. The awkwardness doesn't disperse as neither one of us moves from our previous positions. He looks at me and I look at him. Suddenly, someone grabs my shoulder and I am thrown out of the trance I was in.

It's Marie. Her pitch-black hair is catching the Arizona sunlight. It gives her an air of magic. She nods at the guy and starts talking to me. Just like she did all those years ago.

"Evalie, girl. Pay more attention. I've been calling your name for like, four minutes." I smile at her.

"Sorry, I got sidetracked. Hey, I'll see you later," I say as I turn towards the guy. He waves as Marie and I walk away. Marie has her arm draped over my shoulders. I've known her since we were in kindergarten. We've been best friends ever since. She stops, so I do.

"So, that guy back there. What's his name?"

I shake my head and say, "I don't know. I just met him. He caught the ball you threw at me."

She shrugs and presses her side against mine, linking us together.

"He's kinda cute, you know," She says as she twirls a strand of her hair and bites her lip. A cold feeling seeps into my heart and finds its way into my veins. I nod and smile at Marie. I have a hard time communicating with her. She always gets the last word. The bell rings in the distance. Marie lets go of me and says, "Oh, class is over."

I head in the direction of the school, not stopping to see if Marie is following suit.