Precious things

{An apple a day}

Lila's PoV:

I smile looking at myself, the vanity mirror reflecting someone i don't quite recognise.

It's me, but pretty.

My hair- it's soft and smooth, tied neatly into a French braid courtesy of Rosalie.

I like Rosalie.

Her hands are very gentle, her movements precise and calculated from what seems like years of practice.

"How.. how old are you Rosalie... i-if you don't mind me asking?" I question , looking at her through the reflection.

She hesitates, and stops her movements.

Her smile faults briefly, before that evermore familiar glint in her amber eyes reappears.

" im 18 Lila... why'd you ask?"

I shrug, smiling at her through the mirror, admiring her elegant, practiced beauty.

"You know so much about me already.. i guess i was just curious?"

She smiles, a small laugh escaping her as she gently cups my face, stroking my chin with her thumb.

"You'll know in time sweet girl, just be patient-" she places the soft silver brush back upon the vanity, coming back up to hold my shoulders from behind.
"-now, do you feel up for meeting my family?"

Now it's my turn to fail a smile.

I've never been good at meeting new people, my dad says it's an 'irrational fear of being perceived'

I say people should just never look at me ever at all never ever- ever.

Never.

And well, meeting Rosalie's family sounds like a whole lot of eyes.

I like Rosalie- shes probably one of my favourite people already.

She makes me sleepy, and i like being sleepy. But it's also incredibly hard not to slip around her.

I mean- what if i slip in front of the whole family?! They- they're so nice.. i- i can't loose them-

A cool hand strokes my hair, drawing me from my pessimistic trance almost immediately.

" what's going on in that little head of yours? We can wait to meet them Lila, we can wait until you're ready. But I just know they're going to love you darling"

"How.. what if-" i start, all the thoughts ready to come out like a big gross oil spill.

" ah-ah-ah.. no, no what ifs- i don't like that word." She reprimands, tapping my cheek slightly with her palm, cold to the touch.

"But-"

She laughs.

Laughs.

" No buts either Lila- you look adorable, they'll love you."

"Thank you...Adorable?"

She smiles, her teeth sharp and titanium white.

" indeed- now come on, let's go say hi."

She extends her hand, allowing me to use her to my aid. I stand up, slightly shaky.

"Thanks.. a-are you sure i look ok?"

She hums, stroking my hair deftly between her fingers. " like a little cherub." She pats my cheek again, signalling for me to take her hand and follow her.

A cherub.

I like that, but it makes me feel small, so i try to shake it off.

Nevertheless, I feel my cheeks heat up, glancing at the floor and placing my hand in hers. " thank you Rosalie"