Under My Body

chapter twenty

               It was already 6:30 PM, and I couldn't believe how quickly the time had flown by. The girls and I had been talking for hours straight, yet none of us seemed tired. Conversations flowed easily from one topic to the next, with laughter and shared stories filling the air. It was refreshing—something I didn't know I needed. But as reality would have it, knowing tomorrow was a workday beat everything else.

After the girls and I hung out, they dropped me off at home. I stood at the front door, feeling lighter than before, and for some reason, I didn't want the day to end. So, I lingered there on the front porch, staring at the door with a strange smile on my face. If anyone happened to walk by, they'd probably think I was some kind of weirdo. A creepo, just standing there like I was stalking someone. But honestly? I didn't care. Well... maybe I did. Just a little.

It was funny, really—thinking of Brie-Ann as my friend now. Not that long ago, she hated my guts. I don't know what shifted, but it felt nice. It was comforting to have girlfriends, to be able to talk about all this stuff, and actually open up without feeling like a burden. Don't get me wrong, I love Xavier. He's been my rock for years, but there's just something different about getting another woman's perspective on things. Something about the way we just... get each other. When I talked to the girls, I didn't have to explain myself as much. They understood, instinctively, what I was going through.

For so long, I'd bottled things up, assuming Xavier was the only person I could really talk to, but now? Now I had Brie-Ann and Dellana to confide in. It felt like I could finally exhale after holding my breath for too long. The realisation warmed me, like a cosy blanket wrapped around my soul.

After a while, I felt settled enough to head inside. My hand hovered over the doorknob when I heard it—a cough or more like a forced throat-clearing sound. My body tensed immediately, and my eyes widened. Is this it? Is today the day I finally get murdered on my front porch?

I started mentally bargaining with Muruga, pleading silently. I know I haven't been the best version of myself, but please, I'm too young to die. I still have so much I want to do! I want to travel, fall in love, get married—wait, no. I definitely don't want kids. Maybe get a puppy... or a kitten. Yeah, a kitten would be nice—

"Malar."

That voice. It cut through the jumbled mess of my spiralling thoughts, instantly recognizable. Asher.

What was he doing here? I couldn't see him yet, but the sound of his voice made my heart skip a beat. It didn't matter where we were or how far apart; I'd recognise that voice anywhere. It was distinct, deep, and always seemed to have this power over me—especially when he said my name. Something about it sent shivers through me and made my pulse race, even when I didn't want it to.

I slowly turned around, and there he was. Asher stood at the bottom of the porch steps, looking up at me. For a second, I was thrown off by the way he leaned slightly on his left leg. Is he in pain?

He was still wearing the same clothes he had on at Mandy's. Black slacks and a grey hoodie. His hair was a mess, as usual, like he'd run his hands through it too many times. His skin gleamed under the soft glow of the porch light, and his eyes... God, his eyes. They were piercing, and they locked onto mine, sending my thoughts into a tailspin.