The Last Victim #JustWriteIt

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Carmela twirled in front of the mirror, assessing her reflection. She looked wonderful, she had to admit. Her long blonde hair lay open, swept onto one shoulder. The blue dress, ending a bit before her ankles she had chosen for the evening fit her perfectly. She gazed at her reflection, and then added another coat of mascara to her lashes. She looked completely wonderful now. Her pretty heart shaped mouth shimmered with a slight coat of maroon lipstick gloss. The sleeves came to her shoulders, ending in thin, luxurious looking straps. She smiled at her reflection, wondering why she hadn't appreciated her skin deep beauty before. She then picked up her hand bag and started going through it to make sure she had everything.

Today was the grand finale of the International Dancing and Music competition. It was held once every four years. Both of them, Carmela and Gazelle, though they were brilliant competitors, had not been allowed to participate earlier, since they were just about fourteen and they competition was held anywhere in the world. Of course, their parents had not consented to it. But now, they were allowed to go since the competition was being held in London! Right in the urbanized city next to their small suburbs of a community. They were excited beyond measure. This would be a chance for both of them to shine above all others like they've always dreamt of doing so. The winners were given a chance to participate in the National Council of Arts and if they were lucky, they could be recruited in the international music bands. It was truly the chance of a lifetime.

There was a gentle knock on the door. Considering it would be Gazelle, she smiled to herself and said in a casual tone.

'Come in!'

Gazelle slowly pushed the door open and stepped in the room. Carmela who was busy packing some last minute things looked up from her vocation and was held enthralled. Gazelle stood before her in a deep crimson dress which only bought out her medium fair complexion. Her thick eyelashes seemed only thicker under the glittering eyelids. Her breathtaking gray eyes seemed to be sparkling with delight and joy, donning a glow to her already appealing features. Matching short heels, covered her feet, her dark brown hair were held in a small bun at the back of her head. A few loose curls came out, falling all over her face. Her rose pink lips were held in a perfect smile, eyes expectant, waiting for a comment from Carmela.

Carmela had a burning feeling in her throat and she turned away. Her eyes were smouldering, a dark heavy sensation dropped in the pit of her heart. Here she was thinking she looked amazing and now Gazelle came over looking just a hundred times more stunning than her. She had spent five hours, locked up in her room, trying to do everything which would make her look prettier than Gazelle. Apparently, it had not actually worked. She felt really annoyed. No. Annoyed was not the right word. She was on fire. Her insides squiggled with an inexplicable inferno that seemed to be aflame within her. She took a deep breath to calm herself and continued with her work. She saw Gazelle's face fall, from the corner of her eye. As if she cared. But Gazelle came forward.

'Umm. Carmela? Do you think I look okay?'

Carmela snorted. She said she didn't like praise and here she was waiting for one. Great. Still, not wishing to fight over it and spoil this completely perfect evening, Carmela cleared her throat and trying to hide the disappointment in her voice.

'Oh! Yeah. You look incredible. Really!'

Gazelle gave her a sweet smile and then replied.

'Thanks! And you know what? You look so much more dazzling than me. I feel so proud of you.

'Liar' was the only word that came in Carmela as she surveyed Gazelle once again with a smug smile. Why did she have to rub it in when she knew it too? Gazelle probably noticed the changing colours on her face as she came ahead and looked carefully at Carmela, inquiring.

'Is everything alright? You don't seem very well.'

Closing her eyes, biting back a rude retort, Carmela opened her eyes, looking away from her and spoke, trying to keep her voice careless.

'Of course, I am. Let's get going?'

Gazelle's smile returned. Her eyebrows rose as she nodded, happiness shining through her.

'Yup! I can't wait.'

Carmela gave her a significant smile.

'We are crossing the bridge today, right? Neither can I.'

Gazelle nodded but then stopped short abruptly, finding a weird vicious looking expression on her friend's face. She frowned as she considered Carmela's remark.

'What's that got to do with it?'

Carmela quickly rearranged her expression, giving Gazelle a genuine smile.

'Just really excited. That bridge had such bizarre tales. Won't it be spectacular to find something splendid?

Gazelle looked at Carmela and then nodded, pretty satisfied at the turn of events.

'You bet! Well let's go then! I can hardly stand still.'

And with that she started collecting her stuff as Carmela slipped into her White mink coat and soft velvet hat. Gazelle too, got about, collecting her stuff, not noticing the angry colossal war which was raging in her friend's mind.