Ghungroo - The Siren Call of Lovers (#1 - Completed)

Chapter 19 - Clear the Cobwebs

Chapter 19

I wake up with a mother of all headaches. I immediately pop two headache pills and drink a liter of water.

I call my mother which is what I do every Sunday. She sounds good and we go through the same ritual we do every time we talk. Yes, I'm okay. Yes, I'm eating. Yes, my studies are fine.

I remind her about my exhibition in two weeks. She and Kumari Devi are helping me with my hair and makeup on the day.

We say our goodbyes and I cut the call. I feel a lot better after just talking to her.

I take a shower and change.

I cook my oats and force myself to eat it.

Tina wakes up and comes to the kitchen while I'm in the middle of breakfast.

"Hey," she says.

She's all breezy and glowing.

"Looks like somebody got some last night." I beam at her.

It's painful to smile but I manage to crack a small one anyway.

Tina flushes, which isn't her style. She's normally spilling her guts out by now, without any prodding from me when she's talking about some new beau.

Tina's the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She falls head over heels quickly and is always heart broken when relationships end. I sometimes feel she's too impulsive, but cautioning her would be murdering her spirit. It is who she is, and that's the Tina I love.

"Yeh, I went on a date," she smiles. "But there was none of that...we just talked. I think I really like this guy."

Is she blushing? Well, paint me red and spank me blue. I never thought I'd see the day!

"Spill it," I say. This is too juicy not to coax out of her.

I can't believe it. Tina Hastings, finally conquered.

"My God, you actually blushing!"

"La, I really like this guy. He makes me feel...gorgeous. Can I just keep it to myself for a bit longer? You know I'll tell you. Just...I just need time to figure this one out on my own for a bit. Okay? I'll introduce you to him soon. Promise."

Geez, I've never seen Tina this way before. This guy has really done a number on her.

"Hey, I'm cool with that. I'm just happy that you're happy."

"I am," she smiles.

I leave it at that for now.

"And how was your dinner with Sips?" she asks.

That opens up a whole can of worms and I find myself spilling my guts to her. I need to get it off my chest. If there is anyone who could help me put things into perspective, it is Tina. She's had many relationships to give me sound advice.

After I divulge every last detail to her, she is silent for a moment. She crunches on a cracker. It is the only sound that fills the space between us. I wait patiently for her to swallow.

"Well," she says finally. "He definitely doesn't see you as the little sister type anymore, that's for sure. You pretty much took care of that last night."

I blush and she laughs at this. I'm irritated with her and that statement, but it does lighten the mood.

"It depends on what you wanting from this Riaan guy. Are you looking for a long term thing, or just a bit of fun?"