Who is she?

Chapter Three - Her Uncle

Her?!

Ericka's face turns pale. Astonished, she stops on her way to the dressing room. This unexpected reaction alarms Lorena. She walks over to Ericka quietly and peeks, only to realize that she is baffled by her own reflection. Amused, she giggles,

"Dude! I know that dress is pretty but you know, you need to wear it today itself."

Ericka snaps back to reality at Lorena's voice. She blinks twice and when she looks at her reflection again; there's nothing wrong. It is satisfying the laws of physics. She's standing in front of it in her yellow crop top with denim shorts and holding the beautiful Indian dress. She smiles at her and goes into the room. Lorena knows there was something is wrong as Ericka didn't reply sarcastically. But she thinks it's better to give her some time alone. She goes to sit on the nearest couch.

Although Ericka smiled, sweat trailed on her forehead. Her breathing rate is faster than normal. She knew she saw her mom in the mirror. She looks at the mirror again. There's nothing wrong. Maybe it was just in her mind. She quickly changes her dress and admires her dress in the reflection. This could be her best birthday. 

You really look pretty. 

Scared, she looks slowly lifts her head to look again at the face of the reflection. It's her mother in the similar dress admiring her. Before she could speak, she hears her voice in her mind.

Dear, you have turned eighteen now. You'll have a lot of responsibility. If you fear your mother's reflection, how on the earth will you face those challenges? Just promise me that you'll be brave and face everything that comes in your way. Remember that I will always be there looking after you but you will have to take action. And never ever give up. I'll guide you. Also always trust yourself. You know more than anyone else. I love you.

Ericka saw tears forming in her eyes but before she could say anything. The voice had stopped. She looked at her reflection again. She was staring at her own reflection. She was on the verge of crying. Was my mother crying too? But what did she mean?

She carefully wiped her tears away. The door unlocked revealing toe-tapping, impatient Lorena.

"Wow! You came out so early. It's a new record. Can you please teach me this skill?" Lorena made a puppy face. Ericka rolled her eyes.

"K! I'm sorry! Anyway how's it?" Ericka grinned. Lorena eyes turned wide. 

"Stunning! I mean it but now we have to get you ready." Lorena said while pushing her out of the room and giving the necessary instructions to the butler.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Woah! You look stunning, my Indian Beauty." Nick smirked.

"Did you just say 'my'?" Lorena's anger surfaced when she saw Ericka's fear in her eyes.

Ericka took a deep breath and replied, "Oh! I guess he isn't over our break-up yet." She took a step towards him and smirked, "Boy, that was three years ago. I don't think you should have dumped me when you couldn't handle that yourself."

He was taken back but accepting defeat was in neither's blood. He took a step towards her and bent to her ears while his breathe brushed her face, "We are not done yet and you know that. But I admit that was very brave of you. See you in Harvard." He winked and left.

With that Ericka released her breathe. She almost fell down if Maggie and Lorena didn't support her.

"You were great!" Maggie said, clearly enjoying the scene. "Just like you were since our Sophomore year in Riverdale High."