Ethereal

10

Hira

I fiddled with my hair as I stared at myself in the mirror.

It's grown out a lot, hasn't it?

I opened a the drawer of my vanity and took out the scissors I keep in there. 

I looked over at the clock. 

I still have another 2 hours until I have to meet with Luca. I have time.

I grabbed the scissors and went to the washroom.

~~

I ran my hand through my now short hair.

I haven't had short hair since Mom passed away.

I picked up my phone, checking my phone. 

I should get going.

There's an annual fall carnival that occurs at the end of September to the beginning of October here. Every year I either went with friends or with my mom, this year I was going there on a date with Luca.

I quickly changed and left my room.

I quickly walked down the stairs.

"Hira! Where are you off to?".

I stopped, halfway down the staircase. 

Oh.

I turned and saw the blond woman, Giselle, from the dinner with my dad. I had been trying to not bump into her since she moved in. 

She stood at the top of the stairs, gazing at me with a friendly expression.

"I don't think it's any of your business" I said, stuffing my hands into my jacket pockets, staring at her cooly. 

She just smiled back at me. "I think it is my business since your father and I will be getting married soon" Giselle said. 

Oh right. 

I looked at my watch, I need to leave now otherwise I'll be late. 

"I think that we should get closer. I'll be your mom soon".

I flinched slightly and looked over at her. Giselle smiled innocently at me.

"Look you can marry my father or whatever, but you will never ever be someone I consider my mom" I said, sharply.

Giselle's smile faded. "I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you, I just-"

"Thought that since you are marrying my dad it means that we're going to be a happy family. Don't get your hopes up, I'm sure my dad will get tired of you, like how he got tired of my mom" I said, before looking away and walking down the stairs. 

I felt my heart pinch in pain as I quickly left. 

~~

Luca

I stood outside the carnival, fiddling with my phone. 

I felt nervous to see her. Yesterday we had kissed and I had boldly declared my feelings for her while we were both intoxicated. 

What if she regrets kissing? What if she changes her mind now that she's sober?

I sighed, pushing back my hair. It wasn't like me to worry over a girl like this. 

I wonder when she's going to get here. 

As soon as I thought that, I saw her. 

My eyes widened slightly as my eyes landed on her, her once long curly hair was now cut short, right at her shoulders and she had straightened it too.