Evangeline felt the butterflies tingling her stomach.

She couldn't resist the huge smile from forming on her delicate, pink lips. Zarek was trying for her and he wanted her to be his. Even though, deep inside, Evangeline knew that Zarek needed to do much better than an exaggerated poem if he wanted her to forget and forgive all what he had done to her.

Trudy nudged Eva, bringing her out of her thoughts. "So?" Trudy said, "What should I tell him?"

Evangeline didn't want to rush things and end up doing something she might regret later. She needed time to overthink. "The Spring Ball is in a week, right?" she said, more to herself than to Trudy, "I must know the answer by then."

"You are actually considering it. I'm so happy." Trudy squealed like a five year old would if he got a free rollercoaster ride, only the rollercoaster in this case was Evangeline's love life.

The squeal startled Eva. "Shut up, mom will hear you from downstairs." Evangeline said, inching away from her loud friend. "By the way," her voice turned playful. "Anything new about your guy?"

Trudy raised her neat eyebrows. "Huh?"

Eva nudged Trudy. "C'mon, your guy?."

Trudy crunched her nose, dumbfounded. "Who?"

Eva huffed. Her friend was immature and slow. Trudy was that comfortable and carefree with her closest people only, and Evangeline knew that, but at moments like these, she found herself questioning whether it was a bliss or a curse. Nonetheless, Evangeline went easy on her friend. She regained her self-control and turned playful again. "Does it have anything to do with a certain someone named Justin?"

"You mean Justin Bieber?" Trudy said, "I-"

"I'm not talking about the celebrity, oh my god," Evangeline couldn't help but snap, "I'm talking about Justin Harvard."

Trudy gasped, finally getting the point. "You're right. I didn't pick that up."

"Yeah, right." Eva rolled her soft, hazel eyes, tossing her red hair over her shoulder. "You didn't remember your own boyfriend."

"Yes, I didn't, Eva."

"Trudy..." Eva began, afraid of the outcome, "What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing, Eva," Trudy sighed, her brown eyes scanning Eva's room. "I'm just not-..." her dreamy, brown eyes focused on Eva, sincerity the only thing evident in her pupils. "I honestly don't know."

"Tell me." Even if Eva didn't care about the gossip and rumors Trudy always talked about, she was still interested in her friend. If Trudy was in distress, Eva would do whatever she could to help and comfort her. Eva was sure Trudy would do the same.

After all, they were best friends for a reason.

Trudy sighed under Eva's inquisitive gaze. She fiddled with her nails. "We're together for a month and a half now, but I don't feel like he is my boyfriend. I don't feel like we're in a relationship."

"How?"

"I don't think of him all the time. I don't worry about him. I don't miss him at all." Trudy deadpanned, "I don't look at him in awe. I don't get jealous if a girl talked to him. And, when we're kissing, I don't feel anything."

Eva narrowed her soft, hazel eyes. "But-"

Trudy held her hand up. "I know. I know. It's probably nothing, maybe I'm just PMSing."

Evangeline squinted her soft eyes. "How long have you been feeling this way?"

"I don't know." Trudy shrugged, making her shoulder blades peek from her beige chiffon off-shoulder top, its beige color complementing Trudy's flawless skin. Eva couldn't help but approve of Trudy's fashion sense. When Eva glanced down at her faded yoga pants and worn out pyjama shirt, she was sure Trudy didn't think the same about her.

Eva shook her head, giving priority to Trudy's problems and not her clothes. "But you two are meant to be." Eva exasperated, "Have you seen how he looks at you? He worships you."

"No, we're not." Trudy tossed her dark, wavy hair out of her face. "I've known him for less than four months. There's no way we are meant to be."

"It has nothing to do with time." Eva said, "You two are the perfect ship. I've shipped you ever since I saw him. I didn't say anything, afraid that if I did, you wouldn't have considered him being anything more than a fling."

Trudy was offended. "Why would I do that?"

"Because," Eva exaggerated, "You're weird. You don't like easy targets. You want a challenge, and if you knew he was already under your spell, you wouldn't have gave him the chance he deserved."

Trudy smirked, her snaky, brown eyes glistening. "So you're agreeing that people should get chances to prove themselves."

Eva groaned, producing an unladylike sound. "Stop twisting my words on me." Eva said, "This is about you and Justin."

Trudy smiled, her pearly whites on display. "No, honey," she purred, "This is about you and Zarek."

"No, it's not!" Eva burst out. Trudy's cool demeanor was pushing at Eva's nerves. Why was Trudy so invested in making her and Zarek sail? It was Eva's life after all, and she had all the right if she didn't want to give Zarek a chance.

"I mean," Eva got back her self-control, evening her voice tone and softening her hazel eyes. "Things are different."

Trudy cocked her head in triumph. "Yes, they are." Trudy googled her brown eyes. "You looove him."

Eva ignored the disturbing image of Trudy's pupils focusing at her nose. "Yes." Eva frowned her auburn eyebrows, a skeptical look on her angelic features. "But don't you too?"

Trudy realized her mistake. She lowered her brown eyes and fiddled with her nails. Her plump lips were pursued as her guilty eyes glanced at Eva.

Eva gasped. "Don't tell me you don't have feelings for Justin," she whispered, "The poor guy. You two just started dating and you're already planning on leaving him? That's not fair."

Trudy lifted her head, finding room for an argument. "And so is what you're doing with Zarek."

Eva thought that Trudy's argument was old, but very strong. Eva knew she was being hard on Zarek. She slammed the door of destiny in his face, secured all the locks, and closed all the windows around her life, eliminating any chance of even his cigarettes' smoke leaking inside. Even though, she still had all the right to be cautious. Zarek was an inconsiderate devil and she was an innocent angel; their love was forbidden by god - and her mother.

Eva shook her head, focusing on the important things - Justin. She pouted. "But I ship Trustin."

Trudy mimicked Eva's frown and pout. "And I ship Zareva."

Eva grimaced. "Don't." Shipnames made Eva and Zarek sound like an item, and even though that would be a dream come true for Eva, it also stung her in the face. She shouldn't get her hopes up, because if the disappointment didn't break her, Zarek definitely would.

Trudy ran her hand through her dark, wavy hair. "Okay, Eva, how about a deal?" Trudy offered, "I will give Justin a chance if you do the same with Zarek."

Eva remained silent, thinking of the advantages and disadvantages. Justin was a nice guy and a gentleman; a word somehow deleted from Zarek's dictionary. Justin deserved a shot with Trudy. He was so into his girlfriend it was adorable. Eva wouldn't be able to live with herself if she was the reason for his heartbreak. Besides, who was she to deny anyone of a chance?

Eva dismissed the fact that she sounded like hypocrite - no, like her mother.

Trudy nudged her friend. "So?"

Eva pushed her red hair back, defeated. She huffed, trying hard to keep her composure. "Give him my number. Tell him to call me." She sighed, soft, hazel eyes narrowed at Trudy. "There. I gave him a chance. Happy?"

"Very." Trudy giggled, sending a wink at Eva. "I'll send him your number right now. I know you already has his." She picked up her golden phone, her fingers going over the screen.

Evangeline didn't know if she should be grateful to have his number or not. Zarek and Trudy were somewhat friends - Eva still didn't understand what type of a relationship that labeled Trudy and Zarek. Nonetheless, they had each other's numbers, so Eva could've gotten his number from Trudy. Or she could've gotten it by simply walking on the hallways of their high school; it was written on his locker for everyone to see. It was easier for the horny girls to contact him. Eva felt disgusted, and questioned whether she was doing the right thing by indulging herself with such a man, regardless of her unfortunate feelings for him.

Eva was pulled out from her overthinking stance by the ringing of her phone. When she glanced at her screen, she couldn't believe her eyes.

Trudy's brown eyes widened. "Don't tell me it's him who's calling you right now."

Eva couldn't utter a word.

Trudy reached for Eva's phone and checked who the caller was. She grinned, smiling like a fool on drugs. "Oh my god, it's him. He didn't waste a single second to call."

Eva stared at her. It didn't seem like a good decision after all. She didn't know how to face him, knowing all the bad things he had done. What if she freaked out and ended up blurting something stupid, shattering whatever left of her dignity? What if, at his husky, deep voice she fell hostage of his love again and forgave him right then and there? There were too many risks. For her to confront him, she had to prepare herself emotionally and physically, just in case he assaulted her again.

Wording it out simply, Evangeline wasn't ready for Zarek.

Trudy pushed the phone into Eva's hands, her snaky, brown eyes demanding. "C'mon. Answer."

The ringing stopped before Trudy could force Eva to pick up the call. Eva breathed in relief, knowing that she wouldn't have to confront him yet. What a coward, Eva scolded herself.

"Are you stupid or what?" Trudy attacked, her brown eyes darkening, "You just wasted-"

A buzz cut Trudy off. She snatched the device and read the content of the text. She grinned in satisfaction once she finished reading and placed the phone back in Eva's grip. Eva hesitantly glanced down at her phone, the written words only fueled her indecisive mind. She just walked herself into a dangerous drama; her heart's slaughter, to be exact.

"Missed ya, babe. Meet me tomorrow. 10 am. The Regular Ice Cream Shop."

Trudy practically skipped to Eva's wardrobe and went over her clothes, rummaging through them. Eva could tell that Trudy already planned in her head the suitable outfit for her date. Evangeline could bet with her red hair - which was saying something - that Trudy was convinced Zarek would propose. Eva knew the possibility of such thing happening was as likely as the possibility of her miraculously growing two wings and a halo. She was certain that Trudy would disagree with her possibility arrangement.

Eva eyed Trudy as she went through her wardrobe. "What are you doing?" Eva picked at her short nails. "It's not like I agreed or anything."

Trudy laughed, surprising Eva. "Don't be ridiculous." Trudy was so cool about it, Eva had no idea how. Trudy was acting as if that date wouldn't be Eva's own suicide.

"Let's suppose I did agree," Eva carefully said, "How am I supposed to talk with him?"

Trudy paused for only a second. "You don't want Zarek to think you're trying way too hard." She sighed. "Just be yourself; blushing, shy and totally-"

Eva's auburn eyebrows frowned. "Hey!"

"I'm just saying." Trudy chuckled. "If he can't accept you for who you are, then how does he expect the same from you?"

Even though Trudy was right, Evangeline somehow knew that even if he wouldn't accept her, she'd offer him her everything anyway. I'm being ridiculous, Eva scolded herself, How much more desperate can I get?

Eva straightened her posture. "You're probably right." Eva settled as an answer.

"Of course, I'm always right." Trudy scoffed. She turned around and faced Eva, one hand clutched at a black piece of fabric and the other at a pair of white sneakers. Eva was too bored to focus her attention on what outfit her friend chose for her. "You're wearing these tomorrow."

Eva stood and examined the black jeans and sweatshirt. The surprise was evident on her soft face. "So casual."

"Why? What were you expecting?"

"A wedding dress, to be honest." Eva said.

"That's for later, don't you think?" Trudy chuckled. "Unless you're that desperate."

"Shut up." Evangeline scoffed, playing with her hair. It was dark red and went past her shoulder blades. It was nothing special, other than its pretty red color, but only god knew how much she loved it. Evangeline couldn't even count the times it saved her from so much unwanted blushing in awkward situations.

"What a comeback." Trudy muttered, shaking her head. She outstretched her hand, looking expectably at Eva. "Give me your phone."

"Why?"

Trudy rolled her snaky, brown eyes, snatching the phone anyways. "None of your business," she said as her skilled fingers moved over the screen.

Eva shrugged. "Whatever."

The door to Eva's bedroom opened. A redheaded woman in her early forties peeked in. A formal - if a bit forced - smile was on her face. "Sorry to interrupt," Her skeptical tone and judgemental eyes she looked at Trudy with said otherwise. "But it's very late, and I wanted to remind Trudy of that so she gets home safely."

Eva was glaring at her mother - she was basically kicking Trudy out. However, Eva didn't dare object to her mother, especially 'in the presence of outsiders' as her mom always warned.

Trudy froze in her spot for only a second before she snapped out of it. She handed Eva her phone and picked up her stylish designer jacket and wore it. "Yes. Right, Mrs West." Trudy said, a blush creeping up her cheeks, "Thanks for looking after me."

Hannah smiled, satisfied with Trudy's reply. "Of course," she quipped.

If Eva didn't know better, she would have thought her mother was being smug. However, in the past couple of years, Eva wasn't so sure if the woman who gave birth of her even deserved to be entitled a mother. Hannah was doing horrible at playing that role.

"Do you need me to walk you to the door?" Hannah went on, "I'm sure you know the way yourself."

Trudy shook her head, locks of long, wavy hair moving along. "It's okay, Mrs West." Trudy glanced at Eva. "I'll see you soon." She gave Eva a kiss on the cheek, which Hannah took uneasily, and left the room.

As if all what Hannah said was not enough, she proceeded to say after Trudy; "Don't forget to lock the door behind you."

Eva waited until she heard the front door close shut. "Mom," Eva glared at Hannah, displeased with her attitude. "Do you really need to be so rude?"

Hannah's perfect eyebrows arched up, her pretty eyes mocking. "Rude?" Hannah chuckled. "Eva, I'm only looking after you."

"No, you aren't," Eva countered, "You don't care about me. You just hate the girl's guts, and I don't even know why. She didn't do anything to you."

"She's a bad influence," Hannah said, cocking her head to the side, "God darkened those with hard feelings. Her soul is black with hatred, just like her skin."

Eva's hazel eyes were shocked at the words. "Don't be racist, mom," she said through gritted teeth.

Eva was boiling. She was shocked such ugly words left her mother's holy mouth. She couldn't believe that her mother's mind was that limited and enclosed. It sickened her.

Hannah stepped out of the room. She gave one last glance at her daughter. "I think there's some instant noodles in the cupboard if you're hungry." With that, Hannah left her dissapointed daughter behind and retreated to the end of the hall to her office.

Hannah was a workaholic. She drained herself in her work, even though being a biology teacher hardly required any efforts. Evangeline could barely remember the days when her mother cooked her meals instead of buying endless boxes of instant noodles. Her old mom used to spend quality time with her, and not invest it all in her unnecessary job.

Most importantly, her old mother wasn't as religious as she was at the moment, but at least she wasn't a hypocrite who used god to justify racism.

i'm so sorry if what Hannah said triggered you. it, by no means, represent my own opinion. my intentions are good, as i only wanted to highlight the fact that there are people out there who share Hannah's opinion.

it really is a shame that the world we're living in still thinks in that limited and disgusting way. no matter how rich, educated, or beautiful someone thinks he is, it doesn't give him the right to belittle others. people shouldn't judge each other based on superficial factories. we are all different and unique, which spices life up and makes it interesting. and if we look down to those who stand out, then we would be doing ourselves the biggest mistake; unloading piles and piles of crap and only crap - being assholes.

Do you think Trudy is a bad influence? Does Hannah have the right to be rude to Trudy because of that?