Chloe

All night I drifted in and out of strange, half finished dreams of childhood dread, turning ice-cold one minute and then, the kiss came back to haunt me. I would grow hot and flushed. The next morning I jumped out of bed and turned around to look at the clock. It was five in the morning and I had no idea why I woke up this early. I'm a sleepyhead-that's what Sarah said but today I proved her wrong. I felt dizzy, maybe because of partying till late night. I could do nothing with my hair but tie it in a knot above my head. I soon realized that I slept with my makeup on, that was the reason my face was swollen and dry. I quickly took the towel, stripped naked and headed towards the shower. The water was warm, thanks to Leez. It soon spread on my body relaxing my thoughts and weariness. Deep down, I felt naked. That kiss, it was soothing but not worthy. How dare he kiss me without my permission and also in front of Lisa. Yes, she has a huge crush on him and no doubt, he knew it all well. Then why did he kiss me? Was that because I really looked good or-? I've heard all the gossips about him-that he was a player but when I looked into his eyes he was different or was he not? All sort of questions  started to pop, one after another but me-I had no answer. Again and again that kiss would drift back and I, standing still, the water dripping down my body, knew a part of me wanted to taste those lips again, feel the tenderness-the warmth. I was having a strange kind of good feeling, about which, I had no clue. I closed my eyes and pictured myself, all in smiles, wrapped into his arms and him holding me close to his chest. I pictured us starring straight into each other's eyes and then it was him who started it. His lips brushed mine and this time I participated, I slowly kissed him back.

'Chloe, you're getting late for school!' Leez shouted. It was her usual job. She did it not because she was concerned, but because it was her duty-because she was my stepmom. Well, her regular duty brought me back to my senses. I could not say how long I stood under the shower. No wild thoughts, I told myself firmly as I got dressed. How am I going to face Jason and Lisa at school! I knew well, for Jason, kissing a girl was no big deal but the problem was with Lisa. I tried and memorized the excuses to avoid her. With crossed fingers I was all set to go to school hoping the day would end well. But remember, things never show up in the way we think they will. Good luck to me!

Thanks for reading! 

-Harshita