Chapter 008

TALIA

I couldn't stop myself from cringing as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I looked so different. I felt different too.

My fingers inched toward the neckline of my blouse, fiddling with it for what had to be the dozenth time in five minutes. Glancing down, I grimaced at the sight of my boobs which looked like they were about to spill out of the blouse.

"For goodness’ sake, stop fussing," Ruby scolded, slapping my hand away. "You look great."

"I feel naked," I protested. "Listen, Ruby, I know I said I would do everything you told me to, but this is ridiculous. I couldn’t possibly wear this to school."

"Oh yes, you could and you will," Ruby insisted, planting her hands on her waist and giving me a stubborn look that reminded me a little of my mother in one of her more contrary moods. "Or do you want your evil twin to take Cassian away from you?"

My insides lurched. "Fine," I grumbled. "I’ll wear it."

"Good," Ruby said cheerfully as she resumed brushing my hair.

"Please make sure the makeup is not too much. We’re going to school, not to a party."

Ruby’s eyes met mine in the mirror. "It’s not too much," she assured me. "It’s just perfect... You’re perfect."

"There," she said a minute later, stepping back and looking me over. "I think you’re ready to go."

I started to argue, but then my gaze fell on the wall clock.

"Look at the time!" I exclaimed, snatching up my bag and adjusting my blouse again. "We’re running late!"

Together we ran down the stairs. Mother was in the living room, flipping through a magazine.

Ruby greeted her. Mother started to answer but at that moment mother’s flickered lifted to my face.

Her mouth twisted at the corners as though she smelled something bad. Mumbling a greeting, I tried to slip past her because I already had a clue what she would say next.

For the first time since she had stopped talking to me, I hoped it would remain that way. But of course, it didn’t.

"Wait," Mother called. "What is that on your face?"

"It’s... a bit of makeup, mum," I mumbled.

"Makeup?" she cried, slamming the magazine on the center table. "Go and wash it off. Now."

A sinking sensation pooled in my stomach. I started to turn away, but Ruby grabbed my arm and stepped forward.

"Mrs. Westwood," she said smoothly, smiling at mother. "I did the makeup. I thought Talia could do something different for a change. Don’t you think she should?"

There was a long pause. Then mother forced a smile. "Sure," she murmured. "I agree."

Before she could change her mind, Ruby led me out the door.

By the time we got to school, I was already half-hoping mother had gotten her way and I’d washed the makeup off.

"Remember to walk the way we practised," Ruby whispered in my ear as we stepped through the school's doors.

I grunted something in reply, kept my head down. I could see the feet of students slowing as we passed. I was right. They were staring.

"They’re staring," Ruby whispered excitedly. "But in a good way."

"What do you mean?" I said and looked up.

Almost every student in the hallway was looking at me with what was unmistakable admiration.

A group of boys were approaching us. One of them wolf whistled.

Another called out, "Looking good, Talia!"

"It’s working, Talia, it’s working!" Ruby squealed when they were out of earshot. She was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Oh, I’m so good. You know what? I should open my own makeup studio. What do you think of the name ‘Fex Textiles and Makeup Firm’?"

"That’s ridiculous," I giggled, unable to stop myself. "There’s no connection between textiles and makeup!"

Suddenly, I felt light and free and happy. Everything seemed right with the world. If the boys thought I was attractive, then Cassian definitely would.

Ruby and I had already decided that I would sit in the front row so Cassian would notice me. I took a seat and Ruby took one behind me.

It felt like there were live, writhing snakes in my belly as I waited for the class to begin. My heart was pounding. My palms sweaty.

For something to do, I pulled out my literature notebook and doodled in it while the rest of the class chattered away.

Then all at once I felt it. That crackle, like static electricity in the air.

His scent wafted toward me. My throat went dry, and I swallowed hard, turning my head just as he walked in.

Cassian moved with that fluid grace that made head turn. The class fell silent as he took his position at the front.

All I could do was stare at his perfect face as the breath left my lungs. And then, I remembered Ruby’s instructions - act uninterested.

Biting down on my lip, I straightened and looked away, pretending to be engrossed in my notebook.

"Who can remind me of where we left off last lesson?" Cassian asked the class.

Someone gave him an answer and he began to teach. No matter how much I tried to follow Ruby’s advice, I couldn’t stop myself from sneaking glances at him. He never once looked my way.

"I know that this class hasn’t had time to read the novel we’re starting," Cassian continued, "but from our discussions so far, who can tell me the novel's recurring themes?"

My hand shot into the air before I even thought about it. I had to know if I was making an impression and I could only know that he if he actually saw me.

"Yes?" Cassian said, scanning the room.

And when he noticed a few of the others staring in my direction, his eyes finally fell on me.

A shiver ran down my spine.

"Miss Westwood?" he murmured.

"The themes are love and revenge," I said, keeping my voice steady.

"That is correct." He turned away immediately, his tone flat, giving no sign he’d even noticed me beyond the answer.

The rest of the class passed in a haze. When the bell rang, Cassian packed up his books and left without a backward glance.

That hollow, empty feeling clawed at me again. I couldn’t even get up from my chair until Ruby’s hand landed on my shoulder. I looked up to see her sympathetic smile.

"The magic doesn’t just happen in one day, friend," she murmured. "Just keep at it, okay?"

With an encouraging grin, she left for her next class. I stayed seated until the room emptied.

Trying not to think of what had just happened, I closed my notebook, gathered up my things and left the classroom.

As I turned the corner of the hallway, I nearly collided with someone.

"Watch where you’re going, you fool!" Tessa screeched, brushing at her blouse even though we hadn’t made actual contact.

Suddenly she froze, her eyes widening in shock.

"What the hell are you trying to playing at wearing makeup like a fucking clown?" she demanded.

My insides burned. I bit my lip to hold back an angry retort and tried to move past her, but Tessa shoved me back.

"Where do you think you’re going?" she shouted. "I’m not done talking to you! Why do you have makeup on? And- and why are you dressed like that? You’re trying to steal my personality, aren’t you, bitch? You want to be the cool twin. You’re copying me!"

"I’m not!" I shouted back. "Why would I want to copy you anyway? It's not like you have anything I don’t!"

"You dare talk back back at me?" my sister hissed.

At that moment, Ethan appeared over her shoulder.

"Tessa-" he began, then broke off, doing a double take at the sight of me.

Tessa whirled around. I could practically hear her teeth grinding together as she took in Ethan’s expression.

"You back stabbing bitch," Tessa spat.

Before I move, her hand shot out, clamping over my face and smearing my lip gloss over my nose and chin.

"Get your hands off me!" I yelled, knocking her hand off.

Tessa stepped back, her lips curling into a cruel smile as she admired her handiwork.

"Putting makeup on a pig doesn’t make it a princess, sister," she sneered.

Behind her, Ethan chuckled.

"Damn right, my love," he drawled. "You must really be desperate to get my attention, Talia. Unfortunately for you, it’s not working."

"You two... get away from me!" I said quickly as I spotted the ugly glint in my twin's eyes as she took a step towards me.

"And if we don't?" Talia asked.

"What is going on here?" came a cold voice from behind me.

The three of us turned. Cassian was marching toward us.

He took in the scene with one swift glance. Quickly, I wiped the lip gloss off my face with the back of my hand.

"Nothing, Professor," Tessa chirped, looping an arm around my shoulders. "My sister and I were just talking."

"Well then," she continued, turning back to me with a smile, "I guess I’ll see you around, sis."

Holding Ethan’s hand, she walked away.

My heart rate spiked as Cassian lingered, giving me a long, unreadable look. Then he too turned and walked away.