The Liliac Case
979 Words
Chapter 8
.
.
.
Lina
I realized the curtains had been down since the very day I got here.
Despite the weather it was always down. I hadn't really taken note of it before because I liked cool rooms anyways, but the heat today was killing at the moment so my eyes wandered towards the fabric.
Janna's bed position was in a weird position too. It was horizontal to the window. I rubbed my hand against my forehand. I must be overthinking things. She probably didn't like much sunlight like me or she gets migraines or something.
I sighed, picked up the remote and turned on the air conditioner.
While it hummed to life, I went through the messages on my phone. There was a missed call from my mom, so I called her back and we spoke for a while.
I sat upright and unclasped my necklace, placing it on the drawer. My eyes lingered to my wrist where Darien had caught earlier and I touched it unconsciously.
Then my eyes wandered off to Janna's table and I saw a lilac case with a black crest which caught my attention. It was too pretty to ignore, and eventually my curiosity got the better of me and I stood up to have a better glance at it.
I got to her table where it was and I carried it. It was a square medium-sized box. At the back of the box, there was something written in Spanish, in italics red ink.
“Para siempre en mi corazón”
Forever In My Heart.
My fingers hovered near the latch. Just a peek. It was probably a jewelry, or letter or—
The door creaked.
I froze, still holding the box.
It was Janna, looking at me with her lips paused and head tilted to the side like she was trying to decide how to react.
I mean I'd probably have the same look if I walked in on someone rummaging through my stuff.
I offered a smile. “Nice box you've got.” I said, waving it to her.
She smiled back, but it didn't reach her eyes. “Yeah… it's my grandma's.”
Her lips were pressed into a line as she walked up to me. Her hands were clammy when she took it from me.
“Did you open it?” She bit her lips.
“I was about to, and that's when you got in.” I replied.
She nodded slowly and let out a breath she probably didn't know she was holding.
“Are you better now?” She asked.
“Yeah.’ I said.
She walked to her closet and placed the box there.
I walked back to my bed and laid down. I stared at the ceiling for a while, but eventually the ceiling blurred and I drifted to sleep.
************
I woke up later in the evening freezing.
Janna was still sleeping when I turned to her side and she was also in a curled position. I switched off the AC with the remote.
I yawned and got up from the bed with a slight body ache. Still up, I brought out a pair of pink polka-dot pyjamas and placed them on the bed.
On my way to the bathroom, I passed Janna’s side again. Her books were spread open like she’d fallen asleep mid-revision. I paused for a second, watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest.
Her face looked softer when she slept. Peaceful, even.
I shook the thought off and stepped into the bathroom. The cold tiles met my feet, and I turned on the shower, letting the steam build before stepping in.
I got back to the room after an hour or so. Janna was studying.
“Are you eating anytime soon?” I asked.
“Nah, you can go on without me.” She said without turning.
I got changed and went out for dinner. The hall was noisy where I got there. There were students in line to get their meals, while some were already sitted eating and talking to their friends.
We were served spaghetti and meat balls with a glass of juice. I was half way in, when I noticed a pair of eyes on me. I pretended to ignore at first. I felt a bit uneasy, but then everyone here had a staring problem. So I tried to brush it off, but when I continued eating she kept on staring at me.
When I was done eating, I dropped my fork and met her gaze. It was a girl in glasses with a straight bang and cute face. She didn't even flinch when I caught her.
She wasn't going to look away? Fine.
I walked over to the free seat opposite her and slid into it. Her hands twitched slightly, and suddenly she remembered she had food. She picked up her fork and jabbed at the pasta..
I tilted my head and smiled. “Do I know you from somewhere?”
She blinked fast. “Huh? No! I was just–” She paused. “I was just staring because you are really pretty.”
I let out a short laugh. “That's one hell of a reason to stare down at someone like a crime suspect.
She smiled a little.
“Thanks though.” I added, pushing my chair backwards.
She gave out a fake smile and continued eating.
I stood up to take my leave when she called out again.
“Uhm… you are Lina, right? She asked.
I paused. “Yeah, and you're?”
“Rae,” She said quickly.
“See you around Rae.” I gave a short wave and left.
I got back to my room and Janna was still studying.
I didn't say a word to her. I laid on my bed and drifted to sleep.
- Writer
