Never Been Kissed

I stared at my reflection distastefully, willing myself to hate it, desperately trying not to be vain.

This face suited the brunette waves that cascaded around it, but it did not fail to distract me whenever I turned and a strand of my own dark hair appeared in my peripheral vision. It was just another thing I would have to get used to, I guess, along with the perfect face.

It was like my tomboy figure had been squeezed into shape. My boyish square-shaped body I’d had was suddenly a womanly valley of curves. I ran my hands over stomach, which suddenly felt a lot harder. My waist was tiny, but what I lost there was made up in the chest area. I bit my lip. I extremely squeamish and seeing my ribs stick out was terrifying. I resolved to eat more.

And I was taller. I guess that was the main difference. I was much taller. Before, I’d been pretty tall for my age, now I was almost as tall as Aaron…or Caleb…

I froze. I had to remember that in this world I hadn’t met Caleb yet. I couldn’t make that mistake when I see him. After all, isn’t that was Oli said? That I’d lived in Australia until now, which meant I’d never met him. How would he react to me? Would he fall for me, again? Even if he was to like me again, I didn’t want him to fall for me like this…I would want him to love me, for me.

My heart was very obviously stupid. I chastised it for being selfish. I can’t believe I actually wasted my one wish on this…

But I should at least enjoy it while it last. Even if it was crazy, I should enjoy it.

“Hey.”

I spun around, clutching my sheets around me, my cheeks flaming. “Oli!”

“Aren’t you ready for school yet?” he seemed in a better mood than before. “You have to leave in about an hour…I can’t stop time, you know.”

I glared at him, trying to work out how I should act. On one hand, I was extremely reluctant to be almost-naked with anyone, particularly a guy, but on the other hand, he treated me like a stupid little kid, even though we looked about the same age.

“How old are you?” I asked, attempting to sound offhand. I grabbed my uniform from the bed, managing to keep a grip on the sheets.

“Too old for you,” he smirked. I blushed, suddenly remembering that he could read thoughts.

“If you know what I’m thinking already, why haven’t you left the room already?” I said, roughly, my newly acquired thick waves of hair providing very adept in hiding my red cheeks. “You could at least turn around.

“Even if I’m too old for you, I’m still a guy. You can’t blame me for trying.”

Blushing even harder at his words, I tried to think of a good comeback, but I had none so I just glared at him unfaltering until he vanished again, my fingers gripping onto my sheets so hard it was beginning to hurt. When he had disappeared into thin air, I sighed and dropped my sheets again. With one last look at my now covetous body, I buttoned up my shirt and pulled my cashmere sweater over my head. The St Helen’s logo gleamed on my chest. My pleated skirt settled mid-thigh, showing off my long, tanned legs.

I picked up a bag at my door, gingerly testing out the weight. I was used to backpacks and the handbag they had supplied me with, already filled with the books I needed, felt too heavy.

I walked out, into the hallway, marvelling at the house that was now mine. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the huge ornate staircase which leads down into the front hall. I passed numerous oil paintings, each one more elaborate and beautiful than the last. The whole house had the polished wood smell only old mansions had. Obviously, the Duke and Duchess of Iviress were rich.

I froze. Wait…Iviress? Wasn’t Caleb meant to marry the Princess of Iviress…?

“My baby!” the Duchess cooed, when she saw me, frozen on the step. I stared at her, taken aback for a second. Then I remembered who she was, and my spread into an easy smile.

“Hello.”

A flicker of uncertainty flickered through her eyes, before she covered it up. “Don’t you look cute?” she asked, her tone patronizing. She said the word cute as if it were a curse.

“Uh.” I’ve never been called cute before, and so I struggled to respond. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

“Poison Ivy!” she exclaimed, giving a shrill laugh. “How many times have I told you, you have to be modest!”