4 Notification Ch 5

Kavitha woke up with the events of last night weighing heavily on her mind. She felt upset. It was the first time Kavitha stood up to Ajith and now instead of feeling free, she felt numb and also felt bad for how she reacted. Maybe she didn't understand what he was going through.

She blinked back tears as her head throbbed in pain. Her phone suddenly chimed, an Instagram notification popped up on her screen. Kavitha opened up Instagram.

One word that burned in her mind from her brightly lit screen. Riverside.

Kavitha was in disbelief. That's all he has to say to her? What did he even mean by that? Kavitha tried to scoff but she couldn't. So she frowned unhappily. Well, screw him.

Kavitha got up from, leaving her plush covers discarded messily on her bed. She didn't care to make her bed as she was going to sleep on it 12 hours from now.

Kavitha felt relief in her mind. It was only 7:00 am and a Saturday. She survived the first week of grade 11. All is not over yet because of him.

Kavitha knew was being ridiculous. Perhaps it was years of the small microaggressions that nothing to do with race building up.

He also seemed it make her feel inferior. Even if he didn't mean it. Well, at least she hopes he didn't. but with her luck nowadays maybe he did in fact meant it.

Kavitha decided to brush her thoughts away from the boy with those expressive eyes and a numb face.

She scrolled on Instagram, looking at the lovely photos. She meaningfully swiped to see Erik's profile. He still hasn't requested to follow her.

Kavitha decides she wanted to try something. She wanted to become more at ease with herself. So she went to Erik's dms with doubt weighing heavily on her mind. She texted.

Hey, Erik! I was wondering if you can follow me, maybe?

Kavitha cringed at herself. Too forward? She nervously played with her hair.

Ten minutes passed in record time.

Kavitha sighed in disappointment. Perhaps she will have breakfast first and then check. She got up feverishly from her bed and made her way to the kitchen. She fixed some avocado toast for herself and tea to share with her brother and mother.

Kavitha couldn't help herself. She also made some waffles and drizzled maple syrup generously.

Kavitha munched on her breakfast as she gazed at her phone. Two hands came down on her shoulders roughly, scaring her deeply.

Kavitha groaned. "Kamal!" She chided. Her tone, playful. Kamal grinned at his older sister. "I never fail to scare you."

Kavitha glared at him half-heartedly as she was trying so hard not to smile. "You're so annoying!"

Kamal's smug grin never faltered. "But you love it." Kavitha rolled her yes but she let herself smile. Kamal was two years younger than her and he is in grade 9. Though Kamal is growing up fast he will always be her younger brother. Kavitha smiled fondly at him while he gave her a cheeky smile.

"Ooo waffles, can I have one?" Kamal asked eagerly. Kavitha sighed and gave him her last one. "Thanks, sista." He winked at her in an encouraging way. "Good luck! I see you seemed to be in a problem. Hope you solve it quickly!"

Kavitha's eyes widened slightly. "What? Nothing's wrong."

Kamal munched at the waffle leaving crumbs on the ground. Kavitha pinched the bridge of her nose. "You have to clean that up." She tells her brother tiredly. Kamal shrugged. "Sure." Kamal waved away at the command and looked at his sister questionably. "It's Ajith, isn't it?"

Kavitha choked on her tea. Kamal whacked her on the back to help her. Kavitha finally felt the air return to her lungs. "What are you talking about?" She sputtered.

Kamal raised an eyebrow at her knowingly. "You always get defensive and dejected after having disagreements with him."

Kavitha averted her gaze knowing that he was right somehow. She thought she was upset about Erik but really she was more upset about Ajith. He meant well. Kinda. Sort of. Kavitha felt frustrated. She wished she could see what was troubling him. But she wished, even more, he would open up to her.

Kamal smiled lightly. "Don't worry, Ajith will come around. He's has a hard time expressing his emotions." Kavitha nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he is pretty hard to read. And you always tell me how good I am at reading people."

Kamal paused, uncertainty crossing his features. "Damn, wish I could tell you." Kavitha furrowed her brows. "Huh? tell me what?"

Kamal shrugged. He threw his head back to chug down his tea. Kavitha panicked. "Wait, it's still hot-"

It was too late. Kamal gasped in pain as he spat out the tea. It dripped immaculately on his white shirt. Kavitha facepalmed. "முட்டாள் பையன் (muttal paiyan) foolish boy."

Kamal smiled sheepishly at his sister. "Sorry, Akka big sis. Kavitha softened her gaze. "It's ok, I'll clean up, you go change."

Kamal brightened. "Thanks, Akka!" He ran out of the kitchen with hangs outstretched playfully. Kavitha rolled her eyes but the fondness in her heart was warm.

She then bent down and sponged off the soggy floor and table. Gesturing herself to the sink, she cleaned the sponge, her body weary after she finished.

Kavitha sat down to check her phone once before she started her morning review of school notes. Kavitha froze, her heart palpitating.

A new Instagram notification. She had an idea of two people. Who could it be?

Not be able to bare the anticipation, she swiped. Kavitha blushed profusely. it was Erik.

Hey, Big K! Just followed you ;)

Kavitha smiled and texted back of course. The conversation lasted about Erik ranting about how boring Chemistry is and every time Kavitha agreed, a sharp pang throbbed in her chest. It hurt a lot.

Wanna hang out, cutie? Youth Carnival is scheduled at 1:00 pm, today. We'll have a blast with my friends.

Kavitha's heart warmed at the kind offer. She decided, despite how awkward it will be for her to see his friends as well. She'll go. It will be healthy for her. The best part is she had time until one to do her reviewing of all subjects and get started early on future assignments which her teachers graciously posted on google classroom. Kavitha always thrived off doing well on schoolwork.

She texted back excitedly.

of course! :)

Erik messaged back immediately.

Awesome! Can't wait to see your cute face there. ;) I'll be there to pick you up.

Kavitha exited out of Instagram, laughter escaping her lips. Erik is definitely way too attached to the winking emoticon.

She stacked her beloved books on her table and began to review her heart away.

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Kavitha added mascara to her eyelashes. She gazed at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a short floral pink dress with dainty straps. Pulling down the skirt of her dress, she prayed it won't be cold.

She then pulled locks of her black hair back to create a half up and half down hairstyle. It brought out the warmth of her face. Kavitha smiled happily at her look.

The doorbell ranged. Kavitha's heart skipped a beat. "Coming!" she called.

Kavitha raced down the stairs. She gazed at her entrance mirror and smoothed down her hair and added some gloss. She struggled for a minute to put on her strappy shoes

Kavitha opened the door and braced herself to be confident.

Erik stood there as handsome as ever. He was wearing a leather jacket over a simple top and dark jeans. His hair was tousled over his detailed almond eyes.

Kavitha's voice got caught in her throat.

Erik smiled at her shock. He brushed a hand through his dark and winked flirtatiously at her.