“Yeah …” Flávia finally catches my eye. “It’s just … it’s kind of nerve-wracking too.”
I slip my fingers through hers once more and press closer. The passers-by don’t care about the two girls paused in the middle of the street, or the orange glow the sun has cast over us all.
“I get it. I lived in Bangladesh for so many years but I still feel anxious about going back.”
Flávia smiles and turns back to the sky again. “First date watching the sunset. It’s kind of cheesy.”
“It’s sweet.”
She gives me a sheepish smile. “So … cheesy?”
“Romantic.” The words tumble out, braver than I feel.
Her smile widens. She pulls me closer. Suddenly, it’s like there is no one but us on this busy Dublin bridge as she presses her lips to mine.
29
IT’S OUR SECOND SHOWCASE ONFRIDAY. IWAKE UP EARLYto get into school and set everything up before everyone else gets there. After what happened during the first one, I can’t help how nervous I feel. I know I can’t be outed all over again, and I should be elated about the fact that Flávia and I are … something. But none of that takes away the heavy feeling in my chest.
“We’ll be at the school in the afternoon,” Ammu reminds me as I’m about to slip out the door. I’d almost forgotten parents were invited to today’s showcase; I hadn’t considered my parents might want to come. Especially considering we still had barely talked since I was outed to the whole school.
“How did you know?” I know it’s the wrong question to ask, but it tumbles out before I can stop it.
“We got a text.”
“Abbu is coming too?”
She nods and finally meets my eyes. She parts her lips for a moment, as if she’s about to say something.
“Nishat, I’m …” she begins. Her eyes bore into mine and I don’t know what to expect. “… good luck today,” she finishes weakly.
I wish Priti were here, but she’s probably still asleep. My whole body shakes on the way to school. Ammu wished me luck, but that doesn’t mean anything. Even if it is the most she’s said to me in a long time.
I don’t know how I’m supposed to entertain my parents in school today. I don’t know how I’m supposed to face them in the same vicinity as Flávia and pretend they haven’t rejected me.
I gulp down my anxiety and look straight ahead at the rain splattering the windshield of the bus. I just have to find a way to power through this day.
At school, I hang Flávia’s banner up on my stall, admiring the way it fits the whole aesthetic of my business perfectly. The colors are exactly the ones that set into your skin after henna dries off.
Chaewon and Jess come around holding a box of supplies as I’m setting out my henna tubes and design book on the table in front of me.
“Whoa, nice banner,” Jess comments, nodding at it admiringly. “You did it yourself?”
“Please.” I roll my eyes, because Jess should definitely know better than that.
“Priti?” Chaewon asks, taking the banner in admiringly.
I wonder for a moment how Chaewon and Jess would take it if I told them it was Flávia. What exactly they would think of that. But I just shake my head and change the topic.
“Shouldn’t you two be at your stall, getting ready? It’s a big showcase. Are your parents coming?”
Chaewon nods her head excitedly, like she can’t wait for her parents to show up. “My mom is so excited that people at school like the stuff we’re selling. She says it’s big in Korea but she didn’t think kids here would like it too.” She grins so wide that I’m surprised it doesn’t hurt her lips.
“Anyway, we’re here to help you!” Jess dramatically sets down the box she’s carrying on the table. “We brought over some stuff to help you out with your stall.”
“Really?”
“Yeah,” Jess shrugs. “I mean, you’re on your own here and …”
