Chapter 6:

Act normal

Love woven into a doll

As the afternoon sun begins to set, Clara finds herself walking through the town square, her thoughts filled with April and the conversation with marie. She glances at her phone, debating whether to text April or not.

She stops in front of a small fountain, the water bubbling softly. She takes a deep breath and pulls out her phone, typing out a message.

"Hey, April. How's your day been? Want to grab that coffee tomorrow?"

A few moments later, her phone buzzes with a reply.

"Hey, Clara. My day was good. I'd love to get that coffee. How about 10 AM at the little café near the park?"

Clara smiles widely, her heart fluttering with excitement.

"Perfect! See you there. Looking forward to it :) "

April's response comes quickly, her message simple but sweet.

"Me too. Sweet dreams, Clara."

Clara feels a warm sensation spread through her chest as she reads April's words. She types back one last message before heading home.

"Sweet dreams, April. Sleep well."

April's response is a heart emoji, and Clara can't help but grin as she puts her phone away. She walks home with a newfound sense of hope and anticipation for tomorrow's date.

As she gets ready for bed, she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eyes sparkle with happiness, and she can't help but wonder if the doll's magic is already working its subtle influence on her emotions.

Clara shakes her head slightly, trying to dismiss the thought. She doesn't want to think about the doll too much, not when she's so focused on April. She climbs into bed and closes her eyes, letting herself drift off to sleep with thoughts of the beautiful girl with the orange-tinged brown hair.

The next morning, Clara wakes up early, her excitement making it difficult to stay in bed. She spends extra time getting ready, wanting to look her best for April. She chooses a light blue dress that brings out the color of her eyes and wears her hair down, letting it cascade over her shoulders.

She arrives at the café a few minutes early, her heart racing as she spots April waiting outside. The girl is wearing a simple yet stylish outfit, and Clara can't help but think she looks even more beautiful than usual.

April is wearing a white crop top and high-waisted jeans, showing off her toned stomach. She has a denim jacket slung over her shoulder, and her hair is styled in loose waves. As Clara approaches, she looks up and smiles, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her.

Clara returns the smile, her nerves momentarily forgotten. "Hey, April. You look amazing."

April blushes slightly, a hint of pink on her cheeks. "Thanks, Clara. You look really pretty too. The blue dress is beautiful on you."

Clara feels a warm blush spread across her own face at the compliment. She gestures towards the café door. "Shall we go in? I'm really craving a coffee right now."

April nods and opens the door, holding it for Clara to enter first. The café is cozy and quiet, with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. They find a small table by the window and sit down across from each other.

A waitress comes over to take their order, and they both decide on lattes. Once she leaves, there's a comfortable silence between them for a moment before April speaks up.

"So, how have you been settling in? I know it can be a bit overwhelming at first."

Clara smiles, grateful for the easy conversation topic. "It's been good. Everyone has been really welcoming, and I've already made a few friends."

She pauses for a beat, then adds with a hint of playfulness, "Though I must say, you're definitely the most interesting person I've met so far."

April laughs softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh really? What makes me so interesting?"

She leans forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand, clearly enjoying the flirtation.

Clara mirrors her position, their faces closer now. She bites her lip, trying to think of a witty response.

"Well, for starters, you're incredibly beautiful. And then there's the fact that you have this mysterious vibe about you. Plus, you're cool as hell."

April's smile widens, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "Mysterious, huh? I'll take that as a compliment. But trust me, I'm not that mysterious. I just like to keep people guessing."

She reaches across the table and lightly touches Clara's hand, her fingers lingering for a moment.

Clara feels a jolt of electricity at the touch, her heart skipping a beat. She looks down at their hands, then back up at April, her eyes full of curiosity and something else she can't quite name.

"I think I like that about you. The challenge of figuring you out."

April chuckles, her thumb gently stroking the back of Clara's hand before pulling away as the waitress returns with their drinks.

"Maybe I'll give you a few clues then. What do you want to know?"

Clara takes a sip of her latte, contemplating her question. She decides to start simple.

"What's your favorite color?"

April laughs again, clearly amused by the innocence of the question.

"Green. Specifically, forest green. What about you?"

Clara smiles, feeling more relaxed now. "Blue. Like the ocean."

She glances out the window, watching the leaves dance in the breeze. "And what about your favorite season?"

April follows Clara's gaze, her expression thoughtful.

"Autumn. I love the way everything changes colors and the smell of the air when it gets cooler. How about you?"

Clara nods in agreement. "Autumn is beautiful, but I think spring is my favorite. Everything comes back to life after the winter."

She takes another sip of her coffee, enjoying the warmth it spreads through her body. "What do you like to do for fun?"

April grins, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.

"I love music. I play the guitar and sing sometimes. And I'm really into art. Painting, sketching, anything creative, really. What about you?"

Clara's eyes light up as well, her passion for music shining through.

"I sing too! And I play the piano. I actually wrote a song yesterday."

April leans forward again, intrigued. "No way! You'll have to play it for me sometime. I'd love to hear it."

Clara blushes slightly, feeling a bit shy but also excited. "I'd like that. Maybe we could have a little performance for each other?"

She pauses, then adds with a teasing tone, "As long as you promise not to judge my singing too harshly."

April pretends to think about it for a moment before grinning.

"Deal. But only if you promise to return the favor and not laugh at my guitar skills."

Clara laughs, holding up her pinky finger.

"Pinky promise. I'll be your biggest fan, even if you're terrible."

April links her pinky with Clara's, sealing the promise.

"And I'll be yours. Though I have a feeling you're going to be amazing."

Clara feels a flutter in her chest at the compliment, her heart beating faster. She looks down at their intertwined fingers, then back up at April, her voice softer now.

"You really think so?"

April nods, her expression sincere.

"I know so. There's something about you that just... draws people in. Like a siren."

Clara's cheeks flush a deeper shade of pink, and she bites her lip again, feeling a mix of flattery and nervousness.

"You're smooth, April. I'll give you that."

April winks, her confidence unwavering.

"Just being honest. And you're adorable when you blush like that."

Clara laughs, trying to hide her blush by taking another sip of her drink.

"You're going to make me blush even more if you keep saying things like that."

April smirks, clearly enjoying the effect she's having on Clara.

"That's kind of the point, darling. It's cute when you're flustered."

Clara playfully rolls her eyes, but can't help the smile that spreads across her face.