When I first met Radai, I must say I didn't like her very much. She seemed arrogant and stuck up. "This is Radai Romanus, she will be helping me teach this class," Ariel, the pretty young Filipino teacher, had said. I looked at the tall, slim, pale faced blonde and smiled. I didn't like how she never smiled back, just looked right through me with her grey-blue eyes.
For the next few weeks I only spoke to Radai when I absolutely had to. That all changed one Friday evening when I got this email:
From: radai_rebelle
To: thexkittenxpilar
Pilar, mein Schatz!
How are you? You may have guessed that I like you a lot, and so I will be here for you whatever you need, any time. I looked over the homework Ariel gave you today.. it is very difficult! Do you have any questions? Just email me back or text me on 07XXXXXXXXX.
Have a lovely evening!
Radai xo
I looked over the email three times. Mein Schatz? What did that mean? Google Translate told me it meant "my treasure." I found myself smiling, and I picked up my phone and texted her. "Its Ariel. Thanks for the email but I'm fine with the homework, already done ;) how are you? x"
We texted a few times before Radai offered to come and meet me the next day for coffee. I accepted, grateful for the chance to get to know her better, to know exactly what she meant when she said she liked me a lot. I arranged to meet her the next day at the college entrance.
The next day, as I walked to the college, dressed in a black corset that complimented the tanned skin I'd inherited from my Spanish father, and black skinny jeans that accentuated my hips well. My dark brown hair was straightened, and almost reached my waist. When I looked in the mirror, I wondered why I'd made such an effort for Radai. Then I realised I didn't care.
Slipping on a pair of crimson red shoes that matched the Alice band in my hair, I walked out of the door and headed for the college.
When I got there, Radai was waiting in her car. She looked gorgeous, with her platinum blonde hair bouncing in loose curls around her pale face. She wore a long grey top and black jeans, with black ankle boots. I jumped into her black sports car and smiled. This time, unlike any other, she returned my smile, then pulled me close to her. "Pilar.." she breathed softly as she hugged me, "you look beautiful!"