The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains of Bella's room, painting soft golden streaks across the walls. The clock on the dresser ticked quietly, its steady rhythm a reminder that the minutes were slipping away. It was already past four-thirty, and Bella was sitting at the edge of her bed, staring at her reflection in the mirror opposite.
Her thick curly jet black hair was let down, falling over her shoulders, and she wore a pale blouse tucked neatly into her jeans. Simple, nothing too loud, but enough to show she'd put thought into this meeting. Her hands, however, betrayed her nerves; they kept twisting together in her lap, restless and unsure.
A gentle knock sounded at her door before it opened slightly. Chloe leaned in, her head poking through with a grin. "So… are you ready?"
Bella glanced at her through the mirror, giving a small, wobbly smile. "I think I am."
