Chapter 4

I did something I never do. I slept in. The reason that I never sleep in on the weekends is because my parents are constantly waking me up at 7:30 A.M in order to get to my viola lessons. But instead, I got up at 1 o’clock and began to freak out.

“Aunt Cherry! My viola lesson!” I said, rushing into the kitchen as I yanked a red t-shirt over my tank top. My phone constricted one of my hands from gripping the shirt. She stared at me, amused. I was panting heavily from the race down the stairs and through all 7 rooms.

“I canceled it.” She shrugged. I stared at her, mouth agape. It’s not that I minded it being cancelled, no I was grateful. It’s my mother’s wrath that made me scared.

“My mother!” I cried out. She just shrugged.

“I asked permission, I told her we were going shopping to give you a makeover. She said yeah, and to just call Maria- your instructor.” She said, smiling widely as she flipped a pancake. I stared at her awestruck.

“But she’ll know you’re lying when she comes back and I’m still plain old me.” I stated, running my hands through the air surrounding my face and clothes. Did I need a makeover? According to Adrian, you do. I automatically frowned as I took my phone and checked the messages. I sighed once I read them; Jessie was inviting me to a party, pleading with me to go. Didn’t she realize I couldn’t, wouldn’t, and shouldn’t go? It always ended badly. I groaned loudly.

“What is it?” She asked me, turning her head slightly.

“It was Jessie inviting me to a party but I said I’m not going. She probably just wants me to drive her home when she's drunk and vomiting.” I stated, shrugging and throwing a careless hand around. She gave me a flat look and I rolled my eyes. She took this as a sign for her to continue talking.

“Maybe she just wants you to go out and have fun. And about the makeover, who said I was lying?” She said, raising an eyebrow along with the spatula. I shook my head vigorously. This would make Adrian think that his words affected me. They did but not to the point where I would go out of my way to change in the matter of a day.

“I can’t.” I said, shaking my head. She frowned deeply, puckering out her lower lip and widening her eyes in an attempt to give me the puppy dog face. I shook my head, turning and staring at the pile of pancakes she created. She realized her tactic wasn’t working so she decided to speak to me instead

“Why not?” She asked, flipping the pancake quickly. It was slightly burned but I was used to it. I’m surprised she didn’t burn the house down. I noticed her iPad sitting on the counter with a ‘How to Make Pancakes’ video tutorial on it. I let out a low snort. The time it took her to place the pancake onto the plate gave me some time to come up with an excuse; but I don’t think any amount of time would help me create a good enough excuse to get out of anything involving clothes or make up. I decided to tell her the truth.

“Because yesterday I was called ugly and I don't want them to think that it bothered me that much.” I muttered, poking the pile of pancakes I’d shoved onto my plate. She sat down across from me with a coffee in her hand as she looked outraged.

“Who called you ugly?” She asked, getting defensive. I shrugged carelessly before replying.

“Easton.” I stated, cutting the pancake. I poured syrup all over the dry pancakes before I stuffed the forkful into my mouth.

“He lied. You’re beautiful. You know that right?” She asked me. I stayed silent. Lying to her gets you nowhere. Besides, to me- it seems that looks get you nowhere, that’s why I study so hard. I want to be successful and I don't want to have to depend on beauty (or lack thereof) to get me places.

“You’re beautiful! Why don’t you feel beautiful?” She asked me, tilting her head slightly. I shrugged.

“After years of being told that I’m ugly, it started to sink in.” I replied, biting my bottom lip.

“You’re not ugly. Do you want to make Easton feel really stupid?” She questioned, smirking deviously. I shrugged.

“Here’s what you do. Tell Jessie you’re going to that party. Hurry up and eat, we’re going to get you some clothes,” She spoke, examining my hair before adding the next part. “And we’re going to do your hair. Do you want to know why?” She asked.

“Why?” I asked with a calm voice, furrowing my eyebrows.

“Because you’re going to show him how wrong he is. And when he sees you- he’s going to regret saying what he did. He’s going to feel stupid.” She explained. I don’t think she understands the type of guy he is. He’s a bad guy, I don’t want to be involved with him, never mind how hot he is- he’s bad news. He uses girls and I don't want to be one of them. Maybe it was a sign that he thinks I'm ugly, I'm in the clear.

“But I don’t want to go.” I said, standing my ground.

“But you have no choice.” She said, narrowing her eyes at me. She raised an eyebrow as I protested.

“I think I do.” I excused, narrowing my eyes at her as well.

“Okay, alright,” She stated making me think I had won this small argument. Then I could go back upstairs and play on the internet and let Jessie get drunk at some random guys party. I would eventually feel okay and head to school on Monday feeling the usual neutral.

Just as I was about to push myself out of my chair, finished with my pancakes and going to take a shower, she decided to speak. “I’ll give you an ultimatum.” 

“Which is?” I questioned her, raising an eyebrow.

“You either go shopping with me, allow me to do your makeup, and go to that party or you go get ready and I’ll schedule your viola appointment for a double block and I'll ask her to give you harder work. And then when you get home, I’ll relax and you get to cook dinner.” She bargained, raising her coffee mug to her mouth. She is the devil. I think the answer was obvious.

“Fine, but there are boundaries that you cannot cross; I’m not wearing pounds of makeup, I am wearing jeans and a jacket, and I’m not wearing heels.” I demanded.

“Wedges?” She asked, raising her eyebrows hopefully as that persuading smile appeared on her face. Her brown curly hair was held back by a thick elastic hair band.

“What's the difference? They both will break my ankles by the end of the night. No.” I said, shaking my head. She puckered out her lower lip, batting her eyelashes and whimpering like a lost puppy. I felt myself caving so I sighed. “Fine.” I huffed, allowing her to cheer and shouted. She demanded me to go upstairs and get dressed. I just complied, creating a plan in my head.

After changing and coming up with a brilliant plan, I happily galloped downstairs. It’s simple what I was going to do, in fact- a baby could do it. Well, maybe not because it includes climbing. Anyway, I wasn’t actually going to go to the party. But instead of going to the party- I was going to drive to an ice cream shop, stay for 20 minutes and then come home and climb through the window. Simple and quick, right? I’ll be back to internet browsing in no time!

“Why are you so happy? 45 minutes ago, you didn’t even want to go. Stop planning something, you’re going. I’m making you. Jessie is driving you there and back, now let’s go.” She stated, attempting to ruin my plan. I’ll just cancel on Jessie as soon as she gets here or I’ll let her drive for 20 minutes and then I’ll say that I don’t feel so well and tell her to drop me off at my house, or a block away. So my plan wasn’t that ruined, I just have to add a few last minute changes.

I stood in the same isle as Aunt Cherry who was intently searching through shirts, all of light colors. Inside my head, I was freaking out. Light colors and I do not mix. Last time I wore light colors, I spilled spaghetti sauce all over myself. She pulled a white flowing tank top out with a light pink heart in the middle. It was cute but not for me. She held it up to me, turning her head sideways before she nodded and shoved it towards me. I held it in my hand and she raised her eyebrows and motioned towards the changing rooms. I furrowed my eyebrows and shook my head.

“You have to try it on to make sure it fits.” She said, placing her hands on her hips. My shoulders slumped as I sighed and made my way towards the changing rooms. I slid the shirt on and it fit, like I’d expected.

“Come on out of there!” She called from the outside; I heard her heels clack impatiently as I slowly exited the changing room. She smiled, satisfied. I quickly entered the room once again and took off the shirt.

“You said jeans, right?” Aunt Cherry asked, pursing her lips as she thumbed through a rack of colored jeans. And not just any color, the worst color known to man (in my opinion)… pink.

I’m not a big fan of a lot of pink, but Aunt Cherry just loved pink. She said it looked nice on me. The thing about me is that I’m not a girly girl or a tom boy, instead I’m regular. I wear looser jeans and t-shirts, you’re lucky if you see something on me that’s actually my size. I usually wear things two sizes too large and that earns complaints from my mother. I don’t dress like a lady.

“Yeah.” I muttered, kicking the decorative rug. The town mall was filled with teenagers and preteen girls, both doing the same things. Shopping and gossiping. Those are two things I hate doing, shopping is tiresome and boring and gossiping leads to trouble one way or another. I saw my Aunt Cherry retracting a pair of pink jeans that matched the heart on the shirt. I felt my eyes widen and she smiled, matching the color to the shirt.

“Try it on.” She stated, shoving it at me. I opened my mouth in an attempt to talk and she stood with her hands on her hips, an eyebrow raised as if daring me to try and speak. I closed my mouth and walked to the changing room.      

After paying for the utterly terrible clothing, we headed towards the shoe stores. I felt my stomach flip. Shoes were never my forte. I’ve always had large feet and I got teased about that for a while. My Aunt walked over to the heels isle but I steered her towards the flats. She smiled and pointed to the sign that read ‘wedges’ and I gritted my teeth.

I honestly liked wedges and heels, but I would never be seen wearing them. The day I wear them is the day I die. And today would be that day. Aunt Cherry picked up a pair of medium sized wedges with pink straps going across it. They were adorable but I felt that I was wearing too much pink. I groaned and pushed them away. She gave me a flat look at shoved them towards me.

“These are too small.” I excused. She smirked and grabbed a box below the heels, placing them on the seat beside me. They were a size 8½. I inhaled deeply as I slid my foot into the wedge. I placed it on my other foot and stood up. They were a bit wobbly at first but I got used to it. But I wouldn’t be running the 500 meter dash anytime soon. She smiled and walked to the cashier, purchasing the shoes.

The shopping itself took a shorter amount of time than I’d thought. On the way back to my house, a confused look crossed my Aunt’s face. “When did Easton call you ugly?” She asked, giving me a sideways glance. I blinked twice before speaking.      

“He lives next door.” I said quietly. My Aunt blinked twice.

“You mean, next door to us?” She asked. I nodded in response.

“Right next door to my room.” I muttered. I fiddled my hands which were resting on my lap.

“Do you guys talk often?” She asked. I shook my head, giving her a look as if she was crazy. She sure was talking like it.      

“No. They just moved in about a week ago. Besides, why would I talk to a guy who called me ugly?” I said as we pulling into the driveway of my house.

“Oh. Who he is?” She asked me.

“He’s a popular guy in school. He’s bad news. He’s not a player, just a flirt. He kisses and uses girls a lot according to Jesse.” I replied as we walked up the steps to my house.

“Is he now?” She asked, looking in the direction of his house absentmindedly as I unlocked the door.  

“Yeah. He is.” I replied, unlocking the door as my Aunt entered.

“I’m going to curl your hair, okay?” My Aunt said, plugging in the curling wand. I shrugged carelessly.

After spraying my hair with a bunch of hair care products, she started the curling process. I winced as my hair was yanked repeatedly by the curling wand and my Aunt’s man hands. When she finished my hair, she moved on to my makeup.

“Don’t put on a bunch of makeup, please.” I said, watching as she unpacked a bag full of beauty products from cover-up to blush to lipstick.

She put my hands on the table in front of me and took out a cream colored nail polish and began glazing it onto my fingernails. After layering it twice, she let it dry and then added a finishing coat of clear polish. I let her put on eyeliner which was liquid, it felt cold against my skin and I wanted to cringe back, I would’ve if she wasn’t holding the back of my head steadily. She put mascara onto my eyes and I blinked, my eyelashes feeling heavy.

“Now go get dressed.” She demanded as I walked upstairs. I put on my clothes. I decided to add in a few things of my own. My Aunt wouldn’t mind, right? I put on my light colored jean coat. It was sleeveless and short. It matched nicely, in my point of view. I put on the necklace my mother gave me a few years back and held the wedges in my hand. There was no way I was walking downstairs in those death traps.

“You look beautiful!” My Aunt exclaimed when I went downstairs. I quickly stepped into the wedges, looking at the time. It was only 6 o’clock!

“Thanks.” I muttered, sitting down. She handed me my cell phone with a devious smirk on her face.

“Jessie should be coming over soon. We’re going to help her get ready here.” She informed me, nodding. I shrugged carelessly. She just had that devious smile on her face. The doorbell rang shortly after our small chat. I opened it to reveal Jessie standing there with a smile on her face. Her smile widened.    

“You look amazing,” She exclaimed, jumping up and down. “I’d hug you but I’m scared I’ll break you!” She grinned, her eyes lit up amusedly.    

“It’s a onetime thing.” I stated, giving her an annoyed look as I pulled her into the house.

“You painted your nails! You haven’t painted your nails since 6th grade!” She exclaimed, holding my hand up to her eyes.

“Actually, my Aunt Cherry did. I was forced to look like this.” I growled, ripping my hand away. "The polish is coming off the minute I get home, trust me."

“Well, you look beautiful. Now it’s my turn!” She said, smiling widely. She didn’t realize that she was the beautiful one already. In this friendship, she outshone me but I'm used to being the ugly friend.

___

“The party is starting soon! We have to go!” Jessie exclaimed, popping up out of her seat. Her dark gray striped shirt was flowing as she moved. Her black jeans contrasted nicely with the shirt and her heels were deadly. I was scared for her life when she walked in them. They were higher than both of my wedges combined. Her hair was brushed back and straightened. She put it in a short fishtail braid. She thanked my Aunt who stood at the door.

Throughout the time she was getting her small unnecessary makeover, I’d informed her about my neighbors and the reasoning for my random change of heart which wasn’t so ‘my’ decision. I even texted my plan to her and she gave me a look like I was crazy before she shook her head. It was official; tonight I was going to my first 'High School Party'. I was crapping enough bricks to make a pyramid.

As we exited my house, we saw a small group of guys surrounding their cars. The dim lighting of the 8 o’clock sun allowed us to see their faces. I saw a few of Adrian’s friends- Logan, Trent, and Chase. They wouldn’t have noticed us if it weren’t for my Aunt’s shouting.

“Have fun. Don’t get pregnant or drunk!” She shouted, laughing at us as we gave her annoyed glances. Their eyes darted towards us as we made our way to the car. Don’t trip. Don’t trip. Don’t trip. My feet decided to actually cooperate and we arrived at the car. I even heard a wolf whistle that was obviously directed towards my best friend. I quietly got into the passenger’s seat as Jessie looked at me with a wide smile.

“Are you ready?” She asked. Unsure and confused, I nodded. I’m ready. At least I think I am.