Aileen
Guess, we are going on the right track. Now, the final attempt.
“If you are done eating, do you want to do something fun in your room?” I asked.
“Something fun? Like what? Are you trying to prank me or something?”
“No, no, I’m not pranking you. I’m telling you it’ll be fun. You’ll definitely like it. Do you want to?”
“Uh….. hm…..” she glanced at me for a second and gave a nod. “Alright. But, what are you going to do?”
“That…. is a surprise.”
We arrived in her room a few minutes later. I closed the door behind me.
“What are you carrying into that bag of yours?” she asked, looking at me.
“Uh…well…you wanna know?”
“Of course, I want to.”
“Then, sit in front of your dressing table.”
“But, why?”
“Just do as I’m saying. Why ask so many questions?”
She clicked her tongue, went over to the dressing table, and sat down unwillingly.
I stood right behind her, pulled out the dress I had brought with me, and held it in front of her.
“Ta-da! Do you like it?”
She grabbed onto the dress and examined it closely. “Huh? Why did you…. bring it for me?”
“They are mine, see if they can fit you.”
“But…why”
“Ugh, you ask too many questions. Just go and put it on. Or should I help you change?”
“Help me change?” her cheeks flustered red in embarrassment. “No way! Don’t touch me!”
“Then, hurry up. Should I wait in your room?”
“Get out of my room, you aren’t watching me change!” she yelled and pushed me out of her room.
She’s so violent. At least she’s listening to me.
I waited for a few minutes and knocked on the door, “Are you done?”
“Yeah, come in.”
I went inside and saw her standing with a shy expression. The dress was a bit loose on her, but it still suited her.
“You look so pretty wearing it,” I complimented, patting her head. “If you want to keep it, I don’t mind giving it to you.”
“Well…. it’s not that heavy and comfortable. But, I don’t understand why you are making me wear it.”
“My job isn’t over yet. Sit down. I’ll do your make over and then you won’t be able to recognize yourself.”
“Make over? But, why?”
“Just wait.”
I pulled the make-up kit out of my bag and placed it down then started my work.
“Done, how do you like it?” I asked, putting aside the brush.
She was stunned, and caressed her face, examining it closely.
“I…. I look like this for real?”
I nodded, “Yup, but you didn’t realize how pretty you were before. I helped you realize your full potential. Now, you can be more confident in yourself, can’t you now?”
“Confident……”
I wrapped my arms around her from behind, “Becky, you realize yourself that the way you are staying cooped up in your home is causing trouble for your brother. Still, you aren’t doing anything to help him out. You love your brother, right? Then, why don’t you save him out of his misery?”
Her eyes lowered down at her hands, her face becoming a bit saddened. “I…I know that very much well. But, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. It’s because of those students there that I started hating people in the first place. It’s not my fault that I don’t get out of my house and stay in my room all day, hating myself even more.”
“But, they were the ones who bullied you. Then, why do you have to suffer because of them? If others try to push you down, will you let them do it to you?”
“That’s….”
“Raise your head. The only one who’s standing between your dreams and a better life is no one but yourself. You are your enemy, the one you have to beat out of your mind, the fear and confusion. Just get it out of your head, don’t let it take control of your will and actions. This is not the way to end things.”
She raised her head and looked at her face in the mirror. Her eyes were full of fear and guilt which she kept hidden all this while.
“I’m…. my enemy?”
“Learn to love and accept yourself. Don’t be so harsh on yourself. You deserve better. And don’t let anyone dictate your life. You should start attending classes regularly. That’ll be the best revenge for those people who bullied you. Don’t back down from this fight!” I said, putting my hands on her shoulders.
“Really?”
“Yeah! And if anything goes wrong again, come to me for help. I’ll chase those bad guys. How does that sound?”
She suddenly stood up on her feet and turned to me with a puzzled look.
“Is it really as easy as you make it sound like?”
“It is,” I assured her, “Believe me. You aren’t alone. Your brother and family are there, the Alpha, my dad is there, my mom, and at last me. I’ll be there for you for life. We’ll support you. So, don’t worry at all!”