Ugly
Emily made herself comfortable on the sofa in her favourite café, waiting for her order. She often stopped by before work for a cappuccino and a custard tart to help lift her spirits.
Outside, snowflakes drifted lazily down. Emily took a careful sip of her steaming coffee, relishing the heat. Across the room sat two young women clearly friends.
Listen, I bumped into my exs new girlfriend the other day. Honestly, plain as a pikestaff! What does he see in her?
Maybe she can whip up a cracking roast dinner? Or shes a marvel in the bedroom? her friend giggled.
Come off it! Just look at these photos on Facebook. She hasnt got much of a face, has she?
The girls snickered, and Emily felt a pang inside. She remembered words shed overheard from her mother years ago, when she was just seven: Our Emilys certainly no beauty. Maybe she can make up for it with what she does.
Grown-up Emily took great care over her appearance these days. But no matter how hard she tried, she still felt she fell short in the looks department. Her mother would say, Chin up, love. If you havent got looks, youll need to rely on brains. Study hard, do your best, so you dont end up alone.
At school, Emily always felt awkward about her gawky looks and boyish figure. At university, she learnt how to dress well and do her makeup. She even landed herself a boyfriend. But, for some reason, he would make jokes about her flat bum and giant feet. Emily realised that even smart girls like her werent destined to be loved. She accepted this and got on with life.
After polishing off her coffee and pastry, she rushed to work. At lunchtime, she had to dash to her friend Alices place to feed the cat and water the plants. Alice had gone on holiday to Greece for a couple of weeks, and her husband was hardly ever home. Even if by chance he and Emily cross paths, he wont give her a second glance, Alice thought, leaving for the airport without a worry.
At Alices flat, Emily first poured out some food for drowsy Tom, the cat, then started on the plants. Through the thin wall, she could hear music playing next door. She recognised the tune and began to sing along: Twinkle, twinkle, little star Suddenly, she felt contentright there in the cosy flat, with the music and the flowers. She felt light, almost as if she could float. Without even thinking, she began to dance around, admiring the flowers and herself in the window.
Suddenly, voices echoed from behind. Emily froze and turned. It was George! Alices husband. And he wasnt alone. Both men looked surprised. God, how embarrassing! Emily thought.
Hi, Em. This is my mate Harry. We just popped in to grab some paperwork. You were dancing beautifullycouldnt take our eyes off you. Sorry to interrupt.
I just Alice asked me
She bolted for the door, not realising Tom was underfoot. She tripped and landed in an ungainly heap on the floor. Everything went black.
When she came round, she was in a hospital ward.
Hello! How are you? Im Victoria, your neighbour. Youve got a bit of a concussion, but the doctor said youll be fine. A courier dropped something off for you, and a young man with some flowers stopped by too. Victoria smiled warmly.
Thanks, Emily managed to say.
Eventually, she got up gently and peered out of the window, then opened the bag on her bedside table. Inside were some fruit, juice, and her favourite custard tarts. No doubt from Alice and her husband.
She reached for the bouquet of daisies and found a card tucked in. Emily, wishing you a speedy recovery. A pretty girl like you doesnt belong in hospital. Id like to invite you to a flower show. Refusals not accepted. Harry.
Emily pressed her face into the white chrysanthemums, shut her eyes in delight, and rushed to hug her new friend Victoria.
Beauty doesnt always shout for attentionevery woman has her own. Sometimes, it radiates warmth and comes from within.
