Plain Jane
Jane settled herself comfortably on the sofa in her favourite café, waiting for her order. She often popped in here for a cappuccino and a cream bun to lift her spirits before work.
Outside, snow fell gently. Jane took a grateful sip of the steaming coffee. At the table opposite sat two girls, clearly close friends.
Listen, I ran into my exs new girlfriend the other day. Honestly, not much to look at! What could he possibly see in her?
Maybe shes a whizz in the kitchen? Or perhaps shes a marvel in the bedroom? her friend cackled.
Oh, nonsense! Look at her picture on Facebookshe didnt exactly win the genetic lottery, did she?
The girls giggled, and Jane froze. She remembered words her mum had said when she was seven and eavesdropping on her parents one evening. Our Janey isnt what youd call a looker. Not much in the face, so shed better make herself special by what she does.
As an adult, Jane tried hard to look her best. No matter what she did, though, she never felt quite pretty enough. Her mum would often say, Chin up, love. If you havent got beauty, make up for it with brains. Work hard, do welldont end up alone.
At school, she was self-conscious about her gawky looks and boyish figure. At university, she learned to dress well and put on some decent makeup. She even got herself a boyfriend, but he still joked about her ‘flat bum and ‘clodhoppers for feet. Jane figured that even being clever might not be enough for someone to love her. She accepted it and got on with life.
Finishing her coffee and pastry, she dashed off to work. At lunchtime, she needed to swing by her friends flat to feed the cat and water the plants. Her mate Alice had gone to Cyprus for a couple of weeks, and her husband was rarely home. If by some fluke he bumps into Jane, he probably wont even notice her, Alice had thought as she left on holiday.
At Alices, Jane tipped some food into the bowl for drowsy old Thomas, then set about watering the pot plants. There was music next door, and Jane recognised the tune, singing along quietly: The unfamiliar star is shining bright, taking us far away from home For a moment, Jane was filled with warmth and light. That song, the flowers, this calm flatshe felt lighter than air. Without realising, she began to dance a little, admiring the plants and, for once, herself.
Suddenly, voices echoed down the corridor.
Jane turned and saw two men walk in. It was MalcolmAlices husbandalong with another chap. Both of them looked taken aback. How embarrassing! flashed through Janes mind.
Hi, Jane, this is my mate Chris. We just popped in to grab some paperwork. You dance really wellwe couldnt look away. Sorry we startled you.
Oh, um Alice asked me to Im just Jane stammered, then hurried for the door, not noticing Thomas underfoot. She tripped and landed awkwardly on the floor, and the world slipped into darkness.
When she came to, she was lying in a hospital bed.
Hello there, how are you? Im Becky, your roommate. Youve just got a mild concussion; the doctor says youll be fine. Someone came by with a delivery, and a young man brought flowers, Becky said with a friendly smile.
Thank you, Jane managed.
She slowly stood up and walked over to the window, opening the bag. Inside were some fruit, juice and her favourite cream buns. Must be from Alice and Malcolm, she thought.
She reached for the flowers and spotted a note tucked among the white chrysanthemums. Jane, get well soon. A lovely girl like you doesnt belong in hospital. Would you come with me to the flower show? I simply wont accept noChris.
Jane buried her face in the blooms, eyes squeezed shut with delight, and dashed over to hug her roommate.
True beauty isnt always loud and obvious. Every girl is beautiful in her own waysometimes its gentle, and shines from deep inside.
