𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞🌹

[The reunion]

 They arrived at Anissa's junior high school. The building stands with two floors and a large courtyard. All eyes are on them. Anissa and Rhea wore dark blue formal dresses and they also wore high heels. Their beautiful appearance makes them so attractive to those who pass by.

Rhea felt uncomfortable, she whispered, "Why are they all staring at us? Did we do something wrong?"

Anissa joked, "No, we're not. You're just too pretty, Rhea."

"It's you, Anissa, not me. It's unbelieveable. They don't recognize you? Actually, I'm glad that we don't have to meet strangers who asking to take pictures with you."

"Absolutely right. Now, listen. Please call me Rose from now on. If someone asks about you, I'll answer it with 'she is my cousin'. Do you mind?"

"Okay," answered Rhea shortly.

Rhea could hear some people talking in English. Then she remembered that Anissa attended an international school. They walked inside the hall and once again, all eyes were on them. Anissa took her hand and took her to a corner of the hall. There are cupcakes neatly arranged there.

"Blimey," said someone who accidentally bumped into Anissa. "Watch your way."

"Sorry," Anissa's cheeks are turning red with embarrassment.

"Wait, do I know you? Sorry, what's your name?" asked him. His face was full of curiousity.

"C'mon! You can't be serious!" Anissa is trying to divert his question by laughing. "You are Alex, am I right?"

"Yes, I am! How did you know?" Alex couldn't believe it. "So, what's yours?"

"Of course, I remember you!" Anissa then shook her head. "Na-ah, I don't want to tell you until you remember who am I."

Alex struggled to remember Anissa's name. He didn't even get any clue from Anissa's face.

"Oh, by the way. This is Rhea, she is my cousin," Anissa introduce her to Alex. Rhea smiled awkwardly. "Did you come here alone?"

"Of course not, I'm with my wife," Alex looked back and shouted, "Honey, come here!"

The beautiful woman approached them. Anissa's eyes are wide open. She's shocked. She knows who is her.

"So, this is Tasya. Tasya, this is Rhea, a cousin of hers. Then, she doesn't want to tell her name until I know what's her name. Do you remember her?"

Tasya staring at Anissa seriously. "I'm so sorry. I can't remember you. What class were you in? Are we in the same class?"

Anissa holds her breath. "Yes, we were."

"Oh, please. Don't be mysterious. Tell me, what's your name?" Tasya tried to persuade her to tell her name.

Anissa has difficulty controlling her breath. Her gaze is blank. Rhea watches her in panic. She had never seen her like that before. "I'm sorry, we have to go. She's have an asthma," Rhea's lying.

She grabbed Anissa's hand and took her to the restroom. Anissa is trying to control her breath. She told Rhea, "Tasya. She bullied me. I'm still traumatized by her stares. In an instant, I remember all her taunts. Alex also made fun of me. I didn't know they were married. This is crazy!"

"What? How come?" Rhea shocked. She is look at Anissa in panic. "Are you okay? We can leave now if you want."

Anissa replied, "Gimme a sec."

She tried to clear her mind. Everything has changed. She realized that her wounds was still there in her heart. Later, she remember her purpose of going to the reunion, to heal her wounds. She can't forever live with it. She has to face them. That's the only way.

"Rhea, I have to be here. I have to tell them who I really am. I can't live forever with this pain."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Anissa and Rhea came out of the restroom. People staring at them curiously. Alex and Tasya approached them.

"Are you okay?" asked Alex.

"I'm fine. And I want to answer your question," said Anissa. "I'm sure everyone here doesn't know who I am. They must have forgotten me. I want everyone to hear my confession," she walks straight to the podium.

Now, that Anissa is standing behind the podium, people are looking at her curiously. Anissa exhaled.

"Good morning, everyone," she opened. "Can I have a moment?"

Everyone in the hall was waiting for her to continue speaking. Rhea watching her nervously.

"Guys, I remember you. All of you have become adult men and women. In the past, we were still teenagers with various stories."

"I have a question for you. Actually, I'd be suprised if you can guess it right," Anissa laughed. "Okay, do you guys know who am I?"

Everybody in the hall stiffened. The once bustling hall was now a silent like an empty grave. They were lost in their own thoughts, trying to remember this woman, who was standing on the podium.

"I'm Anissa Margareth Rose," she confessed.

Suprisingly, everyone gasped in disbelief hearing Anissa's confession. They stunned. The hall was again bustling with whispers of disbelief.

"Can you believe that?"

"Wait? What?"

"She's the fat girl."

"That's impossible!"

"How come?"

Rhea couldn't believe that no one would remember Anissa. It's horrible. They just kept talking and whispering about the fat Anissa. She could see the cynical gazes of several women in front of her.

Anissa glanced at Alex and Tasya. They look in disbelief, just like the others.

"My chubby posture, that's what you're laughing at, isn't it? You guys even call me 'the female rhino'. But now, I'm actually grateful to you guys who have motivated me to take care of my body," her smile widens, relieved to be able to say what's in my heart.

"Yesterday, my mother told me something. She named me 'Rose' not without reason. She wants me to be a woman who blooms beautifully. However, roses will not grow without their thorny stems. For me, the thorns were a painful experience. I wanted to get rid of those thorns and focus on my life now as a ' bloomy rose'. In fact, I can't do it. I realize that I am today would not exist without those painful thorns. I still remember your ridicule that kept piercing my heart like a thorn. But I can accept it now. Due to those thorns that made me bloom beautifully like now. Thank you, friends."

Anissa got off the podium. She felt all the weight on her shoulders lifted. She managed to say everything she wanted to say.

Tasya immediately ran to hug her with tears. "Anissa, please forgive me. I'm such a fool. I am the one who influenced people to stay away from you. I'm sorry. I know how it feels now."

"What do you mean? Do people insult you too?"

Tasya shook her head. "Not me, but my daughter."

Anissa realize that there is a little girl beside them. She reminded her of her past self. Her chubby body and cheeks.

"My daughter was insulted for the same reason as you. You know how sorry I am to have done the same thing to you? I can't stand to see my daughter hurt. She didn't do anything wrong. Please forgive me, Anissa."

Anissa hugs her again. "It's okay, Tasya. I have forgiven you and Alex for what you guys have done for me."

Anissa squatted in front of Tasya's daughter. "You don't have to be sad, sweetie. You're so beautiful already."

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Everyone is created differently and well. That's what makes everyone attractive. They each have their own characteristics. If someone insults you, use it as motivation to change for the better. Make themselves regret that they insulted you. Set your own beauty standard! Be proud of your own beauty!