Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter IV

It was Sunday, and it seemed like a great day for Merida. The days had been passing quickly, and the past few had only gotten better with Jacob by her side. She stared at herself in the mirror, like she always did before leaving her room.

"I'm glad your smile isn't fake today," she told her reflection, then smiled. It sounded crazy, but whatever — she was happy.

"Merida! Jacob is here already!" her mom, Beth, called out.

"Yeah! I'll be there in a minute, Mom!"

She turned to the side and looked at herself in the dress she was wearing. It felt weird to have one on, but... it was kind of a special day for her, so.

"It'll be okay," she assured herself before turning away and heading for the door.

Merida had invited Jacob to go to church. He hadn't been there in quite a while, but he couldn't say no to her invitation either. Still, he felt nervous — what if she thought less of him for not knowing the right responses during mass?

"Hey!"

Jacob looked up, and he couldn't help but stare and grin. She was as beautiful as ever, and it made him smile.

"My, my! She wore a dress," Beth teased with a big smile.

"Mom!" Merida shouted, her cheeks turning pink.

Jacob wanted to say she looked beautiful, but the words caught in his throat. He just couldn't say it yet. Not yet.

"Well, let's get going, you two," Beth said cheerfully.

Merida couldn't help but feel a little sad that Jacob hadn't— She shook her head quickly, cutting off her own thoughts before they could finish.

"You okay?" Jacob asked.

"Y-yeah..." she stammered.

•••

They were now outside, waiting for Beth after the mass had ended. Merida couldn't stop her thoughts from wandering. She knew she was still ugly. Jacob was just being kind, maybe trying to be her friend out of pity.

"I should just be thankful," Merida mumbled to herself.

Jacob glanced at her. She was saying something he couldn't quite hear, but he could tell she was troubled. Then she pouted, and that simple expression made him smile and quickly look away.

Beth noticed his smile, and it warmed her heart. She silently thanked God for blessing her daughter with someone like Jacob. She wasn't as worried anymore — there were three of them now looking after Merida.

"I wish you were still here to see this lovely view..." she whispered before walking toward Jacob and Merida.

Once she reached them, a little idea formed in her mind. Maybe something to help the two get closer.

"My, my! I think you two should go somewhere tonight!" Beth said with a grin.

"Mom!" Merida yelled, instantly catching on to what her mother was trying to do. Beth just pretended she hadn't said anything.

"Do you... want to hang out, maybe go somewhere?" Jacob asked shyly, scratching the back of his head. He didn't know why he was suddenly acting so nervous, but he was.

Beth giggled and cooed at them. "Well, I'll see you at eleven, Merida Love Hollyn! You two enjoy yourselves!"

Merida was about to argue, but her mom slipped into her car and locked the doors. She tugged at the handle, but Beth wasn't letting her in.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry about how my mom acted! You can just give me a ride home," Merida told Jacob, facepalming. Her mother was out to embarrass her.

Jacob just chuckled. They had taken the third mass, so it was already close to eight in the evening — and he had plans.

"Let's not waste your dress and the evening. I'm not going to waste how beautiful this is," Jacob said, opening the car door for her.

Merida stared at him, her feelings tangled. It was as if stepping into the car meant risking her heart.

Don't go inside... run away, a voice whispered in her mind. She was scared. But when she looked at the man holding the door open, she felt safe.