Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter IV

It's Sunday and it seemed like a great day for Merida. The days were fast and the past few days seemed to get better with Jacob by her side. She stares at herself in the mirror, like she always does before she'd leave her room.

"I'm glad your smile isn't fake today," she told her reflection and then smiled. She 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 took a side view and looked at herself with a dress on. It felt weird wearing one but... it's kind of a special day for her so.

"It'll be okay," she assured herself before turning away and walking towards her door.

Merida had invited Jacob to go to church. He hasn't been there for quite a while but then he can't decline at her invitation as well. He just feels nervous that what if, she'll find him unscrupulous for not knowing what to respond during the mass.

"Hey!"

Jacob looked up and he couldn't help but stare and grin. She was purely beautiful as always and it makes him smile.

"My! My! She wore a dress," Beth teased with a big smile on her face.

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

Jacob wanted to say she looks beautiful but then he got tongue-tied. He just can't say it to her yet. Just not yet...

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

Merida couldn't help but feel a little sad that Jacob hasn't— She shook her head the moment she realized what she was about to think.

"You okay?" Jacob asked her.

"Y-yeah..." she stammers.

•••

They were now outside waiting for Beth to come out as the mass just ended. She can't help but get so distracted with her thoughts. She knows she's still ugly. Jacob was just kind and maybe really wants to be her friend out of pity.

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

Jacob took a glance at Merida. She was mumbling something that he couldn't quite understand. He can see that she's bothered with something. Then she pouted which made Jacob smile and look away.

Beth saw that smile and it made her smile as well. She thanked God for blessing her daughter someone like Jacob. She's not that worried for her anymore, there's three of them looking after Merida now.

"I wish you were still here and see this lovely view..." she whispered and walk towards Jacob and Merida.

Once Beth was in front of the two she thought of something. Perhaps an idea for the two to get closer and spend time together.

"My, my! I think you two should go somewhere tonight!" Beth said grinning at them both.

"Mom!" Merida yelled. She knows what her mother is doing. Beth just acted like she didn't say anything.

"Do you want to hang out and maybe go somewhere?" Jacob asked Merida shyly, scratching the back of his head. He doesn't know why he's being shy but he is.

Beth giggled and awed at them. "Well, I'll see you at eleven, Merida Love Hollyn! And both of you enjoy it!"

Merida was about to say something but her mom went inside her car. She tried to open the car door but Beth wouldn't even open her daughter up.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry about how my mom acted! You can just give me a ride home," Merida told Jacob while she facepalmed. Beth is on to embarrass her.

Jacob just chuckled. They took the third mass so it's almost eight in the evening and he has plans.

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

Merida stared at him. She's having mixed feelings right now. It's like if she goes inside the car, she risks her heart.

Don't go inside... run away, she heard a voice say in her head. She's scared but then as she looks at the man opening the door, she felt safe.