Love & Ink Pages

2

Snippet from Y/n's Diary

Dear Diary,

A lot has happened since I last wrote to you, so buckle up for this rollercoaster of events. As you know, three days ago, I had a sports event at school. But it was a day filled with challenges, surprises, and, well, let's just say, moments that reminded me of the stark differences between me and my twin sister, Hazel.

It all began when I woke up in my room. My body, clad in a baggy t-shirt and comfortable pants, felt at home in its own skin. As you know how I've always had a curvier figure, thus I can't wear the short skirts other girls were planning to wear for the event but over time, I've learned to embrace and love it, even if it doesn't fit society's typical beauty ideals.

After my quick morning routine, I headed downstairs to find Mom bustling in the kitchen. She looked up and smiled at me, "Y/n" she said, "since Hazel has a special day today, I'd like you to accompany and cheer her to school."

I nodded, feeling excited and looked at Hazel about what she had in mind. And then my jaw fell on ground. She was looking gorgeous. We're in the same class, and though we're twins, we couldn't be more different when it comes to our appearances.

Hazel, unlike me, has always been the picture of beauty by society's standards - slim, tall, with flowing hair and a radiant smile that could melt hearts. That day, she was wearing a stunning short dress that accentuated her figure. She looked like she stepped out of a fashion magazine.

Sometimes, I wondered if we were even related.

Hazel chimed in, her voice as sweet as honey. "Actually, Mom, I'm not taking the bus today. Jake is coming to pick me up. We're carpooling with my friends."

Jake, the handsome guy from our class, was a popular choice among the girls, and her boyfriend.

Hazel had her own set of friends, ones who traveled in cars, not school buses. I couldn't help but wonder how different our worlds were.

My mom smiled warmly at Hazel and said, "It's okay, take Y/n with you." But before I could even react, Hazel had already picked up her bag and dashed towards the door, saying, "No, Mom, Y/n is not comfortable around my friends."

I stood there, caught in the crossfire. Was Hazel right? Maybe. Her friends had always made me feel like an outsider, like I didn't belong, and to be honest, they weren't the most welcoming bunch. They had a tendency to make fun of me and my appearance, which, well, didn't do wonders for my self-esteem. They've bullied me more times than I'd like to admit, and it hurts.

Looking at my mom, I nodded and quietly said, "It's okay, Mom. She's right."

Mom's face registered a mix of concern and understanding. She handed me my usual breakfast, a bowl of boiled something that tasted as bland as it looked. I sighed. "Ugh, again?"

She smiled gently, "I know you hate it, baby," she said sympathetically, "but you want to lose weight, don't you?"

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration at those words. Yes, I did want to be healthier desperately, but it was a journey, one I wasn't always sure I was ready for.

I had only completed about half of my breakfast when the school bus horn blared outside. I quickly stood up, giving my mom a hurried hug, and ran out the door. She was calling after me, urging me to have something more to eat.

As I stepped onto the bus, the atmosphere changed instantly. The usual giggles and glances came my way, and I sighed as I made my way to the empty first seat, as usual.

But that day was different. The comments were more absurd than ever. The girls and boys on the bus seemed to be on a mission to make me feel small. One girl snickered and said loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Did you borrow elephant's dress again, Y/n? It's way too tight for you."