More Than Meets the Eye

Whole

I walked into the classroom as the bell rang, trying not to draw attention to myself. I was scared to show everyone my new appearance, so I did my best to hide it. I wore a long black Donna Karan coat, a black dome felt hat, and a pair of black cat sunglasses. It did make me stick out, and I wasn't able to hide the silver Gianvito Rossi Vega Glitter sandals Sadie made me wear, but it was better than letting people see my face.

Most of the class snickered as I passed them to get to my seat. The girls smirked before whispering to each other. I tried to ignore them as I sat down next to Ben. He studied my disguise before giving me a questioning look. "Don't ask," I said before he could open his mouth.

"Wasn't gonna," he replied just as Mrs. Campbell walked into the room.

"Alright class," she began. "We only have this week until summer, but unfortunately, that doesn't mean you will be allowed to goof off in this class." Some of the kids rolled their eyes. "Now we still have some work to do in our Romeo and Juliet unit before we- Yes, Ursula?"

It was then that I realized that one of the girls had raised her hand. I wasn't surprised that it was the same girl who kept insulting me.

"Um, there's a school rule that says no one is allowed to wear hats, sunglasses, or coats in class," the girl, Ursula, said in a snarky tone as her eyes flicker towards me. "And I personally think it's a bit rude to the rest of us that a certain someone thinks that she's an exception to this rule."

"Ms. Umbridge, that is quite enough," Mrs. Campbell snapped before turning to me. "Unfortunately, Ms. Parker, those are the rules. I'm afraid I must ask you to follow them."

I felt my face heat up as all eyes turned to me. Ursula smirked, clearly taking pleasure in my discomfort. With a sigh, I took off my coat, revealing my sky blue Oversize Bow Chiffon dress, removed my hat, allowing my hair to tumble out in silky waves, and took off my glasses. Ursula's smirk dropped as the class gasped and murmured in shock. Some of the boys even whistled.

"Wow, check out the new girl now," one of the boys said.

"Looking good!" Another boy said.

"You look hotter than my girlfriend!"

At this, Ursula gasped, clearly insulted. Guess she was the girlfriend. By now, the girls were either glaring daggers at me or sulking in their seats.

"Yeah, she's beautiful, isn't she?!"
Ben snapped. The class fell silent as everyone turned to him. "It's a shame it took a little makeover to help you realize that."

"Alright class, settle down," Mrs. Campbell said as all the students got back in their seats. "That's enough. And Ms. Parker?" I turned to her, nervous about what she was about to say. "I agree with Mr. Pax."

Ursula looked at her in disbelief while the other girls continued to sulk.

"Thank you," I whispered to Ben. He smiled.

"No problem," he whispered back. "And I meant what I said."

I blushed as Mrs, Campbell started the lesson.

**

I groaned as I fell into my chair. God, the last two hours of this day was tiring! The girls in Honors Language and Geometry spent the entire class glaring at me while the boys flirted with me. At least in Honors Language, Ben was there to defend me. Mike and Stuart joined in the flirting! I just hope the kids in my Italian class were nice. I was the only one in the class yesterday, so I didn't really get to meet anyone.

"Alyssa?!"

I looked up to see Donato looking down at me in shock.

"Donato?"