Feel Pretty

fifteen (Odell)

The festival had been a delightful escape from my usual routine. Eli's presence, his constant care, and those small, endearing moments we shared made me feel lighter than I had in a long time. As I walked back to my apartment, the events of the evening replayed in my mind like a movie reel.

Every time Eli touched my face, wiped a smudge away, or made a comment about something I thought was imperfect, it felt like he was chipping away at my insecurities. It wasn't just the acts themselves, but the way he made me feel—special, cared for, and appreciated. I couldn't help but smile at the memory of him laughing at my excitement over the cotton candy, and how he playfully scolded me for the mess I made.

When I reached my apartment, I found myself lingering outside my door, lost in thought. The night air was cool, and the quiet was a stark contrast to the festival's buzz. I took a deep breath, trying to process the evening and what Eli's actions meant for me.

Once inside, I tossed my keys onto the counter and headed to my room. The lights were dim, casting a soft glow that seemed to echo the mood from the festival. I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling as I replayed our interactions. Eli's touch, his laughter, and the way he seemed to genuinely enjoy being around me—all of it was overwhelming.

I closed my eyes and tried to clear my mind, but Eli's words and gestures kept creeping back in. He made me feel pretty, something I hadn't believed about myself for a long time. His compliments, though casual, struck a chord with me, making me realize how much I longed for validation and affection.

Just then, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was a message from Eli:

Eli : "Had a gr8 time tonight. Hope you're home safe. 😊"

I smiled at the text, feeling a warmth spread through me. I typed back:

Odell: "I had an amazing time too. Thx for today. It meant a lot."

I hesitated for a moment before adding:

Odell : "You made me feel special. Idk how to thank you enough."

The reply came almost instantly:

Eli : "You don't need to thank me. Just being with you was enough. "

I couldn't help but smile at his words. There was something so comforting about his reassurance. It made me feel like I wasn't alone in my struggles, like someone genuinely cared about me and saw me for who I was.

As I lay there, I thought about Eli's efforts, his kindness, and how he seemed to see through my insecurities. It wasn't just about the festival or the little acts of affection; it was the fact that he seemed to understand me, and he wanted to make me feel better about myself. It was a new and unfamiliar sensation, but it felt right.

Eventually, I drifted off to sleep with a contented sigh, dreaming of the festival lights and Eli's reassuring presence. It felt like something was starting to shift within me, a change that I couldn't fully understand yet, but that I welcomed with open arms.