Living After Abortion (Adopted by Jennifer Lawrence Fanfic)

(36) Inner Beauty

••Jen's POV••

Josh said to wear something nice, but comfortable.

I sigh and examine myself in the mirror.

I decided to wear a cream mini dress and some black flats. I don't know where Josh is planning to take me, so I'm a little worried that this outfit isn't the best choice.

Whatever, I guess I'll find out soon.

In the meantime, I decide to call Maddie.

After the first ring, she picks up.

"Hello?" She says.

I clear my throat, "Hey, Madds."

"Oh hey, Jen."

"So...how was soccer practice with Romeo today?" I ask giggling.

"Pretty good." She says and laughs a little, "It was harder than I expected at first, but I'm getting the hang of it."

"Good." I run my fingers through my short hair, "You have another self defense class tomorrow, right?"

"Mhmm."

"I'm glad you're liking it." I trail off.

"Jen, you realize that it's like eleven o'clock here in California right?"

I smack my palm on my forehead, "Oh my gosh, I totally forgot." I exhale deeply, "Were you already awake? You answered kinda early to be asleep."

"Oh--uh I can't sleep." She says rather quickly.

"Is something wrong?" I ask, "Is something bothering you?"

Silence.

I open my mouth to speak again when her voice cuts me off. "It's nothing, okay? Just some stuff happened at school that's it."

I release a sigh of relief, "Okay. Well if you want to talk about it, I'm here for you." I wait for her to continue, but she stays quiet. "I guess I should go, you need to get some rest--it's a school night after all. I love you, bye."

I press the end call button and set my phone down on the coffee table.

I hope everything is okay with her.

A few minutes later I hear three knocks on my door.

I open the door and see an almost drooling Josh.

"What?" I ask defensively.

He laughs a little and grabs my hand, "I'm sorry, but I'm always taken aback by how beautiful you are."

I blush and pull my hand away, "So this is okay?" I spin around, "It's not too overdressed or underdressed?"

A smile dances upon his lips, "It's perfect."

I blush again, still not used to getting this many compliments from someone in only five minutes. Of course when I go to any kind of press thing, everyone gushes over my outfit, my hair, and my makeup. But that doesn't count, because that's not really me. If I had a choice, I would show up in sweats, without makeup, and be smuggling a cheeseburger in my purse.

"Thank you." I say and kiss his cheek.

"And just so you know," he begins, "you would look just as gorgeous in a sweatshirt for all I care." He pulls me close, "Because real beauty isn't portrayed by the outfit you have on, but by the inner beauty of the smile you wear."

"Joshy," I whisper, almost unable to speak loudly, for fearing my voice will crack.

He kisses me and I accept it.