Shella's POV (1st Person):
I sat at my desk in my room, surrounded by crumpled papers and open textbooks, desperately trying to focus on my homework. But my mind kept spiraling back to that moment with Mr. Caldwell.
Did I do something wrong? Was I too close? My mind flickered to how close we were... his nose could have grazed my cheek if I leaned in a little. But I knew I didn't.
What was wrong with him? Did I disgust him that much? Was I really that fat, that ugly?
The questions buzzed around my head like pesky flies, and I couldn't swat them away. Maybe my stepmum was right all along.
I was fat, ugly—why would he want to interact with someone like me? I was just trying to help, and instead, I felt like a burden.
He was like a freaking model—tall, fit, and effortlessly charming. I glanced at my reflection in the window.
My blue eyes looked dull and tired. My long brown hair hung limply around my round, - sort of shapeless - face, which had a small chin and a faint chin dimple that seemed to mock me. I felt out of place in my own skin, like I was wearing someone else's body and waiting for it to fit.
Why would someone like him ever give me the time of day?
A knock on my door jolted me out of my thoughts.
My dad then walked in, his tall frame filling the doorway. He had messy brown hair, a friendly smile, and those kind eyes that always seemed to know when I was feeling low. He was wearing a well-worn t-shirt and shorts, looking like he just got home from work.
"Hey, Shell, how's the homework coming?" he asked, stepping into my room.
"Okay, I guess," I mumbled, avoiding his gaze.
"Just okay? You've been at it for a while," he said, raising an eyebrow.
I shrugged, the weight of the day pressing down on me. "Just...thinking about stuff."
He sat down on the edge of my bed, concern flickering across his face. "What stuff?"
I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to spill my insecurities. But the weight of it all was heavy in my chest.
"Just school... and Mr. Caldwell," I finally said, trying to sound casual.
My dad's expression shifted to one of curiosity. "Oh? What about him?"
"He's just... I don't know. Sometimes he seems nice, but then he gets mad, and I feel like I'm just... in the way."
He nodded slowly, considering my words. "Teachers can be tough, Shell. They're human too, you know? Maybe he's just having a rough day."
He must have one every day then.
"Maybe," I muttered, not convinced.
"You're a good kid, Shella. Don't let anyone make you feel less than that, not even yourself."
His words settled over me like a warm blanket, but the insecurities still festered beneath the surface. "I just feel... I don't know... not worth it."
"Hey," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "You're beautiful just the way you are. And remember-"
"-your worth isn't defined by what someone else thinks of you." I finished off Mum's words. They were something that always made me feel.... worth it.
I managed a weak smile, but the doubt lingered, swirling like a storm cloud in my mind.
"Why don't you take a break? Go for a walk or do something fun. Clear your head a bit."
YOU ARE READING
Lessons In Butterflies
Romance___ "What? Oh, no. No, no, no. We are not playing family," I stammered, glancing quickly at Mr. Caldwell, who was staring wide-eyed at Theo and Leo. Leo, never one to miss an opportunity, immediately started bouncing. "Yeah! You can be our dad! And...
