A Beauty In Disguise

Chapter 01

THIS IS MY FIRST EVER STORY. PLEASE FORGIVE ME IF I HAVE A LOT OF MISTAKES. :P

CHAPTER 01

Sleep. I need to sleep.

No, scratch that. I need to get out of my bed now.

I jumped out of my bed and stumbled a little when I landed on the wooden floor. My head is buzzing painfully from lack of sleep. I was up all night, reading the series of Sherlock Holmes. I was so caught in his adventures and practical methods of deduction that I… wasn’t able to sleep a wink at all. Sherlock Holmes’ fans would understand.

As I checked my iPhone for any unread messages, I saw to my horror, that it’s already 7:00 am and homeroom starts at 8:00 am. Holy Fudge! I still have to take a shower and eat my breakfast. I don’t want to be late on the first day of school. I’m supposed to be a nerd who follows every rule there is. I don’t want to ruin my dream first impression!

“Erin Josette Reese! Ravi Christopher Reese! If you don’t get your lazy asses down here in a second, expect a freezing morning!” I heard my Dad call angrily from below. Cheese nuts! I don’t like the sound of that because that only means one thing: ice-cold water. It scares me to the bone whenever my father threatens us with it because I know that he really means it.

“Yes Dad! I’m coming!” I hurriedly took a warm shower and slipped into my uniform.

I personally like the uniform. Its entire motif is maroon. A combination of a perfectly white polo topped with a maroon coat—that has the school’s logo patched to it on the right collar—with a necktie. The plaited skirt is of the same color and it hangs comfortably just above my knees.

My new school is one of those posh private schools that force their students to learn how to withstand the cold by letting them wear super short skirts and knee-high socks. Though, I bought socks that would cover my entire legs.

But of course, I shouldn’t look the least bit of adorable in anything. “Remember, Erin, you are supposed to look ugly and nerdy.” My inner voice reminded me. Right, I shouldn’t be forgetting my ultimate goal here.

I braided my hair into a fishtail braid; each set of hair carefully weaved with another. And lastly, I put on the thickly coated nerdy glasses that my mother has ordered for me a month ago and put on a Hello Kitty wrist watch. Perfect! I look… nerdy enough. That’s just the appearance anyway, the attitude is more important; I need to act like a nerd.

A few seconds later, I heard heavy footsteps descend the stairs. Ugh. Ravi’s getting there first. Oh well, I guess I’ll be the holy chosen one this time who’s going to hear a longer sermon.

That’s how it works in our family every morning. The first one who reaches my father first is saved from his early morning lectures. But there are times when he’s as angry as hell that he lectures the two of us equally no matter who reached him first. And I just hope this morning’s not one of those very rare occasions.

I followed my brother soon after, running hurriedly on the flying staircase. I was huffing excessively when I got downstairs. I am not a sporty girl and I definitely hate running. Though ironically, it is what I’ve been doing in the past few years of my life, running and running away… Feeling the bad memories rush into my mind, I shook my head and instantly pushed the thought aside.

I am living a new life now, the present is the most important thing and I shall live it to the fullest in the loving arms of my family. I won’t let anyone get in the way of my flourishing happiness again.

As I entered the dining room, I immediately came face-to-face with an angry looking muscled man. Fudginess! I have totally forgotten the wrath of my father! Ugh, I hate daydreaming.