The Beauty Within (#OnceUponNow)

Chapter Two

The next day, when I was walking towards my bookstore, I was surprised to see Elliot already standing outside. He had grey hoodie on, his jeans fitting him perfectly. His hair was dripping wet, as if recently getting out of the shower.

I wondered what he was doing here so early, considering the fact that he didn't need to be here for another hour. Curious, I continued to walk towards my bookstore, and towards him.

"Um, hey? You know, you don't have to be here until eight," I told him, crossing my arms when a chilly breeze passed through.

I had forgotten my jacket, leaving me to freeze in the bitter cold. Apparently noticing my suffering, Elliot slipped his hoodie off, slipping it on me instead. A smile made its way on his face as I snuggled into the warmth.

"Um. . .thanks?" I thanked him indirect.

He smiled. "You're welcome. So. . .shall we go in?"

Blushing at the fact that I've been leaving the both of us out in the cold, I nodded swiftly before rushing over towards the bookstore's double glass doors, pulling my keys out of my small purse and unlocking the door. A blast of heat from the interior of my store hit us like a ton of bricks, and Elliot seemed to smile, secretly satisfied with the warm air. However, to me, it felt a little too warm in my opinion.

When we stepped inside, I walked over behind the counter and slipped my purse and other belongings inside the small slot that I kept hidden with a stack of books. Glancing over at Elliot, I blushed when I noticed that he was staring me. I covered my scar up as best as could with my right hand. "U-um, do you want your hoodie back?"

He frowned at me, though I wasn't sure why. "You keep it. It's old anyways."

I nodded, figuring why he didn't want it. It was obvious that the reason being was the fact that I had touched it. Why would he want if I, a hideous woman, touched his hoodie? He'd probably hurl at the idea of wearing it after it's been on me. But I didn't blame him.

A hand rested on my shoulder, bringing me out of my thoughts. I glanced up to see Elliot giving me a worried look. "Um, Miss Murray? Are you okay?"

I nodded, covering my scar up and smiling. "Of course I am. Why don't you go around the store and make sure that everything is set up correctly, alright?"

His hand covered the hand that was covering my face, pulling it away. "Miss Murray, why do you hide your face like that?"

"W-well, the people--you wouldn't like my scar on display," I mumbled out, trying to cover my face up again.

He sighed, pulling my hand completely away from me. His voice was much softer. "Hey, listen to me. Don't worry about what other people think about your scar. You're beautiful just the way you are, right?"

I looked away, blushing. "But it's not just that. It's everything about me. My hair isn't smooth and shiny. My body isn't toned and skinny, and my skin doesn't have that perfect tan.  I'm just. . .hideous, I guess."

Why was I telling this man my personal issues? He was merely a new employee of mine, one that may not even stay permanently.

Suddenly, I gasped slightly as he pulled me in for a hug. "Is that what you truly think about yourself? Is that what society has honestly installed in your head? You don't need to be perfect to be beautiful, Miss Murray."

I rolled my eyes. That was easy for him to say, considering he should be finding a job at a modeling industry rather than my small, barely noticeable bookstore.

"So, shall we begin our day?" he asked, giving me a smile.

I smiled back, actually feeling a want to smile for the first time in months. "Yes, let's get to work."