The Beauty Within (#OnceUponNow)

Chapter Five

I was nervous, incredibly nervous.

Just as Elliot had told me, I left work at closing time, giving him a turn at locking up for the night, and headed straight for the cafe. Now, I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, afraid of what he wanted to tell me. I assumed that it revolved around pity, feeling sorry for me and whatnot.

The door to this small but cozy cafe opened, revealing a nervous looking Elliot. He glanced around, smiling slightly when he spotted me, and began walking towards me.

Sitting down, he inhaled deeply. "Well. . ."

I glanced away awkwardly. "Well. . ."

"So, we're here so that I can finally tell you something. . ." he trailed off.

I raised a brow, curious. "And that is. . .?"

He gulped. "I-I love you."

"Wait. . .what?! That has got to be a joke! We've only known each other for a week, and there's no way that someone as attractive as you can like someone as hideous as me!" I blurted out, blushing when neighboring people gave us odd looks, causing me to cover up my scar.

"So, you think I'm attractive, eh? And don't do that. You're scar isn't ugly, Desiree," he said.

I blushed. "Explain."

"I've been. . .well, observing you for a long time--since last year, actually. I know that sounds creepy, but it's really how it happened! I was walking by your store one day after school, and I noticed you. You looked. . .so beautiful to me. I couldn't stop staring at you, but I was too afraid to go in. I didn't have a real reason to, so I walked away. Ever since that day, I took that particular route so that I could see you. After I graduated, I moved out of my parents house and moved in an area where I would have to walk by your store. I got a well-paying job, and I became more confident, but not confident enough to go inside and talk to you--until I saw that help wanted sign. I used that as an excuse to finally meet you and talk to you. I quit my old job for this one because I wanted to be close to you, but I was still too afraid to admit my feelings. Today finally made me snap, and I knew that I had to finally tell you," he explained.

My jaw had dropped, and I stared at him for several minutes before I could speak. "That's. . .stalkerish."

He blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm aware of that, and I know that that's weird for a kid to like you so much. But I still do. I fell for you from just those brief glances, and when I finally talked to you for the first time, I knew that I was in love with you."

"I know I had the scar a year ago. It was. . .new. How did that not disgust you?" I asked quietly.

"Because I fall for what's meant to be, not for who has the most flawless face. And honestly, I like your scar. You look like a chick that's survived a zombie apocalypse, and that's super cool to me!" he laughed out, smiling brightly towards me.

My cheeks flushed. "Um, thank you, I guess?"

"So um. . .do you want to go out on a date with me?" he suddenly asked, his face flushing.

I couldn't help but to smile slightly at that. "I suppose I can, even though this is kind of weird. What time?"

A wide smile emerged on his face. "Six o'clock this Saturday! Wear a pretty dress!"

I giggled. "Dresses aren't really my thing, but I should have a few."

A chuckle escaped from Elliot's mouth, and his eyes watered slightly.

He looked so happy, but was I?