The Beauty Within (#OnceUponNow)

Chapter Six

My dresses that I had still fitted me, luckily. They were all dark colored, as I bought them during a phase where I wanted to try a girly goth style, but that didn't work out.

Out of the four that I had, I chose the one that had the most color to it. It was a strapless dark purple, ruffles scrunching at the bottom. To me, it was simple, yet flattering. Quickly, I slipped on the matching purple flats, applying eyeliner and mascara. I didn't feel the need to wear a lot of makeup because of my scar. It prevented even makeup from enhancing my appearance, in my opinion at least.

Straightening my frizzy, curly locks, I glanced in the mirror. Surprisingly, I didn't look too bad. My scar gave me a rebellious appearance, and maybe others would think that as well. It shocked me, how I was not completely revolted by my scar for once, and it confused me. Had Elliot's words gotten to me? I hoped not, considering he could be doing this for the sake of the job.

After all, why would he leave a well-paying job to work at a small bookstore? It didn't make any sense to me.

Escaping my thoughts for now, I grabbed my small purse and exited my room, walking into my living room and sitting on the couch. He would be here any minute now, and until then, I clicked my radio on, humming softly to the music that played.

After a few minutes, I heard the sound of soft knocking. A rush of excitement flooded my body, but I pushed it away. Turning the radio off, I hopped off of the couch and walked towards the door, shyly opening it.

Elliot's eyes widened immediately when he saw me. "Whoa."

"Is it too much?" I asked .

He shook his head. "No, not at all! You look beautiful!"

I blushed. "Oh, thank you."

Extending an arm out towards me, he smiled, his perfect teeth flashing. "Shall we?"

Giggling at him, I accepted his extended arm and closed my apartment door, allowing him to lead me towards his car--a sleek, red beauty. He always walked to work, so I never had the chance to see what his car looked like.

He opened the passenger side, helping me into the car and closing the door for me, walking around the car and climbing into the drivers side.

I glanced over at him as he cranked the car up, driving away from my apartment complex. He glanced back at me for a split second, winking at me. I blushed and decided to stare out the window.

"I'm surprised that you haven't asked where we're going," he said after a few minutes.

I smiled a bit. "You told me that it wouldn't do me any good in asking you. You're not going to tell me anyways."

He laughed. "You have a point."

We remained silent for the rest of the drive, and I noticed that we were driving out of the city limits. It made me nervous, but I didn't say anything. Eventually, we stopped by an open field, where I noticed a large picnic that was set up.

Smiling, I looked over at him. "A picnic? Really? I could have worn jeans, you know."

"I know, but I couldn't afford to take us out to a fancy restaurant, and I wanted us to still feel like we were," he admitted, blushing lightly.

My heart suddenly exploded, and I began to feel weird. He couldn't afford to take us anywhere, so he put the date together, completely. I actually felt. . .special. I loved this feeling, but I was also frightened of it.

"It looks wonderful," I finally said, my voice soft.

He smiled. "I'm glad that you like it. Shall we eat?"

I nodded, allowing him to open the car door. We both walked over to the large blanket, sitting down beside each other.

Elliot opened the picnic basket up, handing me a sandwich. "I couldn't afford fancy food either, so will sandwiches do?"

"I'm a simple girl, so sandwiches are perfect!" I giggled out, taking the sandwich and nibbling on it.

"You're a beautiful girl," Elliot told me, leaning closer towards me.

I glanced up at him, blushing. "I'm not. . .beautiful."

"You're the most beautiful woman in this entire world, Desiree, and I hope that we can become a couple soon. I know that you want to get to really know me first, and that's okay with me." He reached into the basket and pulled out another sandwich for himself.

I looked over at him. "Well, I can get to know you everyday at work. It may take me a month or two to consider being a couple, but--"

"Wait, are you saying that I have the job?" he asked suddenly, his eyes widened.

I nodded, knowing that now this happiness would be over. "Yea, you've got the job."

Then, the most unexpected thing happened. He kissed me, a short but sweet kiss. My eyes widened, not expecting that.

When he pulled away, he blushed. "I'm sorry, but this is just exciting news! I get to see you everyday--talk to you everyday! As girly as this sounds, my dream of being at your side is almost fulfilled!"

I was shocked by his statement, and it made me realize something.

Elliot was indeed attached to me, for some odd reason, and I was starting to feel okay with that.