The Devil with a Halo (On hold)

Chapter 30 - Ariel

--Ariel--

When I got back, I decided to take a shower, a cold one to clear my mind. Also, because I've skipped  it earlier because of my mother's call. 

The cold water stings my skin but it was oddly comforting, I was shivering but it still warmed my being up. Cold water against my skin felt like that bitter-sweet memory which you want to forget but can't because it is too good to not be cherished.

I was cold but I still stood under the shower because I knew I'd need a clear mind to read whatever was written in my father's last letter. I can't let haste get in my way.   

The moment I was out and looked into the mirror, I saw myself. No make-up, no hair-color, no pretenses. Just me. It was oddly comforting. 

But then my eye caught something else behind the reflection of me, the shelf on which were various bottle but my vision zeroed in on the bottle of blonde hair-dye.

It piqued my curiosity. The last time I remember there were no sign of any hair-color in this bathroom.

I walked over to the shelf and picked out the bottle of hair-dye from among the other bottles of various assorted shampoos, body-wash, conditioners and the remover I had used earlier. There was a small post-it note on it.

I didn't even have to look at it to know who it was. There was only one person ridiculous enough to stick a post-it note on an applicator bottle.

It read : Retaining your individuality is your own choice, not mine.

It hits me hard and to some extent confused me too. He really is unpredictable. I turned around to once again come face to face with my reflection. Wrapped in a large baby-blue towel, with an applicator bottle in my hand.

I looked at the reflection of the bottle, wondering if I really wanted to use it now? I looked up to the reflection of my face, the frame of wet, wild red hair around it, do I really want to cover this ?

I don't want to be the old, weak Skylar but I also don't want to be this fake person I act like.

What game is Diego playing with me? Is this what he meant when he said that he will not interfere anymore? He is giving me a chance to go back to being the blonde Skylar everyone admires for her independence and practical outlook. But..do I really need hair color for that?

I silently prayed for my father to show me a way. 

*Flashback*

"Papa?" I asked, twirling one of my two pigtails shyly as I stood at the enterance of his office.

"Yes, hija? Please come in." Papa smiled gently, closing the file in his hands, pushing it back. I ran and jumped into his lap, because that's what any 5 years old would do who don't get to see their father that often.

"I am reciting a poem in school.." I informed him, "Will you come to see, please?" I tried stretching the e in please, hoping that maybe that will make him say yes.

"I'll try." He smiled, as he patted my head gently.

"You always try but you never come..?" I asked innocently, papa's lips pursed in a firm line as he pushed files further away and made me sit on top of his desk so we will be looking eye-to-eye.

"Skylar, you know, papa has lots of work to do. Important work so that he can buy you all those dolls." He smiled and I smiled back though I didn't want to.

"But you're never here to play with me..I don't like playing alone. Sal says dolls are stupid." I complained because to me my dolls getting insulted was a big deal.

"He is stupid for saying that." I chuckled.

"Papa..can I have black hair please?" I asked, and made my best puppy-dog eyes. 

"Black hair? Why?" His remained stoic as he looked at me.

"Natty has black hair, papa." I told him about my best friend. 

"She does?" He asked, looking mildly curious.

"Yes! And she's so pretty, papa. I wish I could be that pretty.." I pouted, knowing I could never match her pretty looks.

"You're prettier, my doll. Your hair makes you so distinct and so beautiful." He smiled down gently at me but it only made me frown.

"But, Natty says red hair look hid..ous?" I asked, as tears started filling up my eyes. All my friends thought my hair were ugly and hid...ous.

"Why would they say that, dear?" He asked, his frown matching mine.

"Because no one has red hair..only I do. They say red hair are hid..ous." 

"Hija, do you mean hideous?" He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Yes, that's what Natty said once."

"Don't listen, hija. You're beautiful and your hair too. You don't need black hair,  you're perfect as you are."

"But..nobody like them. If I have black hair they'll like me more."  I pouted.

"Dear, your hair won't make anybody like you or hate you. Your mother also have red hair and I still love her, don't I? And say, you think I don't love you just as much?" He asked.

"But.."

"I love you and your hair, hija. They are a part of you, they are a part of your identity. Don't let anyone make you think otherwise. You need not change them, embrace them, they are yours because they're meant to be. Nature don't do mistakes, dear. And you don't need new hair..you need new friends." He mumbled the last part which I didn't understand, just like most of what he said.

"But if I don't have black hair how will I become as pretty as Natty?" I asked, not caring about the part he mumbled.

"You're already pretty, my doll. You just look like that beautiful mermaid Ariel and she is beautiful, isn't she?" He asked, looking directly into my eyes.

"You think I look like Ariel, papa?" I asked, suddenly feeling joyous.

"Yes, very pretty and beautiful. Don't talk about getting black hair again, okay? I'd hate to not see your beautiful red head." He smiled and I did too.

"Papa..then when you're free, can we go to Disney Land in..in.." I tried remembering the name of the place but couldn't.

"In Barcelona?" He asked.

"Yes!" I exclaimed excitedly, as hope bubbled inside of me.

"Sure, dear, we will. Really soon."

"Thank you, papa. You're the best!" I hugged him and he laughed spinning me around when suddenly a man bursts through the door.

"Sir, there's an emergency.. the cartel--"

"Wait." My father said in a voice which frightened me, he gently put me down, "Papa has to go, I'll plan our trip to Disneyland soon, okay? For now, go play with the doll you got yesterday."

"Okay!" I ran back happily to my room, ignoring the fact that my father had drawn a gun out of waistband.

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Hello people!

I was going through a horrendous writer's block while I typed this chapter out. And it sure looks a bit out of place but it isn't. Though I know it is kinda sucky to read.

But what? A chapter ending on flashback? How many of you did really expected that?

Next chapter will be soon and also 'THE GIRL HE SAVED' will be updated really soon too. Also, don't forget to check 'GHOSTWRITER' my latest story (it is only a summary but still go check it out)

Thank you for all the patience and love, you all are the real gems <3 And your responses always overwhelm me :)

Do vote and comment!

Thanks!

Lot's of Love

P.s. I tried editing it, but it is still probably shit lol