The Headturner

The Realization

Chapter Five - The Realization

The dreaded evening of trying to fit into dresses had come. She had never liked shopping. All the pretty clothes would be small for her and even if she would fit into one, she would end up looking like Michelin man. The salespeople would, more often than not, give her a look of disapproval at being at their store, trying the pretty clothes. Some would even tell her that 'it was not available for her size'. To be safe, she had resorted to wearing the t-shirts and jeans, to hide the bulkiness of her figure.

She waited for Tanya for about half an hour. She was starting to think that Tanya had ditched her, when she came all flustered. 

"You would not believe the traffic..." She started to make excuse.

"I came." Anne pointed out and Tanya looked guilty. 

"I'm really sorry I was late."

"No problem. I'm just happy you showed up." Anne shrugged and Tanya hugged her.

"You're awesome. Now let's go rob some place." Tanya rubbed her hands as if she was making an evil plan. Anne was confused whether she should laugh or be worried.

It was embarrassing for her to let others know about her dress size. But to her own amazement, she had been making progress. She had dropped two sizes. She smiled to herself. She was a size 10 now. She had done all her homework to select the best outfit for her. She tried an asymmetrical, off-shoulder, knee-length black dress with sequins running vertically. It made her look thinner and for the first time in years, she felt pretty.

"This one is perfect." Tanya exclaimed and gestured towards her own attire. "What do you think of this?"

"You want my opinion?" Anne was surprised.

"That's why you're here." Tanya said as it was obvious.

"I think you look pretty in everything." Anne commented.

"Shhh... people will start to think you're my boyfriend or something." She joked. "So, I'll get this one."

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Anne wore her hair down, gathered to her left side in soft curls. She put on eyeliner and mascara and a bit of lip gloss to complete her look. She had long legs which looked gorgeous in heels. She could not muster up courage to wear high heels, so went for the kitten heels. She was quite happy with the way she looked.

Her mother clicked her photos before dropping her off. "Be responsible," she told Anne before she left.

The party had already started when she arrived. She was getting looks from people. She spotted Adam surrounded by pretty girls in a corner. She couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. She looked at him expectantly and when he came towards her, she gave him his birthday gift. He pulled her into a hug and she forgave him for being the center of attraction of all the pretty girls. She couldn't blame them either. Who could resist his hazel eyes and chiseled body and the boyish charms he emanated?

He introduced her to his 'cool' friends. But she could hardly keep her cool. The noise and the crowd was getting to her. She felt quite alone even amidst so many people. She went out on the balcony for some fresh air. She couldn't help smiling to herself. Adam had hugged her, in front of everyone. She had smelled his cologne and was mesmerized by it. That moment was the best moment of her entire life. 

Little did she know, it was going to turn into the worst moment of her life.

Just as she was about to return back to his party, she heard him laughing, with his guy friends. She didn't mean to eavesdrop but what she heard next, she could have never anticipated.

"Oh man, she is something else huh?" Neil shouted.

"Yeah, I cannot wait to get this over with." Adam replied.

"Come on man, it can't be that bad." Sam interrupted.

"How would you know? You are not the one who has to keep up with this charade and lovey-dovey stuff just for a friggin bet." Adam sounded pretty irritated.

"Why the hell did you accept the bet in the first place then?" Neil asked.

"Y'all know I never turn down a bet!!!" Adam laughed an evil laughter which made chills run down her spine.

She could not stay there any longer. How could she have fallen for his act? When did she become so stupid? She felt caged inside her body. The longer she cried, the more it hit her. She would not feel sorry for herself. She was a smart girl but people judged 'books by their cover'. She had to make sure that the cover would be good enough for people to see her bright personality and inner beauty. She would not be a joke anymore. She would not give them the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She had a plan. She smiled to herself.