Handsome and the Hideous

Epilogue

     I was getting dressed for my date with Cody. Pulling my brown hair out of my ponytail, I let it fall limply around me. I brushed it back, noticing the black dress I wore didn't flatter my thin body shape. But for once, I didn't care. I didn't mind being hideous.

     "Charlotte!" Cody's mom, Juliette, called. "Can you come to my room?"

     "Sure!" I yelled back, leaving my own room.

     I walked through Cody's home, going to his mom's room. As my eyes scanned the area, I took in how it was nothing like my mansion. It was small and cozy, and there was nothing luxurious about the small house. But, I loved it. It was my new home and I couldn't ask for anything more.

     Entering Juliette's room, I smiled upon seeing her at her mirror table. She was staring down at a box in her hand, a small smile on her lips, and I took in how much she looked like Cody. Juliette had his hazel eyes and luscious brown hair, and she was beautiful. Stunning, but not just physically.

     "Hi," I said, bringing Juliette's attention to me.

     "Hi," she said, smiling widely.

     She waved me over and opened the box she held. Curiosity washed over me as I watched her pull out a golden necklace from the box.

     "I heard you're going on a date with Cody and I want to give you this," Juliette said, her eyes gentle. "You're like a daughter to me and I've never seen my son happier, so I want to give you something to show how thankful I am."

     My eyes went wide at her words. I hadn't expected Juliette to be thankful for my existence and at first, I had thought I was a burden. But as Juliette stared at me, her eyes looking sincere, my heart warmed up. I grew touched as I realized Juliette thought of me as a daughter.

     "Thank you," I said. "For everything. I don't know what I would have done without you and... you're like a mother to me, too."

     Juliette smiled and went over to me, moving my hair to put on the necklace. As she did that, I thought about how true my words were. After years of being stuck with an abusive dad, I realized how a true parent was supposed to be like by living with Juliette. She was kind and patient, and never cruel. She was everything I needed in a guardian and I was thankful Cody had invited me to live with him. Although I felt guilty for intruding, I was at my happiest.

     "Thank you," I said again, putting my hand on the small gold necklace. "You have no idea how much everything you've done means to me."

     "You're welcome sweetheart," Juliette said softly. "Now go have a wonderful date with Cody."

     With a smile, I knew I would.

*****

     Cody and I were holding hands as we walked through town. The town was busy and there were many people walking along the sidewalks. As they passed by us, they would look at me. Their eyes would linger on me for a moment too long and I knew they were wondering how someone so hideous ended up with a guy like Cody. 

     "I wish they'd stop staring at you," Cody mumbled, squeezing my hand gently. "Can't they mind their own business."

     "It's okay," I said, meaning it. "Let them stare. Let them judge me. Who cares."

     Cody's eyes widened for a moment and he stared at me, unable to believe I would say that. I stared back, my eyes filled with confidence, and Cody smiled. He shook his head, seeming surprised.

     "I can't believe you said that," Cody said, grinning. "You've changed."

     "All thanks to you," I said, smiling as well. "Because of you, I learned what others think doesn't matter."

     After Cody's note, I gained more confidence. I learned to ignore others and focus on the people who loved me, and through that I learned to love myself. Although I was hideous and always would be, I realized there was more to life than the way you looked. There were people and places, and the little things in life I could hold onto to stay happy. It didn't matter what others thought.

     "And all thanks to you, I found an amazing girlfriend," Cody said, smiling as he pressed his lips against my forehead. "You know, it's crazy how we met. Everything we've been through together is unreal, too. But, I wouldn't change anything. I'm at my happiest."

     My eyes softened and I stopped walking. I turned to face Cody, my heart pounding against my chest as I stared up at him. He was gorgeous. With his hazel eyes shimmering, his brown hair luscious, and his warm smile, Cody was one of the most attractive people I'd ever met. Before that would have made me feel insecure, but now all I felt was pride. Somehow, I had won Cody's heart and it was unbelievable.

     "What do you think the world has in store for us?" I asked, smiling.

     "Happiness, prosperity, and just a good life," Cody said confidently. "We've been through so much and I think we can finally have our happily ever after."

     "I think so, too," I said softly, wrapping my arms around his neck.

     After everything, I knew I was supposed to be broken. I should be sad and lonely, feeling at lost because I had lost my family. But, I didn't feel that way. Instead thanks to Juliette and Cody, I was at my happiest. I had everything I needed and I was thankful. Like him, I wouldn't change anything. From everything that happened, I had grew out of my shell and finally, learned to be happy with the way things were.

     "Yes, happiness is all we have in store for us," I said, pulling Cody towards me. "I'm sure of it."

     "I love your confidence," Cody whispered, his eyes fluttering shut.

     I kissed Cody gently, smiling as he kissed me back. We were in public, in the middle of the sidewalk, but I didn't care. I didn't care if people stared or judged or hated me. I was happy. Finally, after so long I was happy and I would never let anyone take that away from me. So with Cody at my side, I knew that despite my hideous face and despite the problems it brought me, I would be okay. There was more to life than the way I looked and I was loved. Despite everything, I was loved and I was content with that.

The End