Beautiful Scars [1] ✔

Chapter Twenty Two

I winced as my hair was yanked once again, the comb tangling in my knots.

Melissa paused for a moment, the comb resting in her mouth. Finally, after a minute, she took the comb out and tapped it against her chin rhythmically. "What can we do with this?" She asked, pursing her lips.

She styled my hair in an elegant up do, then dropped it, frustrated. "Definitely not an up do! It makes your head look fat."

I sported an Aston scowl and rolled my eyes. "Gee, thanks! I feel so much better about myself!" I said sarcastically.

She wacked me with the comb, and I yelped. "Quit complaining! I am trying to help you, you know."

"How? By yanking all of my hair out?" I asked.

"No! By making you pretty!"

I raised my eyebrow at her, clearly offended. She took notice at my appalled expression and quickly added, "For your date, of course! I will make you look ah-maze-ingg!!"

"More like a Barbie Doll," I muttered, just as she wacked me again. Man this was going to be a painful day.

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I studied my reflection in the mirror, and the sight almost brought tears to my eyes. My scars were completely hidden and my face looked exactly like it used to, thanks to lots of concealer and powder. My eyes were perfectly lined with eyeliner, and my lashes coated with mascara. My hair was straightened, and even though this was a practice run (our date was actually in tomorrow), I still felt gorgeous. The plan was to distract Aston with lots of errands while Melissa did my makeup and hair then I would meet him at the restaurant. I thought it was brilliant, but honestly, I didn't really know how Aston would react to my face. My old face, I mean. Wow. Got to get used to saying that.

I turned from the mirror, and looked at Melissa. "So? You like it?"

Instead of answering, I scooped her into a enormous hug. "Thank you," I breathed. "It's beautiful."

She laughed. "Want my opinion? I think you look better without it."

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I opened the door to the house, turning on the light. "Mrs. Tilly?" I called. I got no answer, and I shrugged, shutting the door behind me. I walked up the stairs, entering the bathroom. I stripped off my clothes and showered, the makeup swirling down the drain.

I escaped the heat of the shower and rubbed the mirror, now finally clear, and I peered in the mirror. Just as I suspected, all of the makeup vanished, and so did my little bit of happiness.

That night, I tossed and turned, having trouble falling asleep. Finally, my eyes drifted closed and I fell into dreamland.

I opened my eyes, blinking, trying to adjust to my surroundings. That's when I realized I wasn't in the comfort of my bed, but instead I was in the sky. What was I doing here?

Suddenly, two big bulbs of light came floating towards me, and I stared at them, curious. The bulbs landed beside me, and I watched in amazement as they grew brighter and brighter...

I shielded my eyes, blocking my view from the growing light, just as it subsided. I opened my eyes and gasped.

"Mom? Dad?" I breathed. "Is that really you?"

These two people in front of me were my parents, my dead parents, whom I missed dearly. I ran forward and hugged them.

I laughed, tears streaming down my cheeks. "You have no idea how much I missed you guys!!" I sobbed.

My mom came closer and stroked my hair, then kissed my forehead. "Baby, we know. We've been watching you. We know everything that happened so far, and we are very, very sorry you had to go through it alone."

I shrugged. "But I'm not alone. I have two friends, one of who is my boyfriend."

Dad shook his head. "But we need to talk to you about that. You can't be with these people anymore."

My face fell. "But.. why not? What's wrong?" Suddenly, I went from sad to angered. "What's wrong with Aston and Melissa?! Huh? What's your deal?"

Mom peppered kisses on my forehead. "Shh shh.. There's no reason to get defensive.." She soothed.

"Defensive! It's the perfect time to get defensive! You're dogging the nicest people I have ever met!"

"You don't understand!" Dad hissed.

Now I was curious. "Understand what?" I asked.

Mom sighed, running her hands through her hair, just like I did when I got nervous. "If you stay with them, great peril awaits."

"WHAT?!" I nearly shouted.

I blinked, just as they started to slowly disappear. "Wait," I called. "Don't go!"

Mom grinned one last time. "We'll be back soon, honey!" Dad waved and they vanished.

"NO!" I ran forwards, feeling the cloud I was standing on shake, then I screamed as I fell, my parents disappearing from me forever.

I sat up, sweat forming on my brow. My parents - my dead parents- reached me through a dream. That had to mean something right?

I grabbed my cell on the nightstand and took a deep breath, then dialed his number.

"Hello? Sofa, what is it?"

Man, even his tired voice was attractive. "Aston, I can't do this anymore."

"Do what anymore? The date? We can always reschedule. It's no biggie."

"That's not it, Aston. I can't do us anymore."

"A-Are you breaking up with me?"

I sighed, my voice breaking. "I guess I am."

"Sophia, you're just tired. Get some sleep and then we can-"

"No, Aston! I'm not, okay? This is what I want!" I shouted.

"You're a liar! You never cared about me! All you care about is Matthew. But you know what? I guess I'm done too." He was crying now, and he sniffled, and I had to bite my lip to keep from crying out.

"Goodbye.." I pressed the end button, and hugged my pillow to my chest, tears staining the satin sheets.

I sniffled, tears still falling. I couldn't believe I just did that. Why did I do that? I ruffled my pillow, getting ready to sob my heart out again, but not before my door opened, and a very ticked off Melissa stormed in.