Better ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 31: The Girl in the Mirror

My mother used to tell me that a woman should always look beautiful and presentable. Her makeup should always be done -never too heavy nor too light, but perfectly balanced to enhance her best qualities while hiding her blemishes. Her hair should always be styled to suit any occasion and soft to the touch. Her clothes should be neatly pressed to help flatter the parts of her she was blessed with while covering anything she lacked or was not as blessed in. She was always to smile and be approachable, her eyes bright and teeth white. She was to be proper and polite, never too aggressive or upfront. Laugh at their jokes and occasionally touch their arms because you might land a good man. Be a flower that always looked to the sun and the bees would come. That was what she told me.

But as I stood in front of that mirror, my eyes glancing over the woman I saw looking back at me, I felt small and out of place. There was no way that was me. No way in hell. My eyelids were colored with a soft nude eyeshadow, a small dash of dark brown adding a certain pop to them. My eyelashes were long, the fake lashes acting as sweeping fans that flutter whenever I blinked. Winged lines were drawn on my eyelids, adding shape to my eyes while rosy blush remained dusted over my cheeks. My lips were painted a soft shimmering nude, but only after I protested against the popping red the makeup artist had suggested.

Aside from just my makeup being done, my h/c locks were pulled into an elegant braid that fell over my shoulder (if your hair isn't long enough for this, then feel free to imagine a different style) with a few little fake pearls placed throughout my hair. A few loose strands did fall along the sides of my face, adding a certain touch to the style. The innocence of my hairstyle blended perfectly with my makeup, both balancing the other.

However, tying the entire look together was what I was wearing. The dress Alexandra got me fitted like a glove. It hugged my bust, a small amount of cleavage peeking from beneath it as the rest of the material flowed around me. The white fabric went nicely against my s/c (your skin color) flesh, everything about it remaining as beautiful as the day I found it. It was stunning and it fitted perfectly with the little inch heels I was wearing. I was already wearing a dress that was alluring alone, so I wanted shoes that were rather plain.

Still, the woman I saw in the mirror was not someone I knew. The makeup...the hair...the dress...all of it. I didn't recognize her. There was no way that was me. Not with how pretty she looked. But, sure enough, it was. That woman was me.

"Oh, my goodness!" the makeup artist gushed. "You look stunning! You look like an angel!"

I faked a smile. "Thank you."

"I'm sure your boyfriend is gonna be all over you!" she continued, clapping her hands together.

My boyfriend. A knot formed in my stomach as a lump lodged itself into my throat as Kellen's face appeared in my thoughts though I didn't understand why. He was as she said -my boyfriend. He was the person who spoiled me, hiring her to do my hair and makeup. He was the person who always flashed a smile at me. He was the person who had met my father. He was the person I was supposed to trust. But at that moment, I could feel myself tremble.

"Well, I'll pack up and leave. It was a pleasure to work with you," she beamed. "I hope you have fun tonight."

I nodded, "It was nice to work with you as well. Thank you very much."

"No problem, honey," she replied, gathering her things.

After a few moments, she was finished collecting her belongings and made her leave. At which I was left in my thoughts, my eyes occasionally glimpsing over at myself. It still didn't feel real. I looked so different from my usual self. I felt like my reflection was a stranger. I mean, in a way, it was. The person I saw was not me. Despite that, I did admire what I saw. After all, I didn't sport that look often.

"I can't stand here gawking all day," I sighed, glimpsing at my clock. "Kellen might be waiting."

Kellen. That same feeling accompanied his name, but I just shoved it aside. It was supposed to be a great night. I was supposed to have fun. We were supposed to have fun. So, I grabbed my mesh shawl and wrapped it around my shoulders before fetching my evening purse and leaving.

I walked carefully down the hall to the lift, making sure to be careful. I wasn't used to heels, so there was no telling how my ankles would handle them, even if they were small ones. Luckily, I made it to the elevator with no incidents and summoned it. The doors slid open immediately and I entered into it. It was then that the ball of nerves knotted itself in my stomach. I was feeling jittery and just anxious. Calm down. I told myself. Relax. It's just for the award. We'll leave afterward. That was the only part I had to look forward to. Leaving before the party started.

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open, giving me access to the main floor. I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath. You got this. I'll be fine. I exited the lift and made my way through the lobby before exiting the building. Outside I was met with the view of Kellen.

He looked fine. A gray suit clothed him with a white dress shirt under his jacket, a few buttons undone. A simple silver chain necklace hung around his neck, the material shimmering in the setting sun. His golden curls rolled like small waves styled back, a few strands falling in his face. He looked amazing, but that did not ease me.

His eyes widened when he saw me. "Wow. You look amazing"

"Thank you," I tried to smile.

He moseyed over to me, the corners of his lips drawn up as he brushed his hand along my cheek. "Suzette did an amazing job. You look beautiful."

Honestly, I didn't know how to take that compliment. At least, I thought it was a compliment. I mean, he did say I looked beautiful...right?

I just repeated, "Thank you."

"You're very welcome, gorgeous," he replied, pressing his lips to mine.

It still felt wrong. Kissing him. Nothing about it felt right. Not the way his lips met mine. Not the way I could feel him smile. Not the way he held me close. None of it was right. It was all wrong.

He pulled away and beamed, "Are you ready, m'lady?" He extended his elbow to me. "Shall we go? The Ball awaits."

Reluctantly, I looped my arm through his and grinned, "Of course. Let's go."

All I wanted was to go back to my room and hide.

**Bello my amazing lovelies. So, Y/N is still feeling uneasy with Kellen. Yet, she's still going to the Ball. Bet ya can't wait to see how that goes, huh? Feel free to let me know any thoughts! As always, thank you so, so, SOOOOO much for everything! Y'all are amazing!! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross