Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter V

"Hey there, Merida!" Candice greeted.

It was Monday again, and they were on their way inside the building.

"Hello," Merida whispered back.

Candice seems nice today, she thought.

It was going okay, until—almost at the entrance—she was suddenly pulled and shoved against the wall.

"You really think just because Jacob stood up for you, you're fine now? He's just kind! It doesn't mean you're off the hook, ugly!" Candice hissed.

Then she strutted inside as if nothing had happened, while Merida stood catching her breath. Fear washed over her. Slowly, she stood and wiped her tears. This is what I hate the most—my tears show up too fast.

Just don't mind her, Merida. She's just jealous because someone finally stood up for you, she tried to cheer herself up.

Despite the sting, she carried on as if Candice hadn't touched her. But something was different. There was no chewed gum on her seat. No scribbles on her desk. No trash. She looked around. Usually, someone would throw paper at her, but now everyone minded their own business.

New, she thought.

Jacob wasn't with her this time; he had basketball practice early, which left her walking alone.

"Uhm, hi!"

Merida looked up and saw one of her classmates smiling at her. She froze. What if she turns out like Candice?

"Hello," she answered shyly.

"I hope you know my name—it's Lisa."

"Uhm, I'm sure you know mine too. It goes with the nickname... goldfish," Merida hinted.

"Oh don't worry! I like fishes. Nice to meet you," Lisa said, extending her hand.

"Nice to meet you too." Merida smiled and shook it gladly. She isn't like Candice at all. I'm glad.

"Also, I might swap seats with the one in front of you tomorrow so we'll be closer. Say... lunch together later?" Lisa invited.

Merida nodded.

"I see you're not a talker. But you'll talk later." Lisa waved as she went back to her seat. Once there, she sprayed alcohol on her hands. "Ugh, dirt all over me," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

Merida grinned, excited at the thought of a new friend—this time, a girl. Little did she know, Lisa had a scheme.

"Don't get your hopes up. You don't know Lisa."

The boy in front of her spoke suddenly, not even turning around.

"She's just trying to be nice," Merida reasoned.

Leo turned, smirking. "Nobody's nice unless there's something in it for them."

They stared at each other until the instructor walked in. "Good morning, class."

Leo faced forward again with a sigh. This Merida knows nothing about royalties in this school. His eyes flicked toward Lisa. That chick's a bitch. She'll probably just use Miss Ugly to get Jacob's attention. What a shame.

By lunchtime, Lisa's group of royalties called her over, and she immediately ditched Merida—especially since Jacob hadn't shown up. Merida, as always, understood without bitterness. Besides, she rarely ate in the canteen; her lunchbox was her company inside the classroom.

"So, she ditched you," Leo said mockingly, turning toward Merida as she ate. He'd slept through class and woke up to find only her still there, eating her lunch.

"I wouldn't say ditched. She had reasons," Merida replied, chewing an egg roll.

Leo burst into sarcastic laughter. "Yeah, right—she didn't ditch you because she had reasons. That's hilarious!"

Merida frowned. "Why are you suddenly talking to me?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Leo shrugged, flashing a playful smile. "Might be because I'm into you?"

"Haha, as if I'd fall for that!" she scoffed, though he chuckled too.

"Why don't you mock those girls who bully you? You're actually pretty good at it," he suggested.

Merida glared at him. "Have some egg rolls. They're good."

Leo laughed genuinely at how quickly she changed the subject. He reached for one and took a bite. "Not bad. But add a little more salt next time."

"Noted." Merida smiled.