Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter V.i

After Jacob's practice, he decided to wait for Merida outside her classroom door. Peeking in, he saw she was still packing up when one of the guys approached her. His brows furrowed—it was Leo. Jacob didn't trust him, not one bit.

But then Merida smiled at Leo. Are they friends now? he wondered, unsettled.

Their conversation wasn't long, and soon Leo headed out. On his way, he stopped in front of Jacob with his hands shoved into his pockets.

"How was practice?" Leo asked casually.

"Tiring as usual. What are you trying to do?" Jacob replied, suspicion in his voice. He knew Leo too well to think his intentions were ever harmless.

Leo laughed mockingly. "You sure are something. Don't worry—I'm not after Miss Ugly. She's nice, though." With that, he gave Jacob's shoulder a light tap and walked away.

Doesn't feel right, Jacob thought.

"Oh, hey, Jacob!"

He turned and saw Merida smiling at him. That smile made his chest feel lighter. "May I walk you home?" he asked.

Merida's cheeks turned red, and she gave a shy nod.

•••

"So, how was school today?" Jacob asked as they walked.

"It felt... new. I met new yet old people," Merida said happily.

Jacob's smile faltered just a little. He wanted her happy, but the thought of her gaining new friends left him uneasy. He kind of wanted her to only be his. Possessive? What a joke, he told himself.

"Really? Who?" he pressed, though he already had an idea.

"Oh, just Lisa and Leo. And oh! Their names both start with L." She laughed at her own corny realization.

Jacob suddenly reached for her hand, keeping her from walking too far ahead. "Your hand fits perfectly in mine," he said quietly.

Her face burned red, and she quickly looked away. "Everything's better with you by my side," she muttered.

Jacob stopped walking and pulled her into a tight hug. Truth was, his paranoia about Leo was eating at him.

"Uhm... Jay, people are staring," Merida whispered.

"Let them stare. We're not doing anything wrong."

She stayed still, though inside she could hear the laughter of others. Why him? Why Jacob? Why would he choose someone as ugly as me?

"How was practice?" she asked softly.

"Tiring," Jacob admitted. He leaned back a little to see her face. "Will you come watch the game next week?"

"I'll try."

They continued on until they reached her house. Merida waved goodbye, her heart still racing.

It was a good day, she thought.