Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter Eight (part two)

Leo searched all around, darting into open rooms while yelling Merida's name. His chest rose and fell heavily as he ran. He needed to hurry—it was almost nine. Where could they possibly have hidden her?

He froze when he remembered the gym. Stupid! he scolded himself, before sprinting in that direction.

It was dark and quiet. Entering from the back door, he flipped the lights on. No Merida.

He was about to give up when he thought to call her. A ringtone echoed faintly. He cut the call and followed the sound. It was coming from the shower area.

"Merida?"

"I'm here! Please! Help me!" Her desperate cry rang out.

Leo rushed over and found her tied up and soaked. "Ish! Those bitches!" he grunted, yanking off her blindfold.

"Leo..."

"Yeah, it's me. How'd you end up here?" He quickly untied her. The ropes had left harsh prints on her wrists and ankles.

At first, Merida thought Jacob would be the one to save her. But again, it was Leo. Too shaken to speak, she suddenly threw her arms around him, sobbing against his chest.

Leo stiffened, uncertain, but then awkwardly returned the hug. It would be cruel to push her away. This is bad, he thought.

When Merida finally calmed down, she stepped back. "I'm sorry. I was so scared, I thought I'd spend the night here."

Without a word, Leo stripped off his hoodie, leaving only his undershirt, and handed it to her. "Go change in one of the cubicles. Hurry—we'll get locked in otherwise."

Merida had no energy to argue, so she obeyed.

They walked out together, both silent. Even in the car, neither spoke—each lost in their own thoughts.

"I'll return the hoodie after I wash it. Sorry your seat got wet," Merida murmured.

"No worries. I'll call you," Leo replied with a small smile.

Merida managed a sad smile before slipping inside her house, lifeless. Leo, watching the quiet home, thought it seemed oddly empty.

•••

Once inside her room, Merida broke down. She was stupid to believe Jacob had found her beautiful. Stupid to think she was beautiful at all. So this was how it felt to be betrayed by a boy you trusted.

"I'm so stupid," she sobbed.

Jacob was handsome, talented, famous. And she was... nothing.

Why on earth would he suddenly notice me after all these years in the same classes? Of course—because it was a game. He played the shining knight, only to watch her fall for him. And she had shown him just how easy she was to fool.

Wiping her face, Merida whispered, "It's time to stop. Stop being blind."

She washed up, slipped into pajamas, and lay down. Her eyes ached and she knew they'd puff tomorrow, making her look even more like a goldfish. How sad. Not even her mother—busy as always at the hospital—was there to comfort her.

Moments later, she was drifting off with tears still on her cheeks when her phone rang. With a sigh, she reached for it. Jacob's name flashed on the screen. She hesitated. Maybe... maybe it was better to at least end things on good terms?

She slid to answer.

"Love, are you okay now?" Jacob asked cheerfully.

Cheerful, she thought bitterly. Maybe because he'd just enjoyed himself with another girl.

"Oh yeah. I'm perfectly okay," she answered coldly.

"You don't sound okay." Jacob's tone shifted, worried. "Are you upset with me? What's wrong?"

Merida clamped her hand over her mouth, trying to hold back sobs. Finally she whispered, "Befriending you was wrong."

There was silence.

"Wha—what? I don't understand! Did I do something? Tell me!" His voice rose in panic.

"Don't bother me anymore." She hung up and immediately turned off her phone, clutching her pillow as fresh tears came.

•••

Jacob tried calling again but it went straight to voicemail. "Fudge!" he swore, hurling his phone.

Why was she like this again? Why had she gone back to being so cold, when just hours ago they were fine?

Lisa had told him she'd escort Merida home, claiming she wasn't feeling well. He had trusted her—because Merida herself had called Lisa a friend. Now Merida was furious with him, and he didn't know why.

He couldn't end the night this way.

Slamming out of his room, Jacob headed for the door.

"Where are you going? Isn't it late?" Jeremy called.

"I'll be back. I need to see Merida."

"Wait—isn't that the girl you called—"

"She's my girlfriend."

Jeremy was left blinking in shock. His little brother was unbelievable. The same girl he'd once mocked as ugly... now his girlfriend?