Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter Fourteen

It was a school day again—another day of gossip and loud whispers. A busy morning for the "royalties" on campus. One topic echoed through the halls: Miss Ugly, Merida, and the school's handsome hunk, Jacob.

"Candice, have you heard? Are they really together?" Lisa blurted, fuming over the rumor she'd heard.

Candice slammed her locker and glared at her. "Shut that blabbering mouth of yours!"

She'd already heard the whispers at the gate. That damn rumor had spread like wildfire.

To Candice, Merida was like a giant pimple on her nose—disgusting, laughable, and impossible to ignore. And it wasn't just her looks. Back in middle school, Merida was always at the top, adored by Candice's parents. That envy still burned.

"Oh my God!" Lisa squealed, eyes widening.

Candice followed her gaze and scowled. Merida was walking hand in hand with Jacob, smiling like she belonged there. It made Candice want to throw up.

Unlike Lisa, Candice wasn't the girly type. She was tough, intimidating.

"Did you see that?" Lisa shrieked.

"Yeah, I saw it, you stupid bitch!" Candice snapped, her face terrifying. "We'll stay low for now, then find the perfect way to hurt that ugly duckling."

Leaving Lisa behind, she strode to her classroom. Unfortunately, she shared the room—and a desk row—with Brandon.

"I see you've heard the news," Brandon said as she sat. "Explains your face."

"Yeah. I thought it was just a rumor, but I saw it myself. Disgusting," she spat.

"Why do you hate her so much?" Brandon asked suddenly.

Candice shot him a look. "What do you like so much about her?"

Oh yes, she knew. Brandon had always secretly liked Merida. She'd noticed back in middle school, when he'd sneak back her things or slip her little gifts. It was infuriating.

Brandon sighed. "She has a heart of gold, that's for sure."

Candice let out a mocking laugh. "Heart of gold? No wonder you're stuck in the lower section. You suck."

"If you say so," he muttered.

Candice didn't bother replying. Soon, class began.

•••

Afterward, Candice and Brandon were summoned—along with the other "cool kids"—by Allysia, the student body president.

In the meeting hall, Allysia explained the upcoming festival: a three-day event before semester break. "So, what do you all suggest we do?" she asked.

Ideas filled the room. Candice, however, was busy plotting. This festival might be my chance.

"Hey," she suggested suddenly, "why don't we open it to outsiders? Invite people from other schools. Let them see how a royalty school celebrates."

The others nodded.

"That's a great idea, Candice," Allysia said. "I'll check with the principal."

When the meeting ended, Brandon caught her arm. "What are you planning?"

"Nothing," she said with a sly grin.

"Are you going to hurt her?" He pulled her back, frowning.

Candice shook him off. "Relax. I'm just inviting some guys over for the first day. Won't hurt if she has a little fun."

"Stop it, Candice! You're not a kid anymore. If she gets hurt, you could end up in prison," Brandon warned.

Candice scoffed. "So, now you care about me?"

She liked Brandon, but his feelings were obvious. Why did someone as ugly as Merida get the attention of such gorgeous guys?

Brandon didn't answer. She turned to leave, but his words stopped her.

"I'm going to help you."

Candice arched a brow. "Help me?"

Brandon shoved his hands in his pockets and stepped closer. "Yes. Let's keep your pretty face out of trouble. I know the perfect way to hurt her—without you getting involved."

Candice smirked. "Alright. Seven o'clock."

As she left, her thoughts spun. Brandon still cared for the ugly duckling. He was probably right—not to touch Merida physically, not with Jacob and Brandon both hovering around her.

But then she froze. Wait. Jacob and Brandon... both like the same girl?

Would Brandon betray Jacob over some ugly fish? Would history repeat itself—but this time between best friends?

Candice shrugged it off with a smirk. What a mess.