Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter 16

Merida has been living alone for a week now. Her mom flew to another state for work. She was assigned to a different hospital where she was much needed.

"So, how are things at school going?" her mom asked. They were video calling each other.

"Oh, it's great, Mom. Do you remember Brandon? He finally talked to me the other night and said he was sorry. I also had fun with Leo earlier—he bought me a notebook. And with Jacob, he's still the same," she told her mom.

"Still no girlfriends, huh? But anyway, don't get too close with the other guys. Harold used to warn me about them." Beth giggled, remembering her old days.

Merida laughed. "Mom? When will you come back home? I miss you."

"I hope soon, so I can make you egg rolls for lunch."

"Hey, Beth? There's an emergency, Dr. Brook needs you to assist him," Merida heard her mother's coworker call.

"Well, see you soon, Mom. Take care, okay? I love you."

"I love you too, honey."

The call ended. Merida sighed. Well, time for dinner. She was about to start cooking when the doorbell rang. She opened the door, and her face lit up at the sight of Jacob. He smiled, hugged her tight, and came inside.

"I bought dinner," he said, showing a paper bag from Jollibee. Merida's eyes twinkled.

"Did you also get—?"

"Fries and sundae for my baby," he finished her sentence and pulled out the BFF fries and sundae.

Merida jumped on him with happiness. Inside were spaghetti, chicken nuggets, and a bucket of Chickenjoy. She didn't wait—she dove in.

"Mmm!" It was so delicious, especially the fried chicken.

Jacob watched her eat, smiling at her cute reaction. Losing someone like her would make him a fool.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Merida mumbled, her face red with embarrassment.

Jacob chuckled. "You're so cute, I got lost in the moment."

That made her even redder. She grabbed the paper bag and hid her face in it.

"What are you doing?" Jacob asked, laughing.

"I'm so embarrassed!" she yelled, voice muffled through the bag.

Jacob hugged her anyway. "You're so adorable, Love." He gently pulled the bag off her head, tucked a strand of hair away from her face, and gazed into her eyes. "I love you, and nothing can change that."

Merida smiled sincerely. "I love you too... with hearts."

Jacob leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Let's have lunch together at the school cafeteria."

Merida froze. Her eyes widened. "The cafeteria? Aren't there too many—"

"I'll be there with you. Trust me, okay?" he assured her.

She nodded, even though she was nervous.

After dinner, Jacob didn't stay long. He said he had assignments to finish. Merida handled hers too—she was smart, though sometimes she doubted herself.

"Well, I guess I have to learn how to hang out with the cool kids," she muttered before closing her eyes.

•••

The next day at lunch break, as promised, Merida joined Jacob at the cafeteria.

As they walked in, eyes followed them. Heads turned, whispers spread. Merida's stomach twisted, but she kept walking.

"You okay?" Jacob asked when they were almost at his favorite table with his friends. Merida just nodded.

Jacob introduced her, and everyone greeted her casually. Even Brandon said hello.

"Aight, so what do you want to have?" Jacob asked.

"Anything," she said, unsure of what the cafeteria even served.

"Okay, I'll be back."

As soon as he left, Merida felt the weight of silence. Nobody spoke to her. She bowed her head, her chest tightening with anxiety.

"So, how was class?" Brandon suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

"The usual," she replied.

"Oh yeah, did you find the exam easy today?" another guy chimed in.

"It was kind of easy," she answered with a smile.

"Oh, you got a cute dimple," someone noticed.

She realized maybe it was easier to talk to boys than to girls. "Thanks."

"Yo! Don't be too shy, we might look like bad boys but we only care about basketball. Don't worry, we won't chase someone as ugly as you," one of them joked, sparking laughter. "Oops!"

Her heart sank. She laughed awkwardly, trying to hide her pain.

Brandon noticed. He saw right through her fake laugh, and it burned him inside. Without thinking, he stood up, grabbed her arm, and dragged her out of the cafeteria. He didn't care that people were staring.

Merida wanted to protest, but secretly she was glad to escape. Outside, Brandon let go.

"Why did you agree to sit with us at that stupid table?" Brandon shouted, his voice rough with anger. "You know they'd never be good to you unless you stand up for yourself! Why?"

Tears welled up in her eyes until they spilled over. "I know it was wrong," she sobbed, "but is it really that bad to try?"

Brandon sighed, ready to pull her into a hug—when Jacob suddenly rushed out.

"What the hell happened?" Jacob asked, pulling Merida into his arms.

Brandon clenched his jaw. He wasn't jealous of the hug. He was furious that Jacob hadn't seen this coming.

"You know very well what our group of friends are capable of saying," Brandon snapped. "You love her—you could've protected her instead of throwing her to the wolves!" He glared at Jacob for a long moment before storming off.

Love—it can drive people mad. It can twist loyalty, make friends into rivals, and push us to do things we never imagined.