Little stories

Something New

I look at myself in the mirror for the first time in a very long time. I am almost unrecognisable, my cheeks are full and plump, where they were once hollow, the bag's under my eyes are gone and my pale skin has been replaced, now smooth and slightly sun-kissed. The long ball gown I wear hugs my curves but not too tightly that you can see my ribs which are still filling out.

I fiddle with a loose strand of my hair, my mother was a hairdresser before we moved, now she spends her days at home cleaning and gardening. She is the one that styled my honey gold hair, said it would bring out the blue in my eyes, I didn't disagree. 

I look at myself in this moment and I feel beautiful, which, is something I don't feel often. I hear the doorbell ring downstairs and butterflies spring to life in my stomach. My mother's voice drifts through my open door as she answers the door.

I wait a few moments before grabbing my bag and heading downstairs. As I make it to the bottom of the stairs I hear a small gasp, then "Oh darling you look gorgeous" I walk to the door where he waits awkwardly and set my bag down. "Do you have all your clothes? Toothbrush? Are you sure you don't want me to pick you up?" I smile and roll my eyes genuinely happy "Of course I have everything mum, and no I don't 'just want to be picked up' but thank you." She sighs and visibly struggles to hide her tears as she says "Well. You aren't leaving without photos." I roll my eyes and we take our picture.

The ball was a blur of singing along to random music, dancing with everyone and lots of laughing, he introduced me to his friends and I introduced him to mine.

Afterwards, we head back to his place and have dinner. The thought of food no longer disgusts me. We sit on his couch together watching a movie feeling his warmth seep into my body. I feel happy.