Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter Twenty Two

Merida just got out of the airport and night had already fallen. She hadn't told Leo she was coming—she didn't want to bother him. Dressed in a pastel pink hoodie, shorts, and sneakers, with a touch of makeup Yuri had taught her, she sighed. She was back to being Merida... but not the old Merida.

This one was stronger, braver. As Yuri had said, believing in yourself makes all the difference.

Her mom couldn't come back with her yet—Beth's work was extended—so Merida went home alone in a cab.

When she reached their block, she froze. A familiar figure was sitting on the sidewalk. She sighed heavily. Of course. It was time to face him.

The cab driver unloaded her luggage as Jacob stood to his feet, stunned at the girl stepping out of the car. For two weeks, she had been unreachable. Now here she was, looking entirely different—new hair, new clothes, a new aura. He wanted to explain himself. He wanted to say sorry.

He had made the biggest mistake of his life.

Merida paid the cab and started for her gate, head high, smiling at Jacob even though her chest felt heavy.

"H-hey," Jacob greeted awkwardly.

"Hi."

"So, uh... vacation?" His voice faltered as his eyes swept over the changes he couldn't ignore.

"Obviously." Merida unlocked the gate, pushed it open, and started inside. Her heart hurt, but she wasn't about to show it.

"Merida, wait. Let's talk."

She stopped, her back stiff. She turned, steady-eyed.

"I'm sorry, Love. I'm still in love with her."

He braced for tears, knowing how vulnerable she used to be. Instead, Merida softly chuckled, walking toward him with a smile that unsettled him.

She touched his cheek. "That was your choice, Jacob. But your sorry isn't valid." Her hand dropped. "My only mistake was believing your broken words. Still... I learned. I wish you happiness."

With that, she walked inside with her luggage. The door closed behind her. And only then did her mask break. She covered her mouth, silent tears spilling. Jacob hadn't even thought twice about those promises. She missed him—but not enough to want him back.

"It's over," she whispered to herself. "I'm not that girl you once called beautiful."

Outside, Jacob stood frozen. Her words cut deeper than anything. He loved Elise, but watching Merida walk away without breaking made something inside him twist painfully.

"I'm such a fool," he muttered, biting his lip before kicking at the ground.

•••

The next morning, Leo couldn't wait any longer. He drove straight to her house, practically buzzing with excitement. He hadn't bothered her during her trip—he wanted her to enjoy herself—but now she was back.

When the door opened, Leo nearly lost it. A different Merida stood there—sleeveless shirt, baggy pants, cool ombré hair, subtle makeup. She was beautiful, but more than that, she seemed... different.

"Are you just going to stare?" Merida chuckled softly.

Leo grinned, tossing his head back. "Damn. That city did a number on you. Two weeks and you come back looking like this?"

Merida rolled her eyes and stepped aside. "Come in."

"Did you eat already?" she asked.

"Nope. I was too excited to see you. Then—bam!—jaw-dropping girl at my door."

Merida scoffed, unsure if he was joking or serious. With Leo, it was always both.

"Want to go out for breakfast?" he asked.

"No, I need to buy groceries first. We can cook after. You're not that hungry, right?"

Leo shrugged. "What else can I do?"

"Alright. Wait here."

When she bounded down the stairs a moment later, she grabbed his hand without hesitation. "Let's go!"

At the mall, Leo's habits showed immediately—loading their cart with eggs. Merida gaped.

"We can't buy all that!"

"I'm paying, so shut up!" Leo barked, pushing the cart ahead.

Merida caught sight of a cereal box with puns and smirked. "Hey, Leo! What kind of shorts do clouds wear?"

"Thunderwear."

Her jaw dropped. "Okay, fine. What about an alligator in a vest?"

"An investigator."

"How do you put a baby alien to sleep?"

"You rocket."

Merida stomped her foot, pouting. "Ugh!" Arms crossed, she looked away, but her cheeks were warm.

Leo chuckled. "Merida Love Hollyn, are you an egg?"

"Why? Because I'm egg-cellent?" she shot back.

He stepped closer, smirking. "No. Because you're egg-xactly my type." He winked.

Merida froze, face burning. She fanned herself quickly, trying to hide her flustered grin under a fake scowl. Leo just went back to shopping, grinning like a fool.

An old woman passing by smiled. "Such a great couple."

Nearby, Jacob's chest twisted painfully. He had come to the same mall, only to witness this. He clenched his fists, muttering under his breath before leaving, "That should've been me."

The knife dug deeper.