Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter III

"Why are you not tired of staring at yourself in the mirror? Nothing's going to change. You're ugly..." Merida whispered to her reflection.

She sighed, sadness clouding her face. Turning away, she slouched down the stairs.

"Oh my! I never knew I had a hunchback daughter," her mom commented, concern hidden behind a teasing tone.

Merida rolled her eyes and facepalmed at the table, making her mother's worry deepen.

"Did you have a bad day yesterday?" her mom asked gently.

"Every day is a bad day when you're ugly, Mom."

Beth said nothing. To her, Merida was never ugly. She had tried everything to boost her daughter's confidence, but it felt like her efforts were slipping away. Sometimes, she wondered if she had failed as a mother.

"Meri—"

ding dong

Beth was interrupted by the doorbell. Probably the milk delivery.

She went to open the door, surprised to see a young boy she didn't recognize.

"Uh, hi... I'm sorry if I came by too early. I'm Jacob. I'm here for... Merida," he said nervously.

Beth studied him. Handsome boy. Did he just say for Merida?

"I'm Beth, Merida's mother," she smiled warmly. "Come in. She's having breakfast. Have you eaten yet?"

She stepped aside and led Jacob into the living room.

Merida heard voices and, after washing her dishes, peeked out.

"Mom, are you—Holy muffin! Why is he here?" she exclaimed, shocked to see Jacob with her mom.

Jacob grinned. "Good morning!"

Merida glared first at Jacob, then at her mom.

"Mom! You can't just let anyone in because they say they know me!" she snapped.

"Is he a bad guy?" Beth asked calmly.

"Ugh! Whatever," Merida muttered, rolling her eyes and storming out.

Jacob felt bad. "Sorry you two fought because of me. It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Hollyn. I have to catch up with Merida now. Thanks again."

He rushed out and caught up with her.

"How could you be so rude to your mother?" he asked as they walked briskly.

Merida ignored him like he was nothing.

"You're ugly!" Jacob blurted out.

That stopped Merida cold. Her breath heaved as she glowered. "I KNOW I'M UGLY!"

"Yeah? The way you're acting right now is ugly!" he shouted back.

She scoffed. "Just leave me alone! Mind your own business!"

She hurried away, and Jacob didn't follow. He felt upset. Why was she treating him like this? Didn't she see he was trying?

He sighed heavily. What was he doing, trying to befriend someone like Merida? She wasn't trying herself.

•••

Merida couldn't stop replaying her behavior. She facepalmed, frustrated. Someone was actually trying to make her feel good—aside from her mom—but maybe it was just a bet. Or he'd get bored and hurt her. That's all she could think.

Lost in thought in the hallway, she accidentally bumped into someone—or maybe was bumped on purpose.

"Watch it, ugly!" Candice, the meanest girl in school, snarled and gave her a dirty look.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—" Merida stammered, bowing her head, bracing for a beating.

"Sorry? Pick up my damn papers!" Candice snapped.

Merida scrambled to gather the scattered papers, knowing everyone would gossip about her stupidity and ugliness again.

After handing the papers back, Candice slapped her with them.

The crowd gasped. Candice shoved Merida against the wall, laughing, and the others joined in.

Tears streamed down Merida's face. She didn't fight back—she believed it would only make things worse.

"You're not just ugly! You're stupid as fuck too!"

Candice raised her fist.

Merida closed her eyes.

"Yo! What do you think you're doing?"