Dear Janet, You're Ugly

Hell Of A Day

Janet's POV

Today had not started on a good note. When I woke up this morning I didn't realize I ran out of my favorite foundation. So now I was stuck with some off-brand one that by the end of the day would end in a clumpy mess. I had to bring the bottle with me to school to reapply throughout the day since it would miraculously disappear on me.

And then for some reason, my hair had created a huge knot. It was so painful brushing it out that I ended up cutting it off. I was due for a haircut anyway so it had to happen now rather than later.

It was also a gloomy day out. Dark clouds covered the sky and now and then an angry cry would erupt from the sky. I braided my hair back and grabbed a light coat along with a hat. It was starting to get cold out and soon winter would be upon us.

Having no time for breakfast I ran out the door and ran like my life depended on it. I only had five minutes to get to class since I spent the majority of this morning trying to get the stupid knot out of my hair.

I threw open the school doors racing down the hall. Feeling the eyes of other students I paid them no mind as I ran inside the classroom just in time. Everyone was walking in to take their seats and I prayed to God that I made it in time.

Chest still heaving I sat in my usual seat in the back. Just then Amy and Erin came in bickering back and forth. I watched the siblings nearly yelling and causing a scene. I duck my head down so as not to be seen by them.

"Janet"! Amy screamed causing the whole class to glance our way. She sat down in the empty seat behind me while Erin took the seat in front of me. Our eyes met and he gave me a gentle smile.

"I need your help. Are you free after school"? She asked while I busily took out my books from my bag. She leaned forward in her seat waiting for my answer.

"Oh no.... what did you need help wit-"

"Perfect my house after school" she cut off happily. I sat confused as to when did I agree to help her. Now busy taking her things out I sighed placing my chin on the desk.

The rest of the class time was spent with Amy talking the whole time and me pretending to listen. I was busy jotting down notes when a mysterious paper landed by my feet. Confused I looked around to see everyone busy working.

Opening the small piece of paper, I was shocked to see a picture of a beast of a creature with wild hair. An arrow pointed to it with a bunch of derogatory words. Words that I would never say to someone. And in that moment I felt myself wanting to drown so that I could no longer feel the pain which ached in my chest.

I felt the brewing hot tears on the bridge of my eyelids. I heard most of the class snickering and giggling watching me as I looked at the note.

Why today?

Of all days

"Hey did you get number six"? Erin asked turning in his seat to look at me. Jan's practically shaking the crimpled note still in my hands. I shakily wiped a tear from my face.

"Hey, are you okay"? His voice is so gentle that for a moment it warmed my heart. He looked so concerned his face looked worried. His piercing gaze never left mine as he gently grabbed my hand in his.

I clear my throat and hide the note in my pocket. " I'm fine," I say going back to my work as if nothing ever happened.

************************************

"I'm not sure what to wear! Which do you think suits me best"? Amy appears out of her closet holding two short dresses in different colors. After school had finished she dragged me over saying she was desperate.

"It's the same dress. Does it matter"? I shrugged only for her to groan. I had no clue when it came to fashion, I usually threw on a shirt and jeans and was out the door.

"Of course it matters Janet! I don't want to look like some clown for peak sake"! She continued rummaging through her mess of a closet. I glanced at a picture that rested on her nightstand. Taking it in my hands I saw a small Erin and Amy smiling big in a birthday hat.

I glanced at little Erin who at the time was a chubby kid. That was how I mostly remembered him. This day felt so far away, the time had sure passed by.

" That's when Erin first arrived in Texas. He came to my birthday party" Amy said looking at me with a smile.

I gently placed the photo back in its original spot. "What's Texas like"? I asked sitting back down at the edge of her huge bed.

" Well for one the weather is always hot. It rarely ever gets cold so it's always a good day to go to the beach". She winked at me before shoving a blue dress in my face.

"I think I'll wear this one. Blue has  always been my color" she shrugged throwing the dress over her desk chair. I twiddled my thumbs ready to leave and get home.

Amy plopped on the bed beside me. "Ya know when Erin first came to Texas he was depressed. He pretended to be fine but I could tell it was all a facade". I gulped deeply looking at the ground.

"I should get going it's getting late," I say grabbing my bag from the floor. Standing up from the bed Amy leads me downstairs opening the front door for me.

"Thanks so much for your help. Erin was right about you" she beamed with a smile. I bid farewell and made the long trail home.