Ugly

by Margaret McHeyzer

  “You’re not going back? Why would I recommend a brat who likes to create problems? And don’t think I don’t know about the night you tried to come on to Shayne’s boyfriend and had him drive you home.”

  “What? I don’t know who’s telling you these things but again, that’s not how it happened.”

  “Then you better tell me what happened last night and hurry up because your shift starts in a few moments. The longer you take, the less you’ll get paid because it’s eating into your hours. And if I’m satisfied with what you tell me, only then will I recommend you to the store.” She sits back and crosses her arms in front of her.

  I’ve got no choice, I have to tell her because if I don’t then not only do I lose out on my hours here, but she won’t refer me to the store near campus.

  When I finish telling Stacey what happened, she simply shifts in her seat before considering what to say. “So you’re saying all this happened because you believed her over your boyfriend?”

  “He stuck up for her.”

  “Your boyfriend, who you live with and brings you to work, and protects you and I hear even gave you a phone. The same guy?” She emphasizes the words, looking at me as if I’m not getting her point.

  “He was angry I even said anything. What am I supposed to do? Sit there and let her say things to me and not ask about them?”

  “He’s your boyfriend. He’s the man in the relationship and you should stick by him, no matter what.”

  That’s such archaic thinking, especially considering he’s not in the right. “That’s not fair. She bombarded me, saying she’s had sex with my boyfriend, and then the three of them left me with the bill to pay, and made a scene so it humiliated me.”

  “You deserve to be humiliated, because you’re in the wrong. Think about it, Lily. Really think about it. Why would Trent want you around if all he’s going to do is cheat on you?” When she puts it like that, it makes sense. “And why would he go to that trouble of protecting you and looking after you if all he’s going to do is screw around?” Her point is valid.

  I dart my eyes away from hers, and focus on a lone paper clip on her desk. “I didn’t think of it that way.”

  “Not to mention actually go to the trouble of organizing a date to start with, at The White Swan no less. A beautiful restaurant where the dishes are some of the best in the state. It may have turned to shit, but do you think it’s fair to blame him over miscommunication? And not only that, but over something someone else said, over which he has no control? That’s not the type of girl you are, Lily.”

  She’s right, I’m not. Trent really didn’t do anything wrong. I shouldn’t punish him because Audrey is horrible. She’s not his responsibility. “You’re right,” I admit, finally able to see clearly how I reacted.

  “Just talk to him, not right now, after your shift finishes.”

  “Yeah, okay, I think that’s a good idea.” I stand and smile to her. “Can you see if you can please refer me to the store near campus? Or even see if they have any positions vacant?”

  “Sure, I’ll do it and let you know on your last shift.”

  “Thank you.” I turn to walk out and go start work.

  “Oh, Lily. Some of the girls want to surprise you and take you out on Friday night for your last shift. Maybe it’s a good idea if you let Trent know. He may want to come with you.”

  “Thanks, Stacey, I will.”

  I leave her office and go down to start my shift. Clinton, one of the shift supervisors, tells me what register I’m on, and I go to start my ten-hour shift.

  The first five hours drag on, and I can’t wait until I go on my break so I can get something to eat. I missed out on breakfast this morning because I wanted to get here early to speak with Stacey, and now I’m starving.

  As I finish with the last customer, I see a guy in a brown uniform and cap walk in carrying a large bunch of lilies. They look beautiful and I can’t help but think, that possibly they’re for me. But that would be stupid, because if anything I’m to blame for what happened last night, because as Stacey pointed out, I overreacted and caused the problem. So if anything, I should be the one sending Trent flowers and begging him for forgiveness. Stupid really. Why would he send me anything?

  “Lily Anderson?” The guy in the brown uniform asks me.

  “Yes,” I say, looking at him suspiciously.

  “These are for you. Enjoy your day,” he cheerfully tells me, hands me the huge bouquet of flowers, then walks out.

  “Wait, what?” I call after him, but he’s already out the door.

  “Aren’t they beautiful? Who are they from?” my customer asks.

  “I’m not sure.” Maybe they’re from Shayne, and this is her birthday present to me.

  “Open the card,” the lady encourages me.

  “But your groceries?”

  “They’ll still be here in a few moments. I want to see that lovely smile grow even wider when you read the card.” She’s an elderly lady, and I think the fact there’s someone around her who’s happy, makes her happy.

  “Thank you, ma’am.” I stop working, only for a moment and open the card.

  “My Darling Lily,

  Please forgive me for being an idiot. I love you and I don’t want to lose you. I promise I’ll do better because I never want you to leave.

  I love you with my entire heart,

  Trent x

  PS: Happy birthday, baby.”

  “Who are they from?” she asks again, as tears well up in my eyes. He’s so sweet, I did something wrong, and he’s sending me flowers.

  “They’re from my boyfriend,” I answer her and read the card again before sliding it between the flowers and continuing with her groceries.

  “You’re a very lucky girl. Because they really are beautiful.” She smiles at me again.

  “Thank you, ma’am.” I finish with her groceries, close down my register for my break and take my flowers toward the staff break room.

  “Lily,” I hear from behind me. I turn around and see Trent’s dressed beautifully. He’s wearing a suit, and his hair is nicely done.

  “I got your flowers,” I say, as I look down at them. “They’re gorgeous, thank you.”

  He walks toward me with such confidence and strength. “I know why I’ve been going crazy. And I’m so sorry, but I’m here to make it right, and it starts right now.” He drops to one knee, in the middle of the candy isle. “Lily Anderson, I love you. I’ve been going crazy since last night. I tried to understand what happened, and it was like a light bulb moment brightened up my whole room when I figured out what was wrong. I’m wrong. I’m wrong because I’m scared of losing the best thing that’s ever happened to me. We don’t have to get married right away, but please say yes to being my wife?” He takes a small black box out of his coat pocket and flips it open.

  I can’t help but smile at the tiny diamond ring he’s presenting me. I’m not laughing at the size of the rock, but at the fact that he’s done the best he can with the money he has.

  Looking around, people are gathering and the women are all ‘ooohing’ and ‘ahhhing’ and pointing at how Trent’s wearing his heart on his sleeve,

  “Trent,” I say as I step closer to him.

  “Please, Lily. Please forgive me. I’ll try harder; I’ll change; I’ll do anything you want me to. I love you so much it hurts. Last night was the worst night of my life, because you weren’t with me. I love you so much.” He’s still on one knee and I can’t bring myself to say anything to him. “We can go to college together as a real couple. One who can plan their wedding and be totally in love.”

  I smile at his request. He really is cute. “Yes,” I whisper, finally happy I’m getting my very own family, and someone who loves me so intensely.

  The onlookers erupt in cheers, and Trent stands and rushes over to me, places the ring on my finger then he swoops me up in his arms and spins us around. His mouth takes mine, and he continues to kiss me as he spins me. The lilies are
now being held by a lady who was standing beside me.

  “Thank you, babe. Thank you. I’m taking you out tonight to celebrate, just you and me.”

  “I can’t,” I say as he stops spinning us and places me on my feet. He knits his eyebrows together and tilts his head to the side. “I made plans with Shayne. We’re getting pizza and she’s making me a cake. No one’s ever made me a birthday cake before.” I gleam. I’m so happy.

  “Okay, babe. Whatever you want. We can go out tomorrow. But, can I take you and pick you up? I just want to spend every minute I can with you.”

  He’s so sweet, and I can tell he has changed toward me. “Thank you, I’d love that.” I kiss him again.

  “Come one, babe. I’m going to take you to get something to eat. Do you want me to take the flowers home with me?” He holds his hands out for the bouquet.

  “Thank you, yes. But I have to go back and get my purse.” I go to walk to the where my bag is.

  “No you don’t; the least I can do is pay, considering I left you to pay for last night. I’m so sorry about all of that.” He leads me out toward his car, and just his attitude is lighter than what it’s ever been before.

  “Thank you, Trent. For letting me go out tonight, and for buying me lunch.”

  He puts the flowers in the back of the car, and he snakes his hand around my waist. “Anything for you.” He kisses me on my nose and walks us over toward the deli I love. “Hang on, you didn’t tell me what you think of your ring?” He smiles as he moves his hand to entwine our fingers and then bring my hand up to his mouth to kiss my fingers.

  “I love it, it’s perfect.” I look down and admire the cute, little clear stone.

  Today is going to be fantastic. I can’t wait to tell Shayne tonight.

  “Trent brought you over?” Shayne says with raised eyebrows, as she looks out the door toward Trent.

  “Yeah, he did. So much has happened today.” I step inside and she shuts the door.

  “Clearly. Tell me, how was your day?”

  We both go into her apartment, and we flop down opposite each other on the loveseat. “It was unbelievable. It really couldn’t have gone any better.” I look at Shayne, and her face is screaming a thousand words. I can tell she’s not impressed, not one little bit. The scowl on her face, the way her lips have thinned out and her eyes look like they’re judging me. “Please don’t, Shayne. You mean so much to me. And I don’t want you to be upset with me.”

  “I’m not upset with you. I just don’t think he’s the best person for you.”

  “He’s changed. He was so different. He let me come here even though he wanted to take me out for dinner to celebrate.”

  “Celebrate your birthday?” She twines her hair around her fingers.

  “That and this.” I show her my ring. But her face doesn’t change into the happiness I was hoping it would. “Oh,” I sigh. “You’re not happy for me?”

  “I am, really I am. But how can you say yes so quickly after how he treated you?”

  “I told you, he’s changed.”

  “You’re telling me he changed overnight? He left you to pay the restaurant bill, he walked out on you, but less than twenty-four hours later, he’s changed? You can’t really believe that?” She looks at me with her eyebrows raised, clearly disbelieving his change of heart.

  “I’m not stupid, Shayne. I know how people can be, but he’s genuine and I can see he’s changed.”

  “Either that, or he’s saying all the right things.” She rolls her eyes and looks away.

  “Look, I don’t want to fight with you. I was going to ask you if you’d be in my wedding party. You’re my absolute best friend in the whole world, and I want you and Trent to get along. You are the two most important people in my world.”

  She looks back to me smiling. Her shoulders relax and I can see all the anger leaving her body. “I love you, girl. I’ll do anything for you. Just promise me one thing. Just one.”

  “What?” I lean in to hug her.

  “Start keeping a journal. You’ve had so much shit thrown at you already, and I think keeping a journal might help you cope with everything that has happened to you up to now.”

  The request is reasonable, and she’s right. Writing can be therapeutic. I know I love the English language and although I may not be an author, I can still write my feelings down. “Yeah, okay. That sounds good, I can do that.” I hug her tighter. “Hey did you know the girls at work are throwing me a going away party?”

  “Who do you think organized it?” She winks at me. “Friday night, girl, get dressed really pretty. Go buy a new dress and some killer hot heels. We’re going dancing and having some fun.”

  “I’m underage, I can’t get in anywhere like the place you’re describing.”

  “Keep your panties on, we’re not doing anything illegal. There’s a club that opens its door to under twenty-ones up until eleven at night, then they kick everyone out and it’s strictly over twenty-one. Half the girls coming are underage, so this way whoever is over twenty-one and wants to stay can, and the rest will need to go.”

  “This is going to be so much fun. I can’t wait. I’m going dress shopping,” I squeal happily.

  “I’m coming with you, I don’t have to work until tomorrow afternoon.”

  The rest of the night is spent talking, eating and just having the best time ever. For the first time in forever, I’m so happy. I’m lucky to have a caring fiancé, the best best-friend in the world. Life is looking good. Really, really good.

  “I can stay home and look after you,” I say to Trent who’s looking slightly ill. He’s coming down with a cold, and he’s been in bed.

  “Don’t be silly. Go out with your friends, they’ve been organizing this for a while. I’ll take you and I’ll pick you up. You said the club changes over to over twenty-one at eleven, right?”

  “Yeah,” I say, as I get my outfit ready for tonight.

  “I’ll be there by ten-thirty and I’ll wait for you.”

  “I can ask Liam to give me a lift home. You don’t have to come out if you’re not well.” I place my new high heels beside the bedroom door.

  Trent’s lying on my bed with his arms beneath his head as he’s watching me. “No, I’ll come pick you up. I want to be there for my girl.”

  How sweet. I hang my dress on the back of the door handle, and go sit on the bed with Trent. He sits up and drags me so I’m lying across his chest. He kisses my forehead and runs his hands gently up and down my back. “Thank you, Trent. You really have changed.” I lay my head on his chest and he keeps drawing circles on my back.

  “I told you, babe. I don’t want to lose you. Just promise me you’ll behave tonight.” He kisses the top of my head.

  “My heart belongs to you, and no one else.” I close my eyes and revel in one of the sweetest moments in my life. Pure perfection. We’re lying together, melting into one, and I just can’t believe how lucky I am to actually have found Trent. Or maybe he found me.

  “Come on, you need to get ready or you’re going to be late,” he says as he gives my bottom a light, playful smack. I stand, grab my dress and my new panties and bra I bought and I’m about to go to the bathroom to change. “Where are you going?”

  “To the bathroom.”

  “No you don’t. I’ve seen you naked heaps, babe. No need to go to the bathroom to change. Do it here, I wanna watch my hot fiancé change.” He smirks at me, and I see the look of desire in his eyes.

  “Okay,” I say, as I take my t-shirt off and take my yoga pants off. His eyes keep a close watch on me. And I slide my bra off, and my panties and pull on my new sexy red ones.

  “Damn,” he says and sits up in bed. I put my new red bra on and do up the back. “Double damn.” He smirks at me, and I can almost see him salivating. “You really are hot.”

  “Thank you,” I answer him. And just by him saying that, I already feel so much more confident, and even kind of sexy. Though compared to Shayne, and the other girl
s coming, I’m nothing to look at. I slide my new black dress on and my new black shoes. “Do you like?” I say as I spin in front of him.

  He knits his eyebrows together and purses his lips into a thin, irritated line. Immediately my confidence deflates, I look down at my dress and run my hands over my stomach smoothing the material down. “Hmmm,” he huffs and scratches the gruff on his chin.

  “What? Don’t I look nice?”

  “You kind of look like a hooker. I don’t want people thinking my fiancé is there to be paid for sex.”

  “What?” I look down again, shocked that’s how I look. “I thought it looked nice. Shayne said the dress suits me. She wouldn’t lie to me.”

  “Neither would I. But if you want to go out and have people thinking you’re a whore, well…” He shrugs his shoulders. “It’s your decision, but I don’t want that for you. I love you too much.” He stands and comes over to me. “Like I said, your decision.” He kisses me on the cheek and opens the door. “We have to go in fifteen minutes.” He leaves and closes the door behind him.

  I don’t want to give anyone the impression I’m a prostitute, and I’d be mortified if someone did try to pay me or ask me how much for those services. I take my dress off, and put it back in the shopping bag it came in. I’ll give it to Shayne; she said she liked it. I get a pair of jeans and a white blouse and put them on instead. I can still wear my new shoes.

  When I’m ready I tuck some money in my pocket and go to find Trent. He’s standing by the front door, with the keys to his dad’s car in his hands. “There you go. You look like a very respectable eighteen-year-old woman. Come on, babe.” He holds his hand out to link our fingers together.

  The drive over to the club is short, and Trent and I talk about when we’re going to leave to head to college. We’re both packed and ready to go, and we’ll be leaving in a four days with classes starting early next week for both of us.

  “Have a good night, babe. I’ll be back by ten-thirty, but don’t come out until you’re ready. I’ll just wait.” He kisses me again. “Love you,” he adds, as I’m about to walk away.