Becoming Miss SEXY

Penelope walked down the halls with a grimace on her face as she approached her locker. Her mind drifted to yesterday's event. Aaron texted her last night to say he would not be able to give her a ride to school as usual. Penelope thought something was wrong but was put at ease by Aaron. But still, she couldn't help but wonder why he couldn't give her a ride today. She arrived at her locker and started sorting out her books. The days got much more hectic as the finals approached. As she closed her locker, her name was called. She turned around to see Melissa Cartwight one of Lisa's minions. "Hi Penelope." Greeted Melissa, with a small smile on her face. Penelope observed the smile and smiled back. "Hey," replied Penelope skeptically. "I wanted to invite you to my birthday party tomorrow." said Melissa as she handed Penelope a card. "I know finals are next week but still make time. My parents are on vacation in Hawaii so we will have the house to ourselves, it's going to be fun." Encouraged Melissa. "I invited some college guys you know, so please, don't say no." Melissa smiling mischievously at Penelope with knowing eyes. This wasn't Penelope's kind of stuffs. She preferred her books and staying in the library. She could have said no, but she didn't look like she was giving up either. "I will be there." She sighed. "Yayyyy," squeaked Melissa. Penelope heaved a sigh as she walked away happy to be rid of her. She hated her but didn't want to be rude. She was just nice to her because of Aaron. For years she was mean to her, snickering behind her back when she was pushed around. But now that she was Aaron's friend and Prom date they all wanted to talk and hang out with her. Life! It can change abruptly. One minute you are the girl that everyone picks on and the next minute, you become miss popular all because of the captain of the football team. Penelope snapped out of it when the bell for first period rang. She quickly made her way to Nutrition class with Mrs Preston. Time flew by as Mrs Preston revised what they had done for the semester in preparation for their finals. Penelope went through class after class until it was time for Algebra. She entered the class with her eyes fixed on Aaron. "Hey," greeted Penelope smiling as she took her seat close to Aaron. "Hi Pen. Sorry for not picking you up today." said Aaron flashing her an apologetic smile. "No biggie. Hope everything is fine?" Penelope asked. "Yeah, had to run an errand for mum and take julie to school." Julie was Aaron's baby sister. She was a darling and could brighten anybody's day with her short bouncy blonde locks and blue eyes. She was a handful, always wanting to be with her brother. They were interrupted by My Hayes appearance. He took questions from students who were having a difficult time solving the sums and also advised them on how to answer their questions before dismissing them. They walked hand in hand to the cafeteria with all eyes on them. Aaron led her to their usual seat at the back of the cafeteria away from prying eyes. "What do you want to eat?" asked Aaron sweetly as he drew a seat for Penelope. "The usual."said Penelope laughing. "Coming up." answered Aaron grinning as he left to get their lunch. Penelope couldn't have been happier, he was a gentleman, so nice. He knew she always had yoghurt and cookies for lunch but he always asked, she didn't know why. She found it funny, maybe he was checking if she wanted a change, who knows. Sometimes she used to wonder if she was in a dream. Aaron soon returned with their lunch. Penelope rambled on and on about her preparations for the finals as she ate. Lunch soon came to an end and they headed for Mr Montgomery's class of Calculus. Aaron hated Calculus but had to take it because of his parents. Penelope has been giving him lessons since the beginning of the semester. Mr Montgomery was a stout man with pot belly and bald head. He was nicknamed "mountain" due to his protruding stomach by his students. Penelope never found it funny but she couldn't do a thing as the entire football team came up with the name, they were Aaron's friends and she wanted them to accept her. She knew they didn't like her, but hoped to change their view of her eventually. Penelope was able to solve all the trial questions Mr Montgomery gave them. Aaron had some difficulties but was able to solve them with Penelope's help. When calculus was over they stayed behind to chat a bit before Aaron went for practice. "Yo bro." shouted Micah. He was the team's goalie, with a good reflex. Rumours had it that when he was on the field he commanded he penalty area with aerial intelligence. "What's up? " Greeted Aaron as they did their guys handshake. "Cool, hey Penelope, you look fresh despite the upcoming finals. Tell me, what's your secret?" He asked with a glint in his eyes. "Leave her alone." butted James. He was one of the midfielders with great stamina. "Don't mind him Pen. " Advised James cheekily. "And who said you could call her that?" asked Aaron whacking James on his head with his bag. "You don't mind, do you?" asked James looking at Penelope. "Of course not." answered Penelope smiling. She was happy he called her with her nickname. "Seriously, Penelope tell me why you don't look stressed like the rest of us." insisted Micah. "Pen is very intelligent, so she doesn't need to kill herself because of finals. It's a piece of cake for her." said Aaron as he pulled Penelope closer to him by her waist. "Awwwn don't they look cute together." said James. "No, they don't." The smile on Penelope's face was wiped off as George joined them. George was one of the team's defenders. He never liked Penelope and he made no secret of it. Penelope didn't know why. "Are you guys all blind?" screened George. "Look at Aaron, he is handsome, rich, captain of the football team and the most popular guy in school and her, she is fat, ugly and has freckles all over her face." said George, his eyes filled with rage. Silence reigned as George's speech echoed all over the class room. Penelope took deep breaths, calming herself. She felt her eyes twitch with tears. No, she couldn't afford to cry in front of them all. On impulse, she lifted her feet and ran away from the class as hot humiliating tears steamed down her face. "Pen, don't go! shouted Aaron. "Pen wait." But Penelope couldn't. She felt embrassed and humiliated. "What the f**k do you think you are doing?" growled Aaron clenching his hands into a fist, pinning George down with his gaze. "You know exactly what I am doing." George answered. "I told you that I will not just stand by and allow you ruin her life." "It's none of your business George, walk away." "Guys knock it off!" said Micah coming in between them as they were both fuming with rage. "Tell him to stay out of my way." warned Aaron before running after Penelope. George shrugged off Micah's hand from his shoulder and glared at them. "I can't believe the two of you. We are supposed to stop him rather than encourage him." hissed George. "Calm down man, it's not a big deal." said James. "Really? You mean ruining one's life is not a big deal?" Goeorge asked, his eyes widening with a fraction. "I am sure it won't get to that. Okay?" said Micah. "Come on let's go for practice or coach will have our behinds. We are already late as it is." said Micah. Penelope arrived home and went straight up her room. She didn't want her father to see her swollen eyes. Her father was hypertensive so Penelope always tried to hide her problems from him so that he wouldn't worry. She loved her father very much, before Aaron came into her life. He was her favourite man. Well, he still was since he would have defended her against George if he were there not like Aaron. She couldn't believe he just stood there and Watch George insult her. She battled with it every day, her brain tells her that it isn't real while her heart is still bent on it. She didn't know what to do anymore. She loved him so much that she gave up everything she believed in and did away with all her principles. Penelope gradually wiped away her tears and took a deep breath. She couldn't continue to mop around. She decided to take a shower before she wore her hello kitty pyjamas and got into bed. ****** Penelope woke up to a kiss on her forehead to see her dad sitting on her bed holding her hands. "Hi sweetheart, sorry to wake you." "It's nothing dad, what time is it?" Penelope asked. "A little past five." He answered. "No kidding!" She exclaimed. She couldn't believe she had slept for so long. "Have you eaten? Never mind, I will go make dinner." said Penelope as she got out of bed. "Slow down Penny. I have that covered already. Dress and come down. You have a visitor." said her dad as he patted her hand. She already knew who the visitor was. It was typical of Aaron. He always never defended her but followed her home to apologise after practice was over. She couldn't believe she let this go on for an entire semester. Truth was she was fed up with Aaron not defending and she was going to end whatever this was tonight. She donned on a pair of black pants and a white hoodie and went down for dinner. She could hear her dad and Aaron talk about football. Dad was a huge fan and used to play but stopped after mom left him. Aaron stood up immediately she appeared and kissed her cheeks. "Hey, you." he said and led her towards the table. "Hi, how was practice?" Pen asked. "Tiring as always. I missed you." said Aaron kissing her temples. Her father cleared his throat to remind them of his presence. Penelope was red as a tomato. Dad served the lasagna which was my favourite. Dinner was very lively filled with dad's and Aaron's laughter. Penelope was so happy that her dad and Aaron got along very well. When dinner was over they all moved into the living room to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate together. "I have to go now Mr Williams." Aaron announced as he stood up. "Oh, wow it's past 8 already!" Exclaimed Mr Williams. "Yeah, you should get going so that you can prepare for next week and how many times have I told you to call me Ben?" Asked Mr Williams. "I am sorry, old habit. It won't happen again." said Aaron as he shook dad's hand. Penelope walked Aaron to his car parked by the roadside. "I know you are not happy with me. "Aaron said as a matter of fact as soon as they reached his car. "Am sorry, love." He apologised. "What are we even doing Aaron? We were fools for even trying." blurted out Penelope."For God sake you are handsome, hot and sexy, I mean every girls dream and I am ugly, fat and no one even wants me." "No, let me finish. " Penelope said as she raised her hand up to prevent Aaron from interrupting her. "How can you like me? Can't you see? Look at me. I am a size 16. I don't even like myself." said Penelope and busted into tears. "Shhhh, it's okay. I like you because you are intelligent, supportive, kind and loving." consoled Aaron as he hugged her to his chest. "Not everything is about looks, okay?" "Don't tell me that." Penelope said as she pushed him away. "If it is not about looks, why haven't you asked me for s*x, huhhh? We have only kissed a couple of times and we have been together for almost six months now, so what is stopping us?" "I respect you Penelope, I don't want to use you like that." said Aaron frustrated as he glided his fingers through his hair. "I love you and I want our first time to be special." said Aaron softly as he caressed her cheeks. "Let's get engaged after graduation, okay? Penelope was shocked to hear what Aaron said. She felt all the doubts she had fly out the window with Aaron's proposal. "You really love me? Asked Penelope as she grinned from ear to ear. "Yes, I wanted to ask for your dad's permission formally first before surprising you."Aaron stated as he stared adoringly at her. Penelope couldn't control the urge to hug him anymore. She threw herself in his arms. She was so happy. She loved him so much, her dream was finally coming true. "Calm down this is not the proposal, I don't have the ring here with me." said Aaron laughing. "I don't need a ring, just you." Penelope said. She rose on her toes and kissed him. Penelope was dumbfounded when Aaron quickly pulled away. "Your dad can be watching us." He said shyly when she looked at him questioning. Penelope laughed at his shyness and waved him off. ****** Finals were finally over, prom was tomorrow. She couldn't believe tomorrow was the thirty first of March. She had never thought she would be asked to prom. She had even scheduled to be at a cake catering event but cancelled it when Aaron asked her. She left the house early to shop for a dress and have a make over. She needed to get ready before 7PM. Penelope wanted prom to be special because whe was finally going to confess her love for Aaron that was existing for four years. Sadly she spent hours after hours going from one shop to another without finding a dress. They were either too expensive or not her size. She had only four hundred dollars to spend which was her entire savings. She entered a thrift shop and started to look around. "Having troubles dear?" A voice asked. Penelope turned around to see a middle aged woman smiling at her with kind eyes. "Yes, actually." said Penelope as her shoulders slumped in exhaustion. "Not to worry, what are you looking for?" asked the woman whose name tag read Grace. "Ummmm, something to wear for prom." stuttered Penelope. "Oh dear, we better hurry then." said Grace grinning. Penelope still could not find a perfect dress even after an hour. Penelope was dismayed and Aaron was not picking her calls. She wondered what could be wrong. "I have an idea, I will be right back." said Grace. Penelope sighed. It was already past two. She had roughly two hours to get ready and still no dress. Grace emerged with a white garment bag. "I kept this for a customer of mine but it's size 15." Grace explained. Penelope's breath caught in her throat when she saw the dress. It was a puffy purple quinceanera dress with spaghetti straps. It was a bit tight but perfect for her as it hid her bumpy stomach. The dress was long and hid her feet. She was glad that a footwear won't be a problem as she couldn't afford it. She still needed to buy a matching purse. "You look nice dear. Why don't I adjust it a little for you while you get your hair and make up done? My daughter owns a saloon right around the corner and don't worry about the cost dear we will both give you a discount okay?" Grace asked. Penelope nodded. She was relieved when she heard she was getting a discount. She was actually worried about the price. Penelope paid two hundred and fifty dollars for the gown and proceeded to the saloon. Lena, Grace's daughter was very nice. Penelope had a manicure and pedicure that was finished off with purple nail polish. Lena straightened hair brown hair and was generous enough to put in purple highlights to match her gown. Lena applied a light make up on her face and she was ready to go. Penelope could not recognize herself. She had never put on makeup before but now, she decided it suited her well. Penelope paid her bill and quickly went to pick up her gown. Grace was already done with the fittings. "Here dear, you didn't buy any underwear so I gave you one. And don't worry, it's on the house." said Grace quickly when she saw Penelope was about to protest. "Don't refuse dear, it's your day. You should feel and look beautiful." Penelope had never met someone as kind and humble as Grace and her daughter. She thanked her and left after she promised to come again. Penelope arrived home a little before seven. She was too excited to eat any dinner and rushed to put on her gown. "You look beautiful sweetheart." Ben complemented his daughter in admiration as she walked down the stairs. "Thanks Dad. I feel beautiful too." Their conversation was cut short by a knock on the door. "I will get it." said Ben already moving toward the door. Penelope was nervous, she hoped Aaron would think her beautiful too. She planned to give her virginity to him today, in addition to the love confession. Penelope picked up her purple purse and walked to the living room. She kissed her dad goodbye after he took a picture of them. Aaron had rented a black limousine which had Penelope mesmerised by the interior almost forgetting she was mad at Aaron. "Is something wrong?" asked Aaron. "You have been giving me the silent treatment." "Why didn't you answer any of my calls?" Penelope asked. "I am sorry, I was busy planning a surprise for you. Don't be mad." said Aaron as he kissed her knuckles. "I promise you will like the surprise." Penelope couldn't stay angry at him anymore. He looked so dashing in his black tuxedo. She didn't care that he didn't complement her, she was sure he was just being shy. Nevertheless, she had called him because she wanted to get him a purple tie and when he didn't answer his phone, she abandoned the idea because she didn't know if he preferred a neck tie or bow tie and she couldn't afford both. Well, she guessed his black bow tie will have to do. They reached their destination in no time. Penelope could hear the loud music. She was suddenly nervous, worried about her mates reaction. They emerged from the car with Penelope gripping Aaron's arm as if her life depended on it while they waited in line for their turn to take a picture for the school magazine. Every eye was on them as they entered the hall. Penelope was in a trance. The hall was decorated in a silver and black theme with balloons and banners all over the hall. The dance floor was glistering due to the metalic silver stars hung from the ceiling. "I will be back." whispered Aaron into her ear and he was gone before she could say a word. Penelope decided to take a tour around the hall rather than stand alone. Everything was perfect to her taste. The cocktail tables covered with a silver cloth were placed along the wall. Penelope walked to the long buffet table to get a drink. There was alot of mouth watering refreshment all going with the theme of the event. There was black berry cocktails, black currant punch, black cupcakes with silver icing toppings, black cookies decorated with silver confetti hearts, liquorice flavoured black jelly candy, black kuro burgers, black doughnuts with silver sprinkles, black icecream in silver cones and black chocolates with silver nuts. They were all so mouth watering, Penelope didn't know what to choose. She decided to wait for Aaron before she ate. Time flew by, the dance floor was full with couples and Aaron was yet to be back. Penelope decided to dig in, she tasted every dish on the table to pass away time. When she saw Lisa and her minions giving her a disgusted look, she placed her still full plate on the nearest table and went to the restroom. She thought of where Aaron was as she washed her hands when the door opened to reveal George in a white tuxedo. "What are you doing here?" snapped Penelope. "This is the girl's bathroom." "I know where I am." He answered as his eyes took in her from. "I pity you." said George shaking his head. "You think Aaron would actually love you? How naive can you be?" George asked in a harsh tone. George sighed. "You need to leave right now before the announcement of Prom King and Queen." "What are you saying? Penelope asked. "I know you do don't like me but don't you think you are taking it too far? Aaron and I love each other. He even proposed to me." Penelope stated as her eyes listened with tears. George laughed out loud and looked at her as if she suddenly grew a second head."Don't be ridiculous, he only asked you out to win a bet dumbhead." said George. Penelope stood still, goosebumps decorating her skin. Her heart thundered loudly as she digested the words that came from George. "I see you don't believe me. You must really love him." Only a person blindly in love would refuse to accept the truth in front of them. "Liam dared him to go out with you for two hundred bucks and he did to prove a point not that he ever cared about you." George explained with sadened eyes. Penelope felt her heart twist. They bet on this for just two hundred dollars? How cheap did they think she was? "You are lying, Aaron will never do that. He is a kind and nice guy and I won't listen to you."Penelope said as she walked passed him but halted when he caught her arm and pulled her backwards. "If you know what is good for you walk out of here right now. Don't get me wrong, I don't give a f**k about you but I hate it when guys treat girls like shit." He threw away her arm and left. Penelope hurried outside to look for Aaron, wanting to find out the truth, talk to him about it. She knew he wouldn't do that to her. She just wanted to see the truth in his eyes but she could not find him anywhere. She was distraught as she checked the hall. Just then, the announcement of prom king and Queen was made. To her horror, Aaron and Lisa were announced as the winners. She watched as Aaron and Lisa were crowned. Aaron was smiling with his gaze on her entirely. Just then her phone pinged, and so did everyone else's in the hall. She clicked on the video with shaky hands. In the video was Aaron and Lisa talking. "Why will I have an interest in her?" Aaron asked. "Are you crazy?" Aaron asked. "Then why are you with her?" asked Lisa smiling mischievously. "You know why, to win the bet of course and to prove to Liam that I can make any girl bend to her knees." said Aaron smirking. "Did you sleep with her?" asked Lisa "Good God no! She disgusts me, always eating. Don't even get me started on kissing her. When she kisses me, I feel nauseated. So, how can I have s*x with her?" Penelope was shaking as another video of her eating earlier was sent. Her phone fell from her hands in shock. Everyone was looking at her and laughing. It seemed everyone had watched the video. She looked up to see Aaron and Lisa kissing on the stage. Everything felt like a hole, in her heart. She felt the tiny world of fantasy she had created for herself shatter into pieces. It was all a sick joke. Everything was a lie. She didn't know which to deal with first. The hurt or the embarrassment. Penelope decided she couldn't do it. She couldn't stand there and be insulted. She did the only thing she knew how to do. She bolted into a run. She heard someone calling after her but didn't stop. She ran and ran till she got tired. She didn't realise that she had left campus gates and was in the middle of nowhere. As she walked along the roadside, a car pulled up beside her. "Get in." She turned to see George but ignored him and continued to walk. George exited the car and approached her, opened the car door before carefully pushing her inside. He made sure she was comfortable before he drove off. The car was silent, only Penelope's sniffs could be heard. George was kind enough to pass her some tissues. He pulled up outside her house sometime later. "I am sorry this happened to you." he apologised. "Here, I picked it from the floor." George explained as he handed her phone to her. Penelope didn't say anything as she collected her phone and exited the car. She was glad her dad was working late. She didn't want him to see her like this. She tore the dress and purple lingerie from her body and vowed that she was done impressing any man. She packed her things into a suitcase and called a cab. She decided to accept the offer to a catering school in France, full scholarship. She had put if off for a long time because she wanted to go to the same college as Aaron. She wrote a letter to her father explaining her decision and promised to get in touch. As the cab sped towards the airport, Penelope swore she would get her revenge on Aaron one day.