Finding Maddy

Starting to change

I get up, wash my face and start to grab my standard, everyday clothes. I stop myself, turn to my desk and remember that I am trying to change. So I sit down and apply a little make up. BB cream, mascara and a little eye shadow to enhance my eye shape and colour. I then put on my lingerie, dress and high tops. As I brush my hair, I catch a glimpse of my reflection and it makes me freeze. My eyes look big and bright, framed by long, inky lashes. The new bra lifts my breasts and shows them in a positive, and sexy light. Not something I would have ever use to describe myself. The scoop neckline showed enough cleavage that I knew would make Dom take second, and maybe even a third look, but concealed enough that I would not get in trouble at school. The sleeves hit at my elbow and the fabric nipped in at my waist. It then softly flared out over my hips giving me a smooth but curvy look. The skirt ended just above my knee. My high tops gave the dress a more casual vibe and the small, coloured birds popped against the dark blue fabric. I gave a twirl and realised, I felt good about how I looked. I don’t remember feeling that way before. I shook my head as I realised I had another thing to be greatful to Michael for. I went downstairs and the moment I saw him, went straight into his arms.

He was surprised but hugged me back. Then realised I was wearing something new. He held my hands and took a step back. “wow Maddy. You look beautiful. I knew this would look great on you.”

“you have exception taste Mikey. A true fashion guru. I got to go to school, and then I will probably go out with Dom. So don’t worry if I am late. Ok?”

“just be safe.”

I smile and walk out the door. By the time I get to school, the nerves have kicked in. What if Dom has realised he made a mistake and I am not his mate? What if I actually look awful? What if... what if....” I take a deep breath and remind myself that no matter what, I can handle it. As I look up, I notice Dom and his pack waiting by the entrance. His head turns as if he can sense my presence. A smile on his face as he looks at me. Then his mouth drops and his eyes widen. I watch his mouth open and close a few times and I walk up to him. “hey.”

He doesn’t take his eyes off me. Looking me up and down until it’s like he can’t contain himself and pulls me into his arms, pressing his lips on mine. My arms wind around his neck as he kisses me. The world melts away and it’s just us. I hear a cough and we pull away from each other. I look over at Cam and he chuckles. “ So, I guess you guys have worked things out?”

Dom wraps his arm around my waist and turns to his friends. “Maddy, you know Cam. He is my future beta. And these guys are Eric, Toby and Sam. They are also part of the Deimos pack.”

We spend a few minutes chatting before I hear an exaggerated gasp. I turn to see Cecilia, wealthy beauty queen, captain of the cheerleading squad and the head of my anti fan club. She used to have a massive crush on my brother, but after he graduation, it transferred to Dom. Who never gave her the time of day. Despite the very obvious flirting she did.

“Hey Dom. Um, do you know that you have a giant, ugly growth on your arm? Oh wait. It’s just No-man-duh. Is she harassing you? You don’t have to be nice to her you know?” her clique of like minded barbies all giggled as if her dig at me was clever.

Dom gave her a look of disgust, “don’t say s**t about my girlfriend.” I look up at him. “girlfriend?” He nodded, kissed my cheek and then turned back to Cecelia. “I better not hear that you are saying this kind of crap anymore.” The guys turned away and as we were walking inside, I glimpsed the look of embarrassment and anger on her face. I started to get concerned about what would happen next. But got distracted very quickly as Dom leant over and whispered in my ear, “you look beautiful". I blush and he laughs as I look away. The first half of the day flies by. As the bell for lunch rings, I tell Dom I would meet him in the cafeteria in a few. The guys head over as I walk into the bathroom. I look at my reflection, making sure that my mascara hasn’t smudged and turned me into a panda as the door opens and Cecelia and her cronies surround me.

“So tubby. How much are you paying Dominick to pretend to date you? Or is it some kind of charity program? Heh. His father and mine are in business together. Do you really think he would be with someone like you when I am already deeply connected to his family? Come On. He is... remarkable. And you. There are not enough hours in the day to talk about how pathetic you are. If I were you, I would be ashamed to even leave the house. “

I stared at her. Watching her mouth move. After the first round of insults, I found myself going numb. I could tell by the way her face was getting redder and angrier that the words she was spewing out were getting more vile, I just, couldn’t listen anymore. She suddenly lifted her hand and slapped me. “ you stupid b***h. Why don’t you just kill yourself already!”

I cup my aching cheek as it started to swell. I stare in horror as I fully realise the words she said to me. Really?! All this time, I had never done anything to her. I don’t know how she could hate me so much. It was so...... shocking. For a moment, her words circled my mind. Trying to get in and break me. It closed my eyes as a single tear tumbled down my cheek. I took a deep breathe and opened my eyes. My hands dropped to my sides and I stepped forward. “you know what Cecelia? I am tired of all your crap. I have done nothing to deserve the things you have said to me. For Yeats you have gone on and on about my appearance and everything I say and do. If I am such a waste, then why have you spent so much time monitoring my every move and deed?! Huh? I am done. You are not worth my time or my energy. Once I leave this school, I am never going to see you or think of you ever again. You are nothing to me. “ I push past her and her gaggle of girlfriends. I know I am supposed to meet Dom, but with my face swelling and red. I don’t feel up to braving the crowded cafeteria. I decide to go sit in the shade of one of the trees near the car park.