TRUE BEAUTY

Ever since I was born I could tell by the looks people gave me that I was not pretty. I was told to consider getting plastic surgery and that I don't look like my family. Cartoons got me dreaming of a magical transformation,where an average-looking girl turns into a pretty fairy in a flash. When i go to play in our neighborhood dressed as a fairy,the children say things like *Does she think she's a fairy *She thinks she's a princess *Turn into an ugly monster *Go away,you monster Those were the words that the children said about me That was when I realised…. I'm more of a heroine with a cursed mask in horror comics.. Jasmine Johnson sat at her usual table in the corner of the cafe, sketchbook open and pencil in hand. The cafe was a quiet place, filled with the warm scent of coffee and fresh pastries. It was her little escape from the chaos of high school. With every stroke of her pencil,she brought her dreams to life on page. In her drawings,she was beautiful, confident,and free from the constant teasing she faced at school. Jasmine was not like the other girls at DreamHigh. While they flaunted their designer clothes, perfect hair,and flawless skin. Jasmine wore oversized sweaters and had frizzy hair tied hastily into a bun. She had struggled with acne for years and glasses perched on her nose made her feel even more like an outsider. Despite her artistic talents,she often felt invisible. Just then,a group of popular girls strolled in, laughing loudly. They were the same girls who made her life miserable–Ella,the leader of the pack,was the worst. Jasmine could feel her heart sink as she recognised their giggles,the teasing whispers,and the way they looked at her like she was a bug they'd rather not have on their shoe. Look who it is,Ella said,her voice dripping with sarcasm. It's the ugly dumpling. How's that art of yours coming along? Still sketching ugly faces? The other girls burst into laughter,and Jasmine's cheeks burn with embarrassment. She tried to ignore them, focusing on her drawing,but the cruel words cut deep. Keep drawing, Dumpling. Maybe one day you'll draw a boyfriend who isn't too embarrassed to be seen with you! With that she tossed her hair and walked away, the other girls trailing behind her like sheep's. As the laughter faded,so did Jasmine's confidence. She wanted to disappear,to blend in with the walls. Instead she slumped in her seat hiding her face behind her hair and the cover of her sketchbook. She had been teased for so long in the crowded hallways of DreamHigh. Later that day she headed for the cafeteria and saw Caleb, their school chef who she had a crush on. They exchanged pleasantries and Caleb overheard the song she was listening to and said they had the same taste. That made Jasmine's heart flutter and she asked if they could see the next day by lunch break. Caleb agreed. NEXT DAY (JASMINE'S POV) (Jasmine made some cookies for Caleb) (AI chat) Jasmine:Am going to tell my crush how i feel today….. Ai: I admire your courage,I hope he likes you back! When Jasmine got to class she kept the cookies on her locker and headed to get breakfast for Ella and her group as usual. While she was away Ella opened the box containing the cookies and saw a love letter attached to it meant for Caleb, their school chef. Ella immediately headed for the cafeteria to tell Caleb that rumours were flying around that he was dating Jasmine which he debunked because he liked Ella and she promised him that they were going to go out for lunch together. LUNCH BREAK Jasmine: (hands over the cookies to Caleb) Caleb: What is this? Jasmine: These are concert ticket cookies I've made,and Caleb:And what? Jasmine:And…..Caleb,i like you Caleb:What?? Are you asking me out or something? I'm Caleb!Caleb Morris!! Jasmine:Sorry Caleb:You thought I would date you if you said you liked me? Jasmine:You told me I'm a good person the other day and that we have the same taste. She said nervously. Caleb:I took pity on you for being bullied. Is this how you repay me? Hey if you don't have the looks you should at least be sharp witted. Know your place.(throws away the cookies) Instead of wasting your time like this,take a look in the mirror.(Leaves)(Laughter follows) Ella: You're recording this right? Gosh,poor dumpling. So that's how the ugliest person in our school confessed her feelings. A round of applause(walks to Jasmine) Let's hear your thoughts on being crushed by your crush. Goodness you look really ugly on camera. Jasmine:I said stop that(crying)(slightly pushes Ella) Sam: Hey. Who are you pushing? Have you lost it? (pushes Jasmine) Jasmine:(she falls to the ground)Why do you hate me so much? Why do you hate me? I haven't done anything wrong to you,but why do you hate me so much?(sobbing) Ella:Do you really want to know? Because you are ugly.(laughter fills the place) Jasmine:I said,stop it. Ella: Look at her crying(Jasmine runs off sobbing).