Perfect girlfriend

Chapter nine - School dances

Layla's POV:

I got invited to the dances on Friday. I have no problem going, but I won't do it. First, there is no way that I will find a dress that will fit me. Second, I don't want to receive more hateful comments. It's enough that people look at me every day when I go to school. Jayden wanted to go with me, but it's better if he finds someone else. I don't want people to look at him because he is with me. I won't lie that he got upset by my answer. The thing is that I don't feel comfortable in my skin. When I put a dress on, people will see how I look. That includes Jayden and Evan. After all, I want to keep their friendship. Evan and I are not that close, but I still like him. The thing is that I don't know what to do. I want to go out with Jayden, but not on these dances. It's better if I go. I saw how disappointed he was. No matter that he said he wasn't. If I decide to go, I should buy a dress from the kids' store. The size will be fine, but the length might be a problem. Sometimes, I hate that I am that skinny. I wish that I was like the other girls, with beautiful bodies. It's not like I am complaining about mine. Let's say that I don't like it. Shopping is a struggle for me. I can ask mom to help me. I know that she will love it. What I have to do is decide fast. I don't have much time to think about this. The dances are soon, and I need to go shopping. I can borrow something from mom, but nothing will fit me. Unlike me, she has a good body. I hope that I won't make a fool of myself.

Currently, I am in class. After this one is my lunch break, and I don't plan to eat with everyone. Usually, I go to the field. There is no one, and I can be alone. The whole time I am thinking about Jayden and his invitation. I told him I wouldn't go, but maybe I had made a mistake. I don't want to hurt his feelings, but people's opinions get to me quickly. I don't know what to do. He will be happy if I go. I have to think about this.

On the lunch break, I walked to the field. My lunch is a small sandwich that I have in my backpack. I always make myself lunch at home. After all, I don't want people to see what and how much I am eating. I sat behind the benches. All of them are amphitheatrical. No one will see that there is a person here. I started eating when I heard voices. That was Jayden and Evan. I don't know why there are here. I was about to tell them that I was here when I heard my name.

- Did you invite someone to the dances? - Evan asked

- No, I will go alone.

- Why? Because of Layla.

- What does she have to do with that?

- I know how much you wanted to go with her. Man, there are many girls in this school.

- Honestly, I don't want to go, but I have no choice. That's why I will be alone.

- It's your choice. I hope you will have fun.

I won't lie about it. I feel horrible. Now I have to go. Seeing Jayden so upset makes me feel awful. I know he won't mind, but I can't leave him like that. Well, it's only one night. I can deal with it.

- Layla? What are you doing here?

- Oh, hi, Evan.

- Why are you here?

- I am eating my lunch.

- You know that we have a place for that, right?

- Yes, but I wanted to be alone.

I looked at Jayden and saw the pain in his eyes. If I caused it, I would do everything to remove it. I smiled at him, and he returned it. It's visible that I am the reason for that.

- Jayden, are you ok?

- Yes, I'm fine.

- You look upset.

- Don't worry. I have been worse.

- If you say so.

- Can I know why you are eating alone? - Evan asked

- Because I don't want people to look at my food. I have noticed that. Not in school.

- I understand.

I talked with the boys until the end of the lunch break. Later, we walked to class. They are together, but I am alone. It's not like I mind. I will see them tonight. Let's hope that I won't look bad. There is nothing that can fix my skinny body. I can put something under the dress so it won't fall. First, I need to find a dress. That will be hard.

After school, I walked to my mom's office. Usually, I don't disturb her when she works. Today is an exception. I need her opinion on this. I went there and knocked on the door.

- Come in.

- Hi, mom.

- Hey. What are you doing here?

- I came to tell you something. More like to know your opinion.

- Ok, sit and tell me.

- I need a dress for tonight. Is there a way I can put something under it so it can fit me?

- Do you have the dress?

- Not yet.

- Then why are you so sure that it won't fit you?

- Because I know it.

- Look, I will give you money, and you will go shopping. When I come home, I want to see the dress. Understood?

- Can't I borrow something from you?

- Honey, my dresses won't fit you. I'm not that skinny.

- Fine. Can I at least borrow shoes?

- If they can fit you, sure. I won't mind.

- Thanks.

- How much money do you want?

- I think that a hundred dollars should be fine.

- That's not enough. I want you to buy a pretty dress.

- Mom, it's for one night.

- So? I want my daughter to look good. I will gladly come with you, but I can't. I have a lot of work.

- It's ok. I can do it by myself.

I took the money which mom gave me and went to the mall. After two hours of searching, I found a light purple dress with butterflies. It's still a bit loose for me, but it was the only one that could fit me. Moreover, it has stripes at the back, not a zipper. I can tighten them as much as I need. Let's say that it's a temporary solution. I was about to borrow my mom's shoes when I saw pretty white espadrilles. They had a butterfly on them as well. Everything was matching. My next stop was the makeup store. Since I don't own any, I have to buy some. I found purple eye shadow and some lip gloss. Remind me why I am doing this. Well, because I care for someone's feelings. I will never do this again. When I finished shopping, I went home. Mom and dad were already there.

- Show me the dress.

- Fine. You can check everything. Here is what has left me. You gave me too much money.

- I wanted you to have enough. The dress is beautiful. You will look so pretty and it.

- I hope so. It has stripes, so I won't worry that it might fall.

- Perfect. Now go and change. When do you have to leave?

- I will go after 7 pm.

I walked into my room and started getting ready. First, I took a shower. That took me around thirty minutes. Then I started with the makeup. I have never used that before, so we'll see how this one will go. I put on a bit of eye shadow and then some eyeliner. I took this from mom. Last was lipgloss. For the dress, I had to ask for help from mom. I can't tighten the stripes by myself. Also, I asked her to do something to my hair. I want it down.

- I can straighten it or make waves. What do you want?

- I don't know.

- If you ask me, waves will look better with your dress.

- Ok, then. Do what it's necessary.

- Yes, boss.

- Very funny.

After an hour, I finished everything. I looked at myself in the mirror. Is this me? I look different. Well, I have a mission today. Probably things will go wrong, but I don't care. It's too late for me to change.

- Thanks, mom. I look different.

- You look amazing.

- I hope so.

- Now get your shoes and go. Don't make him wait for you.

- He doesn't know that I will go.

- Maybe, but someone might take him from you.

- Mom, we are not dating. He is not mine.

- That's not my fault.

- Ok, I am going out.

- Have fun. Don't come before 10 pm.

- I can't promise! - I said and walked out

I hope that this is not a mistake. After all, I am doing this for Jayden. Honestly, I never thought that I would do something for a boy. Let's say that some people change. I walked into school. There was no one in the hall. Now is the scary part. I went to the gym and looked around for Jayden. I found him alone near the drinks. I slowly started walking up to him. Then one of the boys from the team came.

- Where is your girl? I thought that she would be here. Wait, are you alone? How couldn't you find at least one girl to come with you? You have to be kidding me.

- Actually, I am right here. - I said, and the boys looked at me

- What? Are you his date?

- Yes, why? Are you jealous?

- No, way. You are still ugly no matter how many layers of makeup you put on.

- At least I am not pretending. That is how I look.

- Good luck with that. - the boy said to Jayden and left

- I can't believe that you are here. You said that you wouldn't come.

- I know, but I felt sorry for you. I don't like being here, but I wanted to make you happy.

- You did. I am on the moon right now. - Jayden said, chuckling

- I'm glad to hear that.

- Since you are here, can I have a dance?

- Sure. I have to tell you that I can't dance.

- Me either.

- Ok, then. That will be fun.

After the dance, I went to eat something. Let's say that I was hungry. I ate two cupcakes and three small cookies. It's not much, but for me, it is. I quickly rushed into the bathroom. That was not in the plan. I threw up everything that I had eaten. Great. My stomach is empty again. I wanted to wash my face, but I remembered I had makeup on. I stayed in the bathroom for a couple of minutes and later went back into the gym.

- Hey, are you ok? I was searching for you. - Jayden said

- I had to go to the bathroom.

- Do you want another cupcake? I saw that you liked them.

- Thanks, but I already ate two. For now, this is enough.

- If you say so.

- What's that smile?

- I still can't believe that you are here.

- But I am.

- Look, I want to ask you something.

- Ok, go on.

- I wanted to do this for a long time, but I didn't know how to tell you.

- Is there a problem?

- No, you don't have to worry.

- Then what is it?

- Will you go out with me? On a date?

- What?

- I want to go out with you.

- Really? Why?

- Because I like you.

- Did you hit your head somewhere?

- No, I didn't.

- In that case, I have to accept.

- You are not joking, right?

- No, I'm not. I will go out with you.

- Thank you so much. - he said and hugged me

- Can I know why me? I mean that there are many prettier girls in school.

- Yes, but I am looking at what's inside. The outside is only a wrapper.

- Then you wonder why I accepted. - I said, chuckling

- I'm glad that you did it.

- I see. The smile is not going off your face.

- It never will. Can I send you home later?

- Yes, sure. I would love that.

We stayed at school until 10 pm. Later, Jayden sent me home. Honestly, I would love it if we could spend more time together. Maybe the next time. After all, he still doesn't know anything about me.

- Thank you for coming. I appreciate it.

- No problem. I hope that this will be the last time.

- Don't be so sure.

- Why?

- Prom is coming.

- Oh, no. I'm not coming.

- I'll change your mind.

- I would love to see how you will do it.

- Wait and see.

- Nice conversation, but I have to go.

- No problem. If you want, we can go out tomorrow.

- Yes, sure. Call me when you wake up.

- I will. Can I get a hug before you go?

- Yes, you can.

- Thank you. - he said and hugged me

- You're welcome.

- Goodnight, and I'll see you tomorrow.

- To you too. Bye.

- Bye, Layla.

That was one of my best days since the doctor found my condition. I mean that before, people didn't bother me. I can't believe that I have a date. Now things are complicated. I see that Jayden wants to take things seriously. The problem is that I can't tell him how I look. I'm still scared that he might leave. He doesn't look like someone who would do that, but I can't help it. What I can do is, stay calm and wait for the right moment to tell him everything. Let's hope that he won't get disappointed. Jayden might not care about what's outside, but I feel like he won't like me. I hope that he will accept me the way I am.