Chapter |9|

My heart thrashed inside my ribcage and nervousness consumed me like never before as I took baby steps towards the door to my home for two months.

I wiped my sweaty palms on my sweat pants and took deep breaths to ease off the anxious feeling that was crawling up my mind.

Andrew had long gone after two more calls from his mother, leaving me to my doom all by myself.

Taking another calming breath, I twisted the handle to the door and opened it as quietly as possible.

Gently closing it behind me, I took in the place.

It was beautiful.

Clearly Daniel's family was rich. Hardwood flooring graced the ground below, giving it a pristine glow. Beige and caramel colored walls surrounded me with one of them having beautiful brown swirls painted on it.

There was a staircase with a glass banister that curved its way to the first floor.

The house was bigger than what it looked on the outside. As they say, never judge a book by its cover.

My moment of awe was interrupted as Mrs. Richards called out.

"Skylar? Are you here?"

The ball of nervousness came, drowning me in it once again.

The voice seemed to be coming from somewhere in the far right of the house. I carefully traced my way thought the corridor and found myself in a pristine kitchen.

It was in contrast to what the house had been decorated as. An emerald green marbled shelf adorned the appropriate place. The floor was also of white marble.

Mrs. Richards stood near one of the shelves, gracefully chopping vegetables as I cleared my throat, quite awkwardly. 

"Oh hey. Why don't you get all changed up? I'll be ready with the food by then," she glanced at me and sent a warm smile my way.

"I-uh...," I trailed off.

I smacked myself internally. Way to make a good impression Skye!

Seeing me trail off, she turned to me, with the same smile. "Do you need anything, sweetheart?"

Sweetheart. That single word got me even more determined to tell her the truth. She was a very beautiful lady, inside out and I wouldn't want to betray her in any way at all.

"Mrs. Richards, I wa-"

"Hey, no 'Mrs. Richards' business here, please. Call me Emma."

I smiled a little at that. My nervousness was slowly dropping away.

"Well, Emma I-uh wanted to tell you something," I spoke hesitantly.

She gave me a nod, encouraging me to go ahead.

"I....," I trailed of again. I tried to think of a way to tell it to her as she patiently waited.

After a few seconds passed by, with no idea entering my mind, I decided that it would be best if I showed her.

With that, I dragged the zip of my hoodie down, slowly. I didn't look up to see what Emma's reaction was. Honestly, I was scared.

Once I had removed my hoodie, I lifted my tank top and unbuckled my belts, exposing my flat stomach.

I let out a silent breath of relief as a cool breeze hit my torso, since the belts  pretty much restricted any air passage. I did the same with my thigh belts.

Once I was left in my shorts and my tank, I pulled out my black, oily wig and let my caramel-brown hair fall down in perfect waves. Once I was done, I finally removed my big glasses and hesitantly carried my gaze to Mrs. Richards' face.

I had already made up many scenarios in my head. Like for example how she'd want to get me swapped with another participant in the fraction of a moment. Or how her warm gaze would turn into a glare and she would treat me like everyone else.

Once my eyes stopped to scoop out any sort of reaction from her, I was beyond shocked.

A slow grin raced across her beautiful face as she took in what she had seen.

"I was thinking as to how I was going to convince you to get rid of that oily gooey stuff on your hair and the grandma glasses on your face. But I guess now, I really don't need to," she beamed at me.

It took me a minute to take all of that in. Once it sunk in, my jaw unhinged.

"Uh-what? You really didn't mind me being fat or ugly?" I asked, just to confirm. It was difficult to find someone who really didn't care about these things.

"Oh honey, no. A person is beautiful no matter what shape or size. The thing that matters the most is the self-esteem you carry yourself with and the self-respect you have."

I stared at her unblinking.

"And plus I wanted to ask you to remove excess oil because it can be unhealthy to block your pores from so much oil," she explained further.

I looked at her for a whole minute before speaking.

"But I still don't get why you chose me," I replied, honestly confused.

She smiled. "I saw how you stood up for yourself at the ceremony in front of Cynthia. That's when I knew that you weren't going to let this competition change who you are. You proved that you weren't going to change yourself to impress someone and that is what made me select you. "

I was dumbfounded, to say the least. I'd never thought of it this way. It was true that I wasn't going to let pretentious people like Cynthia push me down. I'd already experienced that through Alicia and Linda.

If there was one thing that I could possibly thank them for, it was going to be for making me stronger.

The more they threw derogatory comments, the more they insulted me it grew easier not to dwell on what they said.

I'd learnt that everywhere, there were some people who always had to bring others down in order to climb up. People like them would go to great lengths to just squish the self-esteem in a person.

The only solution to this was to stay true to yourself. Once the person got the message that you weren't going to budge, he/she would back off.

Even if they didn't back off, remaining strong and being honest to your beliefs was the only thing that was going to get you a life you wanted.

Looking up at Emma, I saw a tiny reflection of my mother which brought a pinching ache inside the hollow part of my heart.

She was a strong woman and I always wanted to be like her. She wasn't fearless, but brave. To be honest, no one can be fearless.

There is always some sort of fear nagging in the dark corners of your mind, remaining hidden, making you think you're fearless and unafraid of anything.

But when the time comes when you're face-to-face with your possible fear, the dark corners of your brain will release the feeling of utmost terror which will want you to be sent into oblivion.

Some people are afraid of losing their loved ones, some people are afraid of losing friends and so on.

Social fears come from insecurity. When you start to tolling that you're not good enough for something or someone.

This type of fear is what people like Alicia feed on. They have their own way to manipulate the insecurities of people into haunting their lives, which is downright pathetic.

Right now, I'd say that I don't have any insecurity left to fear. But then, I'd be lying.

Just because I know that I'm not as ugly as what I present myself as, doesn't mean that I don't feel insecure.

People say that they don't care about what others say about them. But deep down, some rude comments and spiteful words can affect people badly.

"Thank you," I replied and it implied more things than one.

The soft smile she sent my way confirmed that she understood.

The affection she had shown me in the span of a few minutes was overwhelming, in a good way. This made my resolve to fight with and for her even stronger.

***
"Dinner's ready!" I heard Emma call out.

After our talk in the kitchen earlier, she had shown me my room where my suitcase had been perched upon a short table.

She had told me that Daniel had gone to pick up his sister.

The room given to me was beautiful. With pale red and cream walls and a light wood flooring, it looked mesmerizing.

There was a king sized bed right in the middle with two side-tables on either sides. There was a huge walk-in closet and an equally big washroom.

It had been two hours since our kitchen talk and my confession.

Till now, everything was going well. I still wore my over-sized sweatshirt that pretty much swallowed me along with my loose sweat pants.

As it is I didn't have any well-fitting clothes with me with the exception of the ones that I'd put last minute.

But I was still cautious. Even though I'd briefed Emma about my situation and requested her not to tell anyone else, I still didn't want anyone to walk in on me without belts. So with these loose clothes, it still didn't exactly show my figure, instead worked as a weak substitute for belts.

Emma did try to protest against me wearing the disguise, but she reluctantly agreed to it once I explained it to her as to why I didn't want to reveal my secret.

The truth was, that if I exposed myself in front of everyone including Linda and Alicia, I knew that for revenge they'd manipulate my dad into cutting of my money from my college fund, which was already deficit because of Linda's drawings from it.

And I couldn't let that happen. No money for college meant no getting away from those monsters.

And that was something I couldn't let happen.

Without telling my dad or anyone for that matter, I'd applied for a college in London.

The college gave half or partial scholarships to sports enthusiasts and offered courses that I was interested in.

This college started with an optional course that took place even before the school year ended. It offered you to complete your school work online while attending the college there.

This way, I could graduate without having to actually spend that time in high school.

To my credit, I had already talked to the principal of our school. He was more than happy to agree since I already had enough credits to graduate easily, without much work.

I knew I had to get out of here and London was my only option.

I was jolted out of my thoughts when I heard knocks on my door.

I immediately scrambled to open the door. Once I did, I was greeted with Emma's grinning face.

"Dinner's ready. Come on, Daniel and CeeCee are already down."

CeeCee must be her daughter.

The mentioning of Daniel being there made my stomach flip. I have no idea why but thinking about talking to him without any awkward falls and stuff made me a bit nervous.

"Yeah. I'll be there in a minute," I replied and shut the door after she left.

Running a hand through my brown hair, I took a few calming breaths. I took a peek at my reflection.

I didn't look particularly bad since I wasn't wearing my belts.

Patting down my hair, I exited the room and started my way downstairs. As far as I had explored, there were around four bedrooms on the first floor and two on the ground floor. The whole of the second floor was built as an attic and a play room.

A shriek pulled me out of my reverie and I hurried my way downstairs.

"Danny! Please stop! I promise I'll not steal you chips again!" A high pitched shriek resonated in the house.

The moment I reached the last step, I saw a little girl, somewhat familiar, making a dash towards the stairs.

I realized a bit too late that I was in the way and even she seemed to realize it a bit too late since she rammed into me, making me let out an 'oomph' and fall down along with her.

"Ouch," I said, rubbing but butt that had started aching a little.

The little girl lifted her head, with her eyes wide.

My eyes widened as I examined the very-familiar face of the little one.

"Chloe?"

"Skylar!" She shrieked and jumped up excitedly.

Watching her grin made me smile. She was so adorable.

"Please tell me that you're Danny's partner! Please. Please, with a cherry on the top?" She bounced up and down, cutely.

I laughed at her excitement. I watched her for about another minute before nodding, to which she let out an ear-bursting squeal.

Hearing her squeal, Emma rushed to see what had happened.

"Mommy! Meet Skylar!" She yelled, over-excited.

A second later, her eyes widened like saucers. She seemed to realize something as she looked at me to search for a reaction. Reaction to what? I don't know.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I meant meet Penny. Yes. Her name is not Skylar. Skylar is my friend at school. She is not in my school so she can't be Skylar. She is Penny," she spoke hurriedly.

Emma seemed amused and Daniel was looking at her as if she'd gone bonkers.

"I'm do sorry Sk- I mean Penny. I didn't mean to reveal your secret. Do you hate me?" Chloe widened her eyes and jutted out her bottom lip in a puppy-dog stare.

I groaned. Aw not fair.

Yes, I was a sucker for puppy-dog faces, sue me.

"Don't worry Chloe. It's okay. You can tell your family. But no one else, okay?"

She nodded eagerly at that. "Promise Skylar."

She was way too cute to be mad at.

I laughed,

"Okay let's have something to eat, shall we?" Emma interrupted before Chloe got into another energetic phase.

"How did your hair get brown?" Chloe asked curiously.

"Well, it's a part of my secret. I wore a wig. You won't tell that to anyone either, right?"

She shook her her and adorable sealed her lips, handing me the imaginary key.

I chuckled.

As I entered the kitchen, I stole a glance at Daniel, who was looking breath-taking in his white tee and a blue hoodie.

Our gaze connected for a second before I quickly looked away. I could feel red creeping up my neck and I wanted to groan.

Why the hell was I even blushing?

I quickly made my way to the kitchen island where Emma was setting up the plates.

"So CeeCee, mind telling us how you know our dear Skylar here?"

Chloe looked at me with wide eyes as she spoke. "I met her today in the hall."

Her wide eyes gave away the fear that I might speak about something that happened today. I could tell that she didn't want me to tell it to anyone by the way she clutched my hand.

I gave her a reassuring smile.

I didn't know why she didn't want her mother and brother to know about it but I wasn't going to question it. Neither was I going to let anything like that happen to her again, now that I was here.

I looked behind me to catch a glimpse of Daniel, but he wasn't there.

Confused, I turned my gaze back to Emma. "Daniel doesn't eat with us anymore," she explained, answering the unasked question.

The part that struck me was the tone of underlying sadness that accompanied a hint of defeat as she said that.

I wanted to ask what she meant by 'anymore' but I knew that it wouldn't be appropriate.

Chloe had gone silent as her eyes wandered from place to place, trying to avoid the emotions from getting the best of her.

It was within that minute that I realized how strong she was for a seven-year old. She knew how to keep herself together and that's what made me admire her.

I let Emma's words hang in the air and quietly sat down and tried to lighten up the mood.

"Did you know that it's impossible to breathe through your nose with your tongue out?" I randomly blurted.

Both the heads snapped to me.

Shit! What the heck? Seriously Skye, you have the worst things to blurt out!

I slowly observed then to gauge out their reactions. Maybe they were thinking that they probably selected a whacko for Daniel's partner.

Oh god. Please let the ground swallow me alive.

Emma frowned a bit and both Chloe and Emma poked their tongues out to test the theory.

I was surprised at first but then burst into a fit of giggles. I didn't think that they'd fall for it.

It wasn't a true fact. It was just a way to trick people into doing stupid things.

Once they realized that they'd been tricked, we all burst out laughing.

"I'm so going to get back at you for this," Emma threatened playfully.

And just like that, the sour mood was lifted and I couldn't be happier.

****

Once we were done with dinner, I helped Emma to wash the dishes even when she protested.

After doing that, I helped Chloe do some of her Holiday's homework which was something like coloring.

Oh how I miss the days when the only homework was to draw a pig or color a dinosaur.

It was around eleven when Chloe fell asleep on the couch while watching Frozen. We were on the part where Elsa sends the ice monster after Anna and Kristoff, when she dozed off.

Emma picked her up and took her to her room which was on the ground floor.

I realized that I was tired too. The days events had left me exhausted and I was in no mood to do anything else.

With that thought in mind, I climbed the stairs.

The moment I reached the first floor, I saw a silhouette of a person, right across the door of my room.

I stepped forward and nearly froze. Daniel was about to enter the room across mine.

My eyes widened in realization that he was going to stay very near to my room.

My movement must've caught his attention, since he turned to look at me.

There was a dim light, making it visible enough to take a good look at his face.

I took a few steps towards him but he stood still. My feet seemed to have a brain of their own since the kept on walking till I was within a five-feet distance of him.

I examined his face and realized for the first time how impassive it looked.

His face carried no emotion and his eyes were dead cold. The coldness was so strong that it sent a shiver down my spine.

The first time I'd seen him, I'd been busy trying not to embarrass myself by ogling at him and avoiding being clumsy.

I have no idea how I missed the coldness swirling in the depth of his eyes.

His eyes were almost of the same color as Chloe's but one could easily tell the difference in them.

The only hint of warmth I'd experienced was the one time I heard his voice, while he talked to his mom.

I took in a deep breath before deciding to introduce myself. Might as well ask him not to call me by my real name outside this house.

"Uh- I guess I didn't get to introduce myself properly. I'm Skylar and-"

"Listen, if you're here to ask for my number or get to know me so that you can break this so-called shell of mine and be the one to turn the bad boy into a mushy ball of softness or anything like that, I suggest you turn around and get these delusional thoughts right out of your mind," he spoke in a monotone.

If I thought his eyes were ice-cold, then his voice was a-swim-in-the-North-Pole cold.

I nearly flinched with the metallic edge to his voice. Where did that idea come from?

I mean, he had to be speaking from experience, right?

I looked at him confused before clarifying.

"Uh- I didn't come because of any of the above. I just wanted to ask you not to call me Skylar outside this house. My name is Penny for the rest of the world," I told him honestly.

Yes, I thought he was incredibly good-looking but I wasn't one of those people who asked for the other person's number right away.

Plus I barely even knew the guy.

He seemed a bit surprised by my answer. But the flicker of surprise died as soon as it came. He muttered something like 'whatever' and walked into his room while shutting the door in my face.

Well, not exactly in my face since I was at least five feet away but you get the drift.

Rude much?

I raised my eyebrows at his response before scoffing.

The thought the world revolved around him. I could tell that many girls wanted to be in my place and adored the ground he walked on but I wasn't like those few girls who were quick to claim themselves to be in love just because he had an awesome body, beautiful eyes, heart melting face, perfect lip- okay no.

Just no.

Thoughts erase. Eject. Remove.

Ugh! He just messed up my perfect train of thoughts. He can go to hell with all his rudeness for all I care.

With that, I stomped into my room and got ready to sleep.

****

Hey guys!

I hope you liked it. I'm sorry because I know it's not the best but I tried to write anyway.

Please excuse the typos and vote and comment.

Before I bid goodbye, I just want to inform you guys that I'm grounded. Once again, I know. So I won't be able to update my stories.

Even this update was made through my mom's phone.

Yeah I was a bit desperate.

Anyway, love you guys and I hope you understand.

Until next time <3 😘

Love y'all !!!