Tears streamed down my face as I looked into the mirror again. That ugly, fat girl stared back at me. I wished I was someone else, someone prettier, skinnier. But here I was - short and pudgy. And as always, it's as good as it's gonna get. I wiped the tears away with the back of my sleeve and sniffled.

The doorknob to the bathroom jiggled then and I panicked, looking at my reflection once more. My dark brown eyes were bloodshot and my nose was Rudolph-red. If anyone saw me like this, they would know I'd been crying.

"Ally, are you in there?" a male voice called from outside the door.

I cursed under my breath, recognizing the voice instantly. 

Jake. 

I cleared my throat and tried to sound normal.

"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute!" I called, hurriedly dabbing at my eyes.

"You sure nothing's wrong?" Jake asked, concern evident in his voice.

I sighed and bit my lip.

"I'm fine, Jake! I'm-" I started but my voice cracked on the last word, giving me away.

"Ally? What's wrong? Ally, let me in!" he said, trying to open the locked door to no avail.

I closed my eyes briefly before reaching out a hand, twisting the doorknob. The lock clicked open and the door swung open. Jake stood before me, worry filling his blue eyes as he took in my disheveled appearance.

"Oh, Ally...what happened?" he asked softly, coming closer to me.

My tough-guy facade broke then and hot tears streamed down my face.

"You could h-have any girl, Jake. Why did you pick me?" I sobbed, my knuckles turning white as I gripped the bathroom sink.

"Hey, hey, shh, shh," Jake soothed as he took me in his strong arms, "I picked you because I'm in love with you."

I just shook my head as my tears soaked his black Henley t-shirt.

"And because you're beautiful and kind. And you have the most contagious smile. You make me laugh so hard sometimes with little things you say....but most of all, I love you for something much more precious...your inner beauty," he said, lifting my chin up so my eyes met his sapphire ones, "That's why I picked you. That's why I'm so in love with you."

I sniffled as he wiped my tears away with his thumbs. He leaned his head down then and his lips glided over mine. Smiling into the kiss, I wrapped my arms around his neck. His lips were so warm and soft as rose petals. Finally, when we broke away, he gave me a slight peck on the nose before grinning.

"Never forget how much I love you, okay?" Jake said, sincerity in his eyes.

I nodded and smiled up at him.

"Because if you do, I'm just going to remind you every single day how amazing you are...and how beautiful."

I grinned and Jake kissed me again.