Home For My Soul

129|Face Me

I never saw a mirror, a window, a rearview mirror, or anything because of the poor look of Amarylis that made me hate him. Even arriving in this country with better circumstances, I still could not afford to look at my shadow. If it wasn't for Theo, I would still be.

So, being in a foreign country without anyone knowing my previous condition is a gift. People don't see me like they usually admire Katelia. On the contrary, they also did not mock me.

But with my old photos of me being so fat, a face full of acne, dull hair, and messy teeth is a cruel reminder. I should have suddenly been the center of attention today. This photo is the reason.

“Saddening once. He must have fat suction surgery until his weight dropped drastically,” said the person standing behind me.

“See the difference in his face,” says another. “He definitely did plastic surgery.”

“Asians are so. They prefer surgery rather than performing treatment early on.”

I immediately took it and kept it in my bag. There's only one person who did this. He chose the wrong opponent. I just kept quiet all this time, not because I was afraid of him. I just want to go to college peacefully. All right, he's the one who's wrong has awakened the demon inside me.

“You all right?” meghan asked with a worried face. I'm nodding. “Sorry, I don't know who did it, so I didn't take it right away. I don't want to be hit.”

“I know.” I patted her shoulder. “This is my problem. You don't need to get involved.” We entered the lecture hall, then sat down in the usual place. I'm by the wall, he's by my side.

“You're not as bad as they say. Just forget their nasty remarks.” Meghan held my hand. “You are an inspiration for me.”

I smiled at him. Maybe he thought I'd be hurt to see that picture or what they were saying. “Don't worry, Meghan. I'm fine.”

“Again, Amaryllis.” Robert stood in front of us with a big smile. “Wah, wow, you became famous within an hour.” He's laughing a little. “How can you be this straight now? Do you have a sugar daddy? Is that the source of your scholarship?”

Jerk. What do you want this brash guy? It's just delicious he accused me of selling myself for studies and the cost of losing weight. Yes timing? Could it be that he liked me so much that he did all this? After finding out about me, then he spread it. Ah, impossible.

“Jaga your mouth. Amaryllis is not that low. Why do you keep bothering him? You should show our friendly culture to strangers. Not this,” Meghan scolded.

“Heh, fat. You know what our culture is about? Do you think licking is our culture?” reply Robert. I clenched my hand, preventing myself from punching him in the face right now.

“Address without evidence, definitely not our culture,” Meghan said. “Don't rundung Amarylis or you have to face me.”

“Oh. Hi, Mike!” greet Robert to the man who just entered the room. He looked at me, then his face paled. “Hey, where are you going? Aren't you going to sit by your girl's side?”

Different from the day before, Mike sat as far away from me as possible. Huh. Basic male. He must not be interested in me anymore because he knows my old appearance. Good though. I don't have to deal with a man who doesn't stop chasing me. That means one more problem.

After college, Meghan and I walked together to the parking lot. People were still staring at me laughing giggling with the friend beside her. But we don't touch it. Just opening the door, there was a crowd in front of us.

“What else is this?” Meghan stopped her steps.

The crowd was too crowded so we couldn't get through. I intended to take him down the back road, but Robert and Mike's voice caught our attention. Meghan invited me to stand on the edge so I could see what was going on up ahead.

Mike was pulling Robert's hand when the man entered his luxury car. He lost strongly, so Robert closed the door and left with the car. People just whispered to each other so I didn't hear what the problem was.

“What happened to them?” ask Meghan to the man in front of us.

“It looks like they're betting. Mike lost, so his car was taken Rob,” he replied. “Konyol.”

Meghan and I exchanged a glance. A wager? What do they bet? Crazy mike. He made his expensive car a betting item. What did Robert bet until he was so desperate? I know that weird guy isn't as rich as he is.

“Holiday this spring you are going to where?” ask Meghan.

“My family and I are going on vacation to Hawaii. They are tired of the cold.” He shrugged both of his shoulders, looking unenthusiastic to the plan.

“Wah! Have fun!” I tried to cheer him up.

“Thank you.” He just stayed on the spot, not walking towards his car.

“What's up?” many wonder.

“You don't suspect me?” She wipes her hair behind her ear. “I'm the sister of someone who likes your girlfriend. I could have had malicious intentions approaching you.”

“People who have malicious intentions will not say their intentions.” I smile. “If you like my girlfriend, then we can't be friends. No, Meghan. I don't suspect you.”

He suddenly hugged me. “Thank you, Amaryllis! You're my first friend!” Not knowing what to do, I just rubbed his back. “Ah, forgive me.” He distanced himself. “Then, see you later. Happy holidays.”

“Happy holiday, Meghan.” I was amazed to see her eyes tear up. Has he really never had a friend before?

I rode my bike with a few other students to their residence. There are also employees who use bicycles as transportation. The air is still cold, but not as cold as winter. It seems like spring is coming.

I'm glad I've had two seasons in this country. But I admit I miss summer and the sun because I rarely see it. Meghan and her family are on holiday in a warm area. I'm sure a lot of other friends are doing the same.

A car suddenly pulled over, blocking my way. I had to brake suddenly. The car was immediately recognized, but the owner had changed. He got out of the driver's section, then turned his head towards me. His haughty smile made me want to punch him in the face.

“You come around with my new car?” He was leaning on the side of his car.

“I don't want to deal with cowardly men.” I looked at him sharply.

He laughed amusedly. “Kat, Kat, you are indeed an attractive woman. You should be glad I've introduced you more deeply to friends. That photo is on your social media. So, it's for public consumption. Why are you angry?”

“Stop, Robert. Don't keep this up. We are no longer a group, so don't bother me anymore.”

“Ah, yes. That group is now boring without you. I intend to join you guys.” He showed off his neat teeth. “You guys seem to be so excited every time you discuss.”

Seeing that he was just wasting my time, I sat my bike back. But when I was on his side of the car, he was holding the handlebar so I had to stop. Her other hand she purposely put on top of my hand.

“I'm not done talking, Kat.” He whispered so close.

“What's wrong with you and Mike? Can't you guys understand I already have a boyfriend? I'm not interested in any of you.”

He laughed out loud. “What did you say? You think Mike's attracted to a woman like you? Kat, Kat. He just wants to enjoy your body, then throw you away. After all, he's getting more aggressive not because he wants you. We bet.”

Of course they bet. Why did I forget there was another reason two men suddenly wanted to be close to me? One was rich, handsome, and of good stature, why would he approach an ordinary woman? The other one is interesting and mysterious, who originally hated me for being annoying. So that's why they always sit next to me.

“If he manages to get one kiss from you, then he wins.” He laughed amusedly. “You think he intends to kiss you because he likes you?”

“That's also why you did this? What are you betting on? Kiss me? Sleeping with? Is there nothing else smart you can do besides demeaning women?” I said fierce.

“No, Kat. I'm not a beggar like Mike. You who will come alone to me, ask me to please you in bed,” he whispered. His eyes came down glancing at my lips.

“Let me please you here, barjingen!” Suddenly Robert's collar was pulled and a fist smashed into his face. I screamed in surprise at the loud sound of the impact.