Chapter 1: Isabella Taylor
"I am Isabella Taylor. I will be your worst nightmare! One day, all of you will bow down before me! I will make you feel sorry that you were born!" Isa screamed in her thoughts. She practiced saying those words over and over, waiting for the right time to say it out loud to the bullies who tormented her life since she transferred to this private school.
Today with her drink poured over her head and her food tray tossed on the floor; she has all the reason in the world to finally say it out loud… But she didn't. Just like the days before, she stood there quietly, accepting the bullying, and walked out of the school canteen like a real loser. She did not dare look around while those pretty girls laughed mirthlessly, like they owned her, like they owned the world.
On her way out, Isa passed by a familiar face but instead of helping her, she did not even acknowledge her. Instead, she lowered her head and continued with her food like she did not know her at all. Isa felt like a bomb just exploded on her chest. The pain she just felt was unbearable. To be betrayed by the one you expected to help you when you need it most, worse is you get denied.
As soon as she stepped out of the canteen, her thick glasses fogged up, and her eyes welled with tears. This is just one of the many times she chose to endure the rudeness of her new schoolmates and. Isa sat on the wooden bench in the garden behind the school canteen. She silently cried, feeling at her lowest point.
"This life is so messed up, I can't wait for it to be over." She blurted out in frustration. Her matted and sticky hair and her messy school uniform are a testament to the battle she lost today.
"You want to die?" an awkward student with a matching awkward voice asked her.
Isa furrowed her eyebrows. This is the first time that another student talked to her. She pointed at herself and looked behind her, just to make sure. "Me?" she asked.
"No. Not you. I'm talking to myself." He sarcastically replied to her. "You cry and talk about life like that just because of rude people who do not even deserve your attention." He sneered at Isa proudly analyzing her current situation. He walked towards Isa and sat beside her.
Isa nodded her head and took off her thick glasses to wipe her tears. She saw the surprised face of the equally dorky guy who sat beside her. "Is he playing with me? Am I that ugly?" Isa could not help but feel worst because of his reaction.
He turned his head to face in the opposite direction. To Isa, it seems like just looking at her face disgusts him. She can't let this new guy stomp on her some more.
"Big talk from another dork that opts to eat outside the school café. Hmm, I wonder why you're here." Isa thought of a witty comeback from the arrogant nerd, who appeared from nowhere.
"I'm sorry." He lowered his head and attempted to stand up, but Isa held him down.
"Why are you walking away after trash talking my already beaten up spirit?" Isa could not hide how irritated she is right now. She needs someone to talk to and the only one who dared to do so is now walking away from her. "Sit down and listen to me!" she bravely ordered him.
Like a trained puppy, he remained seated. "Go ahead, I'm listening." The guy answered her. His braces made his speech unclear. The same with Cara's teeth, still fixing her under bite.
Isa noticed his red ears; he kept rubbing his earlobe like he was uneasy. He also has a unique birthmark at the back of his ears; it became redder. Isa realized that he was just like her. Out of place in this place full of beautiful people. They are outcasts; they are hurting the same way. Isa easily found forgiveness for her new friend.
"No need. I think you know exactly why I am crying right now. Just let me cry in peace." Isa said with her voice cracking.
He nodded and patted his shoulder, encouraging her to rest her head on him. She obliged. It felt good finally having someone to lean on at a time like this, even if he is just a stranger. A few minutes later, Isa felt lighter. Her crying help somehow unload some of the bitterness in her heart.
"I'm Isa, tenth grade." She extended her hand to him.
"I am Cayden, a senior." He accepted her hand and smiled back at Isa. Cayden is quite short for his age; he is also is thin and looks quite sickly.
***
Isa started coming back to that garden for lunch. And as expected, her new friend was there. Finally, lunch time was something she would look forward to; thanks to her new found buddy. Here, they could eat in peace and no one would bother them. Here they can be themselves and no one would get offended by their ugly presence. At least that was how the school diva reasoned out to the principal when asked why she poured soda all over Isa's dress.
The dreaded lunch breaks are now a moment they both treasure. They share food and stories, Cayden even helps out Isa with her homework. The best part is that no one passes judgment on the other. Her new friend also became more at home with her. Now he can look straight to her eye, but not without turning crimson. Isa would often joke at him and accuse him of crushing on her.
Of course, that was a joke, something impossible for Isa. Who would be crazy enough to ever like her? In this school where she is the only one legally allowed to be ugly? It is impossible.
"I like you Isa." Cayden said out of the blue while he just sat there and cut off Isa, who was busy mumbling about her day.
"Huh? What? Why?" That was all she was able to say. Cayden's confession seemed like a joke for her, a joke she wanted to believe in badly. "You can't say that without meaning it. Am I a joke to you?" Isa confronted Cayden.
He laughed at the very serious face of Isa. She pouted her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. Cayden laughed harder, seeing Isa unconvinced of his confession.
"Oh, my dear, Isa. Only you can make me laugh like this." The corners of his mouth turned upwards. He drew in closer to her and locked his gaze on his target; her lips. Cayden gently cupped Isa's chin and slowly lowered his head towards her.
Isa gasps for air as Cayden inched closer. "Is this really happening? Finally, my first kiss?" She thought to herself. Isa closed her eyes and waited patiently for their lips to touch.
Cayden took her reaction as a sign that she wants it too. He is putting everything at stake with his bold move. His lips touched hers, gently. It was just a peck, but it was not that bad for her first kiss; simply because their feelings for each other are genuine.
Isa turned scarlet. She touched her lips with her fingers. Still feeling the lingering taste and touch of Cayden's soft lips on hers. "I like you too." Isa said stuttering while confessing her feelings. "So, are you my boyfriend now?" She asked Cayden.
He smiled faintly at Isa and held her hand; "I can't be your boyfriend, Isa." He said directly to her.
The turn of events surprised her. "What? You just took my first kiss from me and now you are dumping me?" Isa's voice was trembling. She gathered all her courage to confess and now she's being dumped. "You know what? I'm taking it back. I don't like you. You are just like all of them! I hate you!" Isa stood up and stormed away.
"Isa, wait. Let me explain…" Cayden stood and tried to stop Isa.
"I don't need your explanation. This, whatever it is that went on between us; it is over," Isa faced Cayden and said everything in a tone full of conviction and left without looking back.
"This might be the last time; we will be seeing each other." He said in a low voice. It was obvious that he was trying his best to control his emotions as he watched Isa leave.
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