บท 2: Chapter 2: Aubrey Lee Young

Aubrey Lee Young stared at the mirror in front of her and nodded in satisfaction. What stared back at her was an average face, with pure and innocent features. Cute but not pretty. What was decidedly unaverage about her appearance was her large expressive brown eyes. A trait she supposedly inherited from her deceased father.

Aubrey doesn't like attracting attention. She doesn't like it when people's eyes are on her. In fact, she doesn't like talking to strangers. Period. Aside from her family and close group of friends, Aubrey doesn't really associate with other people. Call it shyness or social anxiety if you want, but she just feels ill at ease with a lot of social interaction. Needless to say she's more of an introspective introvert. She loves spending time indoors reading and writing her webnovels. Today is Aubrey's first semester as a junior in Oxford University where she studies Accounting. It's not a major she likes but being as level headed as she is, she knows not everyone can make it big writing webnovels. Still it's not bad, the course load is not particularly busy so she still has time for her hobbies.

Being average, Aubrey doesn't have a line of guys waiting to date her. But she prefers it this way since she already has her eyes set on someone, her childhood friend Richard Davies. Aubrey has liked Richard for as long as she could remember. The man is kind and studious and has a boyish charm. He is always around to help when Aubrey is in need and is a comforting presence for her. The bad thing is, Richard is also Captain Oblivious. It's been seven years and he still hasn't caught on to Aubrey's feelings. And as for the latter, well she's too shy to confess for fear that their friendship will be ruined if she does so. So she can only wait for the man to make the first move. For now, Aubrey is okay with maintaining the status quo.

Plus, being an ordinary girl definitely has its perks. People's expectations of her are low but not too low. She doesn't have the pressure of being amazing or having stiff competition in things she tries so she's able to easily enjoy various activities. She can usually go shopping without being stopped by pushy sales associates. She doesn't have strangers commenting sexual things on her Outstagram. And most importantly, she barely gets called on in class. It's a win-win.

The same cannot be said for her best friend, Beverly Taylor. Beverly is the center of attention wherever she goes. Tall, thin, and rich with gorgeous Victorria Secret model-like features. Outgoing and gregarious, Beverly possesses the charisma that attracts even the most ascetic person. However, she's still a true softie at heart. And it's this sensitivity that drew Aubrey to the girl.

Although they may appear like complete opposites, the pair got along perfectly. Along with their friend Richard, the trio are inseparable. In fact, Aubrey can't help but feel good today because she is finally able to see her friends now that they are back after a few months abroad.

Aubrey made sure to put on the small ruby pendant necklace that was her mom's keepsake. She had promised to always keep it on her whenever she went outside and no matter what she wore. It made her feel safe. She took one last glance at her outfit, a plain gray oxford sweater and skinny jeans and her trusty Dc Mrtens before trodding downstairs for breakfast. At the table was a simple meal of toast with butter and jam and eggs cooked sunny side up as well as a cup of English breakfast tea with milk. This was what her grandmother prepared for her before leaving for work. With a smile on her lips, Aubrey began to eat breakfast. Then it was time to take the bus to school.

Today is going to be a good day.