near as bad as it had been last night. And perhaps, with a little bit of camouflaging make up, it will not be nearly as noticeable. After all, it will be dark in the auditorium and you shouldn't be able to tell.
I look beyond everything and for the first time, finally begin to see myself. Not what my parents see, but really start to see me. The more I look, looking past the bruise itself, the more I can see that I’m actually kind of pretty. I'm not saying that I had an epiphany all of a sudden and think I’m hot. Not at all. I'm just saying, I finally found something in myself, that I’d never seen before. I didn't see the same Charlie. I found a new and improved Charlie. One I really need to get to know a whole lot better.
Chapter 43-Charlie
I spent my day sleeping and to be honest, it was the first true rest I had had in a very long time. I woke feeling slightly lighter. Don’t get me wrong, I was still upset. Emotionally and physically drained, yes. However, knowing that I had a place to stay and would never have to step foot into that place ever again, that had never felt like home, now that was a feeling like no other.
Then like a bolt of lightening, I remember what tomorrow is.
Homecoming.
Well, there went that first dance. The strange thing is, that in my haste to pack my ‘essentials’ I packed my dress. The only reasoning I could think, is that it is still important to me and symbolizes something to me. Regardless of the outcome with Maverick and me, I love him. That doesn’t go away over night. The dress is proof, that he had loved me. That was a feeling, I never wanted to forget. I know, strange right?
Tori comes prancing in my room, excited about the program tonight. “Time to get up my friend and get you beautified for tonight. We are going to make Maverick think twice about ever being a dick wad to you. Let’s show him what he’s missing. Shall we?”
“Tori, I’m not really feeling up to it tonight. I mean, really my face….”
“Nope, your face is beautiful and it really doesn’t look that bad. With a little of my magical masterful hands, you will never know. Plus, remember it will be dark in the auditorium and it won’t be noticeable.”
I knew she would never give up. Hanging my head down to my chest and heaving a heavy sigh, I finally concede defeat. Not that she would ever have given me much of choice. That girl could be relentless when she wanted too.
I get up, shower and come into my room to see that Tori has pulled my clothes out and laid them out on the bed. I guess she is also my wardrobe stylist tonight.
I can’t help but smile and be eternally grateful for having met her and that she is my friend. What would’ve happened if my so-called dad hadn’t been transferred and we’d never moved here? The thought alone starts to make me think about the what if’s. I shake myself of the thought. I don’t need to think about this. We did move, I did meet Maverick and Tori and everything is okay, now. I need to remember that.
I get dressed and walk into the bathroom to find Tori completely dressed and make-up done. Of course, she looks beautiful. She always does. “Come to me and let’s get your already gorgeous face touched up a bit.”
“Oohh, I’m so good, if I do say so myself.” Tori exclaims. “Behold my masterpiece.”
I glance in the mirror and see that my face does indeed look a lot better with a little bit of makeup. She is good, I’ll give her that. I didn't think anyone would notice, unless they got extremely close up, which I don’t see happening any time soon.
Tori and I make dinner for us, so Shelby won't have to mess with it. In a way, it helps me feel like I’m earning my keep. I knew it would actually be appreciated.
All too quickly it’s time to leave. The closer we get to the school the stranger Tori's behavior gets. She is like a person doped up on too much caffeine. I’m a bundle of nerves. I want to see Maverick, but yet I don’t. I donn’t know who he will be with, or who will be on his arm.
As soon as we