It was Saturday night. A girl named Ashley walked her grandmother into a prestigious venue for a business celebration. Dressed in a big, yellow, glittery gown, Ashley, who had a fuller figure, pushed her friendly and kind-hearted grandmother in a wheelchair. As they entered the villa, a few people gave Ashley odd looks, prompting her to mutter, "What's wrong with my makeup today? Do my eyebrows look like panda's eyebrows or something?"
Ashley walked by and didn't let it bother her. She admitted that her body didn't look like most. Her grandma had spoiled Ashley since birth and always prioritized her needs. Ashley had never been bullied about her appearance, which is why she had always been such a cheerful girl. Since no one ever blamed Ashley, she had everything at her disposal, especially food.
As they walked by, a man in a classic single-breasted suit approached and greeted her grandmother. "Hi, madam, you look great today," he said.
"Oh, Carson, you're a great boy too," Grandma responded with a wide smile.
"I'm glad you see me that way," he replied with a playful grin.
"So, you have another side, do you?" Grandma said, giving him a teasing look.
Their conversation lasted longer than Ashley expected. As they spoke, Ashley began to sense a growing connection. For the first time, she felt the stirrings of love, something she had never imagined before. Ashley, always a dreamer, had believed in those fairy tale happy endings. When she saw Carson, she believed in the magic of love.
Years went by, and Carson prepared to ask Ashley to be his girlfriend.
On a Saturday night, they walked under the stars, their fingers intertwined, sharing dreams and laughter that seemed to echo into eternity. Carson laughed, then fell silent as they gazed deeply into each other's eyes. The thrill of new love enveloped them. Carson cleared his throat, and in a serious tone, said, "Ashley, will you be mine?"
Tears welled up in Ashley's eyes as she hugged Carson and happily said, "Yes."
There have been many changes in Ashley's life since she met Carson. Her world has transformed into a beautiful journey of passion and excitement. They spent time together day after day, for years. But just as quickly as their romance ignited, it began to crumble. The distance between them grew. Nevertheless, it didn't harm their relationship. They always communicated when something unexpected happened.
Carson was surprised by Ashley on their first anniversary. She used metallic balloons, a banner wishing him a happy birthday, cake, cupcakes, candies, and a gift to adorn his room. Ashley envisioned his expression brightening as she entered the room, wearing her nicest dress, carrying a chocolate cream birthday cake with a cherry on top. Until that time finally came, she couldn't stop wondering what Carson would think.
It was 8 p.m., and Ashley quickly got dressed and prepared. Unfortunately, Carson's footsteps had not been heard. There was no sign of him. Her heart was filled with loneliness and a glimpse of hope. Unconsciously, Ashley's eyes closed. "Wait, is that Carson's voice?" she muttered, rubbing her eyes as she turned toward the sound.
Since it was midnight, Ashley thought it would be a great time for them to celebrate. Instead, what she discovered shattered her heart into a thousand pieces; her heart skipped a beat. She spotted Carson flirting and leaning closely with another woman. Unable to bear the pain, Ashley tried to slap the woman. To her surprise, Carson defended the woman, leaving Ashley stunned. The woman glanced at her and said, "Hey, you fat girl, don't you know the truth? Carson just wanted you for your money?"
For a second, Ashley's mind couldn't process this revelation; the harsh truth from Carson struck her hard. Ashley immediately turned on her heels and fled.
The city held many cherished moments; the laughter and love she once knew felt tainted. She decided to pack her bags, and with not much included, she went to a foreign land—France. She booked the ticket and informed her only family member, her grandmother. "I'm sorry, I think I need some time to clear my mind, and I'll go to France tomorrow," Ashley said after crying out loud to her grandma. She updated her view of love, which had transformed into a cursed love.
"Yeah, it's alright. I know it takes time. Call me if you need anything, honey, because I'll miss you here." Sweet words from Grandma warmed Ashley's heart, light piercing through the darkness. Grandma gave her a gentle hug as a farewell.
Ashley landed in France the following day, a country she had always wanted to see; it is a stunning city best renowned for the Eiffel Tower. As she entered, her heart raced with both anticipation and fear. Ashley felt a sense of possibility brewing within her; this unfamiliar place was not just a backdrop but a canvas for new memories and experiences waiting to unfold.
The journey had just begun.
Ashley started a healthy diet by changing her lifestyle with a balanced meal plan, portion control, and staying active and hydrated. Ashley's life improved over time; everything was not running smoothly, but she learned.
Fuelled by a fierce determination, Ashley committed herself to her goals. She succeeded in breaking the cycle; she learned to tackle hard challenges and prioritize delayed gratification. She began to feel stronger and more confident than ever. With each passing day, Ashley transformed not just her body but her mindset; she realized that no one had the right to treat her badly. Through the sacrifices she made, she proved to herself that she was worth so much more than she had ever accepted. And here's more about Ashley's journey since arriving in France: Ray and Livy. Ashley met Livy when she visited a bouquet shop; they had a smooth conversation and discovered many similarities. As for Ray, he is Livy's brother. They were both great listeners and partners in personal growth.
Her days were blessed, and Ashley knew it was time to go back. She returned not just with my new appearance; Ashley brought her new identity, a new me.
This is me, Ashley, and let me introduce myself as the new Ashley.
YOU ARE READING
True Beauty - Meilia
RomanceThis story was written by one of my talented students from school for a writing competition. While she didn't win, I honestly think it deserves to be shared with a wider audience. It's a story that came straight from her heart full of emotion, creat...
