“Oh it was indeed a wonderful day, sweetie. And the music! Oh my gosh! They had a live band playing soft jazz throughout the night. It was so romantic. Couples were dancing, your daddy and I showed off a little too much—we almost overshadowed the young couple.”
Beauty's mom said with pride.
Beauty smiled softly.
“She dragged me into it.”
Her Dad snapped in defense.
His wife frowned at his statement.
“Oh, now you're going to blame me? But you got into it and danced like you were the groom!”
Beauty shook her head.
“Anyway, Lisa's fiancé, Marcus, made the sweetest speech. He talked about how he knew from the moment he met her that she was the one. He even said she was his other half and he couldn’t imagine his life without her. Everyone was tearing up.”
“Your mother was the everyone, I guess.”
Mr. Hills cut in sarcastically and chuckled.
“What do you mean, Hills! You also had some tears in your eyes too!”
“I didn't even cry on our wedding day, what makes you think I had tears in my eyes back then?”
Hills replied.
Beauty’s heart ached slightly at her mother’s description of Lisa's fiancé and her engagement party that she didn't even pay attention to her parents' playful argument.
It all sounded so perfect, like something out of a movie.
The kind of engagement party every girl dreamed of.
She could picture Lisa, glowing with happiness, holding Marcus’s hand as everyone celebrated their love.
It was beautiful, and Beauty was genuinely happy for her cousin.
Unfortunately, it was hard not to feel a little envious, to not wonder if she would ever have something like that.
“I bet Lisa was looking gorgeous.”
She said, trying not to make her parents suspicious of her sudden silence.
“You should've seen her, she looked stunning. I think I took some pictures of her with my phone too, I will show you later.
Her fiancé Marcus seems like a good match for her. Very grounded, polite, and respectful young man. And he’s done well for himself.”
“Absolutely,” her father agreed while sipping his coffee.
“He has a successful business. He is also handsome, kind, and successful. And the way he looks at Lisa, you can tell he adores her. They’re a perfect pair. Lisa was positively glowing. You could see how in love she and Marcus were. They were always by each other’s side, holding hands, whispering to each other.”
Beauty forced herself to smile, nodding along.
“Everything sounds so amazing. I’m happy for her.”
She said, trying to keep her voice steady even though she felt the familiar feeling of insecurity deep inside.
This is a girl she is much older than, yet here she was, still single, still struggling with her insecurities, while Lisa seemed to have it all.
None of these news helped either.
Just a reminder of how miserable her life has been and how great others are living theirs.
She didn’t want to disappoint her parents or show how much the conversation was affecting her.
As her parents continued to talk about Lisa's engagement, she sadly picked at her breakfast, the taste of the eggs and toast starting to taste dull in her mouth.
Her father noticed her mood faster. He folded his magazine and set it aside, looking at Beauty with a soft expression.
“Lisa’s doing well for herself,” he said. “Same can be said about you. We’re proud of you too, you know. You’ve got a good job, you’re talented, and you’ve been a great daughter… trying your best and always pushing harder.”
Beauty tried not to get emotional; she knew her father must have noticed her emotions, which explains this sudden statement of being proud of her.
She forced a smile, though it felt strained, trying to force back tears.
“Thanks, Dad.”
Her mother noticed and reached across the table, taking Beauty’s hand in hers.
“You know, sweetheart, I’ve always believed that things happen when they’re meant to. I’m sure the right person is out there for you too. You just have to be patient. It doesn't matter when… what matters is that you found the right person.”
“I know, Mom. I’m happy for Lisa, really. It’s just… that… I am not as beautiful as Lisa… I am fat and… You know how it was in high school. And even now, it feels like…”
Her voice trailed off, the words she couldn’t say hanging in the air.
Her lips were shaking as she pressed them tightly.
“Oh, Beauty…”.
Her mother looked at her sadly.
“We shouldn't have talked about Lisa.”
Her father said sadly, losing his appetite.
Beauty shook her head vehemently.
“No… no… Dad. I am really happy for her.”
She sobbed, with her eyes closed, embarrassed.
“I… am… I am shamelessly insecure…”.
She burst into tears again.
Her mother went and hugged her, her own eyes filling with tears.
“Sweetie. You’ve grown into a wonderful woman, inside and out. Don’t let anyone define your happiness. You are beautiful, it hurts us to see you this unhappy, and I know that someone who sees your true beauty will find you. I know that for sure. It’s just a matter of time.”
Beauty nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill over.
“Thanks, Mom,” she whispered.
She took a deep breath and looked up.
Her father's face had turned cold.
She knew how much he loves her and that his day has been ruined.
“Dad, I am sorry I didn't mean to…”
Her father interrupted.
“That's alright. If you are really sorry, don't ever call yourself ugly or insecure again.”
Beauty nodded, her hands shaking visibly.
“I… Promise.”
“Come over here.”
Her father called.
Beauty stood up from her seat and walked over to him.
He kissed her forehead and they hugged.
“I love you, my baby.”
“I love you, too, Dad.”
Beauty smiled.
Her mother watched them with a broad smile on her face.