Her Request

Chapter 1

15 years ago

April

Monday is the worst day for me and it's because it's the beginning of the week hence a long transition to Friday- my favorite day into the weekend mostly because i love staying at home. If schooling wasn't a necessity or mandatory, i would totally buy the idea of staying at home for the rest of my life but education is the greatest gift you can give a child.

My parents forced that quote into my brain since i was born. They wanted me to be successful, who could blame them.

I step into the hallway and something unusual caught my eyes. People staring at me like i am the best thing since sliced bread but then again, i am no sliced bread, in fact, I'm the opposite in the worst way. Overly big glasses, braces, two sectioned cornrows, bright rainbow-colored armless turtleneck sweater, calf-length pleated skirt, and flats aren't exactly a sight to see except to make fun of which i guess they're doing but then again, even that has never happened before. I was invisible even with my appearance way before now so what changed?

Did i wake up uglier?

"April!" Iris my best friend tapped my shoulder from the back and i turn to accommodate her in sight.

"Hey, sorry i took off on Saturday, i got crushed..."

Iris cut me off

"You haven't been online have you?"

"No, what's there to see?" I take out a textbook from my locker.

"This" she shoves an image on her phone to my face

"What the hell!" I whisper in shock and bewilderment

My whole fucking love confession to Jordan on Messenger was sent to the entire school.

Unable to fight back the tears, i hurry into the toilet.

"Who did this?" I sniffle as i pace back and forth, shameful tears pouring down my cheeks.

"Did you tell him about it on Saturday?"

I think it's high time i told you about what happened on Saturday. The worst day of my life.

******

Prom day, an opportunity for high schoolers to dress to kill, elect king and queen, make-out session and other engagements but i, on the other hand, was on a mission to tell Jordan i have a crush on him. Call me crazy but i own a relationship podcast that encourages the need to always express your feelings to someone you like cause life is too short to be regretful. I am about to listen to my own words and follow my podcast advice.

Thanks to Iris for encouraging me to do this cause honestly, i don't think i might be able to pull this off on my own. She gave me the push i needed. I tried to look less April tonight by squeezing my body in a bandage midi-length gown that once in a while cease my breathing and my mum's red bottom ankle straps. I part my 4c hair in the center, i ditched my glasses for black contact lens but my braces were a no-no. Asides that, i almost looked like Jordan's spec. Or so i thought.

After seeing Jordan alone at the far end of the ball, it was now or never. I took a deep breath before making my way to him. Take control God.

"Hi" i slowly reduce the size of my grin after noticing it was too wide

"Hey April" he gives me his admirable dimpled smile. He's perfect, too perfect and this was a big mistake-no it's not, you're already here so go for it-ok.

I always lose to my subconscious self.