118 Chapter 115:

"Do.. do you really think that lowly of yourself?" I asked with concern. I feel sort of bad about this... It's as if it was my fault that this happened to her... I don't really like to see her upset like this at all...

"Hey.." She clears her throat. "What's it like to be thin and pretty?"

I paused for a moment, attempting to process what she had just said. "Huh? What?" I shook my head, even more, confused than before at her sudden question.

She avoids eye contact and shrugs off the question. "I.. sorry.. that must be a weird question. You don't have to answer that."

"No... it's fine.. but I was just appalled by the sudden question. Why do you even need to ask that question?" I raised my eyebrow.

"Well.. haven't you seen me?" She stood up from her seat and showcased her body. She was wearing baggy clothes that were five times bigger than her actual size so there's nothing much I could see, especially since she perfectly covered her body.

"Of course I've seen you. I think you're very lovely, dear." I responded.

"Ugh." She scoffed me off. "You're just saying that because we're friends but I really know what people think about me. You don't really have to just lay low with what you really think." She sighed, giving me a frown on her face.

"I don't really understand what you mean." I racked my brain to understand what she's talking about and I really got nothing. I wonder what direction this conversation is heading in because she is acting very strange...

"Don't you see it's because I-" She pauses for a moment, realizing something? "Now I know why you don't really understand what I'm feeling. I mean you're not really like me... you're pretty and gorgeous.. but as for me.."

"You know," I place my hand upward to stop her from talking. "You should really stop talking badly about yourself like that. I appreciate the compliments of you calling me gorgeous and beautiful but you should really stop dragging your feet around like that. You know you're more beautiful if you smile." I place my hand below her chin and smile.

"I mean.. you can't really blame me for acting like this. You're indeed like that but for me. I just feel horrible all the time. I would go outside and would see these other girls, laughing and mocking me. "

FLASHBACKS

POV: Fatima

I enthusiastically got up from my chair and walked slowly back to the dorm. Smelling the breeze in the air as I see the sun setting down, showing an amber sky that's relaxing to the eyes, this day couldn't get any better but alas there were a few people that just ruin life for me.

I start to shiver, as I hear the most obnoxious laughter of girls nearby, with their valley girl voices. They were those plastic and pink girls who have a full face of makeup on their faces and people think of them as little angels and yet they are nothing but vultures that will tear on the first wallowing soul they see.

I tried to walk around them. Moving out of their line of sight so that they couldn't say anything about me but sadly...

"Look at that fatso still walking around like that." The group of girls whispers amongst themselves as I continued walking to my dorm after a long day of studying in the library.

This was the thing that I absolutely dreaded. This was the reason, I absolutely hated walking around outside. It's because I'd have to deal with these girls, poking again with me. So obnoxious. I closed my ears shut, and continued walking.

"Aww.. look at the fatty running and exercising. At least she's making an effort to actually be thin like us." A girl in the group taunted me.

"I know right. I seriously can't believe, she can walk around. Looking like a pig like she does. I mean if I was her, I'd be so embarrassed to walk around like that. We already know that no one likes her hahaha!" They all laughed at what that girl said.

Just ignore it. They don't have anything else better to do...

"Aw.. the nasty fat pig really needs a diet." The girl once again taunted me.

Making me clench my fist for the anger and embarrassment.

"I know right. She's so ugly. Talk about a hobbit. Am I right?" The girl lets out a sultry chuckle and at that point. I just couldn't take their insults anymore. I walked out of there quickly, never looking back at their faces.

FLASHBACK END

POV: Celestina Aurora.

"I know it may sound stupid that a few words are able to affect me like this but it really does hurt. Hearing them yell that out and make fun of me. It.. it really hurts my heart and makes me feel awful about myself and food.. has always been there for me." She finished telling her story and it just fills my heart with sadness.

I couldn't even imagine people treating me like this. It really does hurt. Physical scars may heal but emotional scars often last a long time. That's what Lawrence told me so I could somewhat understand what she is feeling. Those people are horrible to her.

"Every time they would tease me. I would feel bad about myself, so I would turn to the only thing that made me feel happy and that was eating and in turn. The more I ate, the bigger my weight became." She elaborated more.

"I would eat because of the bullies and how they enjoy tormenting me. I would eat because I was scared of how everyone would see me. I would eat because I hated how my parents compared me to my sister. I would eat because I was scared of a mistake. I would eat because I felt bad for eating."

I placed my hand over her shoulders. Looking at her with a carefree smile to ease her fears. "I don't really understand how you feel but I know you've been through a lot." I place her into a tight hug. She accepted, embracing me fully as I can feel tears dripping from her eyes on the back of my neck.

"Even though, I'm different from you. I still somewhat know the pain you are going through." I whispered softly, speaking in my angelic voice that always calms those who are in need of my guidance. "Sometimes, the words of others make us break into pieces because sticks and stones may break your bones but words hurt you forever so I understand."

She continued to sob loudly behind me as I pat her on the back to make her feel more comfortable. "It's alright. You are alright to feel this way.. but remember that letting them all makes you upset is just going to make them win." I encouraged her to stay strong. "I mean it's normal in life to experience bitter people trying to destroy our happiness but the decision of whether or not to let them do it is definitely up to us. We can either get swallowed by the negative energy, or we can surround ourselves with friends and positive people to bring sunshine to our lives."

"Ya.. you're right.. I guess It's kind of foolish of me to feel so bad about myself for my weight. I know that I had a problem with food for quite a long time now and instead of trying to change for them. I honestly want to be healthier FOR MYSELF!" She finally perked up from my encouragement. Making me smile from ear to ear. At least my words did cheer her up a little. I'm happy for her.

Though it should be a common skill for a princess like me to be able to boost the confidence of anyone especially if I'm going to lead my country someday. I should seriously be good at giving people confidence and making them improve.

"You know... you're really sweet.. even if you're a princess from a country and I'm just some lowly commoner. You really have a kind heart, don't you? Princess.. Celestina.." She muttered out in praise.

My jaw widens.. Oh my god.. How.. does she know..