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NINE

We are now walking home. Since we are both on the same street, Chel and I always go home together. While we were walking, I noticed Chel who had been silent for an hour. It is unusual because the Chel I know is loud and noisy, and enjoys discussing random topics. However, right now she is extremely silent.

"Is something wrong?" I could not take it any longer, so I asked her. She looked at me with a sad expression. She looked down and let out a deep sigh.

"I am sorry, Charlotte. I caused a fight there. I invite you to eat so you can at least have fun, but I did something I regret. I did not listen to you, and I am very sorry," she replied, still looking down as she walked. "I hope you are not mad at me," she added.

I smiled at what she said and spoke. "I am not mad, cheer up already. I do not have any grudge against you. I am your best friend, remember?" Chel smiled as she heard that, which gave her energy and caused her to become very noisy.

It was already evening, and I was about to fall asleep in bed when I received a call. It was Karsen, so I immediately accepted the call. "Hi, Karsen. What is up?" I started the conversation.

"Well," he pauses for a moment, then continues. "Are you free on Monday? I would like to ask you out if it is okay for you?" he went on to say.

I was upset after hearing that since I had an appointment with Wayang on that day I couldn't go with him. "I have an appointment on Monday, I cannot go with you," I replied.

"Then what about tomorrow? What is your schedule?" he asked, which made me delighted.

"Uhm, I can take the morning schedule," I said. I heard him say yes with delight, which made me happy and flattered.

"What time can I pick you up?" he asks.

"One in the afternoon," I said with a big smile on my face. I heard him say yes again, but he still thought I couldn't hear it. It made me chuckle.

"Then I will pick you up in the afternoon, okay? You do not need to be worried about the place. And you do not have to spend money either, I will treat you. Please, don't be stubborn. Let me do this, this time," he pleaded, causing me to giggle. I accepted his offer, which prompted him to shout again.

Because of how I feel right now, I felt as if I were floating after the phone call. I am deeply flattered by his unexpected invitation. I believe he will be the reason for me to have difficulty sleeping!

.

Thirty minutes before one in the afternoon, I was already thinking where he would take me. I am not sure, but I am extremely excited to see him right now. I did not even get dressed up. Are jeans and a shirt right? I seriously do not know what to wear!

"Hey, your cheeks keep blushing. It is been two hours already; what are you thinking, huh?" Leandro approached unexpectedly, which surprised me and caused me to look at him. I just looked away and did not respond. I am sure he will just tease me about Karsen!

"Hey, Karsen! You are here again, alone?" I heard Missis Matilda's voice caused me to take a peep and there I saw Karsen wearing a plain gray polo inserted in his white pants. He also had this watch on his left hand. Looking at him made me blush! He is extravagantly handsome!

"Hey, you two had a date, huh? Tell me!" Chel exclaimed, raising and lowering her eyebrows to tease me. She then looked at me, who was dressed simply in a yellow shirt, fitted denim pants, and sneakers. "What the F Charlotte! You will be having a date, do not wear like that!" Chel yelled, drawing Karsen and Missis Matilda's attention to us.

Karsen smiled at me as Chel pulled me to the staff room. "Missis Matilda! I will help Charlotte here, you know what I am saying, okay?" Chel exclaimed, giving Missis Matilda a thumbs up. Missis Matilda understood what Chel was saying, leaving Karsen confused.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing!?" I yelled back at her, but Chel ignored my question and instead examined my body.

"Glad I still had this dress in my locker. You should thank me now! And Missis Matilda for letting me prepare you! Now, wear this quickly!" Chel shouted and handed me the black and white dress that was above the knees. I give her a puzzled look. "Do you want him to wait for you too long or not?" she asks, prompting me to go to the dressing room and quickly put on the dress she gave me.

When I got out of the dressing room, I looked in the body mirror and saw my reflection. It reminded me of the past; I used to wear dresses like this all the time because they enhanced my beauty. "Time for some light make up! Let us cover those markings on your face, okay?" Chel said, allowing her to do the makeup.

After thirty minutes, the preparation is complete. I looked in the mirror and was surprised to see my face again! I never imagined makeup could completely transform my face! It does not completely look like my face before, but it did change and share similarities. It covered all of my facial scars and pimple marks. Chel did something to my nose, and it now looks sharp. But my curly hair is still there. It gives me confidence because of this.

"Done!" Chel exclaimed and turned her face to look at me which delighted her. "You are beautiful, Charlotte!" she said happily while looking at me. I touched my face which made me teary. "Hey, don't cry! You are ruining the makeup!" She scolded me which made me laugh a bit.

"I am sorry, it is just, that I missed this face so much. It does not look like my original face, but it's still beautiful," I replied, perplexing Chel.

"What do you mean?" Chel asks, her brow raised, which makes me laugh.

"Never mind that, anyway, I guess I need to go out?" I asked, and Chel nodded. I was walking towards the door when I came to a halt. It was as if I was afraid Karsen would not want me to see this.

"Why? Are you hesitating?" she asks, and I slowly nod. Chel rubbed my back and smiled.

"If Karsen does not want you to be like that then, let him be. A true man will accept whoever you are, with or without makeup. To be honest, he should appreciate it and be happy since you exert an effort to prepare yourself!" she went on to say. Well, I did not force Chel to put makeup on me; she wanted it!

I let out a deep sigh and quickly opened the door. I noticed Karsen sitting and talking with Missis Matilda. They were laughing over something. I am not sure whether I should approach him or not. I feel very shy! Will he like the way I dress today? I am nervous!

When both of them noticed my presence, I was startled to see his eyes meet mine. I can see his shocked expression after looking at me, but it changes in an instant. He was now smiling, still looking at me, and quickly stood up and walked closer. When he got closer, he smiled warmly at me, making my heart melt.

"You," he paused briefly before continuing. "You are breathtaking, Charlotte."

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