Pretty Enough to Love

Bobbi jogged along the track, her short, curly ponytail bouncing out behind her. Her pace was slow, and her steps were a bit uneven as she tried to keep her gate steady. A couple of guys passed her, calling out “Hey, Bob, it looks like your butt is doing more moving than you are.” They laughed. Bobbi did her best to ignore them and keep going. It took her 30 minutes to run the required mile. By the time she was done, the coach had gone over the information for their next exam and had dismissed class, telling Bobbi that she could ask a classmate for details.

Back in the locker room, she stood in front of her locker and started to undress. Off to the side she heard giggling, and a sneering voice said to the other girls “Oh god, I hope she doesn’t plan undressing in front of everyone. No one wants to see those disgusting rolls. Seriously, it’s like she’s made of dough.” The other girls laughed. Bobbi, her face bright red grabbed her school uniform and walked quickly to the showers, her head low, seeking refuge to change in peace.

Later that day, Bobbi walked through the halls after the last bell, headed for her locker. On her way, a small group of people pushed past her, saying “Get out the way, blimp.”

“Yeah,” another replied, “you’re taking up the whole hallway.”

Tears running down her cheeks, she turned and darted out of the building, completely forgetting about the books in her locker. She walked home slowly, lost in her own, depressed thoughts. When she finally made it, she walked in and called out “Mom, I’m home.”

Her mom answered from the kitchen. “Welcome home, sweety. How was school?”

“It was fine. I’m going to my room.” She called back, heading down the hallway. Her mom poked her head out in concern.

“Don’t you want an after school snack, sweetheart?” She asked.

Bobbi shook her head. “No thanks, Mom, I’m not hungry.” She replied, reaching her room. Her mom looked after her, still worried.

“Ok, well, dinner will be ready in an hour.” She said before retreating back into the kitchen.

Once in her sanctuary, Bobbi dropped her backpack onto the floor and collapsed on her bed, on arm over her eyes. Her kitten jumped up onto the bed and began rubbing against her mistress, purring. Bobbi smiled a bit and sat up, picking up the kitten she had recently received as a sweet sixteen present, and placed her in her lap. “Hello there, His-Fa.” She said, petting her kitty. She looked around the room, sighing as she looked at the posters on her walls. They were all pictures of models in different styles of clothing, from ballroom gowns to swimsuits. They were all thin with legs to die for, long, straight brown hair, and sparkling blue or green eyes. Bobbi sighed whistfully. “One day, Hissy, I’m going to look like them.” She said, snuggling the kitten close. “Then, maybe, just maybe, I’ll have friends, and find someone who loves me just as much as you do. What do you think about that, His-Fa?” She asked the kitten, holding her up to her face. The kitten merely mewled and licked Bobbi on the tip of her nose.

Laughing, Bobbi fell back on the bed, placing the kitten on her chest and petting it, enjoying the purrs. She yawned and began to drift off to sleep. “Yes..” she murmured “One day.. I’ll be pretty.. Pretty enough to love..”