AVERY MANE GOT A GLOW UP (Men at her feet)

“Out of the way, you moron” Dalia, my colleague and number one bully shoved me as she and her friend, Millie walked past like they owned the building. I murmured a quick “Sorry”, kept my head down and quickly shuffled out of sight. As I walked away I heard Millie say in a voice loud enough for me to hear; “Ugh isn’t that same ugly sweater she wore last week? It’s like she’s begging to stay ugly” “I don’t know why they keep people that look like her around people like us. What if her ugliness is contagious?” “OMG I know right and her kind of ugly has to be contagious. Plus I think she touched me” “Ewww. We’re so getting you soaked in sanitizer” I exhaled and kept walking while they laughed. I have always been the ugly duckling for as long as I could remember and I suppose pretty people get to do what they want to me and I have to stay put and shut up. It’s not like I was expecting anything better. There was really nothing amazing about me. I wasn’t the smarte

Everything feels so heavy. My eyelids, my chest and my heart. But the worst part has to be the pain and pressure in my head. I felt like I was experiencing the migraines of five overworked accountants. There’s a steady beeping somewhere near my ear, and distant voices—blurred, muffled, like I’m underwater. Where was I? What was going on? “Avery… sweetheart? Avery, can you hear me?” Dad. His voice is tight with worry. I force my eyes open. The hospital room swims into view. I shut my eyes briefly. The whole room is bright, and too white. My father sits on the edge of the bed, clutching my hand with both of his. I had not seen him this stressed out since my mother was ill. Poor dad, he must be so mentally exhausted. He even looked like he aged a few years. How long was I out? Claudia and Emilia stand near the door, arms crossed like they’re watching something mildly interesting on TV. A doctor stands near my chart. I try to speak, but my throat burns. “

Perfect. I stare at my reflection in the restroom mirror one last time. The system has done its job. As a matter of fact, it has done better than I expected it to. The whole thing still feels like a dream. My skin glows. My waist is snatched. I can’t even lie, I don’t even recognize myself. In comparison to the woman that Elias threw out of his house, I looked like a different person. My hair falls in soft waves that look professionally styled even though all I did was complete a task this morning. > My dress is simple—black, sleeveless, hugging the new curves I earned. Elegant but not loud. My dad had got it for me. He said he was so proud with just how well I’ve taken care of myself and even gotten the attention of my boss. He said the dress was exactly what a CEO would expect. He wasn’t wrong. Plus, it was exactly what Dalia can choke on. I smooth the fabric down my hips and take a breath. Tonight, I’m not the old Avery. I don’t even feel