Outing

Emma jumped. Jessica was sitting up on her bunk, curtain half-pulled back, watching her.

“Jessica?” Emma whispered. “I didn’t hear you wake up.”

Jessica’s eyes flicked over Emma’s outfit. “That hoodie isn’t doing you any favors. It makes you look bigger than you are.”

Emma’s face flushed. “I know. I’m already fat. Wearing this just makes it worse.”

Jessica slid off her bunk and walked closer, arms still crossed. “Is it bad enough that you’re already insecure, and you’re making it worse yourself?” She pointed at the hoodie. “Take it off”

Emma blinked, stunned. This was the first time Jessica had spoken directly to her like this.

“Thank you,” Emma said quietly. “I… I was just complaining to you. I’m not expecting you to care.”

Jessica shrugged. “I know. But you’re beautiful , Emma.”

Emma’s breath caught. “You don’t have to say that.”

“I’m not saying it to make you feel better,” “I’m saying it because it’s true. Now go. Whoever you’re meeting don’t keep them waiting.”

Emma pulled the hoodie off and held it over her arm instead, leaving her in just her big trousers and a plain t-shirt.

Jessica looked her up and down. “Who are you going out with anyway, ?”

Emma let out a faint smile. “That’s none of your business.”

Jessica raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? Now it’s none of my business?” She paused, then sighed. “Wait. Let me give you something to wear. At least something better.”

Before Emma could protest, Jessica climbed down and rummaged through her wardrobe. She pulled out a gown not tight, but soft and flowing, with a simple cut that fell just above the knee.

“Take this. Try it,” Jessica said, tossing it toward her.

Emma stared at it. The fabric looked expensive. Too expensive for someone like her.

“Jessica, how did you even get something like this? I’ve been here a long time and I’ve never seen you wear it.”

“It’s okay. Just wear it.”

“It’s too short,” Emma said immediately, clutching it to her chest.

“At least it hides your belly. Is that your belly you’re insecure about?” Jessica’s tone was blunt but not cruel. “You have really fine legs, Emma. And a thick lap. Wear it.”

“But it’ll be above my knee,” Emma said, face turning red.

“Yes. That’s one reason you should wear it.” Jessica’s lips twitched.”

Emma hesitated for a moment before disappearing into the small bathroom to change.

A few minutes later she stepped out, holding her breath.

“How is it?” she asked quietly.

Jessica looked her over and smiled, a rare, genuine one. “You see? You look good.”

Emma stared at her, lost for words. “You know, Jessica… you look better when you smile.”

Jessica’s expression hardened instantly, the cold mask snapping back into place. “Whatever. Get out. you ugly little thing ”

Emma smiled anyway, slipping her phone into her pocket as she reached for the door. Jessica had already turned away, back to her cold self.

The hallway was quiet. the moment she stepped outside warm, heavy, full of the smell of expensive meals and distant music from the street. For the first time since arriving in Colombia, she wasn’t sneaking out to hide. She was stepping out because someone had asked her to.

getting to The location Romeo sent her

She pulled out her phone, tapped it in, to send him a text Then suddenly she felt it. A gaze. Fixed on her.

Emma’s heart jumped. She turned around slowly, and there he was.

Romeo stood a few feet away, staring at her without blinking. His eyes moved over her from head to toe, silent and deliberate, like he was seeing her for the first time.

Emma shifted uncomfortably, suddenly hyperaware of everything. Is the gown too short? Can he see my belly? Are my legs really as fine as Jessica said?

Romeo finally stepped closer, his usual confidence gone, replaced by something almost childlike. He stopped right in front of her and let out a low breath.

“You know what, Emma… who would’ve thought you could look this beautiful?”

Emma frowned. “Who would’ve thought ? Does that mean he didn’t think I was beautiful before now?”

Of course I wasn’t, she thought bitterly.

Romeo shook his head quickly. “No, no. That’s not what I meant.” As if reading her mind “I’m not saying you weren’t beautiful before. You just… you look different now. And you’ve got really fine legs. A cute face.”

He glanced down at his own wrinkled shirt and jeans, then groaned. “Damn it. If you’d told me this was a proper date, I would’ve actually dressed up. Look at me now. I’m the beast and you’re the beauty. The Beauty and the Beast, except I forgot my suit.”

Emma couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her. “Stop it. You’re exaggerating.”

“Am I?” Romeo’s eyes softened. “One day, my mom will take one look at you and say you’re too pretty not to be her daughter-in-law.”

“Don’t say that,” Emma said, heat rising to her cheeks.

Romeo grinned, clearly pleased with her reaction. “Alright, alright. So… are you ready ?”

He gestured down the dim path beside them. “Food. Or more like a picnic. It’s my quiet place.” He paused, thoughtful. “Well, it’s not just mine. There are a few others people there . But on Saturdays, it’s usually empty. Peaceful. Come on, let’s go.”

He held out his hand.

Emma looked at it, then at him. For a moment she hesitated. Then she placed her hand in his.

The night air felt warmer. Lighter. And for the first time since coming to Colombia, Emma didn’t feel like she was disappearing into it. She felt seen.