Mirror of Truth

The Next Morning

As I carefully folded my clothes and packed my belongings in the suitcase, Jessie walked into the room, holding Daisy, my beloved cat, in her arms. Her presence brought both joy and sadness to my heart, knowing that soon I would have to leave her behind.

"We're going to miss you, Halle," Jessie said, her voice filled with emotion, as she gently passed Daisy over to me. "Promise to call me every day," she added with a wistful smile, helping me with the arrangement of my clothes.

"I promise, Jess," I replied, feeling a tinge of sadness as I affectionately petted Daisy. "You know you can always count on me. Whenever you need me, I'm just a call away," Jessie reassured me, her eyes reflecting the deep bond we share.

"And please take care of Daisy, okay?" I reminded her, my voice tinged with concern as I looked at our furry friend.

Jessie nodded solemnly, her expression filled with determination to fulfill her duty as Daisy's caretaker in my absence.

"We've been close for ten years now. I don't want you to go. How will I survive with only Pa? He's so boring," she said, her words flowing with a mix of playfulness and genuine concern. I nodded, understanding her emotions, but my mind was preoccupied as I held a dress in my hand, staring at the entrance.

Suddenly, the sound of my name brought me back to reality. "What's wrong, Red? What's bothering you?" Jessie asked concern etched across her face. Daisy brushed her tail against my cheek, a comforting gesture that often accompanied moments of distress.

"I'm going to a new college without you there. How will I hide my half-face from the world?" I confessed, the weight of my insecurity bearing down on me like a ton of bricks. "I can't keep relying on makeup and using half of my hair to cover my face," I admitted, a tear escaping and tracing a path down my cheek. "This scar will only make my dreams harder to reach," I lamented, feeling the weight of my self-doubt crushing my spirit.

In that vulnerable moment, Jessie squeezed my hands, offering silent support. "I just hope you'll be able to love yourself one day and see yourself through my eyes," she spoke with genuine concern. "The scar isn't as bad as you think, Halle. You're so beautiful. You have to accept it and don't be too vulnerable."

As her words sank in, I felt a mix of emotions. Her encouragement felt like a warm embrace, but the fear of judgment lingered. "Don't act like you have any insecurities, and watch how people treat you differently than in Estrella College," she continued a hint of frustration in her voice. "You were too gullible. You let people bully you because, in your heart, you think they are right," she hissed her teeth, emphasizing her point.

Her words were a mirror reflecting my past, and I couldn't deny the truth in them. Jessie reminded me of the audition, a moment when confidence shone through. "You had a fun time during the audition because you were confident in your looks. Why can't you do the same thing?" she questioned, her eyes searching for a response.

I sighed, grappling with my self-perception. "Anything that makes you confident, keep doing it. If it's the makeup, continue. Make sure you find peace, and when it's time, reveal yourself to everyone. Anyone who decided to stay is the real deal, and anyone who doesn't, kiss their asses goodbye," she declared, a determined glint in her eyes.

"Thank you, Jessie," I said, feeling grateful as she smiled back warmly. "Let's keep packing. It's almost noon," I suggested, eager to finish our task.

Once we finished packing, we shared a heartfelt embrace, holding onto each other tightly, not wanting to let go.

As we headed downstairs, Jessie kindly offered to help me with my heavy bag. Outside, Pa was already waiting by the trunk of the car, wearing a warm smile. He collected our bags and neatly arranged them in the truck.

"Are you both ready?" Pa asked, his voice steady yet tinged with emotion. Starting the car, we embarked on our journey.

As we drove away from the house, I couldn't help but steal another look at the familiar sights that held countless memories. The tears welled up in my eyes, and I gripped the edge of the seat, trying to anchor myself in this moment of transition.

Jessie placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, offering a reassuring smile that spoke volumes without uttering a single word. I took a deep breath, attempting to quell the mix of emotions bubbling within me.

The rhythmic hum of the engine accompanied our quiet contemplation, broken only by the occasional small talk between Jessie and Pa. Each passing mile felt like a step further into the unknown, and I found solace in the shared silence with Jessie.

Arriving at Gleewood Arts, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Pa flashed me a soft smile and said, "Call me anytime, Halle." I nodded, feeling reassured.

Grabbing my travel bag from the car, I waved goodbye to them. Just as I was about to leave, Jessie called out to me, "Halle, wait!" She rushed out of the car with a small gift box in her hand.

"I want you to have this, Halle," she said, handing me the box. "It's a reminder that you're beautiful just the way you are and that I love you."

Touched by her kind gesture, I opened the box to find a beautiful necklace inside. I hugged her tightly, tears streaming down my face.

"Thank you, Jessie. I love you too," I said, feeling grateful for her unwavering support.

With one final wave, she disappeared as they drove off.

Saying goodbye to Pa and Jessie was harder than I thought. They've been my rock through everything, and now I have to stand on my own.

Feeling a renewed sense of confidence and determination, I walked towards the dorm, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.