1 Meeting the Pauper

Kelly's eyes were glued on the television screen as the lead actor and actress kissed. The actress was pretty with her white long gown, complimenting her ivory skin, big brown eyes, and red lips. Her lead actor, on the other hand, had jet black hair, sturdy structure, and gorgeous face. A match made in heaven, she thought.

"Fairytales happen only on screen...No, they are only for beautiful girls", she whispered. There was a pang of jealousy in her heart. Kelly went in front of the mirror and look at her reflection. "Who will fall in love with you?" She surveyed her thick eyebrows, pimply and chubby face, and pale lips. Her fat body didn't boost her confidence, but added to her insecurities.

Five years ago, Kelly didn't care about love. She was busy with her career since she had to survive on her own. But now that she was in her 30, she felt lonely like never before. She accepted the fact that she will grow old alone, not only because of her unpleasing appearance, but also of her socially awkward personality. But the truth was, she kept a small speck of hope in her heart that maybe... maybe someone will truly love her.

Kelly remembered Eric Davidson -the one who got away. She was his only friend in high school. Unlike other boys in their school, Eric loved books than sports. He was also a victim of bullying due to his skinny body, thick glasses and braces. Everytime they were together, their classmates would tease and mock them. They were referred to as the stork and the pig.

For Kelly, Eric was the greatest man he ever met in her life. He was polite and caring. She felt how concerned he was to her. Whenever her aunt would physically abuse her, she would confide to Eric in tears.

The day before their highschool graduation, Eric told Kelly how he loved her. She was astounded, unbelieving that a man can fall in love with her. He asked her if she felt the same for him. Kelly lied, telling him that she only saw him as a friend.

Truthfully, she loved him, but she chose to lie. Her priority was to go to college and finished her studies so she could get a high-paying job. After experiencing poverty and abuse at a young age, she was determined to get out of her old life. After rejecting Eric, she didn't see him again. There was never a day that she never regretted of how she responded to his feeling. If she told the truth, maybe she was married with him now and they would have kids. Maybe.

Unfortunately, choosing career over love didn't guarantee that Kelly would have a great career. She worked as a journalist on a local media outlet. Her earnings were enough for her to rent an apartment, pay her bills, and live the life she wanted to. Although she was happy with her job, she knew that there was missing inside her, making her feel that she was a pauper after all.