Chapter 2 - The Cocoon Effect

Ellie

School is cancelled today because there has been a problem with the electricity. It was the best day ever because I don’t have to go to school today, but instead of having the time all for myself, Lila and Casey are currently in my house and decided that we should use the time wisely and prepare for the makeover project because they want to transform me into a different girl by tomorrow. I don’t know why they are rushing me but I had told them to take things slowly, especially that I don’t want to get all the attention.

“Should we go shopping or should we start with the girl’s essentials?” Casey scooted beside me, and tried blinking her eyes multiple times, she was acting like a kid who is hype on something but is trying her best to be calm.

“Girl’s essentials? You mean, shampoo and soap?” I inquired.

She hits me in the head with the use of my book, “Idiot! I don’t know what to do with you.” She sighs.

I envy Elliot. Because by this time, he is still asleep comfortably on his bed, I wish I could just push my friends out of this room and have the bed all by myself.

“Make-up.” Lila corrects my answer, “We’ll help you how to apply make-up and fix your hair.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my face and my hair.” I happen to like my straight long hair and my face that does not need any make up at all.

Casey breathes heavily, she instantly traces my eyebrows with the use of her fingers, “These needs some plucking.” I was surprised for her to say that, I love my eyebrows, they are on fleek. “They are on fleek, other girls envy them!”

“Yes they are but there are still few hairs scattered and needs to be removed,” She gets closer to me, observing my face which was very uncomfortable for her to do, “You need to try some facial mask, to at least soften your skin.”

“That does not soften your skin at all, it just hurts your face when you removed them.” I sarcastically said. Casey immediately glared at me, she’s scary, “Either you do what we say or we’ll stop right here, right now.”

I close my mouth and looks at her, “Good.” She replies.

Lila and Casey had me go through a very tough challenge. They pluck my eyebrows which made me scream bloody murder every time they remove a single one. It made Elliot shout at us from his room because he said that we’re disturbing his sleep.

Second, they placed a face mask on my face which Lila had brought. She has a lot of these and brought me some, so I could use it. It didn’t really hurt that much and I felt relaxed after removing it. They made me apply hair treatment on my hair, which give it a vibrant and soft appearance. It wasn’t really that bad until they place the make-up kit on my desk which I shake my head numerous of times as they attempt to apply foundation.

“El, you need to do this.” Casey suggests with the foundation at hand, “You need to apply this to look more girly and appealing, and you also need to pay attention because you have to apply this all by yourself after this day.”

“But I don’t really understand why make-up is a necessity when it’s like a colorful dirt just placed on your face.” I covered my face with the use of my hand, “Seriously El, one more excuse and we’re not going to talk to you.” Lila said seriously.

I remove my hand from my face and sigh, “Fine.”

Casey and Lila formed a smile on their face after I had agreed. They were putting all sorts of stuffs on my face, such as the foundation, blush-on, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara and lipstick. They were explaining how to apply it and how to lightly and darker should I put it. They said that light make-up suits me well, that’s why I shouldn’t put a lot on my face. It gives me more a natural and attractive look that suits me.

Lila squeals, “Are you ready to see your transformation?”

I’m a bit nervous, would this look good on me or would I end up looking like a clown? But I know my friends wouldn’t do something stupid, that’s why I trusted them in the first place.

Casey giggles in excitement, “You don’t look like El at all.” She smiles proudly, “And that my friend is called the cocoon effect, the cocoon forming into a beautiful butterfly.”

Lila grabs me by the hand and push me in my full length mirror which is just beside my closet, the minute I saw myself, I was surprise. I can’t even recognize myself in the mirror.

“Damn girl, you look hot.” Casey implies, “You could catch any guy in just a second without putting any effort to it.”

“Yeah, you’re beautiful El.” Lila compliments. I was astonished after seeing myself in the mirror but I am still nervous of what other people would think.

“But the clothes do not work with that face, so let’s go out shopping!” Casey said excitedly. A part of me wants to show my transformation in the whole world and half of it does not want to because what if people disliked it? What would Elliot say? What would my other friends say? What would Austin think? But why am I even bothered of what they are going to think about me, when my friends told me that I’m beautiful which I rarely hear.

I didn’t bother to ask Elliot permission on going out and just texted him that I and the girls will be in the mall. He’s still asleep and it was evident on the snoring when we pass by on his room.

“This.” Casey points out the off shoulder blouse that is a trend to girls in our generation which I don’t find cute at all.

I shake my head in a disapproving way, “And that means yes.” Casey had ignored what I said and places the blouse on the cart.

“Now this is lovely.” Lila showed me a floral dress that looks simple and yet I was so reluctant to even try to wear it because it shows off my shoulders. “Yes then.” She places the dress on the cart.

Every time they showed me clothes to wear, I would always say no and they would take the no as a yes and placed the clothes on the cart. I wouldn’t be able to pay everything that they took from the store, so they decided that the three of us should split the bill because the two of them are the ones who pick most of the clothing. Lila and Casey didn’t really consider money as a problem because Lila and Casey’s parents are rich.

To tell you the truth, I don’t really get why other girls find shopping as obsessing, a hobby or enjoyment because I’m tired with all the walking, the changing of clothes and trying them on one by one. I would rather pig out on a fast food chain than see myself suffering like this. I was glad that I don’t get fat whenever I eat too much food. Maybe because I’m into sports.

My closet is now full thanks to my friends. I’m kind of sarcastic right now though because I still miss my old clothes. Casey drops me off at our house at two o’ clock in the afternoon, she didn’t stayed anymore because she had to go somewhere else with her boyfriend. Yes, with the three of us, Casey is the only one who has a boyfriend. It’s no surprise because she’s beautiful, sexy and a cheerleader. Plus, a very good human being to be with- her boyfriend goes to another school and the boy happens to be a senior same as us, they were neighbors and slowly, their affectionate towards one another grew, making them fall for each other. We haven’t exactly met her boyfriend but base on her stories, he’s decent and kind. Lila, on the other hand needs to go home because she has to baby sit her five year old sister because her parents decided to go out.

I stare at myself in the mirror again, looking at myself was still surprising. I can’t believe I could turn into someone that I couldn’t even recognize. It’s not like I’m praising myself but I find myself beautiful as of now. I’m quiet nervous whenever I think about tomorrow, it’s because everyone will be seeing the new me. There’s a part of me that is excited and most part, I’m nervous.

Good luck to me.

--

Today is the day where I have to go to school and show Lila and Casey’s work and efforts. But I’m feeling really nervous. I can’t do this. I don’t want to. I need some time off at least.

“El,” Elliot barged into my room. It’s already six forty five in the morning, we should be getting to school but I’m still in bed, thinking of whether I should go to school or not.

“What’s the matter? Are you not going to school?” Elliot has a worried look all over his face. I could tell, he’s my twin.

“I’m feeling a bit dizzy,” Lie, “I think I need to rest first and maybe if I got a little better, I’ll be going to school at lunch and attend my afternoon classes.” I’m sorry Elliot, I’m just really getting nervous right now. If I didn’t do what Casey and Lila had asked me to do, it will disappoint them because they have put their effort and money on it. That’s why I have to do this but I really need some time for myself first because going to school into a different person is really nerve-wrecking.

“Okay, I’ll tell mom.” He assures, “But if you still feel sick, don’t get too worked up and just be absent.” He suggests.

I nodded, “Take care.” He smiles and went out of my room.

Okay, Ellie. As soon as they all leave, I need to prepare. Whatever will happen later, I hope it’s something good.

--

It took me an hour to put make-up on because I’m not really used to this. But I’m glad I was able to apply it like what Casey and Lila had done yesterday. It’s still surprising seeing me turn into this girl that I hardly even recognize. Choosing an outfit to wear was hell. I had to debate whether I’ll wear my usual favorite shirts or the clothes that my girls brought me. Whenever I try to get my shirt, Casey would pop inside my head saying ‘don’t you dare’.

I chose the light blue tank top, it felt weird and in the same time, comfortable. It shows off my shoulders and some of my chest but it does not really expose the cleavage that makes it perfect. I know I should be wearing a skirt or shorts underneath but I had picked my black leggings and converse with it. Just to give the feeling that I’m still me.

My hair is not just straight like the usual because I had used the treatment that Lila gave me, it kinds of give a volume, making it look wavy more than a straight and boring hair that I usually have.

I’m really nervous right now but I have to go to school. Judging by the time, there are twenty minutes left before lunch starts, good luck to me.

--

This is hell. This is nerve-wrecking. Why is everyone looking at me? The minute I entered the cafeteria, everyone was looking at me. I do not know if that was there judgmental stares or plainly the ‘you look so beautiful look’. I went straight to the counter to get my food, ignoring the people who are looking at me as if I’m some kind of fresh meat.

I went straight to our usual place. My friends haven’t seen my yet, so I’m kind of excited of what would they think. From my sight, Elliot and Austin are not yet on the table. I’m a bit glad because they are the last persons that I want to see, thinking about them reacting to my transformation makes me nervous.

I sat down beside Casey and she immediately form a smile after seeing me, Lila had given me her thumbs up. When I check to see the guys’ expression, they were all quiet, staring at me and were a bit reluctant of what to say.

“Ellie?!” Ivan eyes widen, “Is that you?”

“You look different.” Carl stares at me, it was kind of funny to see their expression.

Alex covers his mouth, he was about to say something but he couldn’t say it out loud, “What Alex was trying to say is, you look damn hot.” Ace shoots me a wink that made my cheeks red.

“What is everyone talking about? They say that there is a new girl in school, who just got here, I want to know who she is.” Elliot just sat down, he was looking at the guys and they are all pointing there finger at me which Elliot diverted his attention to me, “Ellie!” He shouted in surprise, “What—“ He shakes his head, “What?” Casey started laughing, “What your brother is trying to say is what the hell happened to you?”

“Just being a girl for once.” I replied smoothly.

The guys were looking at me, they couldn’t take their eyes off. Even my brother, he was bothered but I could feel like he was about to say ‘you look beautiful but can you change your clothes?’ he is my over protective brother after all.

“Can all of you please eat your lunch and not drool over my sister?!” Elliot said seriously. The guys in the table quickly diverted their eyes in their food and it makes me laugh.

“I can’t believe that there is hotness within you.” Ivan said, I think that was a compliment. I can feel my face blushing with every compliment I hear and it’s making my head go big.

“What’s the fuss all about?” Austin slams his tray on the table, taking a sit beside Elliot.

Seconds later, his eyes landed at me and he was speechless. His expression was something I couldn’t depicter, it was something that I wasn’t expecting. He should be teasing me right now but he just kept his mouth shut.

“Austin, aren’t you going to say something?” Lila asks Austin.

Austin shrugs, “Ella looks different today, more like uglier.” His expression was emotionless and I was speechless with what he has to say, “I like the way you look before than what you are now.” He said plainly. Is that a compliment or an insult? Either way, does he not find me attractive at all? I should be mad on what he just said but saying that he likes my look before made my heart raise which was surprising for me to feel.

“What are you saying Austin? She’s more beautiful today compared before, she looks more like a girl.” Ivan tells Austin. Austin brushes what Ivan said, “She just happens to put a makeup and a girly clothing, that’s the only difference. What she looks like does not define her beauty.” It was surprising to hear that from Austin. His words were deep but I was really looking forward to hear his compliment but all I could juice out from him was that he likes what I look before than I what I look right now. But why do I even care what he thinks of me? He does not even like me.

The bell rings, signaling for the next class. Somehow, every compliment that I heard banish, all I could think about what Austin says. It bothers me.

“Okay class, please turn your book on page sixty five.” Mr. Stone said after writing something on the board which was related to our Literature class.

I’m with the same class as Austin and Carl, I usually seat in the back and the two boys are usually in front because Mr. Stone wants to keep his eye on them since they were always noisy. But this time, Austin had ignored what Mr. Stone kept telling them to sit in front and is now seated beside me, with Carl on his side. Mr. Stone ignored them, he must have been tired of scolding them.

“So what’s with you?” Austin asks softly, his eyes were settled at me. Mr. Stone does not seem to notice us because he kept talking about today’s lecture.

“What do you mean?” I implied, I started jotting down notes.

He chuckles softly, “What’s with the make-up and get up? It’s not like you at all.”

“Is that a compliment or an insult? I just happen to try something new for a change.” I said softly, preventing Mr. Stone to hear us.

He sighs, “You got the attention of almost all of the guys in the school, is that what you’re aiming for?”

He made it sound like I’m sort of a slut, he’s getting me mad again, “Seriously Austin, I’m not the kind of slut that you bang in your room, I’m far from those girls.”

“Exactly, that is why I’m asking the real reason why you wanted to change all of a sudden?” He crosses his arms against his chest, what is he trying to imply?

I rolled my eyes in irritation, I’m trying to kept myself cool, “Why? Is it wrong to be a girl for a change and not look like a tomboy which guys does not see me as a girl when I’m really a girl?”

“I didn’t said that it was bad, what I wanted to know was what made you change into like that?”

I take a deep breath and exhaled calmly, “Why does a popular playboy like you, care?”

“Because I happen to like the old version looking of you.” The minute he said that, I could feel my heart beating so fast. It’s not like he likes me, he was just trying to imply that he likes me looking like a tomboy compared to a girly girl.

“Ha-“ I snorted, “Like that is true, you’re teasing me, you’re always like that.”

He places his chin in his palm while his eyes are diverted at me, “You look hot, you look beautiful, you look girly, but is this who you really are or what you want? Are you forcing yourself to be someone like that because of that stupid guy?”

He’s bringing up Matt again, can’t he leave him alone. “Since when did you start caring about what I think and feel about myself? And it’s not just because of him that’s why I changed, and you don’t need to know the real reason.”

I wanted to speak to him like the usual loud voice we had because keeping the low and soft voice is hard when you’re mad, “Since the moment I met you.” He said bluntly.

What is he doing to me? I don’t want him to toy with me. He’s just doing this because he loves to tease me. “Can you stop joking around? It’s irritating.”

“I’m being serious. Just answer my question, what made you do that?” Why is he being curious? What does he even care?

“To prove to you that I could be good looking and guys could like me!” I spat out. I was mad. My voice invaded the room and disrupts the peaceful class taking place in our room.

Mr. Stone has a bad temper and I think I just got myself detention. “Ms. Reed and Mr. Prince, in detention!” He said out loudly, his nose was getting bigger with that angry looking face.

“Someone just got in detention.” Carl teases, I shot him with a glare.

“Nice, now I get to go in detention when I just got there yesterday.” Austin hissed.

“Well, it’s your fault!” I retorted.

“I’m not the one who shouted and disrupts the peaceful class,” he started chuckling, “But I guess it’s okay because I get to have an alone time with you,” He winks playfully, making me go red which was odd.

“Mr. Prince and Ms. Reed, get out of this room, right this instant!” Mr. Stone said, making me startled with his loud voice. He can say it in a proper way without shouting. I feel like he’s having PMS though he’s a guy.

“Thanks Mr. Stone,” Austin sarcastically said, as he picks his book and head out of the room while I follow him from behind.

It’s my first time in detention, and it’s all this guy’s fault, “Seriously, this is your fault.”

“Don’t blame me, I’m not the one who shouted like a mad woman.” He walks beside me as we head in the principal’s office to earn our detention.

I sigh, “If you weren’t being an asshole, then maybe I wouldn’t have shouted.” I clarified with a matter of a fact tone.

“Is it true?” He asks, he stops walking and I did too, “What?”

“That you change because of me?” He questions, his face was serious, it was only seldom when I see his expression like this, I can feel my heart hammering against my chest, why do I feel so weird towards him. I’m not supposed to feel this way.

I stick my tongue out and continue to walk my way to detention, I was walking on the stairs when he pulled me in the wrist, making me fall out of balance, “Got you.” He said, he was able to catch me from behind, his arms are wrapped around my arms, his face were just inches from mine. Silence filled the air, all I could hear was my heart beat pounding crazy. It was just me and him.

“You can let go of—“ before I could even end my sentence, his lips were already on mine. Did Austin Prince just kiss me?! This is my first kiss and this brat just stole it! What is going on?!