Ugly Perfections Novel – After the death of my father, everyone blamed me. The police say it was an accident. But I am not so sure. As the search results populated the screen, I scrolled through the articles, my heart pounding in my chest. Most of them centered around my father’s tragic accident, recounting the details that I had heard countless times before. But among those articles, one headline caught my attention, freezing me in place. “Tragic Suicide Shakes Community: Emmaline Steele Found Dead.” Emmaline Steele. As in…Kai Steele? Was Emmaline Steele his sister? My heart sank with each word I read. I couldn’t help but feel horrible for Kai. My eyes scanner through the article until they found a recored time of death. 1:15pm. Almost the exact same time my father’s death was estimated.
Standing before me was a complete stranger. I glance to my sisters, but they look just as confused as I was. But not just because he was a stranger but because he was a clearly wealthy man, why would he need to talk to us? His tailored suit, fashioned from the finest fabrics, the glint of his diamond-encrusted watch caught the light, as if to proclaim its worth. His shoes, polished to perfection. Yet, it was not just his attire that revealed his wealth. His confident posture and self-assured demeanor spoke volumes about his privileged upbringing. From the way he effortlessly came knocking on our door, it was clear that this stranger was no stranger to luxury. “Good Morning” He says with a smile “Uh hi?” I say, reluctant to let his positive smile trick me For all I know he could have a gun hidden in his back pocket.
“May I come in?” he asks “You may not” I say quickly “You may stand out here and tell us what you want, then I’ll consider it” I know I was being rude, but we don’t know this man, I had every right to be suspicious. A chuckle escapes his lips “You have your father’s wit” I still at the mention of our father, and I see Sam narrow her eyes next to me. “What do you know about our father?” she asks coldly “He was a friend of mine, I’m sorry about what happened. It was a truly tragic death” he continues But it was the genuine sincerity in his eyes that made me invite him in. He follows us to the kitchen, of which there was only 2 and a half seats.
Half because, half of one of the chairs broke. Noticing the situation, I offer him the not-broken seat and lean against the kitchen counter instead. “I knew your father well” he says, his voice tinged with nostalgia “That is why I am making you an offer. You surely must heard of Brentwood University?” “Of course we have. Everyone’s heard of it, it’s practically impossible to get into unless you’re a genius or filthy rich” Naomi says, frowning. I knew exactly what she was thinking. It would be her dream to go, but in our situation, it’s impossible. “What about it?” I ask “Well, I’m the headmaster. My son goes there.” he continues “Who’s your son?” I ask, intrigued “Christian Ryder, you may know of him” he says I see Naomi’s eyes sparkle in recognition. Me, on the other hand.
I have no idea who that is. “Get to the point” Sam almost spits out I glare at her giving her the ‘you’re being rude’ look. She just shrugs “I would like to extend an invitation there for you” he says with a warm smile I see Naomi’s face light up, this was her dream after all. “We have to consider the costs” I say realistically “We obviously can’t afford it as generous as your offer is” “Please allow me to explain” he says “I understand that financial matter might be…daunting. However, I assure you that I will cover all the expenses, including tuition, books and other fees” My eyes widen in disbelief “But, why?” I ask “As I said, I knew your father and he spoke a lot of you.
He was a good man, it would be an honour to have you at our school” he says “So you’re saying, you’re paying for everything? How is this even possible?” Naomi shrieks in excitement “Your father and I were dear friends, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude towards him. It would be my honor to extend this offer as a way to honor his memory. Money is no object in this matter.” he reassures “So you’re offering us a spot in your university, for that reason, seems questionable” Sam points out And I agree. Money is no object? This all feels too convenient, too perfect. Why would a stranger be so generous? “Adeline can’t you see? It’s a miracle, we should be thanking this nice man not questioning him!” Naomi grins “Excuse me, can we have a moment to talk this over?” I ask politely he gives us an agreeing nod and we step out of the kitchen, away from his prying eyes.
“We have to think this through, we can’t just accept this offer blindly. We have no idea what his real motives are.” I say “Adeline don’t be stupid, why can’t you just be happy for once? You always find a reason to doubt everything. We’re accepting this offer, even if you don’t go.” she snaps “Sam?” I say “Naomi’s right, this could change everything.” “Ok” is all I managed to say before they return to the man “We accept” Naomi says confidently “I’m glad to hear, I’ll get everything covered for you including uniform. You will start next week.” A hint of relief sprang through me at the mention of uniform. I was always bullied for the way I dressed but at least this way, we all look the same. But regardless, I couldn’t shake the nagging suspicion that lay beneath the surface.
The rich man’s offer, while seemingly generous, felt like a tangled web with hidden motives and whether our father’s memory was truly the motivation for his generous proposal. I just know that accepting such an offer blindly could lead to unforeseen consequences. Again. — Wearily, I knock on my mothers door, I felt the weight of uncertainly begin to settle. My hands shook so hard I almost dropped the plate of food I had bought her. I managed to stock the fridge, and spent extra time on breakfast today. It took ages, but I got it as perfect as I could. I have to do this. When I don’t hear and answer I slowly open the door. Her back was faced to me when I walk in. I could almost smell the guilt and despair in the air, this scene had become far too familiar.
“Mum, can I come in?” I ask softly “Yes, of course” she says weakly As I walked further into the room, the heavy silence enveloped us both. “I brought you food” Her back was turned to me, hunched and motionless. It was only until I sat down next to her, that she finally faced me. Seeing her in that fragile state, so tired and broken, stirred a storm of emotions within me. It was as if a part of my own heart had shattered alongside hers. The first thing I notice is her eyes. Her beautiful brown eyes, that were once so full of light and love has gone completely dim. And her facial features…once radiating warmth, had grown pale and drawn, as if drained of vitality. And the darkened crescents beneath her eyes like smudges of exhaustion and despair.
They spoke volumes about the sleepless nights, the restless hours spent in the solitude of her grief-stricken world. I wanted to wrap her in a warm embrace, to remind her that she was not alone, but the weight of her sadness seemed impenetrable. She is in so much pain and it hurts my heart to see her like this. A deep ache in my heart for the woman that had nurtured me, loved me. Now it was my turn. I force a smile when I hand her the tray with a stack of fluffy pancakes. I had taken extra care this morning, carefully arranging the chocolate chips in the shape of a smiley face, “I bought your favourite.” As the scent of warm pancakes wafted through the air, I watched her gaze shift from the floor to the tray in my hands.
For a single moment, her eyes softened, a hint of surprise mingling with the sorrow that clung to her features. It was a small victory, a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, this small gesture could break through the walls of her grief. “Thank you” she said as I carefully set the warm pancakes on her lap, her fingertips tracing the outline of the smiley face Though her eyes remained shadowed and her smile fragile, I clung to the belief that this moment held the potential to ignite a spark of healing within her wounded spirit. And for once, a warm feeling shot through me. My sisters enjoyed their breakfast, my mother was finally eating. Even though there wasn’t enough for me, the thought alone that I had finally done something right, filled me with so much joy. “Um, I know you didn’t ask but Naomi, Sam and I were invited to a new school.
A really cool one too. But, don’t worry the nice man offered to pay for everything.” I reassure her, and myself Her eyes remain on the plate, but I swear I see a shadow of a smile tug on the side of her lips. “I’m still working of course, but this school will be good for us. I promise to be careful.” I say I decide not to mention that the “nice man” knew our father. She was already in enough pain. “Remember, not everyone has the same heart as you” she says weakly But I’m so stunned to hear her speak, I don’t even get a chance to process what she just said “They’ll play you like a fool if you’re not careful. So hide it, hide you’re heart, you’re emotions” she says so slowly “Hide my heart?” I mutter This time, she doesn’t reply.