Chapter One:
"Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner."
-Lao Tzu
Waking up, Elizabeth kicked her legs over the side of her bed, stretching her body to banish any fatigue left in her body. Today was the start of living her life on her own. Saying goodbye to Jason had been the hardest thing she has had to face since saying goodbye to Lucky, but she did it. Now that she's officially on her own, Elizabeth felt a sense of independence that she hasn't felt in such a long time. After being raped she fell into a familiar pattern with Lucky and she just never seemed to be able to get out of it.
Then Jason happened and he taught her how to live life without Lucky. He taught her who she could be once she let go of Lucky, but then she became the girl that needed Jason. With him walking out of her life, she has to find the girl that needs herself and today marked the start of that. February 14th, Valentines Day, is that day where her life changed from carefree to closed off and its the day she'll take it all back. She's taking back her freedom, her spirit, and her life.
"Okay, Lizzie." Elizabeth says to herself, looking at her wardrobe. "Time to go shopping."
Grabbing an outfit from her closet, Elizabeth lays it out before taking a shower and getting dressed. She had the afternoon shift at Kelly's and she wanted to reinvent her entire look by then. Grabbing her purse that had all her savings in it, Elizabeth snatched her keys from the desk and walked out of her studio. She's transformed her entire studio to make it look more like a home and she's pleased with what she has done. Now all that's left to do is get rid of her clothes and fill her closet with a new look.
Getting in her car, Elizabeth closes the door to the harsh winter, starting up her car and blaring the music. Something loud and rocking, she's tired of sad songs and love songs. She's done with relying on a man to make her feel complete. Normally she'd call Emily to go shopping, but not today. Today is a new day. A day where Elizabeth relies and depends on Elizabeth. Once inside the shopping center, Elizabeth goes through different stores, trying to find the perfect look for her.
"This is it." Elizabeth says, looking at herself in the mirror. "This is my look."
"Is that all?" the saleswoman asks, holding a bunch of clothes that Elizabeth handed her.
"Yeah." Elizabeth shakes her head with certainty. "That's all."
"Right this way." the woman says, guiding her to the counter. "You know, a leather jacket would go perfectly with this look."
"A leather jacket, huh?" Elizabeth mulls it over for a moment. "Got one in mind?"
"Actually, there's one right here." the woman picks up one from the return box. "I think it'll be perfect for you."
Elizabeth takes the jacket from the woman, sliding her arms into it and smiling slightly as she looks at herself in the mirror behind the saleswoman. She had to admit the woman was right, the jacket did tie her entire look together. With a shake of her head, Elizabeth tears the tag off the jacket and tosses it on the counter.
"I'll take it." Elizabeth says as she adjusts the jacket. "You're right. Its perfect."
"I did the same thing last year." the woman divulges, ringing up all the items.
"Did what?" Elizabeth questions, eyeing the woman intently.
"Reinvented myself." she amends. "I hope it helps you the way it helped me."
"Thanks." Elizabeth says, pulling out her money. "I appreciate that."
"Sure." the woman smiles slightly. "That'll be two-fifty."
Paying for her clothes, Elizabeth gathers her shopping bags and walks out of the store. Dressed in her new threads, Elizabeth felt like a whole new person, a whole new her. As she's walking towards the elevator to leave the shopping center, Elizabeth's eyes are drawn to the beauty shop. One picture sticking out amongst the rest and Elizabeth couldn't help the light bulb that flicked on in her mind. Checking her wallet to see if she had enough money, Elizabeth walked into the shop, dropping her bags on the empty chairs by the window.
"That look please." Elizabeth says as she sits down in a chair. "Make it layered."
"You got it." the hairdresser replies, putting on a protective apron over Elizabeth.
With her new look complete, Elizabeth pays the hairdresser before grabbing her shopping bags and leaving the center. She saw a piercing shop, but figured that it was overdoing it, so she threw her stuff into the trunk and headed home. As she's driving, Elizabeth feels a new sense of strength flow through her. It was kind of strange but she liked it and she knew that she could get used to it. Its been a long time since she's felt this confident and strong, noting that she loved the feeling.
"Elizabeth?" Nikolas gapes at her as he stands at the door of her studio. "What happened to you?"
"Nothing." Elizabeth says as she unlocks the door to her studio. "What're you doing here, Nikolas?"
"Emily explained what happened." Nikolas says, still staring at her curiously. "Why did you tell me he was your boyfriend when he wasn't?"
"You jumped to the wrong conclusion." Elizabeth says plainly, walking into her studio. "Your fault for believing it."
"Seriously, what happened?" Nikolas looks her over. "You look..."
"I look like me." Elizabeth says simply. "Why are you here?"
"I wanted to apologize." Nikolas concedes. "We're friends...I just wanted to say sorry for what I said."
"Okay." Elizabeth says, folding her arms across her chest. "I have to get to work."
"I'll go." Nikolas assures, still looking at her weirdly. "But seriously, what is up with your outfit?"
"I felt like changing my look." Elizabeth says simply. "You can go now."
"Because of Jason?" Nikolas counters. "I mean, the leather jacket is his signature attire right?"
"Out." Elizabeth opens her door and points outside. "Get out, now."
"Elizabeth..."
"My life, my choice." Elizabeth says firmly. "Why I do what I do is on me. Now go so I can get ready for work."
Reluctantly walking out of her studio, Nikolas's back cleared the doorway before Elizabeth slammed it shut. She was so tired of explaining her life. It wasn't what he said, but the way he said it. Putting him out of her head, Elizabeth took a quick shower to wash off the hair that had clung to her neck when her hair was being cut before getting dressed for work. From her denim blue jeans to her dark green blouse, Elizabeth felt so much like herself. Checking the time and realizing she had to get to work, Elizabeth grabbed her leather jacket and left the studio to get to Kelly's.
"Elizabeth?" Emily gapes at her, much like Nikolas did, making her a little irritated. "What happened to you?"
"Nothing happened to me." Elizabeth says seriously, grabbing her apron after hanging up her jacket. "I changed my look. Its not a big deal."
"Changing your clothes is one thing, but your hair...you have a bob cut." Emily says like her point was obvious. "What made you do that?"
"I think she looks hot." Juan comments. "The jacket's a nice touch."
"Thank you." Elizabeth smiles slightly. "If Juan thinks its okay, why can't you, Em?"
"I just...its not you." Emily says seriously. "I mean, it was you before, but...is this about today?"
"What?" Elizabeth looks at her intently.
"Because its Valentines day and...you know." Emily was obviously not going to say the actual word and she didn't blame her.
"No. Its not about that." Elizabeth says as she walks out from behind the counter. "I felt like changing my look. Plain and simple. Okay?"
"Okay." Emily concedes. "If that's your new look...its beautiful."
"Thanks." Elizabeth says as she stands in front of them. "You gonna order anything?"
"Actually, we wanted to invite you to Juan's concert at the stadium tonight." Emily says with a huge smile. "Say you'll come...please?"
"Sure." Elizabeth shakes her head. "Sounds like fun."
"Really?" Juan blurts out before he can stop himself. "I didn't know you liked my music."
"You're music's great." Elizabeth assures. "What time does it start?"
"Seven." Juan looks at Elizabeth curiously, not believing he was talking to the same Elizabeth. "We'll leave your name at the door."
"Okay." Elizabeth shakes her head. "I have to start working, but I'll see you guys tonight."
Walking out of the diner, Juan looks at Elizabeth intently once more before walking out.
"I don't know what happened to that girl, but I like the change." Juan says as they walk to his car. "She's cool."
"You're just saying that because she likes your music." Emily counters, getting into the passenger seat. "Something's up with her. I know it."
"Maybe she just wanted a change." Juan says seriously. "Why does it have to be more than that?"
"Because it is." Emily says firmly. "I just don't know what."
"Whatever. I like the change." Juan says, starting up the car. "Where to now?"
"Eli's. I'm hungry."
Elizabeth got a lot of comments for and against her change in attire, but she didn't care either way. She likes her new look and she's sticking to it. After a long, pretty uneventful shift, Elizabeth clocks out and walks to her car. She's halfway there when she can hear footsteps from behind her, turning around, she nearly jumps out of her skin.
"Johnny!" Elizabeth exclaims, slapping his arms. "You nearly scared me to death."
"Sorry." Johnny says with a slight smile. "Just wanted to check on you."
"I'm fine." Elizabeth laughs softly. "Just headed home to get ready for Juan's concert."
"New look?" Johnny questions, taking in her appearance. "Its...well, you."
"Glad you like it." Elizabeth looks down at herself. "You going to the concert?"
"No." Johnny shakes his head. "His music gives me a headache."
"Okay." Elizabeth digs for her keys. "See you later?"
"Sure." Johnny opens her car door for her. "Drive safe."
"Always do."
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