One
Eloise will never be pretty. She cannot lie to her reflection and convince herself that there is some pride in her flat chest. She cannot tell herself that the glint of oil in her dull hair is a healthy shine.
Some days, she calls herself ugly aloud.
Penelope always kisses her harder, as though her lips can rewrite the horrible graffiti littering Eloise's mind.
Two
They walk down Diagon Alley together, hand in hand. Eloise likes that Penelope doesn't mind putting their relationship on display for the world to see.
Three
Most think that Penelope and Eloise are just friends. Why on earth would such a pretty girl want anything more from a girl cursed by her unfortunate appearances?
Four
Penelope never leaves it at just beautiful. She whispers empowering words into Eloise's ear, telling her that she is so much more.
"You are beautiful, Ellie. You have a heart of gold, and I'm lucky to have a space in there."
"You're beautiful, you know, and you have a beautiful to match it."
"You're proof that brains and beauty can come together."
Five
Eloise doesn't always believe that she is good enough for such a pretty girl. But Penelope thinks so, and Eloise wants to believe her.
Six
They call Eloise a pity fuck. They call her a passing fancy.
Penelope holds her closer and just calls Eloise hers.
Seven
Some nights, Eloise stays up, curled against Penelope, listening to the beating of her heart. She wonders if she will ever learn her secrets in that steady, beautiful rhythm, if her heart will explain why Penelope loves her.
She hasn't figured it out yet, but she doesn't mind. It's still a comfort to be so close to a girl logic says shouldn't be hers.
Eight
Penelope always makes love with the lights on.