"Who is the prettiest girl?" Mother cued, brushing my long blonde hair.
I answered, "I am, Mother."
"Who has the cutest voice?" She breathed into my ear, trying to curl my locks.
Sighing, I made sure to raise my voice higher. "I do, Mother."
"Who will not ever question it again?" She tugged, making my scalp sting.
"Me, Mother."
The sun shined through bright pink curtains, leaving a soft rose color paint the walls. The room blended well with the color as everything in the small living space matched the intensity in hue. In front of the window was a large plush bed, decorated with pillows that you would see in a fairy tale. The blanket so thick, it would smother a small child.
The carpet was a deep magenta, tying the room into a giant mess like someone vomited Pepto everywhere. It was the room of a princess, or rather a simple person who's parents wanted to treat them like royalty. Instead, it ended up being a space that would fit perfectly for a little girl.
This room housed a teenager, far from being the ideal occupant of such a place.
"Wake up, my beautiful child!" The frail voice of my mother called.
Opening my eyes felt like a chore, seeing the familiar rosy scenery before I brought a groan. This color was sickening. Slipping out of bed, I proceeded to do my morning routine. I was not allowed to leave the room without doing this first. But it didn't feel tedious as it was a habit to do this.
Step one was showering, washing away the filth of the night. Every flawless girl must smell like flowers. Once done with this, my hair needed to be taken care of. Most days it was curled, making my blonde locks more defined. Next, makeup needed to perfect my complexion. The last step was clothes, my entire closet was filled with the highest dollar garbs. Minus the one in the middle, it was a plain yellow dress. This one was for school, something that I had to wear. Slipping this on, my routine was finished.
Exiting my room, the smell of eggs greeted me. My feet followed suit, making breakfast was Mother. She was humming to herself as she scrabbled the eggs in a pan. Her black hair was put up into a loose bun, her soft brown eyes focused on the task in front of her. She didn't notice me at first, so I took a seat at our small brown table. Waiting patiently, she eventually finished. Putting the yellow delicacy in a bowl, she placed it in front of me.
The smell was heavenly, Mother was always a good cook. She sat across from me, placing her face on her hands, resting on the table. Watching, she waited for me to take a bite. Piercing some of the eggs, I slowly raised it to my lips. Biting into the food was mouth-watering, making me want to shovel the breakfast into my mouth. However, I refrained from doing so.
Mother was watching.
"What do you think, dear?" She smiled.
My answer came quickly, "It is heavenly."
My reply came with an eyebrow being raised. She waited for me to continue but I didn't know what. Until it dawned on me. Quickly, I corrected myself, "You're cooking is delectable, Mother."
Seeming satisfied, she collected the bowl in front of me. It wasn't even half empty. "We don't want you gaining any weight do we?"
Her tone was of innocence, as the act of taking my food was something beneficial to both of us. My hands wanted to reach out, grab the bowl and continue the act of eating. She didn't understand and sometimes I often forgot due to her doing this more than once. I was starving. Even though my portions were monitored, to my benefit, of course, I just wanted to eat.
"No, Mother," I said, grinding my teeth.
Her morning was a success, so she proceeded to throw the rest of the eggs away in the trash bin. Watching her do so made me want to cry out but my lips were sealed. Acting out wasn't very ladylike. She often did this. Making me eat her cooking and then throw it away. One time I asked her why, but she only told me that this is what she must do. It helps me with control. Proper ladies do not complain.
Once breakfast was done, she washed the dishes. Shooing me away to school. "Remember, you are the best lady at Ouran!"
I didn't answer her, grabbing my side bag as quickly as possible. I didn't want to spend a second longer in her presence. Just being in this small home made me want to suffocate. Which sometimes, I wish I did just that.
The school was in full bloom, everywhere were roses. Flower petals littered the ground, making the yard look like a field of crimson. I couldn't help but want to crush them under I heals, hating the way it made the place look like some kind of castle. Which it painted that picture perfectly. This place looked just like some kind of kingdom in the middle of town, fenced off from the world.
Anyone would be lucky to attend such a place but my feelings were different. I felt incredibly unlucky, this school just filled my mother's image of me more. 'Why wouldn't a princess be in a castle?' It is her exact words to me. I wanted to go to a place not so flashy and stuffed to the brim with privileged individuals loaded with money. I couldn't say anything, that's how I was here too. Mother made sure she had the funds to send her perfect little girl to a big fancy establishment.
"It feels so good today." A voice rang to my left. Looking towards the sound, it came from a small patient man named Haruhi. The only reason I knew that name was that everyone knew the Host Club in the school. At least, every girl knew who they were. His hair was brushed nicely, his suit ironed neatly, Haruhi just gleamed with perfection. A rose petal landed in his brown hair, making him pause to remove it. Next to him was also another host member, Tamaki.
He was the main attraction of the Host Club, his blonde hair and striking purple eyes made any woman fall head over heels. He laughed as Haruhi picked the petal from his hair. They looked like the perfect pair, often they were always sided by side.
Deciding I was staring for too long, I continued my walk into the school. Before I was the grand hall, it was huge and the staircase in front of me was equally as large. The floors were made of flawless marble, shining like a gem. With each step I took, the ginormous building made me want to shrink into a corner. Being here was awful, I felt like a lie. My whole image of a person felt faker the longer I stayed. What could I do? Nothing, so I continued to my class.
Sitting down at my desk which was in the middle of the room, my brown eyes drifted to the board. It had the day's agenda wrote down in bright white chalk. Trying to put the pieces together seemed like a chore so I ignored the assignment plastered in big letters. Besides, no matter what we did I always did good. I had to pass everything with flying colors, girls needed to be intelligent.
Everyone flooded into the room, my 'friends' sitting around me. "Hey, Yuki." God, that name made me want to throw up.
"Yes?" I smiled, trying not to gag.
My 'friend' went by the name Skip as she often was seen skipping in the hallways and outside. She was a bubbly girl with short brown hair and eyes to match. Skip was friendly to everyone and everything. That was if it benefited her in the end. If you were not a teacher or a person who could offer her something than her kindness was fake. What did she get from talking to me? Well, because of my image as this perfect girl. I gained popularity and this made her have some as well.
"You wanna go to the Host Club again after school? I'm sure Tamaki would love to talk to you again!" She grinned, "You two look like a prince and a princess."
The girl next to me laughed, "Only if you acted like a princess." Her name was Lina and she was a member of the sports team. She had her black hair often in a ponytail. She hung around us because she felt obligated. Why wouldn't the best sports player hang around the top girls in the class?
"Your humor makes me laugh, I act perfectly fine," I responded, keeping my voice in check. Doing this has become harder over the months.
They both laughed, "Try saying that to her." Skip pointed to the girl behind me.
Shifting in my seat, looking at the small figure before I made me sigh. This small girl named Rin wasn't our friend, she wasn't someone who I would want to get involved with anyway but my role forced me too. She was short and had light brown hair hugging her cheeks. Her glasses laid comfortably on her face, and her black eyes looked up at me and then immediately regret it.
Rin was the person our group 'picked on'. Don't get me wrong, I'm not the biggest fan of being a bully. However, it was something I had to do to keep my high image in the class and school. If Mother found out that I wasn't this high-class girl like in her dreams, who knows what would happen to me.
"How are you?" I purred.
She didn't answer me, keeping her face down towards her desk. Seeing her ignore me didn't ignite anger if anything I could care less but the two girls around me did see it as offensive.
Skip smiled, "Not talking?"
"That's not good, she asked you a question." Lina raised an eyebrow.
Scooting my seat closer to her, resting an elbow on her desk, I tried again to ease the two girls. "Answer me."
Rin whispered, "My day is good, thank you."
"Much better!" Skip giggled.
Before I could continue the conversation that was not wanted, the teacher showed up and started class. We all faced forward, roll call started and everyone waited until their name was announced. The rest of the day went smoothly, up to the point I was following the girls to the Host Club. I much rather have gone home but Mother had caught wind of such a club from one of the other's students' mothers. They explained how it was a nice setting that allowed girls to talk to the most popular boys in school. Mother saw it as a chance to increase my image.
"I can't wait!" Skip smiled.
Lina sighed, "If we can survive the line."
Looking forward, there was a long line of girls waiting to get into the large double doors. Inside was paradise to them, filled with highly attractive men and they were waiting to speak to them. Who knew so many students would lose their minds over the fact they got to speak with popular boys. Every time I've been here, it wasn't the worst experience but it wasn't as big of hype that everyone made it out to be.
Every boy in the club had their own title and that affected the way they treated the girls. Tamaki, which was the blonde 'prince'. He was over kind and gentle, treating every woman like she was a princess. Next was Kyoya who was next in line, he had the personality that he didn't care but when a girl talked to him, he would shower them with attention. Another member by the name of Takashi acted cool and collected at all times, he was more of the silent type and did well when it came to just listening. By his side was Honey, he was the oldest member but he was the shortest and often acted much younger. Then there were the twins, Hikaru, and Kaoru who often excited girls by acting they had a forbidden brotherly love.
Last and the newest member was Haruhi, he was average. He screamed the idea of normal but the students loved him. I haven't had a chance to speak with him yet because with him being new, every girl wanted to have a piece of him.
Eventually, it was our turn to enter the club. Everybody was having a blast, each host member was chatting it up with someone. Skip and Lina decided to scope the scene, hoping to get the attention of one of the hosts. Deciding that resting sounded much better, I took a seat on one of the pink couches. There was tea on the table in front of me, steam was coming from the kettle. Pouring me a cup, wondering if I should go ahead and leave, someone sat across from me.
"Nice to see you again." It was none other than the prince. Only if Mother could see us together, she would lose her mind. Seeing her little princess with an actual living embodiment of a prince.
I politely put my tea down, going into my perfect lady mode. "Likewise."
Tamaki poured himself a cup, enjoying the aroma it gave off. "I notice you don't really chat like the other girls, I thought I could give you some company."
"I would never try to steal the attention from another girl, so I rather wait here and if one of your members wishes to speak with me, then I will be here." I smiled.
He couldn't help but laugh, "Your name is Yuki right? A lot of the students talk about you."
"Hopefully, in good taste."
"Of course, they see you like a princess. In your looks, grades, and personality."
I wanted to vomit, speaking to him was getting on my last nerves. The moment he left I would take my leave. As long as I showed my face around here, Mother should be satisfied. He was overly kind, it made me feel like an empty shell. I was nothing like everyone saw me as, including him. My grade was good but only because I had to study every night. I acted nice to everyone because it was apart of my image and as for my looks, I wasn't even supposed to be this way!
"I certainly try to be the best person I can be," I responded with a smile.
A hand placed itself on Tamaki's shoulder, it was Haruhi. He smiled my way, "Hello."
I gave him a slight wave of my hand, "Nice to meet you, I'm Yuki."
"My name is Haruhi."
Tamaki spoke up, "Is anything wrong?"
"No, just some of the girls are getting a little restless and wish to speak with you," Haruhi said.
Tamaki got up, taking his tea with him. "I shall gladly talk to them." He then looked at me, "May we meet again."
I watched as he left, leaving Haruhi and me to ourselves. He leaned on the couch with his elbows, giving me a big smile. "How is your day, Yuki?"
"It is going quite well, but I hate to cut this short. I must get home." I got up, not bothering to finish my tea.
He simply tilted his head, "Come see us again."
There I was, standing in front of a door. It was my home but entering didn't sound pleasing. I knew she was on the other end, waiting for me to show my face. She would ask every detail about my day, who did I talk too, did I go to the club? Was I the perfect girl? And all I could do was say yes. I did everything I was suppose too. This was a normal thing, but today I was hesitating. Something didn't feel right.
I opened the door and straight down the hallway, I saw her. She was standing by the tablet, something small was laid on it. Curious, I stepped forward. Her eyes never left me until I noticed what was waiting for me. I felt all the blood leave my body and my mouth go dry. On the table was a contact case.
I forgot to wear my contacts that day.
"Why did you forget?" She asked nicely.
I fumbled over my words, "I was tired-"
She pushed the case closer to me, "Don't ever forget again." With this said, she left the house for unknown reasons.
I felt my body become alive again but was left with nervousness. Taking the case, I went into my room. Being surrounded by pink once more, I stepped in front of my large mirror. My reflection made me frown, the case in my hands made me ill and my entire life made me want to disappear. Opening the small case, inside was a pair of bright blue contacts.
Seeing them was enough for me to snap. I threw them at the mirror, making it crack in the middle. I tore my uniform off and bra. I wanted all of this to go away! I don't want to look like this anymore! I pulled at my hair, wanting to rip it out so bad but couldn't due to pain. Tears stained my face, leaving black streaks down my cheeks. I wanted all of this to end...
Looking into my reflection again, staring back at me was the poor excuse of a boy.