A Beauty With Multiple Masks

The girl emerged from the bathroom, clearly surprised to find Arielle standing right in front of the door. Having mild social anxiety, her face reddened with embarrassment instantly.

“I… You…” she stuttered.

Sensing that she was having trouble speaking, Arielle started, “I’m waiting for you. Were you crying because you got picked to perform on stage?”

The girl nodded silently. The motion caused her tears to leak out, startling even herself. She then rubbed her palms hurriedly across her face. “I’m sorry…” she apologized awkwardly.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.” Arielle’s voice was noticeably softer. “Do you have any talents? If you’re too embarrassed to sing or dance, you could play an instrument.”

The girl shook her head. “I don’t know how to play any… but I can draw and write calligraphies.”

“Drawing and calligraphy…” Arielle repeated softly. All of a sudden, her eyes lit up. “How about drawing something on stage?”

“I can’t… My mind goes blank whenever there’s a lot of people staring at me,” the girl admitted.

“In that case…” Arielle shrugged her shoulders. “I’ll perform on behalf of you.”

The surprise offer rendered the girl speechless for a few seconds. Then, she stared at Arielle in disbelief as she confirmed once more, “Will you?

“Yes, I’m not bluffing you here. But, if

I think it’s best I

to me for a second…” Arielle proceeded

the girl as the latter nodded her head enthusiastically. “Okay, let’s do it together! And, as repayment for your help, I’ll take charge of cleaning our room in the

laughed. “I can tell. I’ll let you handle this week’s cleaning. We’ll take

it would be hard to converse with

aren’t everything you know. Even a pretty lady farts and shit like everyone else. Besides, you’re pretty

the girl’s face reddened, making her look much

“Oh,

“Trisha Hughes.”

your name’s cute. Can I

Trisha nodded shyly. “Yes…”

CO

inform Donovan we’ll be performing

“Got it!”

now. In the meantime, wipe away those tears. I hate seeing