Crimson Angel

  * * *

  The alarm clock went buzzing next to me and I let out a sleepy yawn. I got up leisurely and headed straight to the bathroom.

  I almost screamed when I saw my reflection in the mirror. I looked horrible, damn horrifying. There were black circles around my eyes which were swollen from all the sobs. I sighed and washed my face.

  When I was still with Edmond, I put on make-up every day, not much but just enough to make him fancy. He adored girls looking more mature and I admitted without make-up, I looked like a kid.

  Victoria was mature, indeed. I saw her a few times and even though she was only fifteen, with all those heavy make-up and accessories, she appeared more like a twenty. Perhaps Edmond only fell for old women.

  I grinned as I thought of it. No need make-up today just to please my boyfriend. No need special things to put on to make myself attractive and noticeable. I could return to being an ordinary teenage girl. Slowly and carefully, I combed my tangled crimson hair and fitted a clip to my fringe. I looked fresh and carefree.

  I didn’t have to beautify myself on purpose anymore. Before, I might feel it was part of my responsibilities to look good for Edmond so that he could have a perfect girlfriend to show off in front of his buddies. Right now, a broken heart wished nothing more than being normal again.

  But just one more thing missing. I rummaged around the drawers and finally found my glasses. I wouldn’t wear any more contact lens from now on. Was it just my imagination or my eyes did really look brighter than usual after putting on the glasses?

  Back to normal…

  Normal…

  Alice was normal again.