My name is Jack and this is the story of how my wife Emily became the confident woman she is today with the help of her friend Sophie. Emily described to me how she called Sophie one day shouting into the phone, “Sophie! I need your help right away!” as soon as her friend answered. Her voice was trembling so much that she could hardly recognize it. There was a heavy thud in her ears like someone hitting a drum, almost drowning out her own words. “It’s a matter of life and death! In two months I need to turn from a caterpillar into a butterfly! And one that no one can take their eyes off.”
On the other end there was a long pause. Emily closed her eyes and pictured Sophie raising an eyebrow, tilting her head to the side and looking at the phone with clear confusion. In her imagination Sophie even shook her head a little as if trying to grasp what she had just heard.
“That’s quite a statement!” Sophie finally replied. There was genuine amazement in her voice. “For that time… it’s possible but you’ll have to work hard. What happened there?”
Emily nervously ran a hand through her hair long but dull with split ends that had long needed cutting. She mentally smiled at the irony of fate. For five years Sophie had kept bringing up the beauty salon, the gym, suggesting they sign up for yoga or morning runs together, but Emily had always brushed it off finding dozens of reasons to refuse. And now she was calling her friend with a desperate request, looking for help, ready to take on what she had refused so many times.
“Remember I was chatting with a guy on the dating site?” Emily began trying to speak calmly and evenly but the excitement still broke through in her voice making it a bit choppy. She took a small breath as if gathering courage and continued: “We chatted for quite a while, everything was great… Then he suggested meeting.”
“Which one exactly?” Sophie chuckled and Emily mentally saw her ironic smile. Her friend always slightly teased her about her endless attempts to find the ideal man through the internet. Sophie didn’t hide that she was skeptical about online dating and often jokingly asked if Emily was going to open an agency for finding princes. The photo in Emily’s profile was quite edited with Photoshop, Sophie knew this perfectly and from time to time gently hinted that the truth would come out anyway. And Emily only brushed it off: “Come on, it’s not a fact that we’ll ever meet.”
“Oliver, the tall blond with blue eyes!” Emily explained hurriedly. “I remember he appealed to you too. You even said that he had a pleasant smile and an intelligent look.”
“Ah, that one,” the friend’s voice sounded somehow strange, a bit muffled as if she had turned the phone aside. But Emily, caught up in anxiety and the flow of her own thoughts, didn’t attach any importance to this. “I remember. And what?”
“He promised to come for the New Year holidays!” Emily blurted out and the words poured out in a solid stream as if she had kept them inside for a long time and now couldn’t stop. “In two months! Can you imagine? We’ve talked so much, discussed so much… I don’t want to see contempt in his eyes when he sees me. In the photo I look… well, a bit different. And the figure is not the same, and the hair is not so shiny, and in general…”
Emily almost physically felt how the seconds stretched endlessly and each moment without an answer increased the anxiety. She wanted Sophie to say right away: “Don’t worry, everything will be fine!” but the friend was silent and this silence made the heart beat faster.
“And why did you agree to the meeting?” Sophie finally pronounced skeptically. She never hid that she treated online dating, to put it mildly, negatively. Who knows what kind of person is hiding behind the photo?
“He insisted so much…” Emily quietly admitted lowering her eyes although Sophie didn’t see her. To be honest she was ashamed that she agreed to the meeting so easily without thinking about the consequences. “We chatted for a long time, he was so attentive, asked so many questions… And then suddenly wrote that he really wants to meet in person, that he likes me very much and wants to find out if serious relations are possible between us. I thought for several days, weighed it up but in the end… I just couldn’t refuse.”
She fell silent nervously biting her lips. Oliver wrote that he had long been looking for just such an interlocutor, that with her it was easy and interesting. And the longer they chatted the stronger Emily caught herself on the thought: what if they really were made for each other.
“Well then get ready,” the friend sighed and in this sigh Emily caught a mixture of determination and slight anxiety. Sophie was always the one who took the situation into her own hands even if the matter seemed almost impossible. “It will be not easy! Two months is a rather small term but we will try to make it. Only you will have to take a vacation for a couple of weeks at first the muscles will hurt mercilessly after intensive trainings.”
“Trainings?” Emily asked feeling how inside a wave of slight panic rose. “You mean the gym?”
“And the gym and proper nutrition and self care,” Sophie calmly listed as if voicing an ordinary shopping list. “Without a comprehensive approach nothing will come of it. You don’t want in two months he saw the same Emily only slightly touched up?”
Emily was silent digesting what she heard. The thought of the gym caused mixed feelings in her on one hand she understood that it was necessary on the other she imagined endless hours on the treadmill and heavy dumbbells and from this it became uncomfortable.
“And if… if I don’t cope?” she quietly asked herself surprised how helpless these words sound.
“You will cope,” Sophie firmly answered. “I will help you. But you must be ready to work. Seriously work! Magic does not exist Emily. Nothing happens at the snap of fingers always need to make certain efforts.”
Emily deeply breathed in clenched fists and mentally said to herself: “Okay. I’ll try. At least so as not to disappoint him.”
The first weeks were hard for Emily so hard that sometimes it seemed to her that she would not stand it and would give up the very next day. Every morning started the same: the alarm rang at 7:00 and the first thing Emily felt was a sharp unwillingness to get up. She lay looking at the ceiling persuading herself to rise at least five minutes earlier than yesterday.
At first the exercises lasted only five minutes simple bends arm swings light squats. Emily performed the exercises in front of the mirror with difficulty recognizing herself: face still sleepy hair tangled movements sluggish. But Sophie strictly monitored the schedule: “Tomorrow ten minutes. Gradually increase the load.”
It was not easy: the body ached after each training muscles burned especially the next day after classes. Sometimes going up the stairs she felt how legs trembled and arms refused to lift even a cup with tea. But Sophie did not let relax she was always nearby either by phone or in person and her voice sounded firm without a shadow of doubt:
“You can do more” she repeated watching how Emily pouring with sweat tries to perform the next exercise. “Just do one more approach. We still have a whole month in reserve we will have time to tighten what is needed.”
Emily gritted her teeth took a deep breath and forced herself to continue. Sometimes she wanted to throw everything return to the usual routine lie in bed longer eat something tasty forget about these endless exercises. But she remembered the correspondence with Oliver his warm messages his promise to come for the New Year holidays and this kept her from a breakdown.
Nutrition also had to be revised radically. Before her breakfast consisted of an aromatic bun with coffee or a chocolate bar if there was not enough time. Now salads with olive oil boiled chicken breast buckwheat and green smoothies appeared on the table which Emily at first could barely swallow. The first days she now and then reached for the cupboard with cookies the hand itself reached for the familiar package but each time Emily stopped. Before her eyes surfaced the blue eyes of Oliver his smile in the photo his words: “Really looking forward to our meeting.”
“It’s only for two months” she convinced herself washing down the next salad with still water. “Only for two months.”
Gradually the new habits began to enter life. Emily learned to cook simple but healthy dishes found several smoothie recipes that did not cause rejection. She noticed that in the mornings it became easier to get up and by the middle of the day the usual fatigue did not roll over. Sometimes looking in the mirror she saw how the skin tightened a little how a light blush appeared not from excitement but from regular physical activity.
Sophie continued to control the process but now in her voice there was more approval:
“See it works. You are already not the same as you were a month ago. A little more and you will be in excellent shape.”
Emily nodded but inside there still lived anxiety: will these changes be enough? Will this be enough so that Oliver does not get disappointed? She did not know the answer but continued to move forward step by step day by day.
In parallel with trainings and changing the diet there was painstaking work on appearance. Sophie who took on the role of tireless curator had thought out the plan in advance and signed Emily up for a good beauty salon not pretentious but with proven masters who knew how to work with different types of appearance.
On the first visit Emily had a haircut carefully selecting the shape taking into account her facial features and hair structure. The master skillfully wielded scissors periodically stepping back to evaluate the result and gently corrected the lines. Split ends disappeared without a trace. The hairdresser added volume at the roots and slightly profiled the ends the hair immediately played in a new way. Then followed gentle coloring: instead of sharp contrast they chose the technique of soft gradient thanks to which the color became deeper and more saturated preserving naturalness.
At the next stage the manicurist put the nails in order carefully treated the cuticle evened the shape and covered the plates with a soft beige varnish. Emily involuntarily admired the result: hands looked well-groomed but without excessive pretentiousness.
The makeup artist to whom Sophie was recommended by acquaintances began with a detailed analysis of Emily’s type. He carefully studied her features assessed the skin tone and eye color and then demonstrated how to emphasize the advantages with the help of makeup. Everything was done delicately: light tone slightly emphasized brows unobtrusive mascara and natural blush. The specialist patiently explained which means are better to use and in what sequence to apply them from time to time suggesting Emily herself repeat the techniques.
“Look what a beauty you are!” Sophie admiringly pronounced examining the friend after another transformation. In her voice sounded genuine pleasure as if she was proud not only of the result but also of being able to inspire Emily to change.
Emily slowly approached the large mirror in the salon and froze. She looked long at the reflection trying to realize that it was really her. In front of her stood a woman whom she barely recognized: neat hairstyle gave the face expressiveness light makeup emphasized the eyes and freshness of the skin and the outfit selected by Sophie simple but stylish favorably shaded the figure. This was not that Emily who for years preferred stretched sweatshirts and sneakers hid behind voluminous silhouettes and tried not to attract extra attention.
Gradually new images entered the habit. Emily learned to choose things that sat on the figure but did not constrain movements mastered basic skin care and simple daily makeup. She noticed that people began to smile at her more often on the street and colleagues involuntarily lingered their gaze when she entered the office.
But the most difficult turned out to be not the physical transformation but the internal restructuring. Emily took a long time to get used to the fact that now people looked at her differently. Before she consciously avoided other people’s glances lowered her eyes when talking slouched trying to seem smaller. Now she had to learn to keep her back straight look the interlocutor in the eyes and respond to attention with a light confident smile.
At first it was not easy. In the first days after the change of image Emily caught herself on the fact that involuntarily tried to hide pulled the sleeve to hide the neat manicure adjusted the hair as if trying to cover the face or hurried to step aside if someone looked in her direction for too long. But Sophie patiently reminded:
“You look excellent. Don’t hide. People just notice your beauty and this is normal.”
Over time Emily began to feel more confident. She noticed that even her voice sounded different a bit firmer without the previous timid uncertainty. And although inside there still remained islands of doubts she tried to focus on what was working on compliments from colleagues on warm glances from passersby on how easy it was now to pick clothes and take care of herself.
“You must believe in yourself” Sophie repeated. “You are beautiful and people see it. We still have enough time for you to get used to the new image.”
One morning when Emily was walking along the corridor to her workplace Rachel from accounting called out to her. She smiled widely and with sincere delight pronounced:
“Emily you look amazing! Something in you has changed I can’t even say exactly what but it looks incredible!”
Emily slightly blushed and hurried to answer:
“Yes nothing special just a bit updated the wardrobe…”
But Rachel did not let her finish:
“No the matter is not only in the clothes! You are somehow… fresher or something. Eyes burn walk different. It suits you very much!”
On the same day Mark from the sales department approached her. He always was famous for the ability to mix compliments with a light joke so meeting Emily at the coffee machine with a smile winked:
“What kind of miracle is this? You seem to glow from inside. Share the secret maybe we should change something too?”
Emily smiled embarrassedly feeling how the cheeks warmed. She was pleased to hear kind words although she still was not used to such attention. Before colleagues barely noticed her presence and now from time to time stopped to exchange a couple of phrases or just smile.
She began to notice other changes too. In the cafe nearby the waiters began to greet her by name and unfamiliar guys passing by from time to time threw interested glances and smiled. Emily caught these fleeting signs of attention and each time mentally wondered is all this really happening to her?
Especially active was Jack from the neighboring department. Before they barely exchanged greetings and now he constantly found reasons to start talking to her. Now asked about the new project then inquired how she spent the weekend then suggested going to lunch together.
One day during the break he approached her table with a cup of coffee and casually asked:
“You have an amazing taste. Where do you buy such things? This jacket looks very stylish.”
Emily involuntarily ran a hand over the soft fabric recalling how Sophie helped her choose this outfit. She smiled and answered:
“In fact I have not worn it for a long time just decided to give it a second chance.”
Jack nodded but did not hurry to leave:
“You know you now look completely different. More confident or something. This is great.”
Emily thanked him for the compliment but in her head still spun thoughts about Oliver. She imagined how he would come see her and not be able to take his eyes off. In these fantasies he smiled said something warm noted how she had changed. This thought supported her in the most difficult moments for example when after a hard training the body ached from fatigue or when she wanted to break the diet and eat something forbidden.
Sometimes lying in the evening in bed Emily wondered what if Oliver does not appreciate all her efforts? But immediately drove away these doubts. The main thing she had already felt how her attitude to herself was changing. And let there be a lot of work ahead she was already not that girl who hid behind shapeless clothes and avoided glances. Now she was learning to accept attention respond to smiles and believe that all these changes were not just for someone but first of all for herself.
Sophie observed her friend with a light smile unconsciously for herself noting every change in Emily. She saw how she began to hold herself straight how confidently enters the room how calmly looks into the eyes of interlocutors. In Emily’s movements appeared lightness in voice firmness and in eyes that very sparkle which was not there before.
Each time meeting with the friend the girl involuntarily compared her with that image which was a couple of months ago. Then Emily was as if hidden in her own shell: slouched spoke quietly avoided attention. Now she seemed to have spread her wings and this transformation pleased Sophie to the depths of her soul.
She with pleasure noticed how Emily more and more often chooses bright colors in clothes how skillfully picks accessories how effortlessly supports conversation with colleagues. Especially touching was how the friend gradually learned to accept compliments first embarrassedly brushed off then gratefully smiled and now already could easily answer with a joke or a warm word.
In the depths of her soul Sophie experienced mixed feelings. On one hand she was filled with pride after all she had applied a lot of efforts to push Emily to changes. She remembered all their conversations all persuasions all joint trips to shops and salons. To see the result of her work was incredibly pleasant.
On the other hand she was not let go by a slight anxiety. After all the story with Oliver initially was her idea. Moreover there was no Oliver at all with Emily all this time it was Sophie herself who communicated! Sophie simply could not watch any more how the friend ruins her life so she decided on such not quite correct act. What if the fact that Oliver will not appear at the meeting will destroy all progress and Emily again will hide in her “shell”?
Although no about this there can be no speech! Sophie will take care of this!
A week before the supposed meeting with Oliver Emily stood before the mirror in her room and carefully examined her reflection. She for a long time studied each feature trying to see what Sophie tirelessly repeated. No Emily still did not consider herself a beauty in her view the ideal was much more unattainable. But now looking at herself she saw a woman who was not ashamed to appear in public.
She ran a hand over her shoulder adjusted the collar of the blouse and turned a little to look at herself from the side. In her head spun the thought: “Is this really me?”
At this moment Sophie entered the room. She stopped in the doorway with a smile observing the friend and then confidently pronounced:
“You are ready. He will be in delight. You had two whole months to get used to the new yourself and you coped.”
Emily nodded but in the friend’s voice she thought she heard some strange note barely catchable as if Sophie wanted to add something but restrained herself. Emily had already opened her mouth to ask what was wrong but did not have time the phone in the pocket vibrated.
She took out the smartphone unlocked the screen and saw a message from Oliver. Read once then again as if hoping that the meaning would change. But the text remained the same: “Sorry but I will not be able to come. Circumstances have changed. We will meet sometime later.”
Emily reread it several times trying to realize. How so! She applied so much effort for this meeting and all in vain?
“What happened?” Sophie asked warily noticing how the face of the friend changed.
“He will not come” quietly answered Emily showing the phone screen. “Writes that sometime later we will meet…”
The friend froze for a second as if trying to pick the right words. Then deeply sighed and sat next to carefully putting a hand on Emily’s shoulder. In her eyes flashed something elusive either regret or relief but she quickly took herself in hand.
“Know what” Sophie said softly almost in a whisper “perhaps this is for the best.”
“For the best?” Emily raised a surprised look at her in which bewilderment and perplexity mixed. “Why do you say so?”
“Because in these two months you have become completely different” smiled Sophie and in her voice sounded genuine pride. “You have gained confidence learned to take care of yourself revealed your beauty. You no longer hide do not doubt every step are not afraid to look people in the eyes. You have learned to value yourself.”
She made a small pause giving Emily time to comprehend the words and then continued:
“And know what? Now you know for sure: you deserve the best. Not some Oliver from the internet but real happiness. That which will not disappear in one day because of ‘circumstances’. You deserve a person who will value you truly and not disappear without explanations.”
Emily listened silently digesting what she heard. In her head gradually formed a new picture: yes Oliver will not come yes their communication ended as suddenly as it began. But in these two months something bigger happened she herself changed. Changed very strongly!
Sophie slightly squeezed her shoulder and added:
“Let’s not go anywhere today. Order pizza turn on your favorite series and just rest. And tomorrow we will start a new chapter. You will succeed I know.”
Emily slowly nodded.
“Know what” she said turning to the friend and in her voice sounded unusual firmness “I think I will go to the theater with Jack. He has long been inviting.”
Sophie laughed easily joyfully as if heard exactly what she was waiting for. She stepped forward and tightly hugged Emily pressing her to herself.
“That’s my girl!” she exclaimed pulling away and looking at the friend with pride. “I knew that you would cope. And know what? I am sure that this is only the beginning.”
Emily nodded feeling how inside a light anticipation flared up. She did not know what awaited her tomorrow but for the first time in a long time was ready to learn it.
In the evening Emily stood before the theater in a new dress bought specially for this event. She adjusted a strand of hair automatically checked if everything was in order with makeup and felt how inside the excitement grew.
At this moment Jack approached her. In his hands he held a beautiful bouquet of red roses:
“You look stunning.”
She smiled in response and this time the smile turned out natural without the slightest tension. Emily suddenly realized that for the first time in a long time she feels truly beautiful not because someone said so not because of someone else’s look but because she herself decided so. She saw her reflection in the glass doors of the theater noticed how softly the light falls on her dress how neatly the hair is laid and understood: this is her choice her style her confidence.
The performance turned out to be wonderful dynamic with subtle humor and unexpected plot turns. Emily with Jack sat next to each other from time to time exchanged short remarks laughed over the same moments and after discussed the production sharing impressions. They talked about how the actors played which scenes made the greatest impression and even argued a little about the interpretation of the finale. The conversation went easily without tension and Emily felt that it was pleasant for her to listen to Jack pleasant to answer him pleasant just to be next to him.
When the performance ended Jack suggested to continue the walk. He looked at her with a light smile and asked:
“Want to take a walk? The evening is so good.”
Emily agreed without thinking. They went out to the street where the lights were already on and the air was filled with coolness and the quiet noise of the night city. They walked unhurriedly not hurrying anywhere just enjoying the moment.
As they advanced deeper into the cozy streets Emily felt how inside a new sensation was born a sensation of freedom. She was no longer that girl who hid from the world behind voluminous clothes and lowered gaze. Now she could walk the street not fearing other people’s looks could smile to unfamiliar people could allow herself to enjoy the moment without looking back to the past. She was herself real alive confident.
They stopped at a small square where on benches still sat rare visitors and in the air smelled freshness and distant notes of autumn foliage. Emily turned to Jack and unexpectedly for herself said:
“Thank you.”
“For what?” he wondered slightly raising eyebrows.
“For a wonderful evening and remarkable company” simply answered she softly smiling. “I have not enjoyed like this for a long time.”
Sophie observed this scene from afar. She stood in the shadow of the trees a little to the side and did not hurry to approach. She wanted just to see how Emily feels at this moment to make sure that everything is going well. When she noticed how the friend smiles to Jack how relaxed she holds herself how her face lights up Sophie quietly smiled and unnoticed left.
On the way home she went into a small coffee shop. Settling by the window she ordered a cappuccino and took out the phone. In the gallery were stored several photographs of Emily before and after. On the first that “former” Emily: with dull hair in shapeless clothes with lowered gaze as if trying to become unnoticeable. On the second confident shining with light smile and direct gaze with proud posture and sparkle in eyes.
Sophie scrolled the pictures stopping on the last the one where Emily stands before the theater in the new dress and next to Jack with the bouquet. She looked long at this photograph and in her head spun one simple thought: “She really has blossomed.”
And at this moment Sophie realized she does not need to explain anything. Does not need to confess that Oliver is her invention. Because the result is more important than the initial plan. Emily is now different. She learned to value herself believe in her forces rejoice in small things. And this is the most important…
Three months passed. During this time Emily’s life changed noticeably and these changes became part of her everyday life and not a temporary experiment. She and Jack now met seriously not just occasionally went on dates but built relations learned each other shared habits and small joys.
They often went to the cinema choosing either author tapes or light comedies depending on the mood. After the session usually walked around the city unhurriedly discussing the plot the acting or simply sharing impressions from what they saw. Sometimes went into cozy cafes where drank tea with desserts and talked about everything in the world: about childhood work dreams and plans.
On weekends they often cooked together. Emily loved to experiment with recipes and Jack willingly helped. In the kitchen it was always noisy and fun: they laughed over small failures (like a burnt toast or oversalted sauce) sang along to music from the radio and enjoyed the process. Ready dishes ate at a small table by the window discussing the past day and building plans for the future.
Jack turned out to be exactly the person whom Emily had long lacked. He was attentive noticed the slightest changes in her mood knew how to support with a kind word or simply silently be near when it was needed. Kind never sneered never tried to hurt even in jokes kept delicacy. He was just near and this was enough for Emily to feel comfortable and safe.
A year later Emily stood before a large mirror in a light fitting room carefully examining her reflection in the wedding dress. The dress was exactly as she dreamed: with delicate lace inserts neat silhouette and light flowing skirt. It emphasized her figure but did not constrain movements and the soft pastel shade perfectly harmonized with the skin tone.
Sophie fussed nearby she arrived early to help with the last preparations. The friend carefully adjusted the veil made sure that all the pins were in place and stepped back a step to evaluate the overall appearance once more. A warm smile blossomed on her face.
“You look stunning” she whispered and in her voice was heard genuine sincerity. “Simply incredible.”
Emily slowly turned to her friend. In her eyes glowed quiet joy mixed with slight excitement. She deeply breathed in trying to calm the trembling in her chest and answered:
“Thank you. For everything.”
These two words contained much more than simple gratitude for the compliment. In them was appreciation for months of support for patience for those moments when Sophie found the needed words to encourage and for always being near even when Emily doubted herself.
At this moment in the doorway of the fitting room appeared Jack. He for a second froze on the threshold as if afraid to disturb this quiet scene filled with light. His gaze slid over Emily lingered on her face and on the lips appeared that same smile warm sincere from which Emily always had her breath taken away.
“You are the most beautiful woman in the world” he said stepping closer. In his voice there was not a drop of affectation only pure admiration and tenderness.
Emily felt how the heart filled with warmth. She extended her hand and Jack immediately took her palm in his strong reliable. His touch calmed her carried away the last bits of anxiety.
Emily slightly squeezed Jack’s fingers feeling how inside spreads calm deep happiness. She knew that she was loved not for appearance not for the changes that happened over the last year but for who she is in reality. For her laugh for her dreams for her ability to be near for her sincerity and kindness.
Sophie quietly stepped aside observing this couple with a light smile. She did not become to interfere in their moment only discreetly wiped a tear rejoicing for the friend. Everything turned out exactly as it should have turned out.My name is Jack and this is the story of how my wife Emily became the confident woman she is today with the help of her friend Sophie. Emily described to me how she called Sophie one day shouting into the phone, “Sophie! I need your help right away!” as soon as her friend answered. Her voice was trembling so much that she could hardly recognize it. There was a heavy thud in her ears like someone hitting a drum, almost drowning out her own words. “It’s a matter of life and death! In two months I need to turn from a caterpillar into a butterfly! And one that no one can take their eyes off.”
On the other end there was a long pause. Emily closed her eyes and pictured Sophie raising an eyebrow, tilting her head to the side and looking at the phone with clear confusion. In her imagination Sophie even shook her head a little as if trying to grasp what she had just heard.
“That’s quite a statement!” Sophie finally replied. There was genuine amazement in her voice. “For that time… it’s possible but you’ll have to work hard. What happened there?”
Emily nervously ran a hand through her hair long but dull with split ends that had long needed cutting. She mentally smiled at the irony of fate. For five years Sophie had kept bringing up the beauty salon, the gym, suggesting they sign up for yoga or morning runs together, but Emily had always brushed it off finding dozens of reasons to refuse. And now she was calling her friend with a desperate request, looking for help, ready to take on what she had refused so many times.
“Remember I was chatting with a guy on the dating site?” Emily began trying to speak calmly and evenly but the excitement still broke through in her voice making it a bit choppy. She took a small breath as if gathering courage and continued: “We chatted for quite a while, everything was great… Then he suggested meeting.”
“Which one exactly?” Sophie chuckled and Emily mentally saw her ironic smile. Her friend always slightly teased her about her endless attempts to find the ideal man through the internet. Sophie didn’t hide that she was skeptical about online dating and often jokingly asked if Emily was going to open an agency for finding princes. The photo in Emily’s profile was quite edited with Photoshop, Sophie knew this perfectly and from time to time gently hinted that the truth would come out anyway. And Emily only brushed it off: “Come on, it’s not a fact that we’ll ever meet.”
“Oliver, the tall blond with blue eyes!” Emily explained hurriedly. “I remember he appealed to you too. You even said that he had a pleasant smile and an intelligent look.”
“Ah, that one,” the friend’s voice sounded somehow strange, a bit muffled as if she had turned the phone aside. But Emily, caught up in anxiety and the flow of her own thoughts, didn’t attach any importance to this. “I remember. And what?”
“He promised to come for the New Year holidays!” Emily blurted out and the words poured out in a solid stream as if she had kept them inside for a long time and now couldn’t stop. “In two months! Can you imagine? We’ve talked so much, discussed so much… I don’t want to see contempt in his eyes when he sees me. In the photo I look… well, a bit different. And the figure is not the same, and the hair is not so shiny, and in general…”
Emily almost physically felt how the seconds stretched endlessly and each moment without an answer increased the anxiety. She wanted Sophie to say right away: “Don’t worry, everything will be fine!” but the friend was silent and this silence made the heart beat faster.
“And why did you agree to the meeting?” Sophie finally pronounced skeptically. She never hid that she treated online dating, to put it mildly, negatively. Who knows what kind of person is hiding behind the photo?
“He insisted so much…” Emily quietly admitted lowering her eyes although Sophie didn’t see her. To be honest she was ashamed that she agreed to the meeting so easily without thinking about the consequences. “We chatted for a long time, he was so attentive, asked so many questions… And then suddenly wrote that he really wants to meet in person, that he likes me very much and wants to find out if serious relations are possible between us. I thought for several days, weighed it up but in the end… I just couldn’t refuse.”
She fell silent nervously biting her lips. Oliver wrote that he had long been looking for just such an interlocutor, that with her it was easy and interesting. And the longer they chatted the stronger Emily caught herself on the thought: what if they really were made for each other.
“Well then get ready,” the friend sighed and in this sigh Emily caught a mixture of determination and slight anxiety. Sophie was always the one who took the situation into her own hands even if the matter seemed almost impossible. “It will be not easy! Two months is a rather small term but we will try to make it. Only you will have to take a vacation for a couple of weeks at first the muscles will hurt mercilessly after intensive trainings.”
“Trainings?” Emily asked feeling how inside a wave of slight panic rose. “You mean the gym?”
“And the gym and proper nutrition and self care,” Sophie calmly listed as if voicing an ordinary shopping list. “Without a comprehensive approach nothing will come of it. You don’t want in two months he saw the same Emily only slightly touched up?”
Emily was silent digesting what she heard. The thought of the gym caused mixed feelings in her on one hand she understood that it was necessary on the other she imagined endless hours on the treadmill and heavy dumbbells and from this it became uncomfortable.
“And if… if I don’t cope?” she quietly asked herself surprised how helpless these words sound.
“You will cope,” Sophie firmly answered. “I will help you. But you must be ready to work. Seriously work! Magic does not exist Emily. Nothing happens at the snap of fingers always need to make certain efforts.”
Emily deeply breathed in clenched fists and mentally said to herself: “Okay. I’ll try. At least so as not to disappoint him.”
The first weeks were hard for Emily so hard that sometimes it seemed to her that she would not stand it and would give up the very next day. Every morning started the same: the alarm rang at 7:00 and the first thing Emily felt was a sharp unwillingness to get up. She lay looking at the ceiling persuading herself to rise at least five minutes earlier than yesterday.
At first the exercises lasted only five minutes simple bends arm swings light squats. Emily performed the exercises in front of the mirror with difficulty recognizing herself: face still sleepy hair tangled movements sluggish. But Sophie strictly monitored the schedule: “Tomorrow ten minutes. Gradually increase the load.”
It was not easy: the body ached after each training muscles burned especially the next day after classes. Sometimes going up the stairs she felt how legs trembled and arms refused to lift even a cup with tea. But Sophie did not let relax she was always nearby either by phone or in person and her voice sounded firm without a shadow of doubt:
“You can do more” she repeated watching how Emily pouring with sweat tries to perform the next exercise. “Just do one more approach. We still have a whole month in reserve we will have time to tighten what is needed.”
Emily gritted her teeth took a deep breath and forced herself to continue. Sometimes she wanted to throw everything return to the usual routine lie in bed longer eat something tasty forget about these endless exercises. But she remembered the correspondence with Oliver his warm messages his promise to come for the New Year holidays and this kept her from a breakdown.
Nutrition also had to be revised radically. Before her breakfast consisted of an aromatic bun with coffee or a chocolate bar if there was not enough time. Now salads with olive oil boiled chicken breast buckwheat and green smoothies appeared on the table which Emily at first could barely swallow. The first days she now and then reached for the cupboard with cookies the hand itself reached for the familiar package but each time Emily stopped. Before her eyes surfaced the blue eyes of Oliver his smile in the photo his words: “Really looking forward to our meeting.”
“It’s only for two months” she convinced herself washing down the next salad with still water. “Only for two months.”
Gradually the new habits began to enter life. Emily learned to cook simple but healthy dishes found several smoothie recipes that did not cause rejection. She noticed that in the mornings it became easier to get up and by the middle of the day the usual fatigue did not roll over. Sometimes looking in the mirror she saw how the skin tightened a little how a light blush appeared not from excitement but from regular physical activity.
Sophie continued to control the process but now in her voice there was more approval:
“See it works. You are already not the same as you were a month ago. A little more and you will be in excellent shape.”
Emily nodded but inside there still lived anxiety: will these changes be enough? Will this be enough so that Oliver does not get disappointed? She did not know the answer but continued to move forward step by step day by day.
In parallel with trainings and changing the diet there was painstaking work on appearance. Sophie who took on the role of tireless curator had thought out the plan in advance and signed Emily up for a good beauty salon not pretentious but with proven masters who knew how to work with different types of appearance.
On the first visit Emily had a haircut carefully selecting the shape taking into account her facial features and hair structure. The master skillfully wielded scissors periodically stepping back to evaluate the result and gently corrected the lines. Split ends disappeared without a trace. The hairdresser added volume at the roots and slightly profiled the ends the hair immediately played in a new way. Then followed gentle coloring: instead of sharp contrast they chose the technique of soft gradient thanks to which the color became deeper and more saturated preserving naturalness.
At the next stage the manicurist put the nails in order carefully treated the cuticle evened the shape and covered the plates with a soft beige varnish. Emily involuntarily admired the result: hands looked well-groomed but without excessive pretentiousness.
The makeup artist to whom Sophie was recommended by acquaintances began with a detailed analysis of Emily’s type. He carefully studied her features assessed the skin tone and eye color and then demonstrated how to emphasize the advantages with the help of makeup. Everything was done delicately: light tone slightly emphasized brows unobtrusive mascara and natural blush. The specialist patiently explained which means are better to use and in what sequence to apply them from time to time suggesting Emily herself repeat the techniques.
“Look what a beauty you are!” Sophie admiringly pronounced examining the friend after another transformation. In her voice sounded genuine pleasure as if she was proud not only of the result but also of being able to inspire Emily to change.
Emily slowly approached the large mirror in the salon and froze. She looked long at the reflection trying to realize that it was really her. In front of her stood a woman whom she barely recognized: neat hairstyle gave the face expressiveness light makeup emphasized the eyes and freshness of the skin and the outfit selected by Sophie simple but stylish favorably shaded the figure. This was not that Emily who for years preferred stretched sweatshirts and sneakers hid behind voluminous silhouettes and tried not to attract extra attention.
Gradually new images entered the habit. Emily learned to choose things that sat on the figure but did not constrain movements mastered basic skin care and simple daily makeup. She noticed that people began to smile at her more often on the street and colleagues involuntarily lingered their gaze when she entered the office.
But the most difficult turned out to be not the physical transformation but the internal restructuring. Emily took a long time to get used to the fact that now people looked at her differently. Before she consciously avoided other people’s glances lowered her eyes when talking slouched trying to seem smaller. Now she had to learn to keep her back straight look the interlocutor in the eyes and respond to attention with a light confident smile.
At first it was not easy. In the first days after the change of image Emily caught herself on the fact that involuntarily tried to hide pulled the sleeve to hide the neat manicure adjusted the hair as if trying to cover the face or hurried to step aside if someone looked in her direction for too long. But Sophie patiently reminded:
“You look excellent. Don’t hide. People just notice your beauty and this is normal.”
Over time Emily began to feel more confident. She noticed that even her voice sounded different a bit firmer without the previous timid uncertainty. And although inside there still remained islands of doubts she tried to focus on what was working on compliments from colleagues on warm glances from passersby on how easy it was now to pick clothes and take care of herself.
“You must believe in yourself” Sophie repeated. “You are beautiful and people see it. We still have enough time for you to get used to the new image.”
One morning when Emily was walking along the corridor to her workplace Rachel from accounting called out to her. She smiled widely and with sincere delight pronounced:
“Emily you look amazing! Something in you has changed I can’t even say exactly what but it looks incredible!”
Emily slightly blushed and hurried to answer:
“Yes nothing special just a bit updated the wardrobe…”
But Rachel did not let her finish:
“No the matter is not only in the clothes! You are somehow… fresher or something. Eyes burn walk different. It suits you very much!”
On the same day Mark from the sales department approached her. He always was famous for the ability to mix compliments with a light joke so meeting Emily at the coffee machine with a smile winked:
“What kind of miracle is this? You seem to glow from inside. Share the secret maybe we should change something too?”
Emily smiled embarrassedly feeling how the cheeks warmed. She was pleased to hear kind words although she still was not used to such attention. Before colleagues barely noticed her presence and now from time to time stopped to exchange a couple of phrases or just smile.
She began to notice other changes too. In the cafe nearby the waiters began to greet her by name and unfamiliar guys passing by from time to time threw interested glances and smiled. Emily caught these fleeting signs of attention and each time mentally wondered is all this really happening to her?
Especially active was Jack from the neighboring department. Before they barely exchanged greetings and now he constantly found reasons to start talking to her. Now asked about the new project then inquired how she spent the weekend then suggested going to lunch together.
One day during the break he approached her table with a cup of coffee and casually asked:
“You have an amazing taste. Where do you buy such things? This jacket looks very stylish.”
Emily involuntarily ran a hand over the soft fabric recalling how Sophie helped her choose this outfit. She smiled and answered:
“In fact I have not worn it for a long time just decided to give it a second chance.”
Jack nodded but did not hurry to leave:
“You know you now look completely different. More confident or something. This is great.”
Emily thanked him for the compliment but in her head still spun thoughts about Oliver. She imagined how he would come see her and not be able to take his eyes off. In these fantasies he smiled said something warm noted how she had changed. This thought supported her in the most difficult moments for example when after a hard training the body ached from fatigue or when she wanted to break the diet and eat something forbidden.
Sometimes lying in the evening in bed Emily wondered what if Oliver does not appreciate all her efforts? But immediately drove away these doubts. The main thing she had already felt how her attitude to herself was changing. And let there be a lot of work ahead she was already not that girl who hid behind shapeless clothes and avoided glances. Now she was learning to accept attention respond to smiles and believe that all these changes were not just for someone but first of all for herself.
Sophie observed her friend with a light smile unconsciously for herself noting every change in Emily. She saw how she began to hold herself straight how confidently enters the room how calmly looks into the eyes of interlocutors. In Emily’s movements appeared lightness in voice firmness and in eyes that very sparkle which was not there before.
Each time meeting with the friend the girl involuntarily compared her with that image which was a couple of months ago. Then Emily was as if hidden in her own shell: slouched spoke quietly avoided attention. Now she seemed to have spread her wings and this transformation pleased Sophie to the depths of her soul.
She with pleasure noticed how Emily more and more often chooses bright colors in clothes how skillfully picks accessories how effortlessly supports conversation with colleagues. Especially touching was how the friend gradually learned to accept compliments first embarrassedly brushed off then gratefully smiled and now already could easily answer with a joke or a warm word.
In the depths of her soul Sophie experienced mixed feelings. On one hand she was filled with pride after all she had applied a lot of efforts to push Emily to changes. She remembered all their conversations all persuasions all joint trips to shops and salons. To see the result of her work was incredibly pleasant.
On the other hand she was not let go by a slight anxiety. After all the story with Oliver initially was her idea. Moreover there was no Oliver at all with Emily all this time it was Sophie herself who communicated! Sophie simply could not watch any more how the friend ruins her life so she decided on such not quite correct act. What if the fact that Oliver will not appear at the meeting will destroy all progress and Emily again will hide in her “shell”?
Although no about this there can be no speech! Sophie will take care of this!
A week before the supposed meeting with Oliver Emily stood before the mirror in her room and carefully examined her reflection. She for a long time studied each feature trying to see what Sophie tirelessly repeated. No Emily still did not consider herself a beauty in her view the ideal was much more unattainable. But now looking at herself she saw a woman who was not ashamed to appear in public.
She ran a hand over her shoulder adjusted the collar of the blouse and turned a little to look at herself from the side. In her head spun the thought: “Is this really me?”
At this moment Sophie entered the room. She stopped in the doorway with a smile observing the friend and then confidently pronounced:
“You are ready. He will be in delight. You had two whole months to get used to the new yourself and you coped.”
Emily nodded but in the friend’s voice she thought she heard some strange note barely catchable as if Sophie wanted to add something but restrained herself. Emily had already opened her mouth to ask what was wrong but did not have time the phone in the pocket vibrated.
She took out the smartphone unlocked the screen and saw a message from Oliver. Read once then again as if hoping that the meaning would change. But the text remained the same: “Sorry but I will not be able to come. Circumstances have changed. We will meet sometime later.”
Emily reread it several times trying to realize. How so! She applied so much effort for this meeting and all in vain?
“What happened?” Sophie asked warily noticing how the face of the friend changed.
“He will not come” quietly answered Emily showing the phone screen. “Writes that sometime later we will meet…”
The friend froze for a second as if trying to pick the right words. Then deeply sighed and sat next to carefully putting a hand on Emily’s shoulder. In her eyes flashed something elusive either regret or relief but she quickly took herself in hand.
“Know what” Sophie said softly almost in a whisper “perhaps this is for the best.”
“For the best?” Emily raised a surprised look at her in which bewilderment and perplexity mixed. “Why do you say so?”
“Because in these two months you have become completely different” smiled Sophie and in her voice sounded genuine pride. “You have gained confidence learned to take care of yourself revealed your beauty. You no longer hide do not doubt every step are not afraid to look people in the eyes. You have learned to value yourself.”
She made a small pause giving Emily time to comprehend the words and then continued:
“And know what? Now you know for sure: you deserve the best. Not some Oliver from the internet but real happiness. That which will not disappear in one day because of ‘circumstances’. You deserve a person who will value you truly and not disappear without explanations.”
Emily listened silently digesting what she heard. In her head gradually formed a new picture: yes Oliver will not come yes their communication ended as suddenly as it began. But in these two months something bigger happened she herself changed. Changed very strongly!
Sophie slightly squeezed her shoulder and added:
“Let’s not go anywhere today. Order pizza turn on your favorite series and just rest. And tomorrow we will start a new chapter. You will succeed I know.”
Emily slowly nodded.
“Know what” she said turning to the friend and in her voice sounded unusual firmness “I think I will go to the theater with Jack. He has long been inviting.”
Sophie laughed easily joyfully as if heard exactly what she was waiting for. She stepped forward and tightly hugged Emily pressing her to herself.
“That’s my girl!” she exclaimed pulling away and looking at the friend with pride. “I knew that you would cope. And know what? I am sure that this is only the beginning.”
Emily nodded feeling how inside a light anticipation flared up. She did not know what awaited her tomorrow but for the first time in a long time was ready to learn it.
In the evening Emily stood before the theater in a new dress bought specially for this event. She adjusted a strand of hair automatically checked if everything was in order with makeup and felt how inside the excitement grew.
At this moment Jack approached her. In his hands he held a beautiful bouquet of red roses:
“You look stunning.”
She smiled in response and this time the smile turned out natural without the slightest tension. Emily suddenly realized that for the first time in a long time she feels truly beautiful not because someone said so not because of someone else’s look but because she herself decided so. She saw her reflection in the glass doors of the theater noticed how softly the light falls on her dress how neatly the hair is laid and understood: this is her choice her style her confidence.
The performance turned out to be wonderful dynamic with subtle humor and unexpected plot turns. Emily with Jack sat next to each other from time to time exchanged short remarks laughed over the same moments and after discussed the production sharing impressions. They talked about how the actors played which scenes made the greatest impression and even argued a little about the interpretation of the finale. The conversation went easily without tension and Emily felt that it was pleasant for her to listen to Jack pleasant to answer him pleasant just to be next to him.
When the performance ended Jack suggested to continue the walk. He looked at her with a light smile and asked:
“Want to take a walk? The evening is so good.”
Emily agreed without thinking. They went out to the street where the lights were already on and the air was filled with coolness and the quiet noise of the night city. They walked unhurriedly not hurrying anywhere just enjoying the moment.
As they advanced deeper into the cozy streets Emily felt how inside a new sensation was born a sensation of freedom. She was no longer that girl who hid from the world behind voluminous clothes and lowered gaze. Now she could walk the street not fearing other people’s looks could smile to unfamiliar people could allow herself to enjoy the moment without looking back to the past. She was herself real alive confident.
They stopped at a small square where on benches still sat rare visitors and in the air smelled freshness and distant notes of autumn foliage. Emily turned to Jack and unexpectedly for herself said:
“Thank you.”
“For what?” he wondered slightly raising eyebrows.
“For a wonderful evening and remarkable company” simply answered she softly smiling. “I have not enjoyed like this for a long time.”
Sophie observed this scene from afar. She stood in the shadow of the trees a little to the side and did not hurry to approach. She wanted just to see how Emily feels at this moment to make sure that everything is going well. When she noticed how the friend smiles to Jack how relaxed she holds herself how her face lights up Sophie quietly smiled and unnoticed left.
On the way home she went into a small coffee shop. Settling by the window she ordered a cappuccino and took out the phone. In the gallery were stored several photographs of Emily before and after. On the first that “former” Emily: with dull hair in shapeless clothes with lowered gaze as if trying to become unnoticeable. On the second confident shining with light smile and direct gaze with proud posture and sparkle in eyes.
Sophie scrolled the pictures stopping on the last the one where Emily stands before the theater in the new dress and next to Jack with the bouquet. She looked long at this photograph and in her head spun one simple thought: “She really has blossomed.”
And at this moment Sophie realized she does not need to explain anything. Does not need to confess that Oliver is her invention. Because the result is more important than the initial plan. Emily is now different. She learned to value herself believe in her forces rejoice in small things. And this is the most important…
Three months passed. During this time Emily’s life changed noticeably and these changes became part of her everyday life and not a temporary experiment. She and Jack now met seriously not just occasionally went on dates but built relations learned each other shared habits and small joys.
They often went to the cinema choosing either author tapes or light comedies depending on the mood. After the session usually walked around the city unhurriedly discussing the plot the acting or simply sharing impressions from what they saw. Sometimes went into cozy cafes where drank tea with desserts and talked about everything in the world: about childhood work dreams and plans.
On weekends they often cooked together. Emily loved to experiment with recipes and Jack willingly helped. In the kitchen it was always noisy and fun: they laughed over small failures (like a burnt toast or oversalted sauce) sang along to music from the radio and enjoyed the process. Ready dishes ate at a small table by the window discussing the past day and building plans for the future.
Jack turned out to be exactly the person whom Emily had long lacked. He was attentive noticed the slightest changes in her mood knew how to support with a kind word or simply silently be near when it was needed. Kind never sneered never tried to hurt even in jokes kept delicacy. He was just near and this was enough for Emily to feel comfortable and safe.
A year later Emily stood before a large mirror in a light fitting room carefully examining her reflection in the wedding dress. The dress was exactly as she dreamed: with delicate lace inserts neat silhouette and light flowing skirt. It emphasized her figure but did not constrain movements and the soft pastel shade perfectly harmonized with the skin tone.
Sophie fussed nearby she arrived early to help with the last preparations. The friend carefully adjusted the veil made sure that all the pins were in place and stepped back a step to evaluate the overall appearance once more. A warm smile blossomed on her face.
“You look stunning” she whispered and in her voice was heard genuine sincerity. “Simply incredible.”
Emily slowly turned to her friend. In her eyes glowed quiet joy mixed with slight excitement. She deeply breathed in trying to calm the trembling in her chest and answered:
“Thank you. For everything.”
These two words contained much more than simple gratitude for the compliment. In them was appreciation for months of support for patience for those moments when Sophie found the needed words to encourage and for always being near even when Emily doubted herself.
At this moment in the doorway of the fitting room appeared Jack. He for a second froze on the threshold as if afraid to disturb this quiet scene filled with light. His gaze slid over Emily lingered on her face and on the lips appeared that same smile warm sincere from which Emily always had her breath taken away.
“You are the most beautiful woman in the world” he said stepping closer. In his voice there was not a drop of affectation only pure admiration and tenderness.
Emily felt how the heart filled with warmth. She extended her hand and Jack immediately took her palm in his strong reliable. His touch calmed her carried away the last bits of anxiety.
Emily slightly squeezed Jack’s fingers feeling how inside spreads calm deep happiness. She knew that she was loved not for appearance not for the changes that happened over the last year but for who she is in reality. For her laugh for her dreams for her ability to be near for her sincerity and kindness.
Sophie quietly stepped aside observing this couple with a light smile. She did not become to interfere in their moment only discreetly wiped a tear rejoicing for the friend. Everything turned out exactly as it should have turned out.
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