Ugly Duckling - Part 3
by Frank Anthony Polito
Are you there?
FGM?
Hello?
I wanted to say thank you.
I’m having the most amazing night of my life.
And it’s all because of you.
It’s because I’m beautiful.
Beau picked me up at my house in a white limo tonight.
He looked so hot. He wore a silver suit with a bright blue tie…
The same color as his gorgeous blue eyes.
I wore a long, sparkling white dress.
Beau brought me a beautiful blue corsage to match his tie.
We took pictures in the park.
My parents looked so happy seeing us together.
They looked proud.
Then we went for a ride around the lake.
Just me and Beau in the back of the limo.
ALONE.
It was so romantic.
Then he took me to dinner at the fanciest restaurant in town.
This is seriously the BEST night of my life. Ever.
Thank you for making me beautiful.
Bella’s phone beeps as she gets another text.
Hey. Where are you?
Just stepped out for a sec.
HURRY!
The Homecoming King can’t stand around by himself.
I look stupid.
Ok. Be right there.
Bella returns to the dance.
Where’d you go?
I told you, I stepped out for a second.
C’mon, let’s dance!
Bella follows Beau onto the dance floor and they begin to slow dance.
Don’t take off on me again, ok?
Ok. I won’t. Sorry.
They continue dancing. Beau starts aggressively kissing Bella’s neck.
Beau, stop.
What?
He tightens his grip around her waist and continues kissing on her.
Please.
He continues against her wishes.
I asked you nicely.
You don’t like it?
I do. Just not here.
Nobody cares! We’re the Homecoming King and Queen.
Beau wraps his arms even tighter around Bella and pulls her in.
He begins touching and kissing her all over.
Bella pulls away.
BEAU! I SAID DON’T!
All around, people stop dancing.
They stare at Bella and Beau.
Get over here. NOW!
I’m not dancing with you, if you’re going to make a scene.
I’M not the one making a scene.
Bella notices the people laughing and pointing at her.
She goes back to dancing with Beau. He whispers into her ear.
Don’t EVER embarrass me like that again.
I didn’t -
You hear me?
I’m sorry.
You better be.
You should feel lucky you’re MY date tonight.
The songs ends.
Bella runs off the dancefloor, crying.
She walks outside and stands alone for a while, just breathing.
The cold air dries her tears.
After a moment, a familiar-looking boy with sandy hair and freckles approaches her.
Everything okay?
Yeah, I just needed some fresh air.
I saw what happened in there with your date.
You did? Sorry about that.
Don’t apologize.
You didn’t do anything wrong.
Are you sure you’re going to be alright?
Of course. I’ll be fine.
OK. Well if you’re looking for a new dance partner, I’m available…
The boy smiles and walks back inside.
Bella’s phone beeps.
I told you NOT to take off!
Bella ignores the text..
OMG! I want to go home!
Fairy Godmother?? Help me!
Beau is a total jerk.
He’s being so mean to me!
He seemed like such a nice guy at first.
He LOOKS like such a nice guy.
I’m so confused. I don’t know what to do.
I feel so sad.
I haven’t felt this way since…
Bella looks through a frosty window onto the dance floor, her eyes wet with tears again.
The boy with freckles catches her eyes and smiles.
He gestures to her, “come dance”.
Bella dries her tears and walks back inside.
He approaches as she walks in, takes her hand, and leads her onto the dance floor.
They dance.
Bella smiles, and starts feeling better.
And then…
Beau catches them dancing together.
WTF?!
I’M YOUR DATE!
You aren’t supposed to dance with anyone but ME!
Beau grabs Bella by the arm and pulls her off the dance floor.
He drags her outside.
His eyes are bloodshot.
You made me look like an ass in front of everybody.
No. You did that to yourself.
SHUT UP!!!
Leave me alone, Beau.
No.
You might be a little bitch…
But you’re a hot little bitch.
And tonight, you’re my hot little bitch.
Will tonight’s Homecoming King and Queen please come to the stage?!
It’s time for the Royal Romp!
Everyone’s favorite Homecoming tradition.
Where the newly-crowned King and Queen come up on stage…
Aaaand sing a song!
Oh god.
I totally forgot about the Royal Romp!
Come on! We have to get up there.
But I can’t!
You better not embarrass me again.
Beau grabs Bella by the arm, and drags her back inside.
Bella’s stomach sinks as she follows Beau onto the stage…
Beau hands Bella a mic and the music begins…
Bella takes a deep breath.
She opens her mouth.
And…
GAARROAGH!
The most hideous sound comes out of her mouth.
Bella tries again.
CAARRUUPH!
The crowd erupts in laughter.
GET OFF THE STAGE!
You are SO UGLY!
You don’t deserve to be queen!
Bella bursts into tears and runs out of the auditorium…
With her face buried in her hands.
App