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📜Synopsis:
Alright fantasy fam, this one's not fantasy — but the glow-up arc hits like one.
Tessa was mocked by everyone, including the boy she had a crush on. He humiliated her in front of the whole class. She stopped begging for attention. She started working on herself. And when she emerged, everyone was watching. Including him. He came crawling back. She had already moved on — to Adrian, the masked outcast everyone called pathetic.
Then his secret came out. He was never weak. He was the richest, most dangerous person in the room.
If you're into glow-up revenge stories with a hidden identity reveal, this one's for you.
💙GENRE:Romance, Drama, Revenge, Hidden Identity, Glow-Up
🤍CAST：
⏩ Head to ReelShort site via the link for FULL series in HD 👉https://www.reelshort.com/full-episodes/the-ugly-girl-turned-pretty-6a670d5c4fc3fdef560395e8
📢Notice: ReelShort Fantasy Shorts is an officially authorized publisher of ReelShort content.
📜Synopsis:
Alright fantasy fam, this one's not fantasy — but the glow-up arc hits like one.
Tessa was mocked by everyone, including the boy she had a crush on. He humiliated her in front of the whole class. She stopped begging for attention. She started working on herself. And when she emerged, everyone was watching. Including him. He came crawling back. She had already moved on — to Adrian, the masked outcast everyone called pathetic.
Then his secret came out. He was never weak. He was the richest, most dangerous person in the room.
If you're into glow-up revenge stories with a hidden identity reveal, this one's for you.
💙GENRE:Romance, Drama, Revenge, Hidden Identity, Glow-Up
🤍CAST：
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:03I just confessed to him in front of the entire class.
00:00:06It was the worst day of my life, but here's what nobody knows.
00:00:09Three weeks ago, that same guy told me I was beautiful.
00:00:13Oops, move it, Batty.
00:00:14Tyler knocked my lunch tray out of my hands on purpose.
00:00:17Everyone walked past me, laughing.
00:00:19Then a hand reached down and helped me pick it up.
00:00:22It was Chase.
00:00:23He pulled me to my feet.
00:00:25Ignore them.
00:00:27They're trash.
00:00:28He grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
00:00:30You're pretty.
00:00:31Don't let anyone tell you different.
00:00:33Then he walked off like it was nothing.
00:00:34Three weeks, it was all I could think about.
00:00:37I actually thought I had a chance, so I did something insane.
00:00:42Confessed my feelings to him.
00:00:43Chase, I like you.
00:00:45Why are you confessing to me, Fatty?
00:00:48You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:00:50Did you really think a fat pig like you had a shot with me?
00:00:54The cinnamon roll I gave him landed in the trash.
00:00:58The whole class couldn't stop laughing.
00:01:01The next morning, his buddy came to clear out the seat beside me.
00:01:05Chase is out three days.
00:01:06He got so grossed out he threw up.
00:01:08He asked Ms. Dawson to move him.
00:01:11After that, Chase and I didn't speak for a long time.
00:01:14Something happened that nobody expected.
00:01:16On the next practice essay, I ached it.
00:01:19It was the first time I ever beat Ethan.
00:01:21When class ended, he dragged his chair beside me.
00:01:24I'm your new seatmate.
00:01:25Then I glanced up without thinking.
00:01:27Chase was watching us from across the room.
00:01:29His face was ice cold.
00:01:30The next day, Ethan brought me two cinnamon rolls.
00:01:32A soft laugh came from beside us.
00:01:35Chase stood there.
00:01:36I didn't know you had such unique taste.
00:01:38Chase dropped a stack of postcards on our desks.
00:01:40Every woman on postcards had been drawn fat and ugly on purpose.
00:01:49Why are you confessing to me, fatty?
00:01:52The fat girl has a crush.
00:01:54That's adorable.
00:01:57Fatty!
00:02:02You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:02:09The cinnamon roll I gave him landed in the trash.
00:02:13The whole class couldn't stop laughing.
00:02:17Did you really think a fat pig like you had a shot with me?
00:02:26That's Chase Sullivan.
00:02:29The star quarterback.
00:02:33Every girl at Lincoln High wants him.
00:02:39And then there's me.
00:02:41I'm just Tessa Lane.
00:02:45Fatty!
00:02:46Everyone here just calls me fatty.
00:02:52Fatty.
00:02:53I just confessed to him in front of the entire class.
00:02:57It was the worst day of my life.
00:02:59But here's what nobody knows.
00:03:02Three weeks ago, that same guy told me I was beautiful.
00:03:08Oops.
00:03:09Move it, fatty!
00:03:10Tyler knocked my lunch tray out of my hands on purpose.
00:03:14Everyone walked past me, laughing.
00:03:18Then a hand reached down and helped me pick it up.
00:03:25It was Chase.
00:03:27He pulled me to my feet.
00:03:30Ignore them.
00:03:31They're trash.
00:03:32I said what I always say.
00:03:35It's okay.
00:03:36I'm used to it.
00:03:37They're right, aren't they?
00:03:40He grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
00:03:43You're pretty.
00:03:44Don't let anyone tell you different.
00:03:46Then he walked off like it was nothing.
00:03:50Three weeks, it was all I could think about.
00:03:55A guy like that had been kind to me.
00:03:58I actually thought I had a chance.
00:04:01So, I did something insane.
00:04:04I bought him a cinnamon roll.
00:04:08Then, in front of everyone, I walked up to his desk.
00:04:13Confessed my feelings to him.
00:04:17Chase, I like you.
00:04:21You already saw how that went.
00:04:24Why are you confessing to me?
00:04:26You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:04:28The fat girl has a crush?
00:04:29That's adorable.
00:04:31I looked around the classroom.
00:04:34Everyone was laughing at me.
00:04:35And I understood.
00:04:37No one would believe a guy like Chase would like me.
00:04:46I cried in a bathroom stall until my eyes swelled shut.
00:04:52I pulled myself together and came out of the bathroom.
00:04:56Then I went back to my seat.
00:04:57Hannah, the one girl who still ate lunch with me.
00:05:00She was my only friend.
00:05:02At least, that's what I believed.
00:05:03Don't be upset, Tess.
00:05:05He didn't mean it.
00:05:06You can't really blame him, though.
00:05:07He was always nice to you.
00:05:09And after he was so nice to you, you confessed in front of everyone?
00:05:12You grossed him out.
00:05:14You really did.
00:05:15The worst part was that I agreed with her.
00:05:17You're right.
00:05:18I got way ahead of myself.
00:05:21I'll apologize when he's back.
00:05:22Good.
00:05:23Just say sorry.
00:05:24It'll blow over.
00:05:25You're cute, you know.
00:05:27You're soft and round like a marshmallow.
00:05:30I let that go and gave her a small smile.
00:05:33But Chase didn't come back that day.
00:05:35And I never did get to say sorry.
00:05:54Chase came back after three days.
00:06:06He walked in with his arm around the prettiest girl in school.
00:06:10It was Madison Pierce, captain of the cheer squad.
00:06:14She'd tormented me since freshman year.
00:06:17Chase, you actually got a girlfriend?
00:06:20So is this real, or are you two messing around?
00:06:23Madison pouted, all fake offense.
00:06:25What's that supposed to mean?
00:06:27I don't let just anyone touch me.
00:06:30Chase lifted an eyebrow and didn't deny.
00:06:33Half the class started cheering them on.
00:06:37I looked down at my books and went quiet.
00:06:40At least no one cared about my little scene anymore.
00:06:44After that, Chase and I didn't speak for a long time.
00:06:47I got used to sitting alone in English, head down, working.
00:06:51And slowly, something happened that nobody expected.
00:06:55On the next practice essay, I ached it.
00:06:57It was the first time I ever beat Ethan.
00:07:00Ethan was the kid who topped every class.
00:07:03I've never scored higher than him.
00:07:05When class ended, he dragged his chair beside me.
00:07:08He smirked at my shocked face.
00:07:12Miss Dawson told me to learn from you.
00:07:15I'm your new seatmate.
00:07:17Show me the ropes.
00:07:44The next day, Ethan brought me two cinnamon rolls.
00:07:47He set them on my desk.
00:07:50For me?
00:07:51Yeah.
00:07:52It's a thank you.
00:07:53I took them with both hands.
00:07:56I never let good food go to waste.
00:08:00A soft laugh came from beside us.
00:08:03Chase stood there, hoodie zipped to his chin.
00:08:06He leaned both hands on Ethan's desk and looked him over.
00:08:11Buddy, I didn't know you had such unique taste.
00:08:14His eyes were bright and mean.
00:08:16What's that supposed to mean?
00:08:18Ethan's face hardened.
00:08:20Chase dropped a stack of postcards on our desks.
00:08:24Every woman on postcards had been drawn fat and ugly on purpose.
00:08:29These are for you.
00:08:30You like this type, right?
00:08:33Do you want posters tomorrow, too?
00:08:35Who the hell likes pigs?
00:08:36Ethan shoved his chair, face dark red.
00:08:39Chase wasn't even mad.
00:08:41He raised a brow and let out a slow.
00:08:43Huh.
00:08:44You switched seats.
00:08:45I figured you were into her.
00:08:47No?
00:08:49His friends howled, and we became the focus of the class again.
00:08:53Ethan cursed under his breath.
00:08:55He hauled his stuff back to his old seat.
00:08:57Neither of them looked at me once.
00:08:59But every word was about me.
00:09:02The cinnamon rolls sat there and went cold.
00:09:06Before Chase walked off, I made myself speak.
00:09:09Why are you doing this?
00:09:10He stopped beside me and stared at the back wall.
00:09:13He didn't answer.
00:09:15Instead, he asked his own question.
00:09:18Low and cruel.
00:09:20What are you that desperate for attention?
00:09:22You throw yourself at every guy who's nice to you?
00:09:27After that, the whole class kept their distance.
00:09:30The boys avoided me.
00:09:32None of the girls wanted to talk, either.
00:09:34People like the warm, easygoing ones.
00:09:37I was just the quiet, fat girl in the corner.
00:09:39But I didn't think about changing myself for anyone.
00:09:42The one time I tried, it was for Chase.
00:09:44Look how that turned out.
00:09:47I didn't even like him anymore.
00:09:49So what was the point?
00:09:50That Friday, gym class got a free activity time.
00:09:53Then the rain came, hard and fast.
00:09:55Everyone bolted for the doors at once.
00:09:57I hadn't even cleared the field when my knee twisted under me.
00:10:00A sharp pain shot up my leg and my knee buckled.
00:10:03My legs wouldn't hold me at all.
00:10:05I went down on the wet track and couldn't get up.
00:10:07The crowd kept running for cover.
00:10:09Nobody even slowed down.
00:10:11Two girls splashed past, barely glancing down.
00:10:14Wait, is that Fatty on the ground?
00:10:16Ugh, leave her.
00:10:17I'm not getting soaked for her.
00:10:19And they were gone too.
00:10:21Then two pairs of legs stopped right next to me.
00:10:24Someone was finally there.
00:10:25I grabbed a pant leg without thinking, rain running into my mouth.
00:10:29Please, I think my knee gave out.
00:10:31I can't stand up on my own.
00:10:32Can you help me?
00:10:33The legs went still.
00:10:34Then a hand peeled my fingers off the fabric.
00:10:36And a voice said one word.
00:10:38No.
00:10:43I looked up.
00:10:44It was Chase.
00:10:46Madison laughed behind her hand.
00:10:49I knew you'd hurt yourself eventually.
00:10:51Now you can't even stand up.
00:10:53Chase held the umbrella over her and stepped around me.
00:10:56I can't help you.
00:10:57His voice came flat through the rain.
00:11:00And they walked away.
00:11:01I sat there alone in the downpour.
00:11:04In the end, I dragged myself up off that track by myself.
00:11:08I limped the long way to the front office.
00:11:14I didn't want anyone to see me cry.
00:11:17I was still sulking when Ms. Dot Dawson, our English teacher, walked in.
00:11:21A new guy trailed behind her.
00:11:23He wore a mask and a baseball cap pulled low.
00:11:27You couldn't see an inch of his face.
00:11:29Adrian Vance, you'll sit next to Tressa.
00:11:32He sat down without a word.
00:11:36Tyler, of course, couldn't keep his mouth shut.
00:11:39Look at this guy.
00:11:40His face is all covered up.
00:11:41I bet he's hideous.
00:11:44Madison leaned over from Chase's side.
00:11:46He has to be.
00:11:48Why else would he hide it?
00:11:51Tyler grinned.
00:11:53Look, it's the ghost and the fat chick.
00:11:55Are they a new couple?
00:12:02The new guy said nothing.
00:12:05Adrian and I went almost a month without a word.
00:12:08After the Ethan disaster, I wasn't about to get close to anyone.
00:12:12Then one lunch, I saw him slumped over his desk.
00:12:16His hand was pressed hard to his stomach.
00:12:18His shoulders were shaking.
00:12:20I hesitated.
00:12:21Then I walked over.
00:12:27Hey.
00:12:28Is it your stomach?
00:12:31He gave a low mmm.
00:12:33Sweat had broken out on the back of his neck.
00:12:35He was in real pain.
00:12:39Let me take you to the nurse.
00:12:41He didn't pull away when I touched him.
00:12:47He's almost six foot three, and most of him leaned on me.
00:12:51Good thing I'm built solid, or we'd both have hit the floor.
00:12:55The nurse gave him medicine, and sent me for plain broth.
00:13:00When I got back, only Adrian was left in the office.
00:13:05His one visible eye watched me, half amused.
00:13:10You think I'm hideous, and you still help me?
00:13:13That's pretty kind, seatmate.
00:13:15I blinked.
00:13:17Huh?
00:13:19I'm not grossed out by you.
00:13:21I figured you hated me.
00:13:22That's why I never talked to you.
00:13:24He raised an eyebrow.
00:13:27Why would I hate you?
00:13:28I'd said it a hundred times.
00:13:30It came out easy.
00:13:32Because I'm fat.
00:13:34Adrian laughed, low and clear.
00:13:38The eye looking back at me was warm.
00:13:41It was even beautiful.
00:13:43It was nothing like a face you'd need to hide.
00:13:47Then why do you always wear a mask?
00:13:49Want to see for yourself?
00:13:51Before I could answer, his fingers hooked under the strap of his mask.
00:14:07Baddie.
00:14:08I just confessed to him in front of the entire class.
00:14:11It was the worst day of my life.
00:14:13But here's what nobody knows.
00:14:14Three weeks ago, that same guy told me I was beautiful.
00:14:17Oops.
00:14:18Move it, Maddie.
00:14:19Tyler knocked my lunch tray out of my hands on purpose.
00:14:22Everyone walked past me, laughing.
00:14:24Then a hand reached down and helped me pick it up.
00:14:27It was Chase.
00:14:28He pulled me to my feet.
00:14:30Ignore them.
00:14:31They're trash.
00:14:32He grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
00:14:35You're pretty.
00:14:36Don't let anyone tell you're different.
00:14:37Then he walked off like it was nothing.
00:14:39Three weeks.
00:14:40It was all I could think about.
00:14:41I actually thought I had a chance.
00:14:43So, I did something insane.
00:14:46Confessed my feelings to him.
00:14:48Chase, I like you.
00:14:50Why are you confessing to me, fatty?
00:14:52You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:14:55Did you really think a fat pig like you had a shot with me?
00:14:59The cinnamon roll I gave him landed in the trash.
00:15:03The whole class couldn't stop laughing.
00:15:06The next morning, his buddy came to clear out the seat beside me.
00:15:10Chase is out three days.
00:15:11He got so grossed out he threw up.
00:15:13He asked Ms. Dawson to move him.
00:15:16After that, Chase and I didn't speak for a long time.
00:15:19Something happened that nobody expected.
00:15:21On the next practice essay, I ached it.
00:15:23It was the first time I ever beat Ethan.
00:15:26When class ended, he dragged his chair beside me.
00:15:29I'm your new seatmate.
00:15:30Then I glanced up without thinking.
00:15:31Chase was watching us from across the room.
00:15:33His face was ice cold.
00:15:35The next day, Ethan brought me two cinnamon rolls.
00:15:37A soft laugh came from beside us.
00:15:39Chase stood there.
00:15:40I didn't know you had such unique taste.
00:15:42Chase dropped a stack of postcards on our desks.
00:15:45Every woman on postcards had been drawn fat and ugly on purpose.
00:15:53Why are you confessing to me, fatty?
00:15:57The fat girl has a crush.
00:15:59That's adorable.
00:16:01Fatty!
00:16:06You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:16:14The cinnamon roll I gave him landed in the trash.
00:16:18The whole class couldn't stopping laughing.
00:16:22Did you really think a fat pig like you had a shot with me?
00:16:31That's Chase Sullivan.
00:16:33The star quarterback.
00:16:38Every girl at Lincoln High wants him.
00:16:44And then there's me.
00:16:46I'm just Tessa Lane.
00:16:49Fatty!
00:16:51Everyone here just calls me fatty.
00:16:54Fat!
00:16:57Fatty!
00:16:58I just confessed to him in front of the entire class.
00:17:02It was the worst day of my life.
00:17:04But here's what nobody knows.
00:17:07Three weeks ago, that same guy told me I was beautiful.
00:17:12Oops!
00:17:13Move it, fatty!
00:17:15Tyler knocked my lunch tray out of my hands on purpose.
00:17:19Everyone walked past me, laughing.
00:17:23Then a hand reached down and helped me pick it up.
00:17:26Help me pick it up.
00:17:30It was Chase.
00:17:32He pulled me to my feet.
00:17:34Ignore them.
00:17:36They're trash.
00:17:37I said what I always say.
00:17:40It's okay.
00:17:40I'm used to it.
00:17:42They're right, aren't they?
00:17:44He grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
00:17:47You're pretty.
00:17:48Don't let anyone tell you different.
00:17:50Then he walked off like it was nothing.
00:17:55Three weeks, it was all I could think about.
00:17:59A guy like that had been kind to me.
00:18:02I actually thought I had a chance.
00:18:06So, I did something insane.
00:18:09I bought him a cinnamon roll.
00:18:13Then, in front of everyone, I walked up to his desk.
00:18:18Confessed my feelings to him.
00:18:22Chase, I like you.
00:18:25You already saw how that went.
00:18:29Why are you confessing to me?
00:18:30You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:18:33The fat girl has a crush?
00:18:34That's adorable.
00:18:36I looked around the classroom.
00:18:38Everyone was laughing at me.
00:18:40And I understood.
00:18:42No one would believe a guy like Chase would like me.
00:18:51I cried in a bathroom stall until my eyes swelled shut.
00:18:57I pulled myself together and came out of the bathroom.
00:19:00Then I went back to my seat.
00:19:02Hannah, the one girl who still ate lunch with me.
00:19:05She was my only friend.
00:19:06At least, that's what I believed.
00:19:08Don't be upset, Tess.
00:19:09He didn't mean it.
00:19:10You can't really blame him, though.
00:19:12He was always nice to you.
00:19:13And after he was so nice to you, you confessed in front of everyone?
00:19:17You grossed him out.
00:19:18You really did.
00:19:20The worst part was that I agreed with her.
00:19:22You're right.
00:19:23I got way ahead of myself.
00:19:25I'll apologize when he's back.
00:19:27Good.
00:19:28Just say sorry.
00:19:29It'll blow over.
00:19:30You're cute, you know.
00:19:32You're soft and round like a marshmallow.
00:19:34I let that go and gave her a small smile.
00:19:37But Chase didn't come back that day.
00:19:40And I never did get to say sorry.
00:19:46The next morning, his buddy came to clear out the seat beside me.
00:19:50Chase is out three days.
00:19:52He got so grossed out he threw up.
00:19:54He asked Ms. Dawson to move him.
00:20:00It's not about you.
00:20:01Don't read into it.
00:20:03But it was about me.
00:20:05It always had been.
00:20:08Chase came back after three days.
00:20:11He walked in with his arm around the prettiest girl in school.
00:20:15It was Madison Pierce, captain of the cheer squad.
00:20:18She'd tormented me since freshman year.
00:20:22Chase, you actually got a girlfriend?
00:20:25So is this real or are you two messing around?
00:20:27Madison pouted, all fake offense.
00:20:31What's that supposed to mean?
00:20:32I don't let just anyone touch me.
00:20:34Chase lifted an eyebrow and didn't deny.
00:20:37Half the class started cheering them on.
00:20:42I looked down at my books and went quiet.
00:20:45At least no one cared about my little scene anymore.
00:20:48After that, Chase and I didn't speak for a long time.
00:20:52I got used to sitting alone in English.
00:20:54Head down, working.
00:20:56And slowly, something happened that nobody expected.
00:20:59On the next practice essay, I ached it.
00:21:02It was the first time I ever beat Ethan.
00:21:05Ethan was the kid who topped every class.
00:21:08I've never scored higher than him.
00:21:10When class ended, he dragged his chair beside me.
00:21:13He smirked at my shocked face.
00:21:17Miss Dawson told me to learn from you.
00:21:20I'm your new seatmate.
00:21:22Show me the ropes.
00:21:24For the first time in months, I had someone next to me again.
00:21:28I was happy.
00:21:29Then I glanced up without thinking.
00:21:31Chase was watching us from across the room.
00:21:33His face was ice cold.
00:21:35He'd clearly been staring a while.
00:21:37He looked away first, with a strange little smile.
00:21:40I figured my confession had disgusted him for good.
00:21:43He couldn't even stand to see me doing okay.
00:21:49The next day, Ethan brought me two cinnamon rolls.
00:21:52He set them on my desk.
00:21:54For me?
00:21:56Yeah.
00:21:56It's a thank you.
00:21:58I took them with both hands.
00:22:01I never let good food go to waste.
00:22:04A soft laugh came from beside us.
00:22:08Chase stood there, hoodie zipped to his chin.
00:22:11He leaned both hands on Ethan's desk and looked him over.
00:22:15Buddy, I didn't know you had such unique taste.
00:22:18His eyes were bright and mean.
00:22:21What's that supposed to mean?
00:22:23Ethan's face hardened.
00:22:25Chase dropped a stack of postcards on our desks.
00:22:29Every woman on postcards had been drawn fat and ugly on purpose.
00:22:33These are for you.
00:22:35You like this type, right?
00:22:37Do you want posters tomorrow, too?
00:22:39Who the hell likes pigs?
00:22:41Ethan shoved his chair, face dark red.
00:22:44Chase wasn't even mad.
00:22:45He raised a brow and let out a slow.
00:22:48Huh.
00:22:48You switched seats.
00:22:50I figured you were into her.
00:22:51No?
00:22:54His friends howled, and we became the focus of the class again.
00:22:58Ethan cursed under his breath.
00:23:00He hauled his stuff back to his old seat.
00:23:02Neither of them looked at me once.
00:23:04But every word was about me.
00:23:07The cinnamon rolls sat there and went cold.
00:23:10Before Chase walked off, I made myself speak.
00:23:13Why are you doing this?
00:23:15He stopped beside me and stared at the back wall.
00:23:18He didn't answer.
00:23:20Instead, he asked his own question.
00:23:22Low and cruel.
00:23:24What, are you that desperate for attention?
00:23:27You throw yourself at every guy who's nice to you?
00:23:32After that, the whole class kept their distance.
00:23:35The boys avoided me.
00:23:36None of the girls wanted to talk, either.
00:23:39People like the warm, easygoing ones.
00:23:41I was just the quiet, fat girl in the corner.
00:23:44But I didn't think about changing myself for anyone.
00:23:47The one time I tried, it was for Chase.
00:23:49Look how that turned out.
00:23:52I didn't even like him anymore.
00:23:53So what was the point?
00:23:55That Friday, gym class got a free activity time.
00:23:58Then the rain came, hard and fast.
00:24:00Everyone bolted for the doors at once.
00:24:02I hadn't even cleared the field when my knee twisted under me.
00:24:05A sharp pain shot up my leg and my knee buckled.
00:24:08My legs wouldn't hold me at all.
00:24:10I went down on the wet track and couldn't get up.
00:24:12The crowd kept running for cover.
00:24:14Nobody even slowed down.
00:24:16Two girls splashed past, barely glancing down.
00:24:18Wait, is that fatty on the ground?
00:24:20Ugh, leave her.
00:24:21I'm not getting soaked for her.
00:24:24And they were gone too.
00:24:25Then two pairs of legs stopped right next to me.
00:24:28Someone was finally there.
00:24:30I grabbed a pant leg without thinking, rain running into my mouth.
00:24:34Please, I think my knee gave out.
00:24:35I can't stand up on my own.
00:24:37Can you help me?
00:24:37The legs went still.
00:24:39Then a hand peeled my fingers off the fabric.
00:24:41And a voice said one word.
00:24:43No.
00:24:47I looked up.
00:24:49It was Chase.
00:24:51Madison laughed behind her hand.
00:24:54I knew you'd hurt yourself eventually.
00:24:56Now you can't even stand up.
00:24:57Chase held the umbrella over her and stepped around me.
00:25:01I can't help you.
00:25:02His voice came flat through the rain.
00:25:04And they walked away.
00:25:06I sat there alone in the downpour.
00:25:09In the end, I dragged myself up off that track by myself.
00:25:13I limped the long way to the front office.
00:25:19I didn't want anyone to see me cry.
00:25:21I was still sulking when Ms. Dot Dawson, our English teacher, walked in.
00:25:26A new guy trailed behind her.
00:25:28He wore a mask and a baseball cap pulled low.
00:25:31You couldn't see an inch of his face.
00:25:34Adrian Vance, you'll sit next to Tressa.
00:25:37He sat down without a word.
00:25:41Tyler, of course, couldn't keep his mouth shut.
00:25:44Look at this guy.
00:25:45His face is all covered up.
00:25:46I bet he's hideous.
00:25:49Madison leaned over from Chase's side.
00:25:51He has to be.
00:25:52Why else would he hide it?
00:25:56Tyler grinned.
00:25:57Look, it's the ghost and the fat chick.
00:25:59Are they a new couple?
00:26:07The new guy said nothing.
00:26:10Adrian and I went almost a month without a word.
00:26:13After the Ethan disaster, I wasn't about to get close to anyone.
00:26:17Then one lunch, I saw him slumped over his desk.
00:26:20His hand was pressed hard to his stomach.
00:26:23His shoulders were shaking.
00:26:25I hesitated.
00:26:26Then I walked over.
00:26:32Hey.
00:26:33Is it your stomach?
00:26:35He gave a low mmm.
00:26:38Sweat had broken out on the back of his neck.
00:26:40He was in real pain.
00:26:44Let me take you to the nurse.
00:26:46He didn't pull away when I touched him.
00:26:52He's almost six foot three, and most of him leaned on me.
00:26:56Good thing I'm built solid, or we'd both have hit the floor.
00:26:59The nurse gave him medicine, and sent me for plain broth.
00:27:05When I got back, only Adrian was left in the office.
00:27:10His one visible eye watched me, half-amused.
00:27:15You think I'm hideous, and you still help me?
00:27:18That's pretty kind, seatmate.
00:27:20I blinked.
00:27:22Huh?
00:27:23I'm not grossed out by you.
00:27:25I figured you hated me.
00:27:27That's why I never talked to you.
00:27:29He raised an eyebrow.
00:27:31Why would I hate you?
00:27:33I'd said it a hundred times.
00:27:35It came out easy.
00:27:37Because I'm fat.
00:27:39Adrian laughed.
00:27:41Low and clear.
00:27:43The eye looking back at me was warm.
00:27:45It was even beautiful.
00:27:47It was nothing like a face you'd need to hide.
00:27:51Then why do you always wear a mask?
00:27:54Want to see for yourself?
00:27:55Before I could answer, his fingers hooked under the strap of his mask.
00:28:13I just confessed to him in front of the entire class.
00:28:16It was the worst day of my life.
00:28:17But here's what nobody knows.
00:28:19Three weeks ago, that same guy told me I was beautiful.
00:28:22Oops.
00:28:23Move it, Batty.
00:28:24Tyler knocked my lunch tray out of my hands on purpose.
00:28:27Everyone walked past me, laughing.
00:28:29Then a hand reached down and helped me pick it up.
00:28:31It was Chase.
00:28:33He pulled me to my feet.
00:28:35Ignore them.
00:28:36They're trash.
00:28:37He grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
00:28:40You're pretty.
00:28:40Don't let anyone tell you're different.
00:28:42Then he walked off like it was nothing.
00:28:44Three weeks.
00:28:45It was all I could think about.
00:28:46I actually thought I had a chance.
00:28:48So, I did something insane.
00:28:51Confessed my feelings to him.
00:28:52Chase, I, I like you.
00:28:55Why are you confessing to me, Fatty?
00:28:57You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:29:00Did you really think a fat pig like you had a shot with me?
00:29:03The cinnamon roll I gave him landed in the trash.
00:29:07The whole class couldn't stopping laughing.
00:29:11The next morning, his buddy came to clear out the seat beside me.
00:29:15Chase is out three days.
00:29:16He got so grossed out he threw up.
00:29:18He asked Ms. Dawson to move him.
00:29:21After that, Chase and I didn't speak for a long time.
00:29:24Something happened that nobody expected.
00:29:25On the next practice essay, I ached it.
00:29:28It was the first time I ever beat Ethan.
00:29:31When class ended, he dragged his chair beside me.
00:29:33I'm your new seatmate.
00:29:35Then I glanced up without thinking.
00:29:36Chase was watching us from across the room.
00:29:38His face was ice cold.
00:29:39The next day, Ethan brought me two cinnamon rolls.
00:29:42A soft laugh came from beside us.
00:29:44Chase stood there.
00:29:45I didn't know you had such unique taste.
00:29:47Chase dropped a stack of postcards on our desks.
00:29:50Every woman on postcards had been drawn fat and ugly on purpose.
00:29:58Why are you confessing to me, fatty?
00:30:02The fat girl has a crush.
00:30:04That's adorable.
00:30:06Fatty!
00:30:11You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:30:18The cinnamon roll I gave him landed in the trash.
00:30:23The whole class couldn't stopping laughing.
00:30:27Did you really think a fat pig like you had a shot with me?
00:30:36That's Chase Sullivan.
00:30:38The star quarterback.
00:30:42Every girl at Lincoln High wants him.
00:30:49And then there's me.
00:30:50I'm just Tessa Lane.
00:30:54Fatty!
00:30:56Everyone here just calls me Fatty.
00:31:02Fatty.
00:31:03I just confessed to him in front of the entire class.
00:31:07It was the worst day of my life.
00:31:09But here's what nobody knows.
00:31:12Three weeks ago, that same guy told me I was beautiful.
00:31:17Oops.
00:31:18Move it, Fatty.
00:31:20Tyler knocked my lunch tray out of my hands on purpose.
00:31:24Everyone walked past me, laughing.
00:31:28Then a hand reached down and helped me pick it up.
00:31:35It was Chase.
00:31:36He pulled me to my feet.
00:31:39Ignore them.
00:31:40They're trash.
00:31:42I said what I always say.
00:31:44It's okay.
00:31:45I'm used to it.
00:31:46They're right, aren't they?
00:31:49He grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
00:31:52You're pretty.
00:31:53Don't let anyone tell you different.
00:31:55Then he walked off like it was nothing.
00:32:00Three weeks, it was all I could think about.
00:32:04A guy like that had been kind to me.
00:32:07I actually thought I had a chance.
00:32:11So, I did something insane.
00:32:14I bought him a cinnamon roll.
00:32:17Then, in front of everyone, I walked up to his desk.
00:32:22Confessed my feelings to him.
00:32:26Chase, I like you.
00:32:30You already saw how that went.
00:32:34Why are you confessing to me?
00:32:35You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:32:37The fat girl has a crush?
00:32:39That's adorable.
00:32:41I looked around the classroom.
00:32:43Everyone was laughing at me.
00:32:45And I understood.
00:32:47No one would believe a guy like Chase would like me.
00:32:56I cried in a bathroom stall until my eyes swelled shut.
00:33:02I pulled myself together and came out of the bathroom.
00:33:05Then I went back to my seat.
00:33:07Hannah, the one girl who still ate lunch with me.
00:33:10She was my only friend.
00:33:11At least, that's what I believed.
00:33:13Don't be upset, Tess.
00:33:14He didn't mean it.
00:33:15You can't really blame him, though.
00:33:17He was always nice to you.
00:33:18And after he was so nice to you, you confessed in front of everyone?
00:33:22You grossed him out.
00:33:23You really did.
00:33:24The worst part was that I agreed with her.
00:33:27You're right.
00:33:28I got way ahead of myself.
00:33:30I'll apologize when he's back.
00:33:32Good.
00:33:32Just say sorry.
00:33:34It'll blow over.
00:33:35You're cute, you know.
00:33:36You're soft and round like a marshmallow.
00:33:39I let that go and gave her a small smile.
00:33:42But Chase didn't come back that day.
00:33:45And I never did get to say sorry.
00:33:51The next morning, his buddy came to clear out the seat beside me.
00:33:55Chase is out three days.
00:33:57He got so grossed out he threw up.
00:33:59He asked Ms. Dawson to move him.
00:34:05It's not about you.
00:34:06Don't read into it.
00:34:07But it was about me.
00:34:09It always had been.
00:34:13Chase came back after three days.
00:34:16He walked in with his arm around the prettiest girl in school.
00:34:20It was Madison Pierce, captain of the cheer squad.
00:34:23She'd tormented me since freshman year.
00:34:26Chase, you actually got a girlfriend?
00:34:30So is this real, or are you two messing around?
00:34:32Madison pouted, all fake offense.
00:34:34What's that supposed to mean?
00:34:37I don't let just anyone touch me.
00:34:39Chase lifted an eyebrow and didn't deny.
00:34:42Half the class started cheering them on.
00:34:47I looked down at my books and went quiet.
00:34:49At least no one cared about my little scene anymore.
00:34:53After that, Chase and I didn't speak for a long time.
00:34:56I got used to sitting alone in English, head down, working.
00:35:01And slowly, something happened that nobody expected.
00:35:04On the next practice essay, I ached it.
00:35:07It was the first time I ever beat Ethan.
00:35:10Ethan was the kid who topped every class.
00:35:13I've never scored higher than him.
00:35:15When class ended, he dragged his chair beside me.
00:35:18He smirked at my shocked face.
00:35:22Miss Dawson told me to learn from you.
00:35:25I'm your new seatmate.
00:35:27Show me the ropes.
00:35:29For the first time in months, I had someone next to me again.
00:35:32I was happy.
00:35:33Then I glanced up without thinking.
00:35:36Chase was watching us from across the room.
00:35:38His face was ice cold.
00:35:40He'd clearly been staring a while.
00:35:42He looked away first, with a strange little smile.
00:35:45I figured my confession had disgusted him for good.
00:35:48He couldn't even stand to see me doing okay.
00:35:54The next day, Ethan brought me two cinnamon rolls.
00:35:57He set them on my desk.
00:35:59For me?
00:36:00Yeah.
00:36:01It's a thank you.
00:36:03I took them with both hands.
00:36:05I never let good food go to waste.
00:36:09A soft laugh came from beside us.
00:36:12Chase stood there, hoodie zipped to his chin.
00:36:16He leaned both hands on Ethan's desk and looked him over.
00:36:20Buddy, I didn't know you had such unique taste.
00:36:23His eyes were bright and mean.
00:36:25What's that supposed to mean?
00:36:27Ethan's face hardened.
00:36:29Chase dropped a stack of postcards on our desks.
00:36:33Every woman on postcards had been drawn fat and ugly on purpose.
00:36:38These are for you.
00:36:40You like this type, right?
00:36:42Do you want posters tomorrow, too?
00:36:44Who the hell likes pigs?
00:36:46Ethan shoved his chair, face dark red.
00:36:49Chase wasn't even mad.
00:36:50He raised a brow and let out a slow.
00:36:53Huh.
00:36:53You switched seats.
00:36:54I figured you were into her.
00:36:56No?
00:36:58His friends howled, and we became the focus of the class again.
00:37:02Ethan cursed under his breath.
00:37:04He hauled his stuff back to his old seat.
00:37:07Neither of them looked at me once.
00:37:08But every word was about me.
00:37:12The cinnamon rolls sat there and went cold.
00:37:15Before Chase walked off, I made myself speak.
00:37:18Why are you doing this?
00:37:19He stopped beside me and stared at the back wall.
00:37:23He didn't answer.
00:37:25Instead, he asked his own question.
00:37:27Low and cruel.
00:37:29What are you that desperate for attention?
00:37:31You throw yourself at every guy who's nice to you?
00:37:36After that, the whole class kept their distance.
00:37:39The boys avoided me.
00:37:41None of the girls wanted to talk, either.
00:37:43People like the warm, easy-going ones.
00:37:46I was just the quiet, fat girl in the corner.
00:37:49But I didn't think about changing myself for anyone.
00:37:52The one time I tried, it was for Chase.
00:37:54Look how that turned out.
00:37:56I didn't even like him anymore.
00:37:58So what was the point?
00:37:59That Friday, gym class got a free activity time.
00:38:03Then the rain came, hard and fast.
00:38:05Everyone bolted for the doors at once.
00:38:07I hadn't even cleared the field when my knee twisted under me.
00:38:10A sharp pain shot up my leg, and my knee buckled.
00:38:13My legs wouldn't hold me at all.
00:38:15I went down on the wet track and couldn't get up.
00:38:17The crowd kept running for cover.
00:38:19Nobody even slowed down.
00:38:20Two girls splashed past, barely glancing down.
00:38:23Wait, is that Fatty on the ground?
00:38:25Ugh, leave her.
00:38:26I'm not getting soaked for her.
00:38:28And they were gone, too.
00:38:30Then two pairs of legs stopped right next to me.
00:38:33Someone was finally there.
00:38:35I grabbed a pant leg without thinking, rain running into my mouth.
00:38:38Please, I think my knee gave out.
00:38:40I can't stand up on my own.
00:38:41Can you help me?
00:38:42The legs went still.
00:38:44Then a hand peeled my fingers off the fabric, and a voice said one word.
00:38:48No.
00:38:52I looked up.
00:38:53It was Chase.
00:38:55Madison laughed behind her hand.
00:38:58I knew you'd hurt yourself eventually.
00:39:00Now you can't even stand up.
00:39:02Chase held the umbrella over her and stepped around me.
00:39:05I can't help you.
00:39:07His voice came flat through the rain, and they walked away.
00:39:11I sat there alone in the downpour.
00:39:13In the end, I dragged myself up off that track by myself.
00:39:17I limped the long way to the front office.
00:39:24I didn't want anyone to see me cry.
00:39:26I was still sulking when Ms. Dot Dawson, our English teacher, walked in.
00:39:30A new guy trailed behind her.
00:39:33He wore a mask and a baseball cap pulled low.
00:39:36You couldn't see an inch of his face.
00:39:39Adrian Vance, you'll sit next to Tressa.
00:39:41He sat down without a word.
00:39:45Tyler, of course, couldn't keep his mouth shut.
00:39:48Look at this guy.
00:39:49His face is all covered up.
00:39:51I bet he's hideous.
00:39:53Madison leaned over from Chase's side.
00:39:56He asked me, why else would he hide it?
00:40:01Tyler grinned.
00:40:02Look, it's the ghost and the fat chick.
00:40:04Are they a new couple?
00:40:12The new guy said nothing.
00:40:14Adrian and I went almost a month without a word.
00:40:18After the Ethan disaster, I wasn't about to get close to anyone.
00:40:22Then one lunch, I saw him slumped over his desk.
00:40:25His hand was pressed hard to his stomach.
00:40:28His shoulders were shaking.
00:40:30I hesitated.
00:40:31Then I walked over.
00:40:37Hey, is it your stomach?
00:40:40He gave a low mmm.
00:40:42Sweat had broken out on the back of his neck.
00:40:45He was in real pain.
00:40:48Let me take you to the nurse.
00:40:50He didn't pull away when I touched him.
00:40:56He's almost six foot three, and most of him leaned on me.
00:41:00Good thing I'm built solid, or we'd both have hit the floor.
00:41:04The nurse gave him medicine, and sent me for plain broth.
00:41:10When I got back, only Adrian was left in the office.
00:41:15His one visible eye watched me, half amused.
00:41:19You think I'm hideous, and you still help me?
00:41:22That's pretty kind, seatmate.
00:41:25I blinked.
00:41:27Huh?
00:41:28I'm not grossed out by you.
00:41:30I figured you hated me.
00:41:32That's why I never talked to you.
00:41:34He raised an eyebrow.
00:41:36Why would I hate you?
00:41:38I'd said it a hundred times.
00:41:39It came out easy.
00:41:41Because I'm fat.
00:41:44Adrian laughed, low and clear.
00:41:47The eye looking back at me was warm.
00:41:50It was even beautiful.
00:41:52It was nothing like a face you'd need to hide.
00:41:56Then why do you always wear a mask?
00:41:58Want to see for yourself?
00:42:00Before I could answer, his fingers hooked under the strap of his mask.
00:42:17I just confessed to him in front of the entire class.
00:42:20It was the worst day of my life.
00:42:22But here's what nobody knows.
00:42:24Three weeks ago, that same guy told me I was beautiful.
00:42:27Oops.
00:42:27Move it, Batty.
00:42:28Tyler knocked my lunch tray out of my hands on purpose.
00:42:32Everyone walked past me, laughing.
00:42:34Then a hand reached down and helped me pick it up.
00:42:36It was Chase.
00:42:37He pulled me to my feet.
00:42:40Ignore them.
00:42:41They're trash.
00:42:42He grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
00:42:44You're pretty.
00:42:45Don't let anyone tell you different.
00:42:46Then he walked off like it was nothing.
00:42:48Three weeks, it was all I could think about.
00:42:51I actually thought I had a chance.
00:42:53So, I did something insane.
00:42:56Confessed my feelings to him.
00:42:57Chase, I like you.
00:42:59Why are you confessing to me, fatty?
00:43:02You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:43:04Did you really think a fat pig like you had a shot with me?
00:43:08The cinnamon roll I gave him landed in the trash.
00:43:12The whole class couldn't stop laughing.
00:43:15The next morning, his buddy came to clear out the seat beside me.
00:43:19Chase is out three days.
00:43:21He got so grossed out he threw up.
00:43:22He asked Ms. Dawson to move him.
00:43:26After that, Chase and I didn't speak for a long time.
00:43:29Something happened that nobody expected.
00:43:30On the next practice essay, I ached it.
00:43:33It was the first time I ever beat Ethan.
00:43:35When class ended, he dragged his chair beside me.
00:43:38I'm your new seatmate.
00:43:39Then I glanced up without thinking.
00:43:41Chase was watching us from across the room.
00:43:43His face was ice cold.
00:43:44The next day, Ethan brought me two cinnamon rolls.
00:43:47A soft laugh came from beside us.
00:43:49Chase stood there.
00:43:50I didn't know you had such unique taste.
00:43:52Chase dropped a stack of postcards on our desks.
00:43:55Every woman on postcards had been drawn fat and ugly on purpose.
00:44:03Why are you confessing to me, fatty?
00:44:06The fat girl has a crush.
00:44:09That's adorable.
00:44:11Fatty!
00:44:16You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:44:23The cinnamon roll I gave him landed in the trash.
00:44:28The whole class couldn't stop laughing.
00:44:32Did you really think a fat pig like you had a shot with me?
00:44:40That's Chase Sullivan.
00:44:43The star quarterback.
00:44:47Every girl at Lincoln High wants him.
00:44:53And then there's me.
00:44:55I'm just Tessa Lane.
00:44:59Fatty!
00:45:00Everyone here just calls me Fatty.
00:45:07Fatty.
00:45:07I just confessed to him in front of the entire class.
00:45:11It was the worst day of my life.
00:45:14But here's what nobody knows.
00:45:16Three weeks ago, that same guy told me I was beautiful.
00:45:22Oops.
00:45:23Move it, Fatty!
00:45:24Tyler knocked my lunch tray out of my hands on purpose.
00:45:29Everyone walked past me, laughing.
00:45:32Then a hand reached down and helped me pick it up.
00:45:40It was Chase.
00:45:41He pulled me to my feet.
00:45:44Ignore them.
00:45:45They're trash.
00:45:47I said what I always say.
00:45:49It's okay.
00:45:50I'm used to it.
00:45:51They're right, aren't they?
00:45:54He grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
00:45:57You're pretty.
00:45:58Don't let anyone tell you different.
00:46:00Then he walked off like it was nothing.
00:46:05Three weeks.
00:46:06It was all I could think about.
00:46:09A guy like that had been kind to me.
00:46:12I actually thought I had a chance.
00:46:15So, I did something insane.
00:46:18I bought him a cinnamon roll.
00:46:22Then, in front of everyone, I walked up to his desk.
00:46:27Confessed my feelings to him.
00:46:31Chase, I like you.
00:46:35You already saw how that went.
00:46:38Why are you confessing to me?
00:46:40You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:46:42The fat girl has a crush?
00:46:43That's adorable.
00:46:46I looked around the classroom.
00:46:48Everyone was laughing at me.
00:46:50And I understood.
00:46:51No one would believe a guy like Chase would like me.
00:47:00I cried in a bathroom stall until my eyes swelled shut.
00:47:07I pulled myself together and came out of the bathroom.
00:47:10Then I went back to my seat.
00:47:12Hannah, the one girl who still ate lunch with me.
00:47:14She was my only friend.
00:47:16At least, that's what I believed.
00:47:18Don't be upset, Tess.
00:47:19He didn't mean it.
00:47:20You can't really blame him, though.
00:47:22He was always nice to you.
00:47:23And after he was so nice to you, you confessed in front of everyone?
00:47:26You grossed him out.
00:47:28You really did.
00:47:29The worst part was that I agreed with her.
00:47:32You're right.
00:47:32I got way ahead of myself.
00:47:35I'll apologize when he's back.
00:47:37Good.
00:47:37Just say sorry.
00:47:38It'll blow over.
00:47:40You're cute, you know.
00:47:41You're soft and round like a marshmallow.
00:47:44I let that go and gave her a small smile.
00:47:47But Chase didn't come back that day.
00:47:49And I never did get to say sorry.
00:47:55The next morning, his buddy came to clear out the seat beside me.
00:48:00Chase is out three days.
00:48:02He got so grossed out he threw up.
00:48:04He asked Ms. Dawson to move him.
00:48:09It's not about you.
00:48:10Don't read into it.
00:48:12But it was about me.
00:48:14It always had been.
00:48:18Chase came back after three days.
00:48:20He walked in with his arm around the prettiest girl in school.
00:48:24It was Madison Pierce, captain of the cheer squad.
00:48:28She'd tormented me since freshman year.
00:48:31Chase, you actually got a girlfriend?
00:48:34So is this real, or are you two messing around?
00:48:37Madison pouted, all fake offense.
00:48:40What's that supposed to mean?
00:48:42I don't let just anyone touch me.
00:48:44Chase lifted an eyebrow and didn't deny.
00:48:47Half the class started cheering them on.
00:48:52I looked down at my books and went quiet.
00:48:54At least no one cared about my little scene anymore.
00:48:58After that, Chase and I didn't speak for a long time.
00:49:01I got used to sitting alone in English, head down, working.
00:49:05And slowly, something happened that nobody expected.
00:49:08On the next practice essay, I ached it.
00:49:12It was the first time I ever beat Ethan.
00:49:14Ethan was the kid who topped every class.
00:49:17I've never scored higher than him.
00:49:20When class ended, he dragged his chair beside me.
00:49:23He smirked at my shocked face.
00:49:27Miss Dawson told me to learn from you.
00:49:29I'm your new seatmate.
00:49:31Show me the ropes.
00:49:33For the first time in months, I had someone next to me again.
00:49:37I was happy.
00:49:38Then I glanced up without thinking.
00:49:41Chase was watching us from across the room.
00:49:43His face was ice cold.
00:49:45He'd clearly been staring a while.
00:49:46He looked away first, with a strange little smile.
00:49:49I figured my confession had disgusted him for good.
00:49:52He couldn't even stand to see me doing okay.
00:49:59The next day, Ethan brought me two cinnamon rolls.
00:50:01He set them on my desk.
00:50:04For me?
00:50:05Yeah.
00:50:06It's a thank you.
00:50:08I took them with both hands.
00:50:10I never let good food go to waste.
00:50:14A soft laugh came from beside us.
00:50:17Chase stood there, hoodie zipped to his chin.
00:50:20He leaned both hands on Ethan's desk and looked him over.
00:50:25Buddy, I didn't know you had such unique taste.
00:50:28His eyes were bright and mean.
00:50:30What's that supposed to mean?
00:50:32Ethan's face hardened.
00:50:34Chase dropped a stack of postcards on our desks.
00:50:38Every woman on postcards had been drawn fat and ugly on purpose.
00:50:43These are for you.
00:50:44You like this type, right?
00:50:47Do you want posters tomorrow, too?
00:50:49Who the hell likes pigs?
00:50:51Ethan shoved his chair, face dark red.
00:50:53Chase wasn't even mad.
00:50:55He raised a brow and let out a slow.
00:50:57Huh.
00:50:58You switched seats.
00:50:59I figured you were into her.
00:51:01No?
00:51:03His friends howled, and we became the focus of the class again.
00:51:07Ethan cursed under his breath.
00:51:09He hauled his stuff back to his old seat.
00:51:12Neither of them looked at me once.
00:51:13But every word was about me.
00:51:16The cinnamon rolls sat there and went cold.
00:51:20Before Chase walked off, I made myself speak.
00:51:23Why are you doing this?
00:51:24He stopped beside me and stared at the back wall.
00:51:27He didn't answer.
00:51:29Instead, he asked his own question.
00:51:32Low and cruel.
00:51:34What, are you that desperate for attention?
00:51:36You throw yourself at every guy who's nice to you?
00:51:41After that, the whole class kept their distance.
00:51:44The boys avoided me.
00:51:46None of the girls wanted to talk, either.
00:51:48People like the warm, easy-going ones.
00:51:51I was just the quiet, fat girl in the corner.
00:51:54But I didn't think about changing myself for anyone.
00:51:56The one time I tried, it was for Chase.
00:51:58Look how that turned out.
00:52:01I didn't even like him anymore.
00:52:03So what was the point?
00:52:04That Friday, gym class got a free activity time.
00:52:07Then the rain came, hard and fast.
00:52:10Everyone bolted for the doors at once.
00:52:11I hadn't even cleared the field when my knee twisted under me.
00:52:15A sharp pain shot up my leg and my knee buckled.
00:52:17My legs wouldn't hold me at all.
00:52:19I went down on the wet track and couldn't get up.
00:52:21The crowd kept running for cover.
00:52:23Nobody even slowed down.
00:52:25Two girls splashed past, barely glancing down.
00:52:28Wait, is that Fatty on the ground?
00:52:30Ugh, leave her.
00:52:31I'm not getting soaked for her.
00:52:33And they were gone, too.
00:52:35Then two pairs of legs stopped right next to me.
00:52:38Someone was finally there.
00:52:39I grabbed a pant leg without thinking, rain running into my mouth.
00:52:43Please, I think my knee gave out.
00:52:45I can't stand up on my own.
00:52:46Can you help me?
00:52:47The legs went still.
00:52:48Then a hand peeled my fingers off the fabric.
00:52:50And a voice said one word.
00:52:52No.
00:52:57I looked up.
00:52:58It was Chase.
00:53:00Madison laughed behind her hand.
00:53:03I knew you'd hurt yourself eventually.
00:53:05Now you can't even stand up.
00:53:07Chase held the umbrella over her and stepped around me.
00:53:10I can't help you.
00:53:11His voice came flat through the rain.
00:53:14And they walked away.
00:53:15I sat there alone in the downpour.
00:53:18In the end, I dragged myself up off that track by myself.
00:53:22I limped the long way to the front office.
00:53:28I didn't want anyone to see me cry.
00:53:31I was still sulking when Ms. Dot Dawson, our English teacher, walked in.
00:53:35A new guy trailed behind her.
00:53:38He wore a mask and a baseball cap pulled low.
00:53:41You couldn't see an inch of his face.
00:53:43Adrian Vance?
00:53:45You'll sit next to Tressa.
00:53:46He sat down without a word.
00:53:50Tyler, of course, couldn't keep his mouth shut.
00:53:53Look at this guy.
00:53:54His face is all covered up.
00:53:55I bet he's hideous.
00:53:58Madison leaned over from Chase's side.
00:54:01He asked me, why else would he hide it?
00:54:06Tyler grinned.
00:54:07Look, it's the ghost and the fat chick.
00:54:09Are they a new couple?
00:54:17The new guy said nothing.
00:54:19Adrian and I went almost a month without a word.
00:54:22After the Ethan disaster, I wasn't about to get close to anyone.
00:54:26Then one lunch, I saw him slumped over his desk.
00:54:30His hand was pressed hard to his stomach.
00:54:32His shoulders were shaking.
00:54:34I hesitated.
00:54:36Then I walked over.
00:54:42Hey, is it your stomach?
00:54:45He gave a low mmm.
00:54:47Sweat had broken out on the back of his neck.
00:54:49He was in real pain.
00:54:53Let me take you to the nurse.
00:54:55He didn't pull away when I touched him.
00:55:01He's almost six foot three, and most of him leaned on me.
00:55:05Good thing I'm built solid, or we'd both have hit the floor.
00:55:08The nurse gave him medicine, and sent me for plain broth.
00:55:14When I got back, only Adrian was left in the office.
00:55:19His one visible eye watched me, half amused.
00:55:24You think I'm hideous, and you still help me?
00:55:27That's pretty kind, seatmate.
00:55:29I blinked.
00:55:31Huh?
00:55:33I'm not grossed out by you.
00:55:35I figured you hated me.
00:55:36That's why I never talked to you.
00:55:38He raised an eyebrow.
00:55:41Why would I hate you?
00:55:43I'd said it a hundred times.
00:55:44It came out easy.
00:55:46Because I'm fat.
00:55:49Adrian laughed.
00:55:50Low and clear.
00:55:52The eye looking back at me was warm.
00:55:55It was even beautiful.
00:55:57It was nothing like a face you'd need to hide.
00:56:01Then why do you always wear a mask?
00:56:03Want to see for yourself?
00:56:05Before I could answer, his fingers hooked under the strap of his mask.
00:56:22I just confessed to him in front of the entire class.
00:56:25It was the worst day of my life.
00:56:27But here's what nobody knows.
00:56:28Three weeks ago, that same guy told me I was beautiful.
00:56:31Oops.
00:56:32Move it, Batty.
00:56:33Tyler knocked my lunch tray out of my hands on purpose.
00:56:36Everyone walked past me, laughing.
00:56:38Then a hand reached down and helped me pick it up.
00:56:41It was Chase.
00:56:42He pulled me to my feet.
00:56:44Ignore them.
00:56:46They're trash.
00:56:47He grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
00:56:49You're pretty.
00:56:50Don't let anyone tell you different.
00:56:51Then he walked off like it was nothing.
00:56:53Three weeks.
00:56:54It was all I could think about.
00:56:56I actually thought I had a chance.
00:56:57So, I did something insane.
00:57:00Confessed my feelings to him.
00:57:02Chase, I like you.
00:57:04Why are you confessing to me, Fatty?
00:57:06You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:57:09Did you really think a fat pig like you had a shot with me?
00:57:13The cinnamon roll I gave him landed in the trash.
00:57:17The whole class couldn't stop laughing.
00:57:20The next morning, his buddy came to clear out the seat beside me.
00:57:24Chase is out three days.
00:57:25He got so grossed out he threw up.
00:57:27He asked Ms. Dawson to move him.
00:57:30After that, Chase and I didn't speak for a long time.
00:57:33Something happened that nobody expected.
00:57:35On the next practice essay, I ached it.
00:57:38It was the first time I ever beat Ethan.
00:57:40When class ended, he dragged his chair beside me.
00:57:43I'm your new seatmate.
00:57:44Then I glanced up without thinking.
00:57:46Chase was watching us from across the room.
00:57:48His face was ice cold.
00:57:49The next day, Ethan brought me two cinnamon rolls.
00:57:51A soft laugh came from beside us.
00:57:54Chase stood there.
00:57:55I didn't know you had such unique taste.
00:57:57Chase dropped a stack of postcards on our desks.
00:57:59Every woman on postcards had been drawn fat and ugly on purpose.
00:58:08Why are you confessing to me, fatty?
00:58:11The fat girl has a crush.
00:58:13That's adorable.
00:58:16Fatty!
00:58:21You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
00:58:28The cinnamon roll I gave him landed in the trash.
00:58:32The whole class couldn't stop laughing.
00:58:36Did you really think a fat pig like you had a shot with me?
00:58:45That's Chase Sullivan.
00:58:48The star quarterback.
00:58:52Every girl at Lincoln High wants him.
00:58:58And then there's me.
00:59:00I'm just Tessa Lane.
00:59:04Fatty!
00:59:05Everyone here just calls me Fatty.
00:59:11Fatty.
00:59:12I just confessed to him in front of the entire class.
00:59:16It was the worst day of my life.
00:59:18But here's what nobody knows.
00:59:21Three weeks ago,
00:59:22that same guy told me I was beautiful.
00:59:27Oops.
00:59:28Move it, Fatty.
00:59:29Tyler knocked my lunch tray out of my hands on purpose.
00:59:33Everyone walked past me, laughing.
00:59:37Then a hand reached down and helped me pick it up.
00:59:44It was Chase.
00:59:46He pulled me to my feet.
00:59:49Ignore them.
00:59:50They're trash.
00:59:51I said what I always say.
00:59:54It's okay.
00:59:55I'm used to it.
00:59:56They're right, aren't they?
00:59:58He grabbed my chin and made me look at him.
01:00:02You're pretty.
01:00:03Don't let anyone tell you different.
01:00:04Then he walked off like it was nothing.
01:00:09Three weeks,
01:00:11it was all I could think about.
01:00:13A guy like that had been kind to me.
01:00:17I actually thought I had a chance.
01:00:19So,
01:00:21I did something insane.
01:00:23I bought him a cinnamon roll.
01:00:27Then,
01:00:28in front of everyone,
01:00:29I walked up to his desk,
01:00:32confessed my feelings to him.
01:00:36Chase,
01:00:37I,
01:00:37I like you.
01:00:40You already saw how that went.
01:00:43Why are you confessing to me?
01:00:45You don't actually think I meant you were pretty, do you?
01:00:47The fat girl has a crush?
01:00:48That's adorable.
01:00:50I looked around the classroom.
01:00:53Everyone was laughing at me.
01:00:54And I understood.
01:00:56No one would believe a guy like Chase would like me.
01:01:05I cried in a bathroom stall until my eyes swelled shut.
01:01:11I pulled myself together and came out of the bathroom.
01:01:15Then I went back to my seat.
01:01:16Hannah,
01:01:17the one girl who still ate lunch with me.
01:01:19She was my only friend.
01:01:21At least,
01:01:21that's what I believed.
01:01:22Don't be upset,
01:01:23Tess.
01:01:24He didn't mean it.
01:01:25You can't really blame him,
01:01:26though.
01:01:26He was always nice to you.
01:01:28And after he was so nice to you,
01:01:29you confessed in front of everyone?
01:01:31You grossed him out.
01:01:33You really did.
01:01:34The worst part was that I agreed with her.
01:01:36You're right.
01:01:37I got way ahead of myself.
01:01:39I'll apologize when he's back.
01:01:41Good.
01:01:42Just say sorry.
01:01:43It'll blow over.
01:01:44You're cute,
01:01:45you know.
01:01:46You're soft and round like a marshmallow.
01:01:49I let that go and gave her a small smile.
01:01:52But Chase didn't come back that day.
01:01:54And I never did get to say sorry.
01:02:00The next morning,
01:02:02his buddy came to clear out the seat beside me.
01:02:05Chase is out three days.
01:02:07He got so grossed out he threw up.
01:02:09He asked Ms. Dawson to move him.
01:02:14It's not about you.
01:02:15Don't read into it.
01:02:17But it was about me.
01:02:19It always had been.
01:02:23Chase came back after three days.
01:02:25He walked in with his arm around the prettiest girl in school.
01:02:29It was Madison Pierce,
01:02:31captain of the cheer squad.
01:02:33She'd tormented me since freshman year.
01:02:36Chase!
01:02:37You actually got a girlfriend?
01:02:39So is this real?
01:02:40Or are you two messing around?
01:02:42Madison pouted.
01:02:43All fake offense.
01:02:45What's that supposed to mean?
01:02:46I don't let just anyone touch me.
01:02:49Chase lifted an eyebrow and didn't deny.
01:02:51Half the class started cheering them on.
01:02:56I looked down at my books and went quiet.
01:02:59At least no one cared about my little scene anymore.
01:03:03After that, Chase and I didn't speak for a long time.
01:03:06I got used to sitting alone in English,
01:03:08head down,
01:03:09working.
01:03:10And slowly,
01:03:11something happened that nobody expected.
01:03:14On the next practice essay,
01:03:15I ached it.
01:03:16It was the first time I ever beat Ethan.
01:03:19Ethan was the kid who topped every class.
01:03:22I've never scored higher than him.
01:03:24When class ended,
01:03:26he dragged his chair beside me.
01:03:27He smirked at my shocked face.
01:03:31Miss Dawson told me to learn from you.
01:03:34I'm your new seatmate.
01:03:36Show me the ropes.
01:03:38For the first time in months,
01:03:40I had someone next to me again.
01:03:42I was happy.
01:03:43Then I glanced up without thinking.
01:03:46Chase was watching us from across the room.
01:03:48His face was ice cold.
01:03:49He'd clearly been staring a while.
01:03:51He looked away first,
01:03:52with a strange little smile.
01:03:54I figured my confession had disgusted him for good.
01:03:57He couldn't even stand to see me doing okay.
01:04:03The next day,
01:04:04Ethan brought me two cinnamon rolls.
01:04:06He set them on my desk.
01:04:09For me?
01:04:10Yeah.
01:04:10It's a thank you.
01:04:12I took them with both hands.
01:04:15I never let good food go to waste.
01:04:19A soft laugh came from beside us.
01:04:22Chase stood there,
01:04:23hoodie zipped to his chin.
01:04:25He leaned both hands on Ethan's desk
01:04:27and looked him over.
01:04:29Buddy,
01:04:30I didn't know you had such unique taste.
01:04:32His eyes were bright and mean.
01:04:35What's that supposed to mean?
01:04:37Ethan's face hardened.
01:04:39Chase dropped a stack of postcards on our desks.
01:04:43Every woman on postcards
01:04:45had been drawn fat and ugly on purpose.
01:04:48These are for you.
01:04:49You like this type, right?
01:04:51Do you want posters tomorrow too?
01:04:53Who the hell likes pigs?
01:04:55Ethan shoved his chair,
01:04:57face dark red.
01:04:58Chase wasn't even mad.
01:05:00He raised a brow and let out a slow.
01:05:02Huh.
01:05:03You switched seats.
01:05:04I figured you were into her.
01:05:05No?
01:05:08His friends howled,
01:05:09and we became the focus of the class again.
01:05:12Ethan cursed under his breath.
01:05:14He hauled his stuff back to his old seat.
01:05:16Neither of them looked at me once,
01:05:18but every word was about me.
01:05:21The cinnamon rolls sat there and went cold.
01:05:25Before Chase walked off,
01:05:26I made myself speak.
01:05:27Why are you doing this?
01:05:29He stopped beside me and stared at the back wall.
01:05:32He didn't answer.
01:05:34Instead, he asked his own question.
01:05:37Low and cruel.
01:05:38What are you that desperate for attention?
01:05:41You throw yourself at every guy who's nice to you?
01:05:46After that,
01:05:47the whole class kept their distance.
01:05:49The boys avoided me.
01:05:51None of the girls wanted to talk either.
01:05:53People like the warm, easy-going ones.
01:05:55I was just the quiet, fat girl in the corner.
01:05:58But I didn't think about changing myself for anyone.
01:06:01The one time I tried,
01:06:02it was for Chase.
01:06:03Look how that turned out.
01:06:06I didn't even like him anymore,
01:06:08so what was the point?
01:06:09That Friday,
01:06:10gym class got a free activity time.
01:06:12Then the rain came,
01:06:13hard and fast.
01:06:14Everyone bolted for the doors at once.
01:06:16I hadn't even cleared the field
01:06:18when my knee twisted under me.
01:06:19A sharp pain shot up my leg,
01:06:21and my knee buckled.
01:06:22My legs wouldn't hold me at all.
01:06:24I went down on the wet track
01:06:25and couldn't get up.
01:06:26The crowd kept running for cover.
01:06:28Nobody even slowed down.
01:06:30Two girls splashed past,
01:06:31barely glancing down.
01:06:33Wait, is that Fatty on the ground?
01:06:35Ugh, leave her.
01:06:35I'm not getting soaked for her.
01:06:38And they were gone too.
01:06:40Then two pairs of legs
01:06:41stopped right next to me.
01:06:42Someone was finally there.
01:06:44I grabbed a pant leg without thinking,
01:06:46rain running into my mouth.
01:06:48Please, I think my knee gave out.
01:06:50I can't stand up on my own.
01:06:51Can you help me?
01:06:52The legs went still.
01:06:53Then a hand peeled my fingers
01:06:54off the fabric,
01:06:55and a voice said one word.
01:06:57No.
01:07:02I looked up.
01:07:03It was Chase.
01:07:05Madison laughed behind her hand.
01:07:08I knew you'd hurt yourself eventually.
01:07:10Now you can't even stand up.
01:07:12Chase held the umbrella over her
01:07:13and stepped around me.
01:07:15I can't help you.
01:07:16His voice came flat through the rain,
01:07:18and they walked away.
01:07:20I sat there alone in the downpour.
01:07:23In the end,
01:07:24I dragged myself up
01:07:25off that track by myself.
01:07:27I limped the long way
01:07:28to the front office.
01:07:33I didn't want anyone
01:07:34to see me cry.
01:07:36I was still sulking
01:07:37when Ms. Dot Dawson,
01:07:38our English teacher,
01:07:39walked in.
01:07:40A new guy trailed behind her.
01:07:42He wore a mask
01:07:44and a baseball cap pulled low.
01:07:46You couldn't see
01:07:46an inch of his face.
01:07:48Adrian Vance,
01:07:49you'll sit next to Tressa.
01:07:51He sat down without a word.
01:07:55Tyler, of course,
01:07:56couldn't keep his mouth shut.
01:07:58Look at this guy.
01:07:59His face is all covered up.
01:08:00I bet he's hideous.
01:08:03Madison leaned over
01:08:04from Chase's side.
01:08:05He has to be.
01:08:07Why else would he hide it?
01:08:10Tyler grinned.
01:08:12Look, it's the ghost
01:08:13and the fat chick.
01:08:14Are they a new couple?
01:08:21The new guy said nothing.
01:08:24Adrian and I went
01:08:25almost a month
01:08:26without a word.
01:08:27After the Ethan disaster,
01:08:28I wasn't about
01:08:30to get close to anyone.
01:08:31Then one lunch,
01:08:32I saw him slumped
01:08:33over his desk.
01:08:35His hand was pressed
01:08:36hard to his stomach.
01:08:37His shoulders were shaking.
01:08:39I hesitated.
01:08:41Then I walked over.
01:08:46Hey,
01:08:47is it your stomach?
01:08:57Let me take you to the nurse.
01:09:00He didn't pull away
01:09:01when I touched him.
01:09:06He's almost six foot three
01:09:08and most of him leaned on me.
01:09:10Good thing I'm built solid
01:09:11or we'd both have hit the floor.
01:09:13The nurse gave him medicine
01:09:15and sent me for plain broth.
01:09:19When I got back,
01:09:21only Adrian was left in the office.
01:09:24His one visible eye watched me,
01:09:27half amused.
01:09:29You think I'm hideous
01:09:30and you still help me?
01:09:32That's pretty kind, seatmate.
01:09:34I blinked.
01:09:36Huh?
01:09:38I'm not grossed out by you.
01:09:40I figured you hated me.
01:09:41That's why I never talked to you.
01:09:43He raised an eyebrow.
01:09:45Why would I hate you?
01:09:47I'd said it a hundred times.
01:09:49It came out easy.
01:09:51Because I'm fat.
01:09:53Adrian laughed,
01:09:55low and clear.
01:09:57The eye looking back at me
01:09:58was warm.
01:10:00It was even beautiful.
01:10:02It was nothing
01:10:03like a face
01:10:04you'd need to hide.
01:10:06Then why do you always wear a mask?
01:10:08Want to see for yourself?
01:10:09Before I could answer,
01:10:11his fingers hooked
01:10:11under the strap of his mask.
01:10:13The eye looking back at me
01:10:16I'm not grossed out by you.
01:10:16I'm not grossed out by you.
01:10:16I'm grossed out by you.
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