From Geek to Beast

Part 16

Allison woke to the soft chirping of birds outside her window. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across her room. For a moment, she lay there, savoring the calm. But the buzz of her alarm reminded her it was time to get up.

As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, her reflection in the full-length mirror across the room caught her eye. Even after a few days, the sight of her new body still felt surreal.

Gone was the roundness that had once made her dread shopping trips and school dances. Her figure was now lean and athletic, her curves balanced in a way that seemed almost effortless. Her skin, once pale and often blotchy, now glowed with a healthy, sun-kissed radiance. Her dark brown hair, which used to hang limp no matter how much product she used, now cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders, shining in the morning light.

Her once chubby cheeks had slimmed down, accentuating her high cheekbones and giving her face a refined look. Even her eyes—hazel with flecks of green—seemed brighter, more piercing. She looked like a completely different person, and yet, deep down, she still felt like the same Allison.

After a quick stretch, she headed to her closet and pulled out her school uniform: a navy-blue pleated skirt, a crisp white blouse, and a matching blazer with the school's crest stitched onto the pocket. She slipped into the blouse and skirt, adjusting the waistband. The clothes fit her new frame perfectly now, hugging her in all the right places.

Allison turned back to the mirror, studying her reflection. The uniform that had once made her feel self-conscious now felt empowering. She reached for her makeup bag, which had been mostly untouched before her transformation.

"I guess a little won't hurt," she murmured to herself.

She started with a touch of concealer, though her skin hardly needed it anymore. A sweep of mascara made her long lashes pop, and a hint of blush brought warmth to her already glowing cheeks. Finally, she added a nude lip gloss, giving her lips a subtle shine.

Stepping back from the mirror, she felt a strange mix of confidence and disbelief. This was her life now—a life where people noticed her, where she didn't have to hide behind oversized hoodies or avoid eye contact in the hallways.

"Allison, are you ready?" her mom called from downstairs.

"Almost!" she shouted back.

She grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder, and took one last look in the mirror. For the first time, she didn't feel the need to critique or hide.

She was ready.

As she headed down the stairs, Leah appeared at the bottom, already dressed and scrolling through her phone. She glanced up and froze, her eyes widening.

"Wow," Leah said, her tone equal parts awe and irritation. "You really don't even have to try, do you?"

Allison rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Leah. I'll take that as a compliment."

Their mom appeared from the kitchen, a travel mug in hand. "You look great, sweetie. Have a good day at school."

"Thanks, Mom," Allison said, grabbing a piece of toast from the counter.

As she and Leah headed out the door, Allison couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. Today would bring new whispers, new stares, and maybe even new challenges.

But for the first time in years, she felt ready to face them.