Chapter 17 : A Hope

Ann POV

“Oh no,” I muttered as I scrolled through my laptop, desperately looking for something to add to my science test. I had been scrolling for hours without finding anything useful. All I kept seeing were some ridiculous solutions that would definitely earn me an F if I wasn’t careful. I leaned back in my chair, wishing Billie were here. I sighed; if she were here, I knew she could solve this problem. She was a genius. A total genius, even though she didn't focus on science — I bet she could find the answer in a minute if she just took a quick look.

I admired her intelligence; she’s incredibly smart and always seems to know the solution before anyone finishes asking the question. Unfortunately, John took advantage of her talent. He used her to get an A in English, and once he achieved that, he turned his back on her. He never really loved her. I wished I were just as brilliant as her — then I wouldn't be racking my brain over this stupid science test. At least there’s something better than beauty: intelligence. But both are good. Billie had the intelligence; it was the beauty she lacked, and I wished she could have that too. But how?

I thought of ways to help her. Then I closed the website and started researching how to go from being a heavy girl to a slim beauty, how to lose weight, and how to remove a birthmark. I typed and typed, but it was all a waste; most of the results were ridiculous ideas, like becoming a monk. How absurd!

I stifled a laugh. Then, a message appeared on my screen — it was from someone named MN. My heart skipped a beat. MN. Billie had once mentioned that an unknown man who sent her a postcard was named MN.

I recalled her words and looked back at the screen. But why was he messaging me instead of Billie? What did he want to say to me?

I shook my head. Unlike Billie, I wasn’t going to feel sorry for myself. I wanted to close the message, but then another notification popped up, stating it was an important message: “Reply to Billie.” I hesitated, but ultimately decided to open it.

I read the message:

"Hi Ann,

Nice meeting you. I’ve heard a lot about you, though don’t be surprised. You are Billie’s friend, which is why I know about you. Anyway, I would like you to relay this message to Billie since you’re the one she can trust, and I also trust you. There is a website linked below. Please visit it and help her sign in with the required information. She needs to attend the class. It’s a good program for people like Billie, and I would be glad if you could oblige. Thank you.”

I finished reading and stared at it, my mouth open. So it’s true—this guy, MN, knows so much. But why is he messaging me and not Billie? He had contacted her before, so what’s going on? I decided to type back to him and ask why he isn’t messaging Billie.

Billie decided not to talk to him again unless she knows who I am, so they lost contact, but I still keep an eye out for her. I don’t want to reveal my identity to her yet; I’m waiting for the right time. Please make her understand that she needs to sign up and attend this class. I hope you can do that for her sake, but please don’t tell her it’s from me. She wouldn’t want to go.

The message ended there, and I could only stare at it. It seems that he and Billie lost contact, maybe because of what happened with Blake. She must have blocked him. I sighed. MN is quite an interesting character. He truly cares about Billie. But why is he doing so much for her? I don’t understand, but that’s not something I need to know.

I checked the website he provided, and everything I had been looking for was right there. I stared at the advertisement. It was for a self-improvement program—one designed to change and boost a person’s confidence. The advertisement featured a woman who was probably heavier than Billie. The next picture showed her stunning transformation; she was now a beautiful woman with an incredible figure.

I gasped. This is what MN wants—for Billie to change and boost her confidence.

I smiled to myself. This man is fantastic. Without thinking further, I exited the app, closed my laptop, and put on my sweater. There was only one destination in mind: Billie’s.

I walked over to the porch, having called her many times without receiving a response. She was supposed to be traveling to her grandma's in a few days, and I hoped she hadn't left yet. I sent her a few messages, but there was still no reply. Finally, I decided to open the door. What I saw left me baffled.

“Billie!” I called as I raced toward her and pushed John away from her.

“What the hell is wrong with you monster?” I yelled at him and took Billie in my arms. John's eyes were red full of intent though I didn't know what they were saying before I entered but I said it wasn't good.

John smirked. “Well, you had better tell him to watch it next time. Or I won't spare you” he said and tossed a white handkerchief at Billie “ That Nates, keep it since he cares for you”

Nate's handkerchief? What is he doing with him?

I glared at John as he made his way out of the house. Then after they went out I turned and shot a questioning look at Billie.

“What the hell is happening Billie”

She looked at me deep in thought until I touched her. She then told me everything that had happened but she also didn't know exactly what Nate had said or why he said it.

I also wanted to tell her about MN's message but I remembered him telling me I shouldn't tell her that she wouldn't want to take the offer he was trying to propose.

So I changed the topic and told her about the website and how I had come across it except for MN's name. When I finished. She looked at me for some minutes before deciding something then she shook her head.

“I am not interested”

“Billie you have to,” I said. “We should take the program it a life changing” I showed her the old picture of the woman advertised and the new one.

I could see an amused smile on her face. Then she looked at me. “I would also wish to do the same Ann but I can't.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Because I don't know if I can change from this Ann, I have tried it many times but it is a waste, I am born like this. I don't want to waste your time” She had a tear on her face.

I put my hand in hers.” it's okay Billie. It gonna be fine. I trust you, I am gonna stand through it with you, let's just try it this once. Again. Please I know it gonna be something”

I said and awaited her answers. Then she looked at me and I could see hope in her eyes for the first time I had known her.

“Okay,” she said.

MN. I thought I just hope he is right about the website. For once Billie had hope and I hope it turns out good.