Janet's POV

Now I wasn't any makeup guru. I didn't know the first thing about makeup. So when I started dabbling into it I looked like a sad toddler trying to walk for the first time. It was quite embarrassing, to say the least, I eventually only explored parts of it rather than all.

Like the first time, I had tried out foundation. I went to a random beauty shop with Ms. Freckle. I hadn't meant to buy anything it just so happened that the makeup section caught my eye. I glanced at the different glass bottles of liquid, each a different shade.

Some were pale white, tan, dark, marbled, you name it. I had no clue what they were but it was intriguing to look at. "Those are our selections of foundation! Would you like me to find your shade"! A blonde girl said snapping me out of my head for a moment.

"I...uh... what is... fou-...foundation"? I asked stuttering over my words. I was like a newborn first stepping out into the new world. Only in this setting, I was stepping into the world of makeup.

"It's a base you put on your face to hide any blemishes, pimples, freckles! Have a seat I'll look for the perfect shade for you"! She grabbed my arm making me sit on a stool. I nervously watched as she bent down to exam each of the glass bottles. Ms. Freckle remained at the front of the store chatting it up with another older woman.

I nervously twirled my thumbs while biting my lip. She was taking an often long time to find my so-called "shade". After searching for five minutes she finally yelled "perfect" and bounced her way back to me.

"Would you like to try it on? Just to make sure it matches your skin tone perfectly! She didn't even let me answer before pulling out what looked like a pink sponge. She opened the bottle that held the strange liquid dabbing it on her hand.

She then dabbed the sponge into the foundation that rested on her hand. She brought the sponge so close to my face I accidentally cringed. "I... I can do it..myself" I muttered grabbing the sponge already dipped into the foundation. She stood there with a blank expression which turned into a gasp when I pushed my hair back.

My birthmark had gotten bigger over the years. It was red and blotchy, it covered my left eye. For years I had hidden it from anyone, only feeling comfortable enough to expose it at home. I knew the girl hadn't meant to be so shocked but it wouldn't be the first time.

I dabbed the sponge on my face awkwardly not sure what exactly I was doing. But I was shocked when it covered the entire red blob of a birthmark. My face appeared paler, making my hazel eyes pop in a way it hadn't ever before.

"Looks great....uh... I'll ring it up for you"! The girl quipped before taking off like a scared dog. I didn't even ask her the price, I always carried some type of cash on me but I hadn't expected to buy anything.

So as I slowly made my way to the front of the store Ms. Freckle had finally gotten done with chatting with her friend. "Are you rea-... wow Janet you look... great"! She complimented and I immediately felt myself blush.

"Your total is $35.50," the blonde-headed girl said from over the counter. Before I could take my wallet out Ms. Freckle had already taken her card out.

"This one is on me," she said with a  wink. From that day forward, I started using the foundation to hide my birthmark. It worked for a while until I started to sweat and it would drip off my face.

I had several different brands that I invested in. It became my mask to hide my scars. The bullying never stopped of course but it had subsided a bit to the point where I was able to hide away in the background.

That was the plan for my junior year. I didn't need any friends, being alone felt normal after a while. So the next morning I woke up early doing my daily routine. Showering and leaving my hair to air dry, I slipped on a pair of black leggings and a large grey hoodie.

I applied a thin layer of foundation onto my face making sure it covered the whole thing. When I was satisfied I made my way downstairs to see a note on the table that Ms. Freckle left for me.

Have a great day at school Janet! I've already left for the shop so I'll see you this afternoon. Try and make some new friends as well!

I sighed deeply slamming the note back down. She always seemed to remind me to make friends knowing good and well I preferred to be alone. I was quite content with my nonexisting social life, it wouldn't matter anyway.

I grabbed my all-black Jansport backpack and headed towards my doom. Gamba Highschool was one of the quote on quote best high school you could go to. Filled with all the rich kids, it was a miracle they even let me in.

The walk took around ten minutes which wasn't long at all. I thanked the heavens that we were able to keep the same lockers every year. It was a blessing in disguise if you'd ask me.

I threw my things into the locker and grabbed only the things I would need. "Well well well, if it isn't the beast in disguise" I heard a snotty voice say behind me. I cursed myself when I recognized just who it was.

Millie Anderson

She had been my childhood bully since middle school. With her chocolate skin and huge afro, she could cut you with just her stare.

I turn to see her wearing her causal smirk. She cast her brown eyes up and down my frame as if I was the trash at the bottom of her shoe. "Is that makeup on your face? I can't believe you thought that would cover up your nasty face" she snarled wiping a hand down my face.

She screamed when she saw the residue of the foundation on her hands. Immediately her two minions the Greco twins came to her rescue. "You'll always be ugly Janet. Don't forget it" she snapped before walking away.

So far I was starting to dread junior year.