LOVE, FAME & UGLY

Imagine a world where some are naturally born with perfection, while others must claw their way toward it. But here's the twist–perfection can be bought. All it takes is a single coin and the life you've always dreamed of is yours.

I live in that world. 

And I thought I was the luckiest grandchild alive. My grandmother was the one who led me to my very first surgical experience – the day I found the key to perfection, the day that changed everything.

The bell above the door jingled as I stepped into the 50's Diner. The inviting aroma of grilled cheese melting on the stove mixed with the comforting warmth of tomato soup filled the air. My grandmother's speciality.

The Diner had always been a haven for me, a small, cosy corner of the world where time seemed to slow down, and the worries of the outside world faded into the background.

Behind the counter, Grandma was busy wiping down a spotless surface, humming a tune that I was sure she made up in her head. Her silver hair was tied back in a neat bun, and on seeing me, her eyes twinkled with the same youthful mischief that I remembered from my childhood.

"Eve, darling!" Grandma called out, motioning for me to come closer "Come, sit down. I've just brewed a fresh pot of tea."

I smiled, making my way to my favourite booth by the window, where the sunlight streamed in, casting a golden glow over the vintage posters that lined the walls. I have always loved this place—not just for its charm, but because it was here, in this very Diner, that I had first learned about the wishing fountain.

Grandma brought over a steaming cup of tea, placing it on the table before sitting across from me. She studied me with a knowing look, one that seemed to pierce right through me.

I narrowed my eyes at her and chuckled "I missed you, Grandma. The city's been so hectic, and I needed a break."

"I'm glad you came. It's the perfect time, with the first Golden Phase festival starting today."

"Yeah, and Happy New Year, Grandma!" I said, sliding a tiny box toward her.

Her eyes crinkled with a warm smile. "You are the sweetest, my angel Eve. Oh! I—I wasn't able to get you something for your birthday. I got so caught up. But rest assured, first thing tomorrow—"

"Grandma, it's perfectly okay, and you know that," I said quickly. "You gave me the best birthday gift ever when you introduced me to the Fountain. Nothing can top that, Mama!"

She looked at me for a while. And asked.

"You're going, aren't you?"

"Where?" I asked.

"The festival"

"Yes, of course. I wouldn't miss it," I replied, taking a sip. "It's tradition, after all."

I watched as Grandma settled into her chair, her expression growing serious. "Eve, do you remember the stories I used to tell you about the fountain?"

I laughed lightly. "How could I forget? Those stories are what made me love the festival so much."

My grandmother's gaze didn't waver. "But do you remember the story of Helena?"

I paused, my cup hovering just before my lips. "I think so... Didn't she wish to be adored by everyone in the kingdom?

"Yes," My grandmother said softly, "but there's more to that story than just the adoration she received. Helena wanted to be admired, to be the centre of attention wherever she went. She was tired of being overlooked, of being just another face in the crowd. So, she made her wish at the fountain, hoping it would bring her the recognition she craved."

Although I have heard this story numerous times more than I could have. I leaned in, curious, just in case there was a new version I hadn't heard of. "And it worked, right?"

"Oh, it worked," She continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. "People couldn't take their eyes off her. She became the most sought-after person in the kingdom. But it wasn't long before admiration turned into obsession. The attention she had once longed for became a curse. People followed her everywhere, unable to leave her alone, suffocating her with their constant presence."

I nodded. Same story. Fascinating. Perhaps if I were Helena, I'd handle it better. Being the centre of attention isn't nearly as bad as this story makes it out to be.

"She couldn't find a moment's peace, and the admiration she had wished for turned into something darker, something she couldn't escape from." Grandma continued.

Why was she telling me this again? I placed back the cup of tea on the table and shifted uncomfortably. "That sounds..."

"Intense!" She nodded.

I was going to say 'intriguing and fun'

"Helena tried to undo her wish, but the fountain had already given her what she asked for. It doesn't take kindly to those who aren't careful with their desires. In the end, she fled the kingdom, desperate to find solitude, but even then, she could never truly escape the consequences of her wish. Until the Second golden phase where she needed to make another wish again."

I scoffed. "She couldn't wait just six months to reverse her curse? Six whole months to bask in admiration, and yet she chose to flee? She truly didn't know what she wanted." I shook my head dismissively. "Six months can vanish in the snap of a finger. I don't understand why she couldn't just wait—it's not even that difficult."

Grandma smiled and raised the kettle to pour more tea into my cup. "You never know where the shoe pinches unless you're the one wearing it," she said quietly."

I scoffed again. "I don't think her shoe pinches at all."

Grandma's gaze lingered on me, steady and unreadable, and I forced a smile, brushing off the uneasy feeling that had begun to creep in. "But it's just a story, Grandma. The Fountain... it blesses, not curses."

Grandma reached across the table and took my hands in hers."Eve, the Fountain is powerful. Many fail to understand its nature. If your heart isn't pure, if your intentions aren't good, it has a way of turning your wishes against you."

Okay. Perhaps it's time to leave. Maybe Grandma woke up on the wrong side of the bed today and fell into the web of ominous tales, but I won't get entangled in it.

I stood up with a forced smile and crossed the table to hug her. "Thanks for the tea, Grandma. I'll see you later."

Her grip tightened around me slightly. "Just remember, Eve. Be careful what you wish for, and more importantly, why you wish for it." She paused and continued "Or maybe don't wish for anything and just enjoy the festival"

As I walked out of the Diner, the sunlight hit my face, and my grandmother's words echoed in my mind, a small seed of doubt planted deep within me. But when I woke up today, I looked at myself in the mirror, the half-baked beauty that was staring back at me, and told myself "Today is going to be a good day" Because I know that I will come back looking better than this.

An eight, but I will return home a ten.

I tried to shrug off the ominous weight of her words, focusing instead on the festival and the excitement of what was ahead. On the quest for yet another surgical transformation.

You got to this point.

Thank you for reading.

This is my first story here and I'm super nervous. I hope you enjoy reading it.