I Am Beautiful E2

“How is that something you know?”

“When they speak, it is not as if the voices come from you. There’s a natural beauty in your real self. Many people rely on cosmetic surgery to create an imitation version of themselves and mask perceived flaws.”

“I get that. With enough money, I would probably do the same.”

That’s when Elimu breaks down, admitting that after a terrible accident, he has undergone many cosmetic surgeries. He shows before-and-after photos, begging for forgiveness.

Rehema feels a rush of compassion, not just for him, but for herself as well. In that moment, they both lay bare their insecurities, forging a connection that transcends the superficial. Elimu helps her get proper therapy, reinforcing her progress with daily coffee and pastry to ensure his ongoing interest.

Am Beautiful

Months transpire until she’s ready for a second date with enough confidence. They begin regular social interactions, and she eventually invites him into her small apartment after dinner. Her heart races in anticipation of any sign of affection while dimming the lights.

“Can I get you something to drink?” she parrots from movies she’s watched.

“What do you have to offer?”

“Oh, just some—uh, let me see,” sniffing a spoiled carton of milk before pouring it out. “It looks like either orange juice or tap water are available.”

“No thank you. Just come sit beside me.”

She excuses herself for a moment. In her bedroom mirror, she readjusts her blouse and applies lip gloss. Rehema apologizes for the wait and sits quietly beside Elimu with periodic awkward smiles before finding romantic music to play from her phone.

When he wraps his arm around her, she fantasizes about all the carved pieces of fruit with which she’s practiced kisses. He leans in and she tilts her head. Mental sparks fly with this validation of femininity.

With a love that transcends appearance, Elimu significantly raises her self-esteem, leaving her with a need for several cold showers. The next morning, she gushes about the evening to her mother.

“I have met the most marvelous man from Tanzania.”

“Oh really? Is he tall, or muscular?”

“He showers me with…”

“Wait, my child. Don’t be so quick to let him take such liberties.”

“Mamma, let me finish my sentence. He showers me, with terms of endearment. For that, he is a most beautiful man to me.”

“Just how far did the actions of your beautiful man go?”

“How he made me feel is most important. After gently reclining me, he began tenderly kissing my bare torso, as though mapping out every square inch.”

Her mother interrupts, “Baby, I am happy that you are pleased, but you may want to censor the details that you share with me.”

“Actually, that is pretty much it. Then he thanked me for being his lady before leaving. It was just enough to affirm mutual love, and to ignite inner feelings impossible to conceal from him.”

When Elimu brings Rehema her morning coffee the next day, she thanks him and expresses a little discomfort.

“I wish it were possible for you to see me dressed up in something besides this uniform each day.”

“Do not worry, my love. I know the person underneath. This weekend, I will treat you to a Beverly Hills cosmetic makeover.”

Rehema emerges unrecognizable to herself. As she sits on cafe patios soaking up the admiration of passersby, she doesn’t want the day to end. She hangs on every word of his, learning more about Elimu’s business success and desire for family.

“When the clock strikes midnight, this will all fade away. Tomorrow you’ll see me revert to my unflattering work uniform.”

“Perhaps, but inside, we know your potential. There’s nothing wrong with accentuating natural beauty. This is the woman I see every day, even without the makeup and fancy clothes.”

Am Passionate

To capitalize on her newfound beauty, she invites him to her apartment to validate his accolades as he did there before the makeover. With an eagerness to compensate for her modest appearance, she begins tugging her underwear.

To her surprise, he resists escalating the situation, though tenderly kissing her, saying, “In due time, amidst a proper setting, my love.”

“I must try to exercise patience.” She now wonders if she appears too promiscuous, so explains, “I am not generally this way. It’s just that you’re the only man who has made me feel like a woman. Still battling feelings of inadequacy, your reaction to my body is important to me. Women with much larger breasts usually attract men.”

“The beauty of a woman’s breast is not measured by its circumference, but by what is in the heart of its owner. Either larger or smaller, they would still be perfection because they are part of the woman I cherish.”

His lack of criticism and expressions of fondness endears him to her. The next morning, she tries her best to salvage the professional hair and makeup, contrasting her dull uniform. She can’t conceal her blushing when accepting her routine coffee treat. The fact that his kindness continues, reinforces his contentment with her body proportions.

“Yesterday, I had a great time, Elimu. Perhaps you will become comfortable visiting regularly.”

He does return to her apartment often, each time resisting her progressive eagerness to share more than he accepts.

When he later invites her to the beach, they go shopping together to buy a swimsuit. The sparse attire affords the opportunity to further attract him with her limited physical resources. She steps with regal elegance, in comparison with no other women, confident in her man’s satisfaction.

“Believe me, my love, there is no flaw in you. I now ask, will you honor me by becoming my wife?”

“Oh! Yes, of course, Elimu.” While slipping the engagement ring onto her trembling finger, she continues her elation. “A thousand times, yes. Even this very night, if possible.”

On the first anniversary of their dating, she becomes the princess of this corporate executive. With an hour’s grace period for his prescription to take effect, their pent-up desires explode into fireworks of love on a passionate week-long honeymoon. The ability to please with such a rapacious response thrills the bride who once believed her body to be expendable.

“Oh wonderful prince of mine, you are fulfilling every fantasy I ever had, from a little girl in Tanzania to a woman in America.”

“My majestic bride, I am happy we were able to reserve some delights for a memorable honeymoon. More royal surprises await, you worthy love of mine.”

Elimu then transports her from her dark lowly existence to a bright hilltop castle. She is enamored by a spacious walk-in closet that overflows with flattering clothes and jewelry curated by her stylist.

Rehema gains new friends and no longer begins each morning curled on the dim floor of a bathroom shower. She happily raises two average-looking, very much-loved children. Rehema’s new family embodies the principle that beauty is a mental perception, achievable with the courage to be one’s natural self.

The End

Do you battle concerns over body image? This can lead to various eating disorders, social isolation, depression, anxiety, cutting, suicide, substance abuse, and relationship violence. Seek the support of online or in-person groups.

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