But I’m not going to be the entertainment he expects. I’m not going to show up looking broken and defeated.
I’m going to walk in there with my head held high. Elena, Marissa started to say, “For 3 years, Marissa, I’ve let Jonathan define me.”
Elena continued, the words pouring out now. I’ve let him and everyone else believe that I’m nothing just because I don’t have money or a home.
I’ve been invisible. I’ve been silent. I’ve accepted every insult, every cruel word, every humiliating moment because I thought that’s what I deserved.
She leaned forward, her eyes blazing with determination. But I don’t deserve it. I never deserved it.
I’m not worthless just because I’m homeless. I’m not nothing just because I’m poor. And I am not going to let Jonathan Peterson use me as a joke at his wedding.
Marissa stared at her for a long moment. Then slowly, a smile spread across her face.
“Okay,” she said. Okay, so what do you need from me? I need to look like I belong at that wedding.
Elena said, “I need a dress. I need my hair done. I need to look like someone who deserves respect.
Not because external things matter. I know they don’t. Not really. But because I need Jonathan and all his guests to see me as a person, not as a homeless woman they can pity or mock.”
“When is the wedding?” Marissa asked. “Saturday, one week from today.” Marissa pulled out her phone and started making notes.
1 week. That’s not much time, but we can make it work. She looked up at Elena.
This is going to be expensive. The dress, the hair, the makeup, maybe shoes and accessories, too.
I can cover it, but I can’t let you pay for all that. Elena protested.
I can’t take your money. You’re not taking it, Marissa said firmly. I’m giving it.
I’m investing it. And besides, this is about more than just money. This is about showing that awful man that he didn’t break you, that he couldn’t break you no matter how hard he tried.
Elena felt tears forming in her eyes again. “Why are you helping me?” She whispered after I disappeared after I stopped answering your calls.
“Why are you being so kind?” Marissa reached across the table and squeezed Elena’s hand.
“Because you’re my friend,” she said simply. “Because you would do the same for me.
