They say you can't judge a book by it's cover... My Writing Sample

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover.

By Malena Shakespeare

The mismatched eyes stare back at me, burning into my skin. One a fiery yellow, the other a piercing grey. Lines are etched onto the pale white face, just visible beneath the powdery makeup. His cheekbones stick out, making his face look gaunt and strained. The bright pink lipstick, painted ever so carefully on, cracks at the corners. His lips are thin, like a piece of elastic, stretched to the breaking point. What could have been a subtle blush is smeared over the cheeks. A hint of mascara upon the eyelashes, spoiled by the pink macaroon eyeshadow around the unusual eyes. The cotton candy coloured hat perches on top of this man’s bright orange hair, shadowing the pinched face. His collar covers the skinny neck, and his nose is slightly lopsided. Orange eyebrows, blend into the hair. White teeth and a perfect face.

The Mad Hatter. Many have heard the stories, some different to others. But each time they are told, he is not a villain. He’s a character of love and help, well known for his excessive tea parties. His name gets mentioned, and everybody's minds are enveloped in their childhood fairytales. And now I’m face to face, staring up while he is looking down at me.  My childhood dream was to meet him, to meet this man whom everyone has such a high opinion of. But they say you can’t judge a book by its cover. And that’s the thought that whirls in my mind as I notice the smile that isn’t a smile, and the flash of silver glinting in the papery hand. And suddenly, the bright colour on his face doesn’t look as cheery as before...