Griz's POV
"Griz!"
I flinched as Nikki, Tia, and Maya called out to me in unison. They were the perfect girls of Rosemont High-the kind everyone wanted to be.
"Griz, you look so beautiful! Did you put on makeup today?" Tia asked, her voice sugary sweet, while the other two wrapped their arms around mine like we were best friends.
"Yo, Griz! You're looking stunning. Wanna hang at my place later?" Steven asked, flashing a wink.
"C'mon, say something!" Maya added, shaking my arm.
But I didn't speak. I couldn't. Something felt... off. Too perfect.
"Hey, ugly duckling. Wake up! You're drooling."
Nikki's voice cut through the illusion, followed by a wave of laughter from the class.
It had been a dream. Of course, it was. No one called me stunning-not even in my dreams. Maybe that's why dream-me stayed silent. Even in fantasy, I couldn't believe it.
The bell rang shortly after, snapping everyone back to reality. I packed my books, kept my head down, and walked straight to the cafeteria.
This is my life-the life of Griselda Willow.
Since I was five, I've been bullied for my looks. And honestly? I don't think I look that bad. I just don't understand why people seem to hate me so much.
Sure, I have a round face, a flat nose, and noticeable eye bags-mostly from spending late nights immersed in my art. Still, all of that shouldn't make me a target.
But here's the truth: no matter how "okay" I seem on the outside, I'm not. The bullying has taken a toll. I probably have what you'd call low self-esteem.
"Dude, watch where you're going!" Steven barked suddenly. I had bumped into him while lost in thought. He turned to look at me.
I expected a snide remark. Instead-
"Oh my God, Griz, are you okay?" he asked, his voice genuinely concerned.
My heart stuttered. His voice... it's amazing.
"Y-yes, yes, yes-I'm okay," I replied, flustered.
Why did I say yes three times?
Steven smiled and walked away. I stood frozen, watching him go.
"Over here!" Chloe waved, calling me over.
Let me introduce Chloe-my best friend, my confidante, and my eating partner. She's in 11th grade; I'm in 10th. She's seventeen, I'm sixteen-she's always a step ahead.
She's also the sweetest human being alive. Always standing up for me, even when I'm not around. Like last month, when she got into a full-blown argument with Chris, a classmate of hers, because he called me an "ugly duckling"-a name that, unfortunately, has stuck.
"Why were you late?" she asked, arms crossed.
"I had an emergency," I replied vaguely, still caught up in my thoughts. Getting hit by the hottest guy at school counts as an emergency, right?
"What kind of emergency?" she pressed.
Chloe is many things-sweet, loyal-but she's also insanely inquisitive.
"Someone hit me. Never mind, it's no one important," I said quickly, hoping she'd drop it.
"Then why are you blushing over 'no one important'?" Greg, one of Chloe's friends, teased.
I instinctively touched my cheek. Was I really blushing?
"I got hit in the face-that's not blushing," I mumbled, quickly opening my milk carton to avoid further questions.
Everyone laughed, and for once, it felt good. Lunch was full of light-hearted jokes and genuine smiles.
But the moment passed.
Back in class, reality returned.
"Drool queen is here!" Tia shouted as I walked in, triggering another round of laughter.
I rushed to my seat, but Ryan pulled the chair from under me.
"Drool queen, you really think you can just sit down after flooding the desk?" he mocked.
The laughter grew louder.
I felt myself shrink. Why make such a big deal over drool? Like they've never done it?
"Why are you all making a big deal out of nothing?"
Steven's voice cut through the room.
"Everyone drools. Get over it."
The class went silent. I stared, stunned.
Steven-Steven-stood up for me?
Was he under a spell? Did our collision earlier knock something loose?
He walked over and held out his hand. "Griz, let's go."
Part of me wanted to run with him. My dream was coming true-sort of. But skipping class? That wasn't me.
"I can't skip class," I said softly, sitting down.
But he didn't let go.
"I need to tell you something," he said, his voice serious, his expression a mix of sadness and frustration.
"Fine," I agreed and stood up. But before we could leave, Nikki stepped in front of him.
"Steve, are you serious right now? You're choosing her over me? We just had a little misunderstanding!"
Steven scoffed. "A little misunderstanding? Ask anyone if that's what they'd call it."
He pushed past her. I followed.
And just in case you hadn't figured it out yet-Steven is Nikki's boyfriend. They've been together for a while now.
So whatever's happening right now...
It's complicated.
Really complicated.