A Spark of Hope

Chapter 4- A New Opportunity

School was a completely different monster. The only way to survive high school was to be popular or a genius. Which Layla fit neither of the criteria. Between trying to fit in and keeping up her grades... she struggled... quite a bit. And not being able to do art certainly didn't help, if anything it made things worse.

Layla sighed, taking a deep breath before entering the school. She hated it more than anything, but it wasn't like there was really anything she could do about it. At least she had Hope.

Walking towards her locker she tried to keep to herself, making sure to not make contact with people. She didn't need the trouble, especially so early in the day. Reaching her locker, she swiftly unlocked it, moving to grab her books for class.

Suddenly loud footsteps came from behind her. "Layla! Did you hear about it?!" Of course it was Hope.

Layla raised an eyebrow, slightly concerned of what Hope was talking about. "Hear about what?"

"The Blank Wall Competition!" she exclaimed, like it was obvious.

"The what now?" Layla was completely clueless, having never heard of this competition before this moment.

Hope groaned, "Come on! I'll show you!" Before Layla could even protest, she found herself being dragged by her best friend. They weaved through the crowd, finally coming to a huge white wall. It had been there forever- at least as long as she could remember.

Layla stared at it, still masked with confusion. "What does this have to do with anything?"

Hope rolled her eyes, pointing at it. "Don't you see it?"

"See what?"

"Look closer and you'll see it!" Hope exclaimed, practically pushing Layla closer to the wall.

Layla rolled her eyes, studying the wall. She ran her finger along it, thinking for a moment. She slowly turned back to Hope. "I don't see anything. What am I supposed to be seeing?"

"The opportunity!" Hope jumped up, full of excitement. "I can see it now! Your masterpiece, shining for all to see!"

Layla's mouth dropped. "My masterpiece? What are you talking about?"

"The contest!" Hope replied. "They're holding an art competition and the winner gets to paint their work on the wall. It's to promote positivity, at least that's what Mrs. Rawloy said." she shrugged, smiling brightly at Layla.

"C-Competition?" Layla stammered, distraught with the idea of so many people seeing her work. 

Hope glanced at her, full of concern. "What's wrong Layla? Isn't this exciting?"

Layla's eyes were wide with panic at the thought. "You think I should enter an art competition? Wh-Where I will be openly judged?"

"Of course!" Hope exclaimed without an hesitation. 

Layla bit her lip, thinking it over. An art competition a place to be exposed... and then judged. What would Dad think?

The thoughts came back, becoming louder.

"Worthless."

"Waste of space."

"Burden."

"Stupid."

"Not talented."

"Ugly."

Layla covered her ears, squeezing her eyes shut in the hopes of blocking out the voices. They did quiet but they never disappeared. They never did anymore.