New Hope

Chapter 11

My passion for romance was the driving force behind my decision to join the prom committee. If I couldn't have my own fairytale, I was determined to ensure that everyone else could. I knew what people might think, but just because I was a tortured soul didn't mean I couldn't do good for others. My problems were my own, and I refused to let them tarnish the experiences of others. I would trust that my kindness would bring forth good karma.

This year's prom theme was Red Carpet, and I'll admit, I had some influence in that decision. It was shaping up to be the grandest prom yet, and even if I couldn't attend with a date, I could take pride in everything I had created for the night.

Stretching my muscles, the morning sun kissed my naked skin, offering a refreshing sensation. Its rays provided a comforting warmth, a stark contrast to the gloomy spring we had been experiencing. This strange feeling of vulnerability and ease with myself was unfamiliar, but I hoped it would never fade away.

I yearned to feel this way forever, to find someone who would look at me the way I looked at Ethan. I wanted to experience the same butterflies that fluttered in my stomach whenever the mystery boy sent me a text. But deep down, I knew that such a love story was unlikely in this small town.

Slipping into my carefully chosen outfit for the day, I took a moment to fix any stray hairs and fluff. With my bag packed with all the necessary books, I headed downstairs. My mom seemed to have left for work early, probably to avoid me after yesterday's conversation. There was a cold slice of toast left on the table, which I casually tossed in the trash. It was strange that she had made breakfast for me, considering she knew I met up with my friends at The Coffee House for some early morning chatter.

Shrugging off the thought, I pushed it to the back of my mind and stepped out into the wild outdoors. The Coffee House was about a fifteen-minute walk away, a nice little adventure in the morning. I strolled through the park, taking in the fresh air, regardless of the weather. Rain or snow didn't do much to dampen my spirits; in fact, I found the seasonal transitions to be exciting and eventful. They served as a reminder of the passage of time, grounding me in the present moment.

While some people focused on school, exams, or birthdays, I found solace in the changing seasons. They outlived us all, bringing new adventures with each passing year. Walking by the duck pond, I glanced down at my phone, delighted to see that my mystery crush had replied. With a smile on my face, I continued my journey, eager to see what the day had in store.