Uncharted Highs

Chapter One

The halls of Shoreline High School buzzed with energy as students went from classes to go home, their voices mingling in different conversations. I found myself apart from the chaos, standing by my locker with my best friends Marcus and Isabella, laughter bubbling up between us from what happened five minutes ago.

"So, did you see Mr. Johnson's face when he realized someone swapped his markers with highlighters?" Marcus chuckled, his mischievous grin lighting up his face as the memory of the prank came to his vision. "Ollie is going to be so jealous that a joke like this was pulled and he wasn't around."

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head at the memory. "It's all fun and games until he emails Coach Brady about your little behavior." I say, making Marcus' face go from a smile to a frown. "But I will admit, I thought he was going to explode when he saw his whiteboard glowing in neon colors. Poor whiteboard." Then his laughter picked up and his pearly whites showed.

Marcus had an undeniable presence that commanded attention. His tall, athletic frame was the result of countless hours spent on the basketball court, where his dedication to the sport had sculpted who he is. His skin was a rich, deep brown, smooth and flawless and his eyes were a striking shade of dark brown, almost black, and they sparkled with a mix of confidence and warmth. They were eyes that conveyed both a fierce determination and a deep sense of loyalty to those he cared about. His short, neatly trimmed hair framed his face perfectly, highlighting his strong jawline and high cheekbones.

When he smiled, which was often, it was a wide, genuine grin that could light up a room. His teeth were straight and white, props to the years of braces he had during his awkward phase. He had a knack for making people feel at ease around him, his friendly demeanor and easy laughter drawing others in effortlessly. He makes me so proud to call him one of my friends. Bella's laughter chimed in, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Seriously, the bell honestly saved our asses from getting blown up. I don't think I could've taken more bad mojo after learning more math."

Isabella Clarke had always been a radiant presence in my life. With her sun-kissed complexion, a result of our countless hours spent outdoors together, and her long, flowing blond hair that cascaded down her back in loose waves, she was the epitome of natural beauty. Her deep brown eyes, warm and expressive, often lit up with laughter and love, making every moment with her feel special.

She was my favorite little ballerina. I loved watching her move with grace and ease. One of the things that made Isabella uniquely her was the small birthmark on her right cheek, resembling a tiny crescent moon. It added an extra layer of charm to her already captivating presence.Bella's style was effortlessly chic. She was always blending comfort with a touch of bohemian flair, often wearing flowy tops and/or high-waisted skirts with earthy tones.

Ever since elementary school, Bella and I had been inseparable. We'd met on the first day of first grade and clicked instantly, our bond growing stronger with each passing year. From sharing secrets to supporting each other through tough times, she had become more than just my best friend; she was like a sister to me. She is a sister to me. We navigated the ups and downs of life together, our friendship a constant source of strength and joy.

Despite her cheerful exterior, I knew there was more to Bella than met the eye. She had a depth to her that not everyone could see, and I appreciated her genuine kindness and the light she brought into my life. Her struggles were often hidden behind her bright smile, but I was always there, ready to support her, just as she had always been there for me.