s i x t e e n

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You know, there's something magical about spending time with friends-especially when life feels like it's throwing all the drama your way, like you're the lead in some bad soap opera. You know the kind I mean. Every scene just ends with someone glaring off into the distance as dramatic music plays in the background. That's basically my life right now.

But here's the thing. When you're with friends, all of that drama? It just sort of... pauses. It's like the universe says, "Hold up, we'll be right back after this short break," and suddenly you're in a completely different show. The kind where everything's funny and nothing too serious ever happens.

Honestly, I think that's the cure for life's mess. Not ignoring it-no, because trust me, the drama waits. But taking breaks from it. Stepping into a bubble where it doesn't exist. Where all that matters is if I am in a company of people who are always there for me.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the park near school. We had claimed our usual spot under the big oak tree, its long branches providing just enough shade to keep us cool. Rachel had her nose buried in a book as usual, Sierra was scrolling through her phone, and Celestie sat leaning back against the trunk, staring off into space like she was deep in thought.

I was about to break the comfortable silence when Kiwi and Pearl sauntered up, laughing loudly about some inside joke. Pearl had that mischievous smirk plastered on her face-the kind that usually meant she was up to no good.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Queen of the Fill-ins.," Pearl said, zeroing in on Celestie with a voice as sweet as a sugar-coated insult.

Celestie stiffened but kept her eyes locked on the patches of sunlight filtering through the tree branches. She didn't say anything, but you could see the tension in her posture, her hands nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

I shifted uncomfortably on the blanket, sensing where this was heading. Sierra, never one to let an injustice slide, immediately shot Pearl a warning glare. "Can you not, Pearl? Seriously, just give it a rest."

Emotional Butterfly Where stories live. Discover now