9-1-1 ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ sʜᴏᴛs

Relapse - Eddie Diaz

Isabella Diaz - 14

Bella sat with her friends at their usual spot in the school cafeteria, trying to shake off the weight of her earlier classes. It was a warm day, and the sunlight streamed in through the large windows, casting a golden glow on the bustling room. The noise of chattering students and clattering trays filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.

Bella's friends, a group of four girls she had known since middle school, were animatedly discussing their weekend plans. Bella picked at her sandwich, half-listening to their conversation.

"So, we're all set for the sleepover at my place on Saturday night," said Lily, the de facto leader of their group. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "My mom said we can use the basement, and she's getting us pizza and snacks."

"Awesome! I can bring some movies," added Emma, her voice full of enthusiasm. "I've got a bunch of horror films we can watch."

"Oh, and I'll bring my karaoke machine," said Rachel, laughing. "We'll have a blast!"

Bella's heart lifted at the idea of spending time with her friends. She hadn't had much to look forward to lately, and this sounded like just what she needed. She forced a smile, trying to join in on their excitement.

"That sounds like so much fun!" Bella said, her voice a little too eager. "I can bring some snacks too. My dad just bought a bunch of popcorn and candy."

There was a brief, uncomfortable silence. Lily and the others exchanged awkward glances, their expressions shifting from excitement to discomfort. Bella felt her stomach drop.

"Um, Bella," Lily started hesitantly, avoiding Bella's eyes. "Actually... we were thinking it might be better if it's just us this time."

Bella's heart sank. "Just you guys? What do you mean?"

Emma sighed, looking guilty. "It's just... you've been kind of distant lately. We thought maybe you needed some space. And honestly, it's been hard for us too. We didn't want to add to your stress."

Bella's face flushed with a mix of hurt and embarrassment. "I'm not distant," she protested weakly. "I've just had a lot going on. But I want to be there. I need this."

Rachel looked away, biting her lip. "We're sorry, Bella. It's just for this time, okay? Maybe next time."

Bella's hands clenched around her sandwich, her appetite completely gone. She forced herself to nod, even as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. "Yeah, sure. I get it."

The conversation shifted back to the sleepover plans, and Bella sat in silence, feeling like an outsider. Her friends continued to chat and laugh, oblivious to the storm of emotions brewing inside her. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of rejection, each wave pulling her further away from the shore.

When the bell rang to signal the end of lunch, Bella gathered her things quickly, mumbling a quick goodbye before hurrying out of the cafeteria. She walked down the hall, her vision blurred by tears. She ducked into the nearest bathroom and locked herself in a stall, letting the tears flow freely.

She leaned against the cool tile wall, taking deep, shaky breaths. The rejection stung more than she had anticipated. Her friends had always been her anchor, and now she felt adrift, lost in a sea of loneliness. She tried to calm herself, but the hurt and anger bubbled up inside her, threatening to overwhelm her.

After a few minutes, Bella wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. She couldn't let this break her. She had to keep going, to find a way through the pain. She splashed some water on her face and forced herself to leave the bathroom, her heart heavy but determined to make it through the rest of the day.