True Colors

Chapter 1: Beginnings

OMG! so this is my first book, i really hope you enjoy it!!

Chapter 1: Beginnings

The bell rang, signaling the end of another school day at Willow High. Students flooded the hallways, eager to escape the confines of their classrooms and embrace the freedom of the afternoon. Jules Santiago slung their backpack over one shoulder, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. The sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on their curly brown hair.

"Jules! Wait up!" Lila Chen's voice pierced the din of chattering students. She jogged up to Jules, her long black hair flowing behind her. "Are we still on for the park today?"

Jules grinned, nodding. "Of course! Max, Avery, and Kai are already on their way. Are you bringing your sketchbook?"

Lila blushed, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. "Yeah, I thought it might be nice to draw outside for a change."

The two friends made their way to the school's front entrance, where Max Rivera stood waiting. At six feet one, he towered over most of the students, his presence commanding attention. He gave Jules and Lila a wave, his dark eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Ready for some basketball, Jules?" Max asked, bouncing a ball on the pavement.

"Always," Jules replied, their competitive spirit shining through. "But you'll have to go easy on me. I haven't played in a while."

Max laughed. "No promises."

As they walked to the park, they were joined by Avery Patel and Kai Thompson. Avery, with her wavy dark brown hair and vintage fashion sense, stood out in the crowd. She was strumming her guitar softly, humming a tune under her breath. Kai, wearing his signature hoodie and beanie, looked more relaxed than usual.

"Hey, Kai," Jules greeted. "How's the new video game coming along?"

Kai's face lit up. "It's going great! I've been working on the character designs, and I think you'll love them. Maybe we can test it out this weekend?"

"Definitely," Jules said. "I can't wait to see what you've come up with."

They arrived at the park, a sprawling green space dotted with trees and flowerbeds. The air was filled with the sounds of birds chirping and children laughing. The group settled on a patch of grass near the basketball court, spreading out blankets and snacks.

"Who's up for a game?" Max asked, tossing the ball in the air.

"I'll give it a shot," Avery said, setting her guitar aside. "But don't expect any fancy moves from me."

Lila laughed. "I'll just watch and draw, if that's okay."

Jules and Kai joined Max and Avery on the court, the game quickly becoming a flurry of laughter and friendly competition. Lila sat cross-legged on the blanket, her sketchbook open on her lap. She glanced up occasionally, capturing moments of the game in quick, deft strokes.

Nearby, Emma Lopez and Nico Hernandez approached, hand in hand. Emma's curly dark brown hair bounced as she walked, her floral dress swaying with each step. Nico, with their short black hair and neutral-toned clothing, looked serene and content.

"Hey, guys!" Emma called out, waving enthusiastically. "Mind if we join you?"

"Not at all," Jules replied, pausing the game to greet their friends. "The more, the merrier."

Riley Williams and Sophie Nguyen arrived shortly after, completing the group. Riley's punk-inspired clothing and bold personality were a stark contrast to Sophie's sporty, casual style. Despite their differences, the two were inseparable.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the friends gathered around the blankets, sharing stories and dreams. They talked about school, their hopes for the future, and the challenges they faced as LGBTQIA+ teens.

"Sometimes I wish people would just see me for who I am," Kai said quietly. "Not just a label or a stereotype."

"We all feel that way," Avery said, her voice gentle. "But here, with each other, we can just be ourselves. No judgments, no expectations."

Max nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We're a family. And families stick together, no matter what."

Jules smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging. "Here's to us," they said, raising an imaginary toast. "To friendship, love, and being unapologetically ourselves."

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, the group settled into a comfortable silence, each of them cherishing the moment. They knew that the road ahead wouldn't always be easy, but as long as they had each other, they could face anything.

And so, with laughter in their hearts and the promise of tomorrow, they embraced the beginning of their journey together.

SOOOO guys its literally 6am i didnt have sleep at all so ill work on chapter 2 latet lol
I really hope you enjoy the book!!