Feel Pretty

twelve (Odell)

The day after the gallery visit, I woke up with a surprising sense of calm. The previous evening had left me feeling lighter, and I found myself replaying Eli's thoughtful gestures in my mind. The art gallery had been a welcome distraction, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like I could breathe a little easier.

I slipped into my usual hoodie and jeans, but today they felt a bit different—almost like a comforting armor rather than a shield. I made my way to the campus café, where I was meeting Eli and Tanner for our usual catch-up session.

As I entered the café, I noticed Eli already seated at our regular table, his face lighting up when he saw me. Tanner was across from him, absorbed in a book, and looked up as I approached.

"Hey, Odell!" Eli greeted, his voice cheerful. "How's it going today?"

"Hey, Eli," I replied, sliding into my seat. "I'm doing well. Yesterday was... really nice. Thanks again for that."

Eli's face broke into a wide grin. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was hoping it would be a good change of pace."

Tanner looked up from his book, a smirk playing on his lips. "So, did Eli manage to turn into some kind of art critic last night?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "No, he just had a good idea. It was actually really relaxing."

Eli winked at Tanner. "I like to think I've got a bit of an eye for these things."

"So," Tanner said, flipping through his book, "any new plans or anything exciting happening?"

Eli leaned forward, clearly excited. "Actually, yes. I was thinking we could do something a bit different this weekend. There's a food festival downtown, and I thought it might be fun to check it out together."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A food festival? That sounds interesting."

"Yeah!" Eli said, his enthusiasm evident. "They've got all sorts of food from different cultures. It could be a fun way to spend the day."

Tanner nodded. "I'm in. It sounds like a good time."

I smiled, feeling a genuine sense of excitement at the prospect. "Count me in. It'll be nice to try something new."

As we chatted about the food festival and made plans for the weekend, I noticed that my earlier apprehension had faded. Eli's efforts to make me feel better were having a tangible impact. I found myself looking forward to the future with a bit more hope.

Later that afternoon, as I was walking to my next class, I couldn't help but think about the changes Eli was trying to bring into my life. His kindness and thoughtfulness had been a steady source of comfort, and I was starting to see the value in his efforts.

When I arrived home that evening, I found myself reflecting on the bracelet Eli had given me. It had become more than just a piece of jewelry; it was a symbol of his support and the small steps I was taking towards feeling better about myself.

I sat down at my desk, flipping through some notes and textbooks, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the food festival and the upcoming weekend. I was genuinely looking forward to it, not just because of the event itself but because of the company I'd be keeping.

As I prepared for bed, I found myself smiling at the thought of spending more time with Eli and Tanner. Despite the difficulties and insecurities I had faced, there was a growing sense of optimism within me.

Eli had started something important—a journey towards self-acceptance and appreciation. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but with friends like Eli and Tanner by my side, I felt a renewed sense of hope. The days ahead seemed a bit brighter, and I was ready to face them with a little more confidence.