WHO AM I

FACES IN THE CROWD

As I stepped into the bustling hallway, the noise felt overwhelming. Lockers slammed shut, laughter echoed, and the smell of cheap cologne mixed with cafeteria food lingered in the air. My heart raced as I navigated through the throngs of students, each face a reminder of my insecurities.

"Lila!" A voice cut through the chaos. I turned to see Cathy, my best friend, weaving her way toward me. Her blonde hair bounced with each step, and her infectious smile made me feel a little lighter.

"Hey! Did you see my latest post?" she asked, holding her phone aloft as if it were a trophy.

"Yeah, it got a ton of likes!" I forced a smile, trying to push my own worries aside. I admired Cathy's confidence—she seemed to have it all figured out.

"Ugh, you need to post more! Your pictures are great!" She nudged me playfully. I could only nod, feeling the weight of my insecurities creep back in.

Just then, Noah walked past us, his laughter ringing like a bell. He was the epitome of cool, with a magnetic personality that drew people in. I caught Cathy watching him, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Look at him," she whispered. "I swear he gets more attractive every day."

I shrugged, feeling a pang of envy. Why couldn't I feel that way about myself? Before I could dwell on it, Eli appeared, his usual calm demeanor standing out against the chaotic backdrop.

"Hey, Lila," he greeted, his voice steady and warm. Eli had a way of making me feel seen, even on my worst days. "You okay?"

I nodded, but I wasn't sure if I was lying or not. "Just... the usual." I gestured vaguely at the crowd, hoping he'd understand.

"Want to sit with us at lunch?" Eli offered, his eyes searching mine. I felt a spark of gratitude—at least I wouldn't have to face the cafeteria alone.

"Sure," I replied, a small smile breaking through.

As we moved toward the cafeteria, I noticed Jasper leaning against a wall, sketching something in his notebook. His dark hair fell over his eyes, and he always seemed a bit lost in his own world. Despite his aloofness, I admired his talent. I was curious about what he saw that I didn't.

"Hey, Jasper!" Cathy called, breaking his concentration. He looked up, slightly startled, then offered a shy wave.

"Are you coming to the art club meeting after school?" Eli asked him.

"Yeah, I'll be there," Jasper replied, his voice quiet but firm.

As we settled at our usual table, I watched the interactions around me. Cathy and Noah chatted animatedly, while Eli occasionally glanced my way, as if checking in. I felt both included and isolated—caught between two worlds, struggling to find my place.

"Lila, have you thought about joining the art club?" Noah asked, pulling me from my thoughts. His question surprised me, and I could feel the weight of his gaze.

"I don't know... I'm not really good at art," I replied, shrugging it off.

"Art is about expression, not perfection," Jasper chimed in, his eyes serious. "You should give it a try."

I looked around the table, feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty. Maybe stepping out of my comfort zone could lead to something new—something that would help me answer the question echoing in my mind: Who am I?