Ella Sullivan is an 18-year-old high school senior with a sharp wit and a penchant for sarcasm. Her life revolves around her close-knit group of friends and the love for her dog. But her world is thrown into disarray when she encounters Ms. Catherin...
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———༺✵༻——— POV Ella ———༺✵༻———
It's been a few days since graduation, and I still wake up every morning with a blend of exhilaration and disbelief. I'm done with high school, and for the first time, I feel like I'm standing at the start of something completely my own. The last few days have been a blur of celebrations, photos, friends, and late nights spent talking with Catherine about our future plans.
Today, though, is different. Catherine has something planned—a surprise she's been hinting at since before graduation. All I know is that she's picking me up, and I should wear something comfortable, "something you want to wear," she said, which left me staring at my closet with my mind swirling with possibilities.
I finally settle on a simple summer dress, soft and flowing in a pale green that feels like a promise of sunlight and fresh air. I slip into it, loving the way it fits—casual but special enough that I feel dressed for anything. A pair of white knee-high boots feels like the perfect touch, sturdy enough to handle wherever Catherine is taking me, while still bringing a little edge to my look.
I move over to my vanity, keeping my makeup light, just enough to feel polished. A hint of shimmer on my eyelids, a soft pink blush on my cheeks, and a touch of gloss make me feel ready for whatever Catherine has in store. I brush out my hair, letting it fall loose around my shoulders. Catherine's always loved it down, and the thought of seeing her smile at me makes my heart flutter with anticipation.
Satisfied, I grab my bag and head downstairs, the familiar hum of life filling the house. I'm halfway down the hallway when I see my dad reading the newspaper at the kitchen table, a cup of coffee in hand. He glances up as I come into view, and his face softens with a warm smile.
"You look beautiful, Ella," he says, setting his cup down and folding his hands in front of him. "Got big plans for the day?"
I smile, walking over to pour myself a glass of orange juice. "Catherine's picking me up. She has this mystery afternoon planned, but she's been super secretive about it."
He raises an eyebrow, amused. "So, no hints at all?"
I shake my head, laughing. "Nothing. Just told me to be ready for a surprise. I guess I'll find out soon enough."
Max trots over, wagging his tail and brushing against my leg before heading out to the backyard, where the door is open to let in the morning breeze. Watching him, I take a sip of my juice, savoring the familiar routine.
My dad watches me thoughtfully. "You seem... different. Happier, maybe," he says, his tone gentle. "It's good to see that. You've been through a lot, and I'm proud of the person you're becoming."
His words warm me from the inside out, and I smile, setting my glass down. "Thanks, Dad. I guess... I don't know. It feels like things are finally falling into place."
