The Girl That Got Away

You Amaze Me

I can't stand school. Honestly, saying I hate it is an understatement. English is giving me a run for my money, which is ironic since it’s my first language. History is whatever, but don’t even get me started on math. As for Chilton, it can keep its shiny silver spoon and shove it. And don’t even get me started on this guy....

"Pixie, I just want to talk," Tristan said, trailing behind me as I headed to my locker.

"It’s way too early for this. I don’t want to talk to you," I replied, opening my locker with a little more force than necessary.

"I know I was a jerk. Just let me explain."

"You played me. I have somewhere to be. "

I turned and headed off to art class. My day was already a heaping pile of bull-shit, and Tristan was the last nail in the coffin. I entered the room and noticed things had been set up a little differently. Instead of canvases, the room was scattered with larger tables.

"Everyone take your seats," said Mrs. Henry.

I quickly looked around and spotted Daniel waving at me from one end of the room. I slid into the seat next to Daniel, feeling the weight of everything that had happened today still hanging over me. His grin was like a breath of fresh air, though, and for a moment, it felt like I could forget about all the mess in my life.

"Hey," he whispered, leaning toward me. "How’s it going?"

I shrugged, offering him a small smile. "Better now that I’m here."

He raised an eyebrow. "You don’t sound so sure."

"Just a lot on my mind," I muttered, glancing at the clock. "Anyway, what's going on today? We usually don’t do anything too exciting in here."

Just as I said it, Mrs. Henry clapped her hands, making everyone pause and turn toward her. "Alright, class," she said, a hint of excitement in her voice. "I’ve got something different for you today. Thanks to the theater department, we’re going to try our hand at fashion design and sewing!"

A buzz of excitement rippled through the room as everyone began to murmur, looking around at the machines set up at the back of the room. Sewing machines, neatly lined up in rows, hummed quietly, their bright colors contrasting with the otherwise neutral classroom. The machines had been borrowed from the theater department for a special project, and the thought of using them sent a spark of curiosity through me.

"Fashion design?" I said quietly to Daniel, almost not believing it. "That’s… random."

He laughed softly, nudging me with his elbow. "Maybe, but it sounds fun, right?"

I couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. "I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it seriously."

Mrs. Henry began handing out fabric swatches and sketching paper, her energy contagious. "Alright, everyone, today you’re going to sketch out a design and then try sewing it. I know some of you might be thinking this is a bit out of left field, but trust me, you might discover a new passion today."

I glanced around the room, noting the looks of surprise and excitement. Some students seemed eager, while others, like me, appeared a little uncertain.

Daniel leaned over again, his voice low. "You’ve got a good eye for this stuff. I bet you could come up with something cool."

I hesitated. "I don’t know… I mean, I’m good at following patterns, but fashion? It’s not like it’s something I’ve ever really thought about."

"Well, now’s your chance," he said, flashing me a grin. "Who knows? You might end up loving it."

I looked at the fabric swatches Mrs. Henry handed me and rolled them between my fingers. There was something satisfying about the textures and the endless possibilities—patterns, colors, cuts… But I wasn’t sure if it was something I wanted to dive into.