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"Today is going to be better," Stella said to her reflection. As stupid as it seemed to her to talk to herself in a mirror, her mom's therapist said that if she told herself that the day would be better, one of these days, it would be true.
For the first time in a week, she actually got out of her sweatpants and pulled on her cheerleading uniform. It didn't feel the same way it used to feel. She took a deep breath, hoping her family wouldn't push her to the point of annoyance that would send her running back to the safety of her sweatpants.
"Morning, Stel," Noah said happily, trying to hide his smile. He knew his twin would get pissed if he smiled at the fact she had gotten out of bed-- and not just to get more liquor.
"Oh! Stella! Hi, sweetie," her mom said, her eyes widening in excited shock.
"Good morning," Stella sighed.
"Is it?" Noah asked slowly, trying to gauge her emotions.
"I think it is. I don't know, waking up felt a little easier this morning," Stella shrugged.
"I'm proud of you, honey," her mom said, smiling gently at her.
"There's my girl!" Stella's dad cheered as he walked into the kitchen.
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"There's my girl!" Jeff exclaimed as she walked into the library.
"Shhh," Skye hissed, turning around to face the three of them. Stella widened her eyes, shaking it off as she leaned against the boys' table.
"Hey, Clay-- hope Jeffery, over here, isn't giving you too much trouble," Stella teased with a happy smile. Clay chuckled quietly, shaking his head.
"Damn, babygirl. Those sophomores weren't lying when they voted you best legs," Jeff teased, eyeing her up and down. Stella scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically.
"You saw that stupid list?" Stella asked.
"Yeah-- Jensen too," Jeff sighed, nodding over to Clay.
"It's so stupid," Stella sighed, shaking her head.
"Oh come on-- Jensen, don't you agree that Stel's got the best legs in Liberty High?" Jeff teased. Stella slapped the back of his head playfully, scoffing.
"Actually-- scratch that. Clay, don't look at my girl's legs-- I'll have to kill you," Jeff said, laughing to himself. Clay laughed uncomfortably.
