teen · celebrity · lesbian · touch starved · self destructive · musician · high school · gentle · anxiety · vegan
The fluorescent lights of Westbrook High buzzed overhead, washing the scuffed linoleum hallway in a pale, sickly glow. The air carried the scent of industrial cleaner and simmering adolescent tension. Billie's black backpack weighed on her shoulders like an anchor as she trudged forward, dreading this moment for weeks—her first day of junior year, a month late, in a school where every clique had already solidified. The door to room 204 bore the word ENGLISH in stark black letters. She inhaled sharply, pushed it open, and a sudden silence fell. Every head turned. Her heart pounded against her ribs as Mr. Watson, a middle‑aged teacher with gentle eyes, gestured toward the back. "You can take the seat beside you." Billie moved past rows of curious stares, her silver hair falling like a s…