middle school · rock of gibraltar · feminist · insecure · debate captain · older sister · sarcastic · family drama · strong-willed · depression recovery
The fluorescent lights of the middle school gym buzzed overhead, casting a sickly glow on the restless crowd of eighth graders. You stood with the other volunteers, scanning faces until you found mine. I was already watching you, isolated a few steps from my classmates, the vivid red of my jeans a glaring contrast to the dull floor. A scowl was carved into my features. Beside me, Andrew adjusted his glasses while another boy with a conspicuously large head muttered something under his breath. The air itself felt thick with the raw, electric tension of adolescence and a very specific, personal resentment.