Age 12
I was always the new girl. New school, new city, new faces every year or so. Nobody really knew me, and honestly, I wasn't the kind of girl who caught attention just by walking down the hall. I wasn't pretty…At least, not like Valerie.
Valerie. She was the kind of girl who had stories. Love stories. Crushes, flings, boys texting her after school, and always that sparkle in her eyes when she talked about someone new. I'd listen, half jealous, half amused, wondering when my turn would come.
I told myself it was because I was a late bloomer. That eventually, boys would start noticing me. That maybe I just haven't found my moment yet.
One afternoon during lunch, Valerie nudged me as she bounced on the bench. "Amelia, you're way too quiet. You should tell someone you like them. It's fun!"
I shook my head, smiling weakly. "I don't think anyone's noticed me enough for that."
She rolled her eyes, grinning. "You just don't know it yet. You're a late bloomer, remember? All the good stuff comes later."
I laughed softly, looking down at my sandwich. "Yeah, late bloomer."
She poked my arm. "Hey, don't sell yourself short. You're kind. Funny. And trust me, the right person will see that. Maybe you just need to give it some time."
I wanted to believe her. I really did. But some days, it felt like I was stuck in this in-between place like I'm too invisible to matter, too hopeful to give up.
Valerie was my only best friend, the one constant I had no matter how many times we moved or changed schools. She would follow me, Yeah she's loud and bright and everything I wasn't, but she made me feel like I belonged.
I remember the time she dragged me to a school dance, promising me that night would change everything. I wore the safest dress I could find, trying not to stand out, but all I could think about was how different I was, how out of place. Then, trying to catch some attention, I had this bright idea to wear a big, poofy dress thinking maybe that would make people notice me. Instead, I ended up tripping on the hem and almost face-planted right in front of the whole gym. I wanted to disappear.
"Are you okay?" Valerie asked, rushing over with a worried look.
"Yeah, just peachy," I muttered, brushing dust off my dress, cheeks burning.
She grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze. "Forget them. You're not the one who should be embarrassed."
I forced a laugh, trying to shake off the humiliation. "Easy for you to say. You're always the one getting all the attention."
Valerie smiled softly. "Hey, you're just a late bloomer. Wait till they see you. Trust me."
Valerie twirled beside me, laughing with some guy I didn't know, and I felt that familiar mix of hope and doubt. Maybe next time, I told myself. Maybe next time, someone will see me.
I quietly slipped away and headed straight to the food table. The smell of pizza and fries was pretty good, and honestly, I just wanted to pass time until the event ended so I could go home and rest in my bed.
I grabbed a plate and found a chair at the corner, sitting down to wait. I wasn't really paying attention because the pizza was so good not to look at. I accidentally bumped into a boy.
"Oops, sorry," I said, looking up.
He gave a small smile but didn't say anything. I just nodded and looked away, focusing back on my food.
I wasn't ready for dancing or attention, especially not that night. I just wanted to be invisible.
So, I finished my food in silence, watching the party from my little corner, counting down the minutes until I could finally go home. Maybe tomorrow will be different.
I was lost in my thoughts when someone cleared their throat beside me.
"Hey, you okay?" a voice asked gently.
I glanced up to see a boy standing there, holding a small plate. He wasn't someone I knew, but his eyes weren't searching for a show, it looked kind.
"Yeah," I said softly, surprised to find my voice steady. "Noice sometimes freak me out."
He nodded and smiled a little. "This party's kind of loud, huh?"
I laughed quietly. "Yeah. It's a lot."
He shifted his weight awkwardly. "By the way, I'm Steven."
"Amelia," I replied, feeling a little less invisible.
But I couldn't help thinking he seemed way older than me. Maybe two or three years at least. Like, we probably weren't even on the same level.
For the first time that night, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I wasn't completely alone.