The announcement came over the intercom just before the last bell:
"Attention, students! This Friday, Westbrook High will host its annual spring party in the gymnasium. Attendance is optional, but everyone is encouraged to come. Dress code: semi-formal."
Amara groaned quietly to herself as she packed her bag. A school party. A gathering where everyone would show off their designer dresses, jewelry, and fancy shoes—and where she, with her simple secondhand dress and patched flats, would feel painfully out of place.
Her best friend Jade had squealed when she heard.
"You have to go!" Jade said, practically bouncing in the cafeteria. "It's the biggest event of the semester! Everyone will be there!"
"I don't even have anything to wear," Amara complained, twisting the strap of her backpack. "And you know what will happen—people will laugh, or whisper… or worse."
"That's just it! Don't give them the satisfaction," Jade said firmly. "Just go. Be yourself. And besides…" She leaned in, her voice dropping to a dramatic whisper. "I heard Liam Carter will be there."
Amara froze. Her stomach did a little flip.
"You mean… the same Liam Carter from class?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Jade nodded, eyes sparkling. "Yes! And apparently he always… notices someone interesting at these parties. Someone different."
Amara swallowed nervously. "Different usually means… trouble."
Jade waved her off. "Or… exciting. Either way, you should go. Trust me."
The week passed slowly. Amara avoided thinking too much about the party, focusing on schoolwork and keeping her distance from the whispers of the rich students. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the thought of Liam.
Friday arrived, and Amara stood in front of her mirror, wearing a simple blue dress she had borrowed from her cousin. It wasn't fancy. It wasn't expensive. But it was clean, neat, and made her feel… almost brave.
Her hair was loosely tied back, her shoes scuffed but polished. She didn't look like everyone else. And for once, she didn't care.
When she arrived at the gymnasium, the music hit her immediately—loud, pulsing, and alive. Students were scattered in groups, laughing, dancing, and showing off outfits that could have cost more than her monthly allowance
Amara moved carefully along the edge, trying to stay invisible. That's when she felt a hand lightly on her elbow.
"Amara," a calm, familiar voice said.
She looked up, and there he was—Liam Carter, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks, tie loosened just slightly. He was leaning casually against the wall, a smile tugging at his lips, and his dark eyes were fixed on her.
"You came," he said simply.
"I… didn't want to seem out of place," she admitted, feeling her cheeks warm.
"You're not out of place," he said, stepping closer. "You just… don't follow their rules. That's all."
Amara blinked. "Rules?"
"You know," he said, gesturing slightly toward the crowd. "All of this. The gossip, the appearances… the showing off. You don't play that game, and that makes you stand out. In a good way."
Her heart fluttered. She wasn't used to being seen for herself, not in this place.
"Come on," he said, holding out his hand. "Dance?"
Amara hesitated. She had never danced in front of a crowd like this. But there was something in his calm expression, the way he made her feel safe, that made her nod.
They moved to the center of the gym. Liam guided her gently, careful and patient. The music pulsed around them, but she only focused on him. No one else mattered.
A few students glanced their way, whispering, but Liam didn't care. He laughed softly when Amara tripped slightly over her own feet, steadying her immediately.
"You're doing fine," he said, voice low.
"I almost fell!" she whispered, embarrassed.
"And you didn't," he said, smirking. "That counts for something."
As the song continued, Amara realized she was actually enjoying herself. She had never felt this way at a school event. Usually, she would have been anxious, trying to stay unnoticed. But with Liam, she felt… bold. Seen. Important.
After the song ended, they stepped aside, and she noticed a few of the rich girls eyeing them with thinly veiled irritationYou're making it obvious you like her," one girl whispered to another, pointing subtly.
Amara stiffened. She had tried so hard to be invisible, and now it seemed her every move was under scrutiny.
Liam noticed immediately. He placed a hand lightly on her shoulder, a quiet reassurance. "Ignore them," he said. "They don't matter."
Amara nodded, taking a deep breath. There was something about the way he protected her that made her heart beat faster. Not just because he was Liam Carter, the popular, untouchable boy—but because he chose her.
As the evening continued, they stayed together, moving from dance to conversation, laughing quietly. Liam introduced her to a few friends—students who, surprisingly, weren't cruel or snobby. For a moment, Amara forgot all about the whispers, the judgment, the feeling of being poor and out of place.
By the time the party was winding down, Amara realized she hadn't thought once about being invisible. Liam had changed that. He had given her courage, and she couldn't stop the tiny smile that refused to leave her face.
As they walked toward the exit, Liam glanced at her. "You were amazing tonight," he said softly.
Amara felt heat rush to her cheeks. "I… I had a good partner," she admitted
He smirked. "I'm glad you think so."
She laughed quietly. For the first time in weeks, she felt like she belonged somewhere—maybe even with someonee
And deep down, she knew one thing: Westbrook High had become a little less terrifying.
Because Liam Carter had noticed her.