The days at Maplewood High passed in a whirlwind of new experiences for Mia. With each passing day, she found herself settling into a routine that felt surprisingly comfortable. Lisa and Lily became her steadfast companions, introducing her to more students and helping her navigate the intricacies of high school life.
One crisp autumn morning, Mia found herself seated next to Ethan in Chemistry class. His mere presence exuded a sense of calm and intelligence that intrigued her. She stole glances at him discreetly, noticing the way he concentrated on the teacher's lecture with unwavering focus.
As the class progressed, Mia fidgeted with her pencil, her mind racing with a mix of curiosity and nerves. She wondered what Ethan thought of her transformation, of the makeup that concealed the scars of her past. Did he see through the carefully applied layers to the girl beneath?
During a group activity, Mia felt Ethan's gaze on her. She looked up, meeting his eyes briefly before blushing and returning her attention to the task at hand. Lisa nudged her playfully, sensing Mia's distraction.
After class, Mia lingered by her locker, pretending to organize her books as she stole glances around the hallway. She spotted Ethan walking ahead, his backpack slung over one shoulder as he exchanged greetings with other students.
Lisa sidled up beside Mia, grinning knowingly. "Seems like someone caught your eye," she teased, nudging Mia gently.
Mia flushed, shaking her head. "What? No, I was just... he's smart, isn't he?"
Lily joined them, adjusting her glasses. "Oh, definitely. Ethan's like, top of our class. And he's nice too. You should talk to him!"
Mia bit her lip, considering the idea. Talking to Ethan seemed both exhilarating and daunting. What would she say? Would he even be interested in getting to know her beyond the makeup?
As the school day drew to a close, Mia gathered her courage. She approached Ethan near the lockers, her heart pounding in her chest. "Hey, Ethan," she began tentatively.
Ethan turned to her, a faint smile quirking his lips. "Hey, Mia, right?" His voice was warm, his eyes studying her with gentle curiosity.
"Yeah, that's me," Mia replied, trying to suppress her nerves. "I just wanted to say... thanks for being nice. It's... it's been a bit overwhelming, but... thanks."
Ethan nodded, his expression kind. "No problem. Maplewood can be a lot at first. But you seem to be handling it well."
Mia shrugged, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Trying my best. It's nice to have friends like Lisa and Lily."
"They're great," Ethan agreed. "And hey, if you ever need help with anything, just let me know. I'm usually around."
Mia nodded gratefully, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thanks, Ethan. I appreciate it."
As they parted ways, Mia couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of belonging. Maybe Maplewood High wasn't just a place to start over—it was becoming a place where she could truly be herself, makeup and all.