The bell echoed through the hallways of Riverdale High School, signaling the start of a new school year. Ava's heavy boots clunked against the tile floor as she made her way to her first class—Art Appreciation. She'd already memorized her schedule, eager to immerse herself in her favorite subject. Her short, choppy hair was streaked with a fresh shade of cobalt blue, defying the conservative tastes of their small town. Ava smirked as she passed a group of classmates who whispered and threw her sidelong glances. She didn't mind. She was used to it by now.
Sliding into her usual spot at the back of the art room, she pulled out her sketchbook and started drawing absentmindedly—a habit of hers whenever she had a few minutes of quiet. She didn't notice when someone slipped into the seat next to her until she heard a soft voice.
"Um, do you mind if I sit here?" the girl asked, clutching a notebook to her chest.
Ava looked up, momentarily taken aback. She recognized her from around school—Emily, a quiet girl with wide, expressive eyes framed by dark lashes. Her long hair fell in gentle waves over her shoulders, and there was a hint of nervousness in her posture, as if she'd rather be invisible.
"Sure," Ava replied, shrugging with nonchalance she hoped was convincing.
As the class began, Ava noticed Emily kept sneaking glances at her. At first, Ava thought it was because of her edgy look—black eyeliner, leather jacket, and combat boots didn't exactly fit in Riverdale High's unofficial uniform of pastel colors and jeans. But as the minutes ticked by, Ava sensed something else. Maybe Emily wasn't just looking at her; maybe she was curious.
During a lull in the lesson, Ava leaned over. "Are you into art?"
Emily's cheeks flushed. "Um, yeah, I guess. I like drawing, mostly. But I'm not... you know, like… out there." She gestured toward Ava's outfit, her shy smile softening her words.
Ava laughed. "It's not about being 'out there.' Art's just… a way to be yourself. Loud or quiet, doesn't matter."
Emily seemed to think about this for a moment, her gaze drifting to the window. "I guess that's true," she said softly, almost as if she were talking to herself.
They spent the rest of the class in a comfortable silence, each absorbed in their own sketches. Ava found herself glancing at Emily's work—a delicate line drawing of a small bird perched on a tree branch. The precision and care in every line took her by surprise.
As the bell rang, Emily hesitated, then turned to Ava. "Do you… maybe want to meet up sometime? To… draw?"
Ava nodded, surprised by the warmth she felt in her chest. "Sure, that'd be cool."
As they left class together, a friendship was already beginning to bloom, quiet and unspoken but undeniable.