Monday came with its usual chaos—hallway chatter, locker slams, and the distant hum of teachers starting their lessons. Sophie walked through Riverview High with a newfound determination. The art exhibit had rekindled something inside her, and for the first time in a while, she wasn't dreading the day ahead.
But her resolve was tested almost immediately.
"Sophie!"
She turned to see Madison approaching, her usual entourage trailing behind. Madison's tone was friendly, but her smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Hey," Sophie said cautiously.
"I heard you and Max went to some art thing this weekend," Madison began, her voice dripping with feigned curiosity. "Didn't know you two were so… close."
Sophie felt her cheeks heat up. "It wasn't like that. He just invited me."
"Hmm," Madison said, tilting her head. "Well, people are talking, you know. Just thought you'd want to be aware."
Before Sophie could respond, Madison and her friends walked away, their laughter echoing down the hallway.
---
Sophie clenched her fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She hated how Madison always managed to make her feel small, like she had to defend herself for simply existing.
"Let it go," she whispered to herself, taking a deep breath.
As she made her way to her locker, she spotted Rachel waiting for her.
"Madison strikes again?" Rachel asked, raising an eyebrow.
"How'd you guess?" Sophie replied, opening her locker.
Rachel smirked. "She's predictable. Don't let her get to you."
"I'm trying," Sophie said, sighing. "It's just… exhausting."
Rachel slung an arm around her shoulders. "That's what friends are for. To remind you that she's not worth your energy."
Sophie smiled, grateful for Rachel's unwavering support.
---
In English class, Sophie found herself doodling in the margins of her notebook, her mind wandering back to the art exhibit. She thought about the photograph of the elderly woman and how it had sparked something in her.
When the bell rang, she stayed behind, waiting for Mr. Daniels to finish packing up his things.
"Mr. Daniels?" she said hesitantly.
He looked up, smiling. "Yes, Sophie?"
"I was wondering… Do you think there's a way I could share my poetry outside of school? Like in a community setting?"
Mr. Daniels' eyes lit up. "Actually, there's an open mic night happening at the community center next month. I think you'd be perfect for it."
Sophie's heart skipped a beat. "Open mic? Like, in front of strangers?"
"Exactly," he said. "It's a great opportunity to challenge yourself and connect with others."
"I don't know…" Sophie trailed off, doubt creeping in.
"Think about it," Mr. Daniels said, his tone encouraging. "You have a gift, Sophie. Don't be afraid to share it."
---
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Sophie couldn't stop thinking about the open mic night. Part of her was intrigued by the idea, but another part was terrified.
When she told Max about it during lunch, he grinned. "You should do it. I'll even come for moral support."
Sophie laughed. "You just want an excuse to sketch people in the audience."
"Guilty," Max admitted, chuckling. "But seriously, Sophie. You should go for it."
Sophie nodded slowly. Maybe, just maybe, she could.