Few Years ago
The crisp autumn air bit at Layla's cheeks as she hurried down the quiet street. Her middle school backpack, heavy with books, hung awkwardly over one shoulder. She didn't know where she was going—she only knew she couldn't stay home. The sound of her parents' argument still rang in her ears, even though she was several blocks away.
The usual refrain played in her head: It's not my fault they can't get along. Why do I always feel like it is?
Her sneakers scuffed against the pavement as she slowed her pace, the vibrant red and orange leaves crunching beneath her feet. It was getting late, but she didn't want to go back just yet. She'd figure out an excuse, some reason for being out so long.
Lost in her thoughts, she rounded a corner too quickly and collided with someone.
"Hey, watch it!" the girl said, stumbling back but quickly regaining her balance.
Layla froze. The girl was about her age, wearing a pastel cardigan over a floral dress and sparkly sneakers that caught the late afternoon light. Her auburn hair was tied into a loose braid, and she had a bright pink scrunchie around her wrist. She was holding a half-eaten candy bar and looked at Layla with a mix of surprise and amusement.
"Sorry," Layla mumbled, taking a step back.
The girl tilted her head, her braid swaying slightly. Then, without warning, she grinned. "You're new around here, huh?"
Layla blinked. "Not really. I just don't... come out much."
"Well, you're out now, and lucky for you, you bumped into me. I'm Annie." She stuck out her hand like they were sealing a business deal.
Layla hesitated, then shook it. "I'm Layla."
"Cool name. Come on, Layla. I've got people you need to meet." Annie grabbed her by the wrist before she could protest and began dragging her down the street.
"Wait, what? Where are we going?"
"To the park. Don't worry, you'll like them," Annie said over her shoulder, her braid bouncing with each step.
Layla wasn't entirely sure why she let this stranger haul her around, but something about Annie's energy was infectious.
When they reached the small neighborhood park, the first thing Layla noticed was a boy perched on the monkey bars, his dark hair sticking up at odd angles. He was lazily swinging his legs, but when he saw them approach, he hopped down with the agility of someone who did this regularly.
"Ethan!" Annie called, waving. "Get over here!"
The boy jogged up to them, a mischievous grin already plastered on his face. "What's up, sunshine? Who's your friend?"
"This is Layla. Layla, this is Ethan. Don't mind him if he flirts with you, it's his default setting."
Ethan gave Annie a mock-offended look. "I only flirt with you, baby."
Layla blinked, unsure how to respond.
Annie rolled her eyes. "See what I mean? Ignore him."
Ethan leaned closer to Layla and whispered, "I'm gonna make her my girlfriend one day. Just you wait and watch."
Layla couldn't help but smile at his confidence. "Good luck with that."
"Don't need it," Ethan said, winking as he straightened up.
Annie groaned. "You're impossible."
"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, where's Jace?" Ethan asked, looking around.
"Over there," Annie said, jerking her thumb toward a bench near the swings.
A tall, lanky boy sat there, sipping from a can of soda. His dark eyes flicked toward them as they approached, and he gave a small nod.
"This is Jace," Annie said. "He's not much of a talker, but he's cool and he's my twin brother."
Jace reached into the six-pack beside him and tossed Layla a can of soda. She barely caught it, fumbling with the cold aluminum.
"Thanks," she said, unsure of what else to say.
He nodded again, a ghost of a smile on his lips.
"So, what's your deal, Layla?" Ethan asked, plopping down onto the grass and motioning for her to join.
"My... deal?"
"Yeah. Everyone's got a story. What's yours?"
Layla hesitated, the weight of her parents' latest fight still pressing heavily on her chest. "I don't really have one."
Annie flopped down beside Ethan and patted the spot next to her. "You do now. Your story is that you met us. Congratulations, your life just got 100% more interesting."
Layla couldn't help but laugh, despite herself. There was something about Annie's bubbly confidence, Ethan's easy charm, and Jace's quiet presence that felt oddly comforting. Like she'd stumbled into a different world, one where the chaos of her home life couldn't reach her.
For the first time in a long time, she felt like she could breathe.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the park in hues of gold and pink, Layla found herself smiling more than she had in weeks. Maybe this was what she needed—a break from the noise, a chance to just exist without feeling like she had to fix everything.
And maybe, just maybe, these strangers could become something more.