Julie slammed her locker shut, her hands still shaking. She felt raw, exposed, like everyone could see the words Madison had thrown at her.
She rushed outside, needing air, needing space. Her feet carried her to the back of the school, a quiet spot beneath the old oak tree where she often went to think. But today, her thoughts were suffocating.
How could she have been so stupid? Of course, Noah wouldn't like her. Madison was right. She was plain, forgettable… a nobody.
She sank to the ground, hugging her knees to her chest as the tears finally broke free, hot and relentless. She hated how much Madison's words hurt. Hated how much she wanted them to be wrong.
"Julie?"
She looked up, her vision blurred. Emma stood a few feet away, worry etched on her face. "I've been looking everywhere for you. What's going on?"
Julie quickly wiped her eyes, trying to compose herself. "It's nothing. I'm fine."
Emma scoffed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, and I'm the Queen of England. Spill it, Jules."
Julie's defenses crumbled. She looked away, her voice shaking. "I… I heard Madison and her friends talking about me. They were saying… horrible things. About me and… and Noah."
Emma's eyes darkened, her jaw clenching. "Those stuck-up witches. What did they say?"
Julie's throat tightened. "That I'm pathetic… that I don't stand a chance. That Noah would never like someone like me." Her voice broke, the pain spilling out. "They called me plain… a nobody."
Emma's face softened, and she dropped to her knees beside Julie, pulling her into a tight hug. "Hey, don't listen to them. They're just jealous because you're amazing."
Julie's shoulders shook as she cried, the pent-up hurt pouring out. "But what if they're right? What if he's just being nice? I'm nothing like Madison. Why would he ever notice me?"
Emma pulled back, her eyes fierce. "Are you kidding me? Jules, you're one of the funniest, sweetest people I know. You light up every room you walk into. If Noah doesn't see that, then he's the one who's blind."
Julie let out a shaky laugh, wiping her nose with her sleeve. "You're just saying that because you're my best friend."
Emma smiled, brushing a stray tear from Julie's cheek. "No, I'm saying it because it's true. And if Madison thinks she can tear you down just because she's insecure, then she's got another thing coming."
Julie's chest tightened, a mix of gratitude and relief washing over her. "Thanks, Em."
Emma grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Anytime. And you know what? We're not gonna let her get away with this. Come on, let's go to lunch. Together."
Julie hesitated, the thought of facing everyone again making her stomach churn. But Emma squeezed her hand, her smile unwavering. "You're not alone, Jules. I've got your back."
Julie took a deep breath, finding strength in Emma's words. She wasn't alone. She had people who cared about her. People who saw her worth, even when she couldn't see it herself.
She stood up, brushing the dirt off her jeans. "Alright… let's do this."
As they walked back to the school, side by side, Julie felt a flicker of hope. Madison's words still hurt, but they didn't feel quite as heavy.
Maybe she was stronger than she thought.