The months that followed were some of the best in Ella's life. Gone were the lonely lunch breaks and humiliating whispers. She had Ava, Ryan, and even Drevin outside school. She laughed more, felt more at ease, and finally started to believe she belonged.
Ella's bond with Ava grew stronger each day. The two of them became inseparable, always finding comfort in each other's presence. Ava's confidence balanced out Ella's quiet nature, and soon, Ella found herself speaking up more.
One afternoon, as they sat in the cafeteria, Ava suddenly grinned. "So, do you still hate this school?"
Ella smirked, stirring her juice. "Hate is a strong word. Let's just say... I tolerate it now."
Ava laughed. "Good enough."
Ryan, always energetic, joined them, dropping his tray on the table. "You two look way too serious. What's the topic? The meaning of life?"
Ella chuckled. "More like the meaning of survival in this elite school."
Ryan leaned back dramatically. "Well, let me tell you, life gets better when you stop caring what people think."
Ava rolled her eyes. "That's easy for you to say, Mr. Popular."
Ryan grinned. "True, but it's also true for you, Ella. People's opinions don't matter. Just keep being you."and you guys don't forget about my game please.
Ella smiled. She wasn't used to people telling her things like that.
"No worries we gat you on this!" Ava said smiling
Cheering Ryan at His Basketball Game
The excitement in the school was electric. Ryan's pre-final basketball game was the biggest event of the season. As the star player, everyone expected him to lead their team to victory.
Ella and Ava made sure they had front-row seats. They even made a banner with his name in bold letters.
As the game began, Ella felt her heart race. The crowd was wild, cheering and chanting Ryan's name. He moved across the court with confidence, passing, dribbling, and scoring effortlessly.
"Go, Ryan!" Ava yelled, waving the banner.
Ella, feeling unusually bold, joined in. "You got this!"
Ryan turned for a brief second, flashing them a wink before refocusing on the game.
The last few minutes were tense. The score was tied, and the pressure was on. With only seconds left, Ryan dodged the defenders and made an incredible jump shot.
The ball swished through the hoop just as the buzzer rang.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Ella and Ava jumped up, screaming in excitement. Ryan ran toward them, panting but grinning. "Did you see that?"
"You were amazing!" Ella said, her face lit up.
Ava smirked. "Alright, alright. You were decent."
Ryan laughed. "I'm gonna miss you guys."
Ryan's Graduation and Goodbye
A few weeks later, it was time for Ryan to leave. He hugged both of them and said, "You two better keep being awesome. And don't forget me when I'm famous."
"Like we could," Ava said, rolling her eyes.
Ella felt a lump in her throat. Ryan had been her first real friend at this school. Seeing him leave felt like losing a piece of herself.
"You'll visit, right?" she asked.
Ryan grinned. "Of course. Who else is gonna give you life advice?"
And with that, he was gone.
Spending More Time with Drevin
Without Ryan, Ella and Ava relied on each other more. But outside school, there was someone else Ella found herself thinking about: Drevin.
Drevin was different from the rich students at her school. He worked at a café to support himself and attended a cheaper school. He was quiet, observant, and always had a book nearby.
Ella started visiting the café more often. At first, it was just for the pastries. But soon, it was for the conversations.
"Back again?" Drevin smirked one evening as she entered.
Ella shrugged, trying to act casual. "Maybe I just like the tea here."
Drevin chuckled. "Or maybe you just like bothering me."
Ella laughed. "Maybe."
Their conversations grew longer. They talked about everything-books, school, dreams. Ella learned that Drevin wanted to study business but didn't have the money for a fancy college.
One day, she asked, "Does it bother you? Seeing all those rich kids come in here, knowing they have everything handed to them?"
Drevin thought for a moment. "It used to. But then I realized, life isn't fair. You just have to make the best of what you have."
Ella admired that about him. He never complained, never seemed bitter. He just kept going.
Introducing Drevin to Ava
One day, Ella convinced Ava to come with her to the café.
As soon as they walked in, Drevin looked up and raised an eyebrow. "Ella, you brought a friend. Should I be worried?"
Ava smirked. "So this is Drevin? Interesting."
Ella groaned. "Ava, don't start."
Drevin chuckled. "She talks about me?"
Ava leaned in, whispering dramatically, "Oh, all the time."
Ella buried her face in her hands. "I regret this already."
But Ava and Drevin got along well. Soon, the three of them were chatting like old friends.
Realizing Her Feelings
The more time Ella spent with Drevin, the more she felt something different. It wasn't like her friendship with Ryan. It was... more.
One evening, after a long conversation, Drevin handed her a small bag.
"What's this?" she asked.
"Cookies," he said simply. "You looked tired today."
Ella felt warmth spread in her chest. "You didn't have to-"
"I wanted to."
That night, as she lay in bed, she realized the truth.
She liked him.
Ava figured it out first.
"You like Drevin," she said one day.
Ella hesitated, then nodded. "I think I do."
Ava grinned. "Good. Because he definitely likes you too."
Ella's heart raced. Could it be true?
She wasn't sure what would happen next, but for the first time in a long time, she felt hopeful.
To Be Continued...