ChloeI stared at the person in the mirror as I slipped into my shoes, taking in my appearance. With long black hair and round cheeks that others often criticized, I appeared happy on the outside while battling inner turmoil.But it was time for me to mature and confront my fears, even though it was easier said than done. Sighing, I straightened up and examined my outfit-a leather high-waisted skirt with stylish buckles, a black spaghetti-strap top, and a mesh long-sleeve top. I completed the look with trendy black sandals.Initially feeling out of my comfort zone, I reminded myself to focus on the present after taking my medication. After placing my new phone in my black purse and stashing a few pills in a small compartment, I left my room and headed downstairs. As usual, no one else was home. I sighed, entered the kitchen, and poured a glass of water. Just as I was about to take a sip, I heard a knock at the door. I groaned, setting the glass back on the counter and going to answer

ChloeWhen I finished changing, I stumbled back outside on my shaky legs before collapsing onto my bed. Hayden leaned against the corner wall, and I glanced over at him. His silver eyes sparkled under the soft glow of moonlight seeping through the cracked curtain."I'm leaving," he said, nodding at me, and fear immediately gripped me again."Hayden?" I called out, and he paused, turning his head slightly to the left, silently acknowledging that he was listening."Can you... stay? Just until I fall asleep," I asked hopefully, and he remained silent for a while. The sober me could never make such a request. Then he sighed and walked over, slipping out of his shoes and lying at the bottom of my bed."Thanks," I said quietly, yawning as I looked down at his face. He appeared emotionless and unfazed by the world.I wished I could be like that. My heart pounded harshly in my chest, and my hands shook violently as I recalled the events from earlier. He had been so cold, and it scared me. He

ChloeI knew I would be late for my next class. I had dozed off while waiting for my first class to end, and strangely, I didn't mind. I felt drained and weak, overwhelmed by depression and anxiety as I walked down the empty hallway. Maybe I should call my brother to come pick me up, but he had classes of his own. Sighing, I looked down at my feet while walking, but I stopped abruptly when I noticed a pair of pink heels in front of me. I looked up and took a step back as my eyes met the green gaze of our school's biggest bully, the Queen Bee. Behind her stood two of her friends and her boyfriend, the quarterback of our school's team, who carried himself as if he had been crowned Miss Universe."Hey, Chloe. I have a desperate question for you," she said with an innocent face, and I looked down, feeling uneasy."What's your diet plan? I really need to start doing whatever you do to look this fit," she told me, and I frowned."Fit? More like fat," her boyfriend chimed in, and I sighed."

ChloeI woke up to the sound of voices and wondered if I was still dreaming. Groaning, I sat up and held my head as the weight of my medication hit me like a ton of bricks. The voices had stopped by the time I opened my eyes, and I realized I wasn't in my own room. My eyes widened as I took in my surroundings, but my anxiety calmed when I locked eyes with Hayden, whose silver gaze was familiar. As I scanned the room, I noticed another person with green eyes standing in the doorway. It was Hayden's aunt, Maya. She was a beautiful woman, with brown skin and a curly afro that framed her face.Her features resembled Hayden's, and the birthmark on her cheek gave it away. We seemed to be in Hayden's bedroom, which was not very big. It had a bed, a nightstand, a TV, and a small closet. The room was painted black, unsurprisingly, and a little pug was lying in the corner."Hi," I greeted Maya, and she smiled warmly at me as I rubbed my eyes sleepily."Hey, Sweetie. I'm Maya, Slim's aunt," sh

SlimShe glanced at me while I drove, a curious expression on her face as she stared intently."Hale," I said, stealing a quick glance at her, but she quickly looked away. I dropped Maya off at our house; she had another blind date tonight. She still held onto the hope that one of them would work out, even though I knew they never did. But she remained unfazed."Can you drop me off at school?" she asked, her desire to attend the game evident. I contemplated it, aware of the reason behind her request. It stirred up unfamiliar emotions within me, a tinge of anger that I ignored before nodding. The others would be there, anyway.After a while, I pulled into the crowded school parking lot. My spot was always empty, untouched by others. Parking the car, I opened her door for her. She smiled, unintentionally easing my tension. She had a way of affecting me, and it was hard to see her with someone else. We walked through the empty corridor, the loud cheers from outside already reaching our e