CHAPTER 7

(Emery's pov)

The morning sun spilled gentle rays of light into my room, coaxing me awake. Stretching, I yawned and prepared myself for another day. I couldn't help but wonder if my father had returned home the previous night, but the emptiness of the house was a disheartening answer.

Descending the stairs, the familiar solitude greeted me. It was a loneliness I had grown accustomed to, a stark contrast to the warmth I felt around Ezra and her friends. I wondered if my father had gone on another alcohol-fueled binge, disappearing into the night.

As I approached the entrance of the school gate, I caught sight of Ezra and her friends waiting by Ezra's car. It seemed as though they were waiting for me. A mixture of surprise and gratitude washed over me. It was a stark departure from my usual solitary journey to school.

Walking towards the school building, my gaze met Ezra's, who had been keeping an eye out for my arrival. Ezra's smile, a familiar and reassuring sight, lifted my spirits. Ezra jogged towards me, a cheerful "Good morning!" escaping her lips.

I, my shy demeanor intact, greeted Ezra with a small wave and a soft "Hello." Ezra's friends, who had joined us, exchanged friendly smiles and hellos before heading off to their own classes.

I felt a rush of giddiness and warmth as I watched Ezra and her friends interact with me. It was a level of attention and care I had never experienced before, except when I was with my mother. But it wasn't just the attention that made my heart flutter; it was the fact that they accepted me for who I was.

Turning my attention back to me, Ezra inquired about my night. I, not wanting to burden Ezra with the truth about my home life, simply replied with a reserved "Good."

As we strolled through the school's hallways, the hushed whispers and curious glances from our fellow students couldn't be ignored. People couldn't fathom why Ezra, the school's "IT girl," would choose to befriend me, who had been labeled as an outsider.

Ezra, however, paid no heed to the murmurs. She was focused on me and the genuine connection we were building. She was determined to show me that I was valued, regardless of the judgmental eyes around us.

Upon reaching the entrance of my first class, Ezra stopped, turning to face me with a warm and genuine smile. I, my cheeks reddening as was becoming the norm around Ezra, prepared to say goodbye and enter the classroom.

But just as I was about to turn away, I felt a gentle grip on my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. Confused, I turned back to Ezra, my green eyes meeting Ezra's warm brown ones. I blinked, questioning Ezra's actions.

Ezra continued to hold my wrist, her smile unwavering. With a shy but heartfelt tone, she expressed, "I just wanted to say goodbye to you."

My heart skipped a beat at Ezra's words. The simple gesture of Ezra stopping me just to bid farewell left me feeling a mix of emotions. I hadn't grown accustomed to receiving such attention, especially from someone like Ezra.

Ezra, perhaps feeling a bit self-conscious herself, said a quick goodbye and hurriedly entered the classroom before the bell rang. I watched her go, a gentle smile on my face, feeling a sense of warmth that carried me through the rest of the day.

As I settled into my first class, I couldn't help but replay the morning's interactions in my mind. The attention, the kindness, and the genuine interest Ezra had shown me were like echoes of hope and acceptance, resonating through my heart.