Her

Chapter 2

***Stella's POV***

"Are you going to her party tonight?" I heard someone say.

It was strange and kind of great that the first day of school was held on a Friday.

"Yeah, are you?" The other person answered. I turned around to see two girls in my class talking.

"It's gonna be so fun. I heard her parents have a lot of money so her house is big and really nice." The brown-haired girl smiled.

"There's a party tonight?" I asked. I received two dirty looks from them. I sunk back in my seat, embarrassed. 

"Haven't you heard? Elena is throwing a party for sixth graders. It's gonna be great." The blonde haired girl said and the other girl agreed.

"Oh. I didn't hear," I raised an eyebrow. Does everyone know about the party but me?

Hearing about Elena's rich family and big house only made me feel even worse. Just more reasons to feel worthless compared to her. But maybe I can talk to her, actually talk to her at the party if I go. 

"She's so nice, and cool, I swear. She was the new kid last year." Kylie, a girl from my class last year spoke up as she sat on the opposite side of the room.

"She seems pretty cool. We talked earlier." The blonde replied.

"Alright class, if you would take your seats that would be nice." A male teacher entered the room and sat at the front teacher's desk. "Well, this is middle school. How do you like it?"

"It's great!" A way-too enthusiastic kid at the front exclaimed.

He must be the polar opposite of me. My day has been terrible so far. It all started by seeing Elena with my biggest crush. She hasn't done anything wrong to me, but I envy her, all of her. Everything about her.

"This is science class. A little different from elementary school science, we will be learning a lot of new and different things. But first and foremost, we want to get to know each other. There are no strangers here, just friends we haven't met yet." The teacher beamed and started writing on the white board.

"I want each of you to write one or two sentences, very simple, and read it to the class. It has to be about you, and, well, just sum up a little bit about yourself to introduce yourself to the class. Kind of like a preview of yourself," he smiled and sat back down at his desk, writing away in a notebook.

The door opened suddenly, drawing everyone's attention. "I'm sorry I'm so late," Elena said to the teacher. "I was talking to the principal about something. She knows my family." She explained with a white late pass in her hand.

"It's alright, what is your name?" The teacher asked her.

"Elena Baxter." She smiled proudly, then took a seat next to the two girls talking from earlier.

"Like I said to the class before, we are writing a few short sentences introducing yourself to the class. We will be presenting them in a few minutes. 

"Okay." Elena nodded.

I had no idea what to write about myself. He said to keep it simple and short, so I'll just go for that.

"My name is Stella Maine and I enjoy reading and writing, they are my favorite subjects. I also am excited to make new friends this year."

Satisfied with my brief explanation, I waited until we were all done.

"Okay, who wants to go first?"

"I'll go." Elena was the first to respond. She smiled and walked up to the front with her paper.

"I'm Elena, I love meeting new people and making others smile. I also love to volunteer at places, like the animal shelter often. I love playing soccer as well, and hanging out with friends at my house." Elena spoke loud and clear, and everyone clapped after her 'speech.' Everyone seemed to like her already.

"That's great Elena." The teacher also clapped and smiled, as Elena sat back in her designated seat. "Who's next?"

When no one answered, one of the girls sitting next to Elena got up and walked to the front.

"My name is Emily. I love hanging out with friends and especially my best friend Carly-" the girl pointed to the brown-haired girl beside Elena and smiled. "And I love Summer, it's my favorite time of the year and I love going to the beach." She took a seat and everyone applauded.

After the whole class went, I still didn't go. I was a nervous wreck in front of people, and I hated doing the simplest things in front of people in fear of embarrassing myself.

"Stella? Did you go?" The teacher spotted me and I sunk deeper into my seat.

I slowly got up and walked to the front of the class, shaking. Why was I so scared? Just a few sentences and I'll be done. I stress over the littlest things.

"My name is Stella, and I like reading and writing. They are my favorite subjects. I also can't wait to make some new friends this year." I smiled and no one clapped. Imaginary crickets buzzed in the silence, and I felt embarrassed. 

The teacher smiled and clapped, and said, "Great job, Stella." 

I sat back down in my seat, feeling invisible.