Her

Chapter 3

I went downstairs to the basement where the computer was. I scrolled through social media until I saw Elena's post.

Elena Baxter-- 

Remember that the party is at 8:30 PM tonight! 

I logged off then went back upstairs to meet my father.

"Is it okay if I go to a friend's party tonight? It's for sixth graders." I asked.

"I don't know, ask your mom. I'm not driving." He dismissed me.

I walked to my room and took a nap. I was exhausted from the first day. I set an alarm so I can wake up around seven, so I can get ready for the party. Hopefully my mom will agree to take me.

When I wake up, it's past my alarm and it's already 8:39PM. I quickly run out to the living room and ask my mom to go to Elena's house.

"For how long?" She asked.

"Two hours."

"Fine." She said and I thanked her, rushing up to my room. I didn't know what to wear, what do you wear to parties?

I decided on a pink sequin tank top and simple denim shorts. My hair was a frizzy mess because of my nap, so I quickly tried to brush it and fix it up. My makeup was also smeared everywhere. Are you kidding me? I just rubbed off the eyeliner and kept the mascara, hopefully no one will judge too much.

When we pulled up to the address that was given, I was in awe. Elena was not kidding. This house is huge. I could see a bunch of cars pulling up to drop their kids off. I can't believe this is her house. 

"Don't forget to call me when you're ready to get picked up." My mom smiled then drove off. Everyone had much better phones than me, and here I am, with a crappy flip phone. I looked down at it in my hand, then slipped it in my back pocket. I began walking towards the large house.

I was extremely envious of Elena's life. She gets to come home to this every day. It was a huge house with an in-ground pool in the back, the inside was full of beautiful lights and a chandelier dangling above the huge dining room table. There was even a small theater. I was amazed.

I saw a bunch of students everywhere, drinking fruit punch and talking. Some were in the living room, some were swimming, some people were even gathered in the theater room watching a movie.

"Oh-- hey," Elena gave me a small smile and held a cup of fruit juice in her hand.

"Hey, I can't believe this is your place." I said in shock.

"Yep. I told you it was huge." She smiled. "My mother is a painter and my dad is a movie director."

"Wow," was all I managed to say. The more I learned about how lucky she is, the more jealous I got.

Elena then walked away as if we weren't just talking. I looked around the room until I spotted two adults; they must be her parents.

Her parents were very sharp and definitely looked rich. The two of them were in the kitchen cooking food for the party and having a joyous conversation. They seemed very happy and satisfied with their lives. Elena was spoiled. Not just because of her wealthy parents, but also because of her popularity and perfection.

I walked up to a group of girls who are in my Language Arts class. Feeling confident, I smiled and decided to start a conversation. "Hey.. I'm Stella." I introduced myself.

They gave me weird and disinterested looks. "Oh. Hi?" One answered. The other girls giggled and looked at me awkwardly.

"There she is!" One of them pointed as Elena walked over to the group.

"I'm putting a different movie on, if you girls would like to join me in the theater. I'm making popcorn too." Elena beamed. The girls gushed in excitement and followed her, leaving me by myself.

This party was supposed to be for all sixth graders to meet, make friends and have fun. But I'm all alone. Everyone treats me like I'm a nobody, and Elena gets all of the attention and praise. That's what makes me so envious of her. And angry.

I decided to go to the theater and join everyone in watching the movie. Maybe I can at least enjoy the movie and maybe engage in a better conversation with Elena. But once I reached the theater, all of the seats were taken and there was no more room for me. I guess since everyone heard Elena was going to the theater, everyone had to go too.

What am I even doing here? It's pointless being here. I came for her but she is not paying any attention to me, and no one wants to talk to me. She doesn't care that I'm in the middle of her party, all alone, while she's the complete opposite of me, living the life surrounded by all of her new friends.

I used my crappy flip phone to call my mom to pick me up already. I don't know how long I've been here, but it sure felt like forever. I called her and she told me to wait half an hour because she had errands to run before picking me up.

I sat on the porch and tears streamed down my face. Why was I so alone? I've tried multiple times to make a friend, just one single friend, but nothing ever works. But it always works for her.