Her

Chapter 4

"What's the matter?" My mom asked me as we were in the car, driving back home. My face was pressed against the window.

"Nothing. It's stupid. I don't know why I wanted to come here in the first place." I groaned.

"But all your friends were there. And Jesus, her house looked huge. Why didn't you have fun?" She asked as she kept her eyes on the road.

"Because she doesn't like me." I snapped.

"You can lose your attitude, Stella." She snapped back at me, and I kept quiet the rest of the drive home.

Once we got home, we walked up the porch stairs and into the house.

I stormed off to my room, shutting the door behind me. I sighed as I walked over to my bed. The entire sixth grade class is having the best time, and I'm all alone in my room. I knew I didn't belong there.

********

It was Saturday morning, and I woke up surprisingly in a better mood than last night. I went to bed early-ish, almost right after coming home because of how upset I was.

I looked in the mirror and scowled at my appearance. My mascara from last night was smeared on my eyelids, and I looked like a disaster. I went to my wardrobe to find some clothes to put on after I shower. I decided on a plain white tank top and a yellow skirt.

I got in the shower, sitting under the warm water and allowing the water to run down my body. I grabbed a face cleanser and scrubbed it on my face, trying to clean the black makeup off of my eyelids. Once I was finished, I got dressed and walked back to my room.

There was a tapping at my door. "Yes?" I asked.

"Stella, do you want to go to the mall with me?" Mireya, my older sister asked me.

"Sure, let me finish getting ready." I replied. I was kind of excited to go to the mall because I rarely ever get out of the house or do anything on the weekends. I dried my hair with a towel and slipped my flats on.

Once we arrived at the mall, I looked around at all the people walking around, and all of the huge stores. I barely got to go to the mall, and I was surprised Mireya wanted to hang out with me.

"Let's go in here, I need some new clothes." Mireya gestured towards a clothing store with mannequins wearing goregous clothes in the display windows.

Mireya sifted through a few racks, and I just walked around looking. I looked down at my outfit. Maybe I should get some new clothes too. I reached for my wallet out of my handbag and found only forty dollars. That should be enough to get a new outfit or two. I started looking through the racks for clothes in my size as Mireya took a couple things to the dressing room to try on.

I looked up from the clothing rack and spotted two familiar faces-- Elena and another girl from one of my classes.

They entered the store and started browsing the clothing racks. Elena looked good and she didn't even have to try. Her curly hair was down, and she wore black shorts and a pink top. Elena and the other girl giggled as they walked through the store, having some conversation I wish I was a part of. I didn't know if I should say hi or not, I just watched as the two girls browsed then left the store.

"You okay?" Mireya's voice startled me and I nearly jumped. I turned around, snapping out of it.

"What were you staring at?" She asked me, then followed my eyes to the store's entrance.

"Nothing.. this girl from my school." I half-admitted.

"Oh, well did you find anything you like? I'm gonna buy these." Mireya held up a few hangers holding different tops.

"I'm gonna look a little more while you pay." I told her.

I proceeded to look for clothes I could afford that would look nice on me. Maybe if I changed my style or wore trendier clothes, I would get noticed more. I found a pair of tan khaki shorts with a black belt, and a white top that looked perfect with it. Satisfied, I purchased the clothes and walked out of the store with Mireya.

It was later in the day, and I was bored. I regretted not saying anything to Elena when I saw her at the mall, I didn't know what to say and there was a girl with her. I hated how horribly shy and awkward I was, it made everything so much worse.

I went downstairs to the computer and turned it on. I decided to message Elena and try to have a conversation with her. Maybe if I get to know her a little more, and I get comfortable talking to her, then she will be my friend.

Stella: Hey.

A few minutes passed by.

Elena: Oh, hey Stella. What's up?

I eagerly typed on the computer once she responded.

Stella: I saw you at the mall earlier but didn't get to say hi. How is your day?

Elena: Oh, I didn't see you. My day is good, I just got home. I was out all day. 

Stella: You looked really pretty today! I wish I looked pretty like you. I was wondering if you can teach me how to do makeup like yours?

A few minutes passed, and no response. I browsed the web while I waited for her to answer. I was about to give up and shut off the computer, but the computer chimed with a notification signifying I had a message.

Elena: Thanks. I don't wear makeup though.

I was trying to think of something to say back.

Stella: Oh, well you're so lucky.

I was waiting for her response, but it never came. Sighing, I shut off the computer and went back upstairs.