Journal Entry — July 4th
Penthouse, 10:43 PM
Lights off, just city glow + my cat on my lap.
Today looked beautiful—like something you'd scroll past on your feed and pause on just because it's so... glossy. We went shopping, of course. The usual places. Everyone said I looked amazing.
"Goddess."
"Icon."
"You're literally not real."
I laughed like I believed it. But the truth? I felt like a ghost in Prada.
I swear I can still feel the warmth of today on my skin—like it's soaked in, under all the perfume and polish. Emery curled her fingers around mine in the backseat of the car like it was a secret. We were surrounded by friends, fake laughing at whatever Zari said, but her thumb kept tracing mine like no one else existed. I fake laughed at the jokes the others tossed back and forth while my eyes slowly trailed up Emery. I think that might be my favorite kind of moment—when the world's loud, but we're still soft.
I smiled the whole time. I always do. I'm good at that with her.
Everyone thinks I'm effortlessly perfect. Untouchable. A walking dream. And maybe I am. I've built this life so carefully—preppy, pretty, powerful. But there are nights like this, where I sit here under glittering glass windows and ask myself if it's real. If I'm real. If I'm just a character wearing herself like an outfit.
Maybe I'm both. Maybe I don't have to pick.
All I know is: I have everything.
And sometimes, it still feels like it's not enough.
But God, I wouldn't trade this life.
Not the kisses, not the chaos, not the cameras. Not even the aching part.
I just wish someone knew how to love all of it—
all of me—without me having to ask.
—M.
YOU ARE READING
Polished & Popular.
Adventure--- Back of the Book Description: "Polished & Popular" is a glittering collection of short stories from the dream reality of Marcellinea-a girl who has it all: the penthouse views, the perfect girlfriend, the glossy friend group, and a reputation as...
