Chapter 28
Nesta’s POV
The next day, stepping onto the school grounds felt like entering a new world. My heart pounded as I made my way through the hallways, acutely aware of the eyes following my every move.
I was dressed in a nice black maxi dress, its flowing fabric skimming gracefully around my legs.
It complimented my pale skin and blonde hair, which now shone with a newfound luster after the makeover Elara had insisted on
Whispers floated through the air, mingling with the usual hum of school chatter. I could feel the weight of their gazes, some filled with curiosity, others with something closer to envy or surprise.
The transformation was significant; I no longer looked like the skinny, bedraggled girl who had first walked these halls. Instead, I presented a version of myself that was both polished and confident, even if I didn’t fully feel that way inside.
As I passed by groups of students, I caught snippets of their conversations.
Is that the new girl?”
“She looks so different!”
“Wow, she’s really pretty”
The attention was overwhelming and 1 fought the urge to hunch my shoulders and shrink into myself. Instead, I lifted my chin and kept walking. determined to hold onto the sense of dignity that the dress and makeover had given me.
When I entered my first class, the room fell silent for a moment. The professor paused mid–sentence, and all eyes turned towards me
I swallowed hard, feeling the heat rise to my checks, but forced a small smile and made my way to an empty seat. The whispers resumed, but I focused on the professor, trying to ignore the stares.
Throughout the morning, the pattern repeated in each class attended. Students turned to look at me, some with raised eyebrows, others with appreciative nods.
Even the girl who had mocked my appearance the day before seemed taken aback, her ser replaced by a look of grudging respect
In the cafeteria, Elara greeted me with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with pride.
“You look amazing. Nesta” she said, pulling me into a quick hug. “Everyone’s talking about you”
“Yeah, I noticed,” I replied, my voice tinged with nervous bughter. “It’s a bit overwhelning”
“Don’t worry,” she assured me. “They’ll get used to it. And remember, you deserve to feel good about yourself. You’re beautiful”
Her words were a balm to my nerves, and as we sat down to eat. I felt a flicker of confidence take root
It wasn’t just the dress or the makeover, it was the realization that I could reinvent myself, that I could take control of my life in ways I had never imagined.
The stares and whispers continued throughout the day, but I began to grow accustomed to them. With each passing moment, I felt more at ease. more comfortable in my own skin.
And by the end of the day. I walked through the halls with a new sense of purpose, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead
I made my way through the school corridors during lunch break, I noticed a group of girls approaching me. They moved with an air of confidence, their outfits a testament to their keen fashion sense.
Each one of them was impeccably dressed, exuding an aura of effortless style and sophistication. They looked like the elite of the school, the kind of girls who turned heads wherever they went.
The leader of the group, a tall brunette with piercing blue eyes and a smile that seemed both inviting and calculating, stepped forward.
“Hi, you must be Nesta” she said, her voice smooth and friendly. “I’m Olivia, and these are my friends–Jessica, Mia, and Emma”
Jessica, a petite blonde with a chic bob haircut, waved. Mia, a statuesque girl with dark curly hair, smiled warmly, and Emma, with her striking red hair and freckled complexion, gave me a nod of acknowledgment.
“Hi,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the sudden attention
“We couldn’t help but notice your new look, Olivia continued, her eyes appraising me from head to toe. “You look fantastic. We were wondering if you’d like to join us for lunch. We’d love to get to know you better.
My surprise must have shown on my face because Mix quickly added. “We mean it. You seem really interesting, and it’s always nice to have new friends”
I glanced at Elara, who was standing a little distance away, giving me an encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, 1 smiled back at them. “Sure, I’d
like that.”
They led me to a table outside, away from the bustling noise of the cafeteria. As we sat down, I noticed the curious glances from other students. some of whom seemed shocked that the elite girls had taken an interest in me.
Olivia and her friends chatted easily, their conversation a mix of school gossip, fashion tips, and plans for the upcoming weekend.
“So. Nesta, Jessica said, leaning in slightly, “where did you get that dress! It’s gorgeous”
“I was a gift from a friend” I replied, feeling a bit shy under their scrutiny but also pleased by the compliment.
“Well, it looks amazing on your Mia said with a smile. “You have great taste”
“Thanks,” I murmured, feeling a warm glow at their acceptance.
Emma, who had been quiet until now, asked, “So, what’s your story? Where did you come from before joining us?”Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
Thesitated, the painful memories still fresh, bur Olivia jumped in. “You don’t have to share if you’re not comfortable. We’re just happy to have you with us.”
I nodded gratefully, relieved that they weren’t pushing for details. The conversation flowed smoothly after that, and I found myself relaxing more and more.
They were genuinely interested in me, and their warmth and friendliness made the initial awkwardness fade away
As lunch came to an end, Olivia gave me a warm smile. “We’re glad you joined us, Nesta. Let’s hang out more of
“Definitely,” I agreed, feeling a sense of belonging that I hadn’s feh in a long often.
As we parted ways, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe this school could be a place where I could start anew, surrounded by people who genuinely wanted to be my friends