Emily's highschool

chapter 9

Emily faces rejection and bullying from her classmates, making her high school experience particularly challenging and isolating.

Challenges and isolation has become a party of Emily's at a young age making life unbearable for her. But in every moment of frustration she would grab a canvas and begin to paint furiously, pouring all doubt and fears onto the blank surface. With each stroke of the brush, she felt a weight light off her shoulders, a sense of cathartic washing over her . She would paint till her hands ache and her eyes were heavy with tears also her mind filled with bums. With the help of her art, Emily looked at the future and sense a great feeling of excitement and possibility believing all that keeps happening is a phase which would pass soon.

Days later, while Emily and Mike were discussing in the library, he stunned emily with his words. "Now that you've finally joined us. What are your plans? Have you ever thought about showing your work outside of school? Like, maybe at a local gallery or something? "Emily shook her head. The idea of putting her art on display for strangers was daunting. "No, I haven't. I wouldn't even know where to start." Mike smiled. "Well, if you ever decide to, I'd love to help. I think more people should see what you can do." Emily was stunned to see someone trying to help her aside from the lil friends she had. "Thank you, I have never thought of that actually.

I'll think about it." Mike had a quiet confidence and a genuine appreciation for art. He was a great lover of art and had pushed his way till he got to where he was at that moment. He encouraged her to keep creating, to keep pushing herself, and slowly, Emily began to gain confidence in herself. Emily spent much time in the school studio creating new drawings and putting different imagination together. While her friends never left her side for once, they found comfort in each other's company.

Over the next few weeks, Emily found herself talking to Mike more often.

One day, Mike suggested, "Why don't you participate in the forthcoming national art competition? You don't need the club's approval to share your work." The idea sparked something inside Emily.

She took off early in the morning arriving a the filled hall, she realized that there were alot of people's who also loved art just the way she did and even more than she did. Emily struggled her way to the front, grabbed a form from the counter and left their midst.

After she submitted the form, she decided to move around and do alil viewing before she leaves.

Later in the evening, Emily invited her friends over planning to break the news to them. " Hi guys, do you mind coming over pls, " she pleaded.. they agreed and hung up the phone. " Emily! Emily! open up we are here" Bryan whispered outside her window. She quickly opened the window, ushering them a sit as they came in. " So why did you call us over all of a sudden"? Zoe and Sarah asked together. Emily smiled, " well I have decided to partake in the upcoming national art competition ". " That's impressive, I believe in you and I'm sure you would come out great. I guarantee you all the support you need" Bryan said with pride.

Emily found herself smiling widely, feeling a glimmer of hope. " Thanks guys, you both are just the best". " But how do you plan on working around the school competition and the national competition.... they are both fast approaching. Even classes! “Bryan questioned.

" I have thought about it and I just have to manage both and burn some midnight candles " Emily sighed. Sarah nodded, " Good idea, I'm so happy for you Emily."

Over the weeks, Emily found herself busier and occupied than ever, she had lil time for food or Hangout, which her friends understood perfectly and assisted her in the ways they could. She continued to appreciate them for their support which relieves her from the stress .

Mia and her friends were the major problems Emily was facing at the moment. They kept making things difficult for her but Emily continues to endure it all in silence. She started looking forward to the day of the event hoping everything could quickly happen and she could prove herself. With days passing by, Emily worked tirelessly, preparing her best pieces alongside setting up every materials that would be needed. Despite the amount of nervousness within her, she found herself growing a sense of pride and excitement.

The weeks leading up to the art show were filled with activities upon activities. Emily spent every spare moment in the school studio and her room painting and organizing. Sarah and Bryan had been so helpful in a way they could while Max used his connections to secure additional support and resources.

Emily's father never asked about what was happening, despite seeing how busy she was. Rather than helping, her stepmom kept disturbing her with chores which her step-siblings could have done, she tried speaking to her father but he turned deaf ears.

Her step siblings made fun of her, showing no concern to her works instead they criticized her work and made her cry constantly. With the trouble she was getting at home, things were difficult for Emily to put together. Her friends seeing all that was happening took it on themselves to help her . For the first time in years, Emily felt a sense of purpose and excitement.

The night before the show, Emily stood in the middle of her room, surrounded by her artwork. She felt a surge of pride looking at her paintings, each one representing a piece of her soul. She had poured her heart into her work, and now, it was ready to be shared with the world.

While Zoe , Mike, Sarah and Bryan joined for the final preparations, as they were a team, united by their belief in her talent and potential.