1 new chat request.

That’s what the email in my student inbox said. Once again, I was done with the daily assignment in computer class, so I had time to kill.

I opened the chat request. It was a group chat for the peer support group Ms. Moreau told us about.

I shrugged and clicked accept. I wouldn’t have minded it so much if it was just Rey. Even the new girl. She seemed nice enough.

But Tori and Selena? We couldn’t be more different.

Tori didn’t even look twice at girls like me, and I had a hard enough time with Lindsay and Courtney in my life. They were all the same. I could tell.

Maybe Ms. Moreau should have put all of them in a group.

And Selena? What could I say? That girl intimidated me. She was cool and confident and more of what I definitely was not.

I could not relate to her and Tori any less.

So why had Ms. Moreau decided to put all of us together?

The chat opened up, and I could see that everyone else was in there already, but nobody had said anything.

I went back to my student inbox. I was not about to be the first one to say something. What was I supposed to say? Hi?

I sighed. Maybe later, when it didn’t sound so scary.

I scrolled through my inbox. Most of the emails were homework reminders and that sort of thing. They were all school-related. I saw an email from Ms. Moreau too.

Before I could open it, I got a notification on my phone. I turned away from the student computer and pulled it out of my pocket.

I glanced at the teacher. She was busy at her desk like always.

Baller929: Hey :)

I relaxed in my chair and smiled.

TheRealCinderella: Hey :) Got basketball practice again today?

Baller929: Yep. Our first scrimmage was yesterday. Coach expects us to win the state championship again, so it’s going to be basketball 24/7 around here. Basketball practice during study hall, after school, before school, on the weekends, in our sleep…

TheRealCinderella: Wow. Intense. Do you wish sometimes that you lived a different life? One where there wasn’t so much pressure on you all the time?

I guessed a life like mine. Invisible. Even my family pretty much ignored me. The family who had cared about me was gone.

Baller929: I don’t know. I love basketball. I want to play college ball for sure. Coach says I can do it if I keep working at it, but sometimes I wish I could just play for fun. Play video games. Can’t remember the last time I gamed. I got a new PlayStation for Christmas, and I’ve used it like two times. I wish I could sleep in. And if we lose a game, well… let’s just say basketball definitely isn’t fun then.

TheRealCinderella: That sucks. Do you get to hang out with your friends at least? I bet they’re fun.

Baller929: I have friends on the team. And I guess off. But no one like you that I really talk to much. They’re different, I guess. Not like you at all.

TheRealCinderella: What do you mean? It sounds like you’d be surrounded by people who’d want to be your friend.

Baller929: It’s not like that…

Baller929: I mean, yeah, I’m on varsity, which other guys would kill for, and yeah, I have friends. But they don’t get it. They only care about themselves, about being popular, about partying. I don’t know. I guess I’m just not like them. What about you? Are your friends cool?

He had never said anything like that before. I tried to picture him in my head. He sounded like he was a quiet guy. A nice guy. Not like any of the popular guys here. They were all pretty much loud, often picking on someone or too busy in their own group to hang out with anyone else. But he seemed different.

TheRealCinderella: I have a couple of people I talk to sometimes. But they’re not in most of my classes like last year. One girl is in that group I told you about. She’s nice, but I haven’t talked to her in a while. I don’t have a lot of time to hang out either because I have homework and chores after school or I’m tutoring jocks like you :) I guess I don’t have a ton of friends other than you, but I’m fine with that.

Baller929: :)

Baller929: Yeah, high school sucks sometimes, huh?

TheRealCinderella: LOL. Yeah. Can’t wait until it’s over. College sounds a lot more fun.

Baller929: True. At least my dad won’t be hovering as much. Do you know where you’ll go? Maybe we’ll end up at the same school ;)

TheRealCinderella: I’d love to go to Georgia Tech because I want to be a computer programmer, but it depends…

Baller929: On what?

Baller929: My dad is insisting I go to UGA. Ever since I was born, practically. That’s where he went. He played too. But I’m not so sure I want to go there… Georgia Tech doesn’t sound so bad :) My dad would probably have a heart attack, but so what? Lol.

I smiled at the thought of meeting him in person one day. Going to the same school, getting to know each other. Away from here.

I wondered what he looked like. If he was a basketball player, he had to be tall, right?

Lean? Athletic. Cute.

I bet he had a nice smile.

I pictured us out on a date at a candlelit dinner in a romantic restaurant in downtown Atlanta. Talking across the table in the warm candlelight. Then going for a long walk, arm in arm.

Maybe taking the same class and studying together every night.

“Jacob. Phone away, please.”

I jumped and spun around in my seat. Ms. Roberts was staring daggers at Jacob two rows over. He smiled sheepishly and put his phone in his bookbag.

I put mine away too. We’d have to finish our conversation later.

“Two minutes, people. Make sure you hit save before you log off.”

I went back to my student inbox, ready to shut down he computer.

I saw the email from Ms. Moreau again, and I finally opened it.

Hi Ella,

Checking in to see if you got the chat request for the group? And also to encourage you to say hi to the rest of the girls when you have a few minutes.

When I first thought of putting this peer group together, I thought of you first. Your teachers always have the nicest things to say about you, and I can see why. You’re truly kind, and in a setting such as high school, where many students are going through all kinds of difficult experiences for the first time and trying to find their place (and themselves), that is truly rare. It’s not because you’ve had it easy yourself. But you’ve gotten through it with grace, and I thank you for being a wonderful example to your peers.

You’re a true leader, and if anyone can make a difference in the success of this group, it’s you.

Sincerely,

Ms. Moreau

P.S. Remember: you are loved, you are important, and you will succeed. I believe in you. Believe in yourself.

I read that line below her name one more time.

If anything defined the kind of counselor Ms. Moreau was, it was that line. She was the kind of teacher that actually did this for the love of her students. Not for summers off.

And she was one of the few people who had always been nice to me, always asked me how I was doing.

I sighed, opened the group chat. It was still empty. No one had said a word, and I doubted anyone would until someone else said something first.

I started typing.

TheRealCinderella: Hey. I know we don’t really know each other, and I know this whole group thing kind of sucks. But maybe we can make something of it? I think it would be cool to get to know all of you and make some extra friends. I know I could use some. So I’ll introduce myself :)

TheRealCinderella: Hi, I’m Ella Reyes! Nice to meet you all. My name is Daniela, but no one calls me that. I do know Rey from last year’s math class, and she’s really cool, by the way. I have two stepsisters, Courtney and Lindsay. Maybe you know them. Anyway, feel free to introduce yourself too.

TheRealCinderella: And whatever we say here, stays here. Say whatever you want. Rant. Laugh. Cry. Say what’s on your mind. My lips are sealed :)

I read the messages I posted in the group chat over and over again, and each time, I was convinced I sounded like an idiot.

Oh well. I tried.

When nobody replied, I wasn’t surprised. I kept checking when I got home, but nothing.

The couch and TV in the living room called to me, but Sophia had left a list of chores for me on the fridge. I started with emptying the dishwasher, wondering what Baller929 was up to all the while. Probably at basketball practice.

Did he think about me as much as I did about him?

Probably not. I was just an average nobody. Why would he be interested in someone like me? He was probably into cheerleaders, and I was just his math tutor—someone to talk to when he got bored.

I crossed the last item off of Sophia’s list and left it on the counter for her. Then I made my way to the freezer. It was time for some ice cream. Nothing like a scoop or two after some hard work.

I filled the bowl, grabbed a spoon, and padded over to the couch, letting myself sink in and relax. The ice cream melted in my mouth as I flipped through channels. Cookies and cream, my favorite.

My mind flashed back to taking ice cream trips with my dad. They started when I lost my first tooth and we left it under my pillow for the tooth fairy. It was eight o’clock at night, and I had been in kindergarten, but he had insisted we celebrate with some ice cream.

He had opened the freezer and found a couple of empty containers.

Then he’d turned to me. “You know what this means, right?”

“No ice cream?” I’d had tears in my eyes because I had gotten really excited about staying up late and having ice cream after brushing my teeth.

My dad had stayed silent for a second, and I’d braced myself for the words. I’d been sure he’d say it was time for bed, and we’d go out for ice cream tomorrow, after school.

But instead, he’d tossed the empty containers in the trash can and picked me up. “We need to make an emergency trip to the grocery store! Vamos!”

I’d laughed and screamed as he ran to the car like that, me over his shoulder like he was saving me from a fire.

By the time he was buckling me in, I was crying tears of laughter.

We had gotten a tub of cookies and cream ice cream, plus cones, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles.

I remembered it like it had been yesterday.

All of a sudden, I didn’t want ice cream anymore.

It had been our thing. Ice cream when we had reason to celebrate. Ice cream when we had reason to be upset.

It didn’t feel right without him.

I put the bowl in the sink and went up to bed to lay down. Soon, I slipped into a dreamless sleep.

Sophia knocked on my door, waking me up. “Answer your phone, Ella! You missed dinner, but that doesn’t mean you’re excused from doing your evening chores.”

I heard her go back down the stairs, and I looked around the room, blinking.

It was dark. How long had I been asleep?

I missed dinner? My stomach growled in response.

I threw the covers off and searched for my phone. My eyes landed on the picture of me and my dad on my nightstand. I carefully picked it up and brought it to my chest for a hug. It was something I normally did before bed, but today I needed him more than ever.

I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. My phone lay on the floor, so I got out of bed to pick it up.

There were several notifications. I had student emails I’d need to check on my laptop. I swiped through until I found the ones that mattered most. Instant messages from Baller929. My finger hovered above the screen before I decided that I’d save them for last. The anticipation would be fun.

Hopefully, Sophia wouldn’t flip if I sat down for a few minutes to look at emails and get back to Baller929.

I opened up my laptop and placed it on my desk, sitting down in front of it. I turned on my lamp and logged into my student email.

There was a reminder for a paper due in a few days. An announcement for the Halloween dance coming up in a week or two. Highly doubted I’d be going to that.

Then I saw an email about a new quiz grade in math. I looked at that right away.

B+! Not bad. I guessed I had done most of those problems right after all. I smiled. Yes.

Then I saw some new chat notifications. Group chat. Someone had responded! I opened up the group chat window and read.

WordDreamer: Hi, Ella! It’s Reyna Hart. I’m really glad you’re a part of this group. You were so nice to me last year when I needed help with math. You’re really smart :)

WordDreamer: P.S. Extra friends would be nice :D

I grinned. There was more, but I was thrilled that Reyna had replied. I wouldn’t mind having more friends like her. People thought she was weird because she didn’t talk much, but I could see why. Most of the kids in our classes only had dumb or mean things to say, and she wasn’t like that at all.

One time last year, she’d left her journal open when she’d gotten up to turn in our math worksheets. I couldn’t help but notice that she had the most beautiful handwriting, and she was a really good writer. I had taken a peek at one of her poems, and it was amazing, but I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want her to think I was being intrusive.

Maybe if the group didn’t end up working out, at least she and I could go back to being friends.

I went back to reading the rest of the group chat. The next messages were from Harper and Selena.

AKATheNewGirl: I’m Harper West! I’m new at school. My mom and I just moved here from Wisconsin. My dad (remarried) still lives there. My mom wanted a fresh start, and her best friend from college lives here. Anyway, it’s great to meet all of you :D

AKATheNewGirl: Is it me or is the librarian kind of weird?

WWSoccerGirl: The way she wipes down the books constantly! And she makes a face if you want to renew a book! I thought I was the only one who noticed!

WWSoccerGirl: I’m Selena, by the way :) I’m on the varsity soccer team. I’ve played since I could walk. I have three older brothers and an older sister. They all play too. I guess my whole family’s obsessed with futbol. Lol. And I suck at math :) and most school subjects. I’d rather be out on the soccer field!

Wow. So Reyna, Harper, and Selena had replied. This was great.

That only left… Tori.

I blinked at the computer screen. Maybe she was busy.

My phone buzzed, and I got up from my seat. I checked the time. It was late, and I had to eat dinner and do homework still. I headed downstairs, looking at my phone as I went.

Everyone else was shut away in their room, and the house was quiet except for the music that always came from Courtney’s room.

Lindsay was probably doing her three-hour skin care regimen, and Courtney was probably on the phone with her friends.

And Sophia was probably already in bed, night mask on. At least I’d have the entire downstairs to myself.

I pulled up my music app, found my cleaning playlist, and swept and mopped the kitchen floor to the tune of my favorite songs. I moved my hips to the music and sang the lyrics, forgetting about the fact that I was doing housework.

It was just me, and if I closed my eyes hard enough, it was almost like old times. Before Sophia, Courtney, and Lindsay entered my life. When my dad was still here.

Before the accident.

A scream filled the air, and I jumped, my heart pounding. “Ella! You’re waking up the whole neighborhood with your noise! Keep it down.”

I nodded, but Sophia was already leaving, her back to me as she headed up the stairs.

I turned off the music and took a deep breath.

I should have known better than to have the music on out loud. I should have worn my earbuds. I put my phone on the counter and loaded the dishwasher, no longer in the mood to dance.

The leftovers were still on the stove. I set aside a plate for myself and put everything else away. Then I went into the dining room and sat by myself.

My phone buzzed again. A message from Baller929. I’d forgotten to check his messages after getting all excited about the group chat with the other girls.

I put my fork down and opened his messages.

Baller929: Hey :)

Baller929: You there?

Some time had passed before he messaged me again.

Baller929: I hope you’re okay. No math homework tonight (finally). Um, I guess I’ll talk to you tomorrow?

And then the most recent message:

Baller929: Good night…

I immediately texted him back.

TheRealCinderella: Hey!

TheRealCinderella: Sorry

TheRealCinderella: I fell asleep and just woke up. Then I got distracted :)

Baller929: What are you up to? :) Glad I caught you.

TheRealCinderella: Me too :) I’m having a late dinner. What about you?

Baller929: At 10pm? Wow, that is a late dinner. My dad would kill me if he found out I was eating that late. He’d say it’d mess up my training tomorrow or something.

TheRealCinderella: So no French fries then? Or pizza??

Baller929: Not during basketball season…unless I can find a way to sneak it in ;)

TheRealCinderella: Whoa. I’m not sure I could live without French fries and pizza, even if it was only a few weeks.

Baller929: A few weeks? Try six months out of the year once we start the preseason.

TheRealCinderella: There’s such a thing as a preseason??

Baller929: There is in my dad’s world…

Baller929: Anyway…enough about me. How was your day?

TheRealCinderella: Same as always. Except I did start chatting with the girls in that group I told you about. They all seem nice enough. Except for one girl, who is your typical popular girl. She hasn’t said a word. But then again, she didn’t really seem into the group at all to begin with.

Baller929: I have definitely gone out with my share of girls like that. Popular. They tend to be pretty mean. Which gets old fast.

My heart sank a little at reading that last message, and it took me a minute to figure out why.

Was he into girls like Tori? He said he’d gone out with girls like her.

Baller929: That’s why I vowed never to go out with popular girls again. Definitely not my type, it turns out.

My heart rose again as I bit my lip and reread his message. I typed out a message of my own.

TheRealCinderella: Good to know :)

TheRealCinderella: You don’t seem like you’re a typical popular jock anyway. You’re definitely a lot nicer than the guys at my school. They tend to be jerks.

Baller929: And what school would that be again? :)

TheRealCinderella: Nice try!

Baller929: :)

Baller929: Yeah, I know guys like that. There are definitely some of them on the basketball team here. That gets old too.

TheRealCinderella: There should be more guys like you :)

Baller929: Thanks, but I’m nothing special. It’s just how decent people should act, you know? It’s not that hard to be a nice, honest person to those around you.

Nothing special about Baller929?

Oh no, I wanted to type.

Everything about you is special.