N_orahh

LEARNING TO FEEL

Sixteen-year-old Julie is navigating the ups and downs of high school, first love, and friendship. When she meets Noah, the charming new boy at school, she’s instantly captivated. But as their connection grows, jealousy and rumors threaten to tear them apart. Targeted by Madison, who’s determined to ruin her reputation, Julie faces hurtful gossip that shakes her confidence and challenges her friendships—especially with Emma, her closest ally.

Amid the chaos, Julie learns to trust herself, stand up against the lies, and embrace her true feelings. With Noah by her side, she discovers the courage to love and the strength to overcome high school drama. As the school year ends, Julie and Noah take a leap of faith, choosing each other despite the rumors. With a summer of possibilities ahead, they’re ready to face whatever comes next—together.

learning to feel

Chapter 4: Lingering Thoughts

Julie couldn't stop smiling. Even hours later, as she sat at the dinner table with her mom and little sister, Lily, she replayed the afternoon over and over in her mind.

Noah had actually talked to her. Not just a quick hello, but a real conversation. And the way he looked at her… she felt warm just thinking about it.

"Julie? Earth to Julie!" Her mom's voice cut through her daydream.

Julie blinked, realizing she was staring at her plate, her fork frozen mid-air. "Huh? Sorry, what?"

Her mom raised an eyebrow. "I asked how school was today. You've been grinning like a fool for the past five minutes."

Julie's cheeks turned pink. "Oh… uh, school was fine. Nothing special." She quickly shoved a bite of mashed potatoes into her mouth, hoping to hide her smile.

Lily narrowed her eyes, leaning over the table. "Nothing special, huh? Then why do you look like you won the lottery?"

Julie shot her a warning look, but Lily just smirked. "Come on, spill. Did you get a good grade? Or maybe… is it about a boy?"

Julie nearly choked, her face burning. "W-What? No!"

Her mom's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "A boy, huh? Now I'm interested."

Julie's heart raced. She wanted to lie, to play it cool, but her emotions were written all over her face. "It's… it's nothing. Just… this new guy at school. He's in my math class."

Lily's jaw dropped. "You like someone? Julie has a crush!" She started singing, "Julie and mystery boy, sitting in a tree…"

Julie groaned, covering her face. "Lily, stop! It's not like that!" But she couldn't hide the smile creeping back onto her lips.

Her mom laughed, shaking her head. "Alright, leave your sister alone, Lily. But, Julie… if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here."

Julie's heart warmed at her mom's gentle tone. "Thanks, Mom."

After dinner, she retreated to her room, collapsing onto her bed with a dreamy sigh. Her journal lay open on her desk, beckoning to her. She picked it up, her pen gliding over the pages as she poured her heart out.

Today was… amazing. I talked to him. To Noah. And he smiled at me. Not just a polite smile, but a real one. I thought my heart would explode.

Madison tried to ruin it, of course. But even then… he looked at me. Like he actually saw me. Is it crazy to think that maybe, just maybe, he might like me too?

I've never felt this way before. It's terrifying and exciting all at once. I don't know where this will go, but… I can't wait to find out.

She closed the journal, hugging it to her chest as she stared at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling with Noah's smile, his voice, his eyes.

For the first time in a long while, Julie felt like she was floating, her heart full of hope and wonder.

Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.