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

The next day at school, the hallways buzzed with hushed conversations, curious glances thrown her way. At first, she ignored it, too focused on the anticipation of seeing Noah again. But as she walked into the girls' bathroom, she froze.

Voices drifted from the other side of the stalls, cold and mocking.

"I mean, did you see her? She was practically drooling over him at the eatery."

Julie's heart sank. She recognized that voice—Madison.

Another voice chimed in, equally cruel. "Right? Like Noah would ever go for someone like her. She's so… plain."

Julie's stomach tightened. Her feet felt glued to the floor, but she couldn't bring herself to move.

Madison laughed, the sound sharp and mean. "She actually thinks she stands a chance. It's pathetic. Noah's just being nice. He'd never go for a nobody like her."

The words cut deeper than Julie expected. She felt her eyes sting, her chest tightening painfully. She wanted to scream, to burst out of the bathroom and confront them, but her body wouldn't cooperate.

The voices faded as the girls left, their laughter echoing down the hallway. Julie stayed frozen, her hands trembling as she gripped the sink, staring at her reflection.

The words replayed in her head, tearing at her confidence, ripping apart the joy she'd felt just yesterday.

Her eyes were red-rimmed when she finally made it to math class, slipping into her seat beside Emma, who immediately noticed something was wrong. "Jules, are you okay?"

Julie forced a smile, pretending to rummage through her backpack. "Yeah… just tired, that's all."

Emma frowned but didn't push it. "Alright. Oh, by the way, Noah asked about you earlier. He wanted to know if you'd be at lunch."

Julie's heart skipped, but the excitement was tainted now, clouded by Madison's words. Why would he care? Was he really just being nice?

She looked up, and her heart did that annoying fluttering thing again. Noah was watching her, his blue eyes soft, a small smile playing on his lips. But all she could hear were Madison's words.

She looked away, her cheeks burning.

The bell rang, but Julie barely heard it. She felt numb, trapped in her own head, drowning in doubt.

As she walked down the hall after class, she saw Noah standing by the lockers, his face lighting up as she approached. "Hey, Julie!"

She forced a smile, barely meeting his gaze. "Hi."

His smile faltered, concern flickering in his eyes. "You alright? You seem… off."

Julie's heart ached. He sounded so genuine, so kind. But Madison's voice echoed in her mind, taunting her.

She mustered another fake smile. "I'm fine. Just tired." Before he could ask more, she quickly added, "I… I have to go. See you later."

Without waiting for his response, she hurried down the hall, her vision blurring with tears she refused to let fall.

Noah called after her, his voice laced with confusion, but she didn't look back.

Chapter 5: Whispers and Wounds