Transform Lexi!!

Monday morning dawned, and Lexi stood in front of her mirror, transforming into a confident new version of herself. With Rachel's makeup tutorial still fresh in her mind, she expertly applied her makeup.

Next, she slipped into a tank top and black shorts, adding a touch of edginess with black boots. She pulled her hair back into a sleek ponytail, and a new pair of silver earrings completed her chic look.

Downstairs, her parents awaited, beaming with pride. "Lexi, you look beautiful, sweetie!" her mom exclaimed.

Her dad nodded in agreement. "You're growing up to be a stunning young woman."

Lexi blushed, feeling empowered. " Love you mom, love you Dad." She said quickly kissing them good bye.

Outside, Rachel waited, eyes scanning the sidewalk until they landed on Lexi. Her jaw dropped.

"Who are you and what did you do to my best friend?" Rachel squealed, rushing toward Lexi.

The two friends collided in a tight hug, squealing in unison.

"You look stunning, girl!" Rachel gushed, pulling back to examine Lexi's new look.

Lexi grinned, twirling for Rachel's approval. "You taught me well."

Rachel chuckled. "I knew you had it in you."

Their excitement was palpable as they walked to school, ready to tackle the day with renewed confidence.

Lexi and Rachel navigated the bustling school hallway, their lockers their first destination. As they walked, curious eyes followed them. Whispers and subtle nods of approval filled the air.

"Lexi looks amazing today!"

"Who's that?"

Rachel smiled, noticing the attention. "You're rocking this new look, Lex."

Lexi's smiled, her face high. The intoxicating confidence a make over could bring.

At their lockers, they paused, exchanging books and catching up on morning gossip. Lexi's eyes scanned the hallway, searching for Jake.

Jake stood by his locker, chatting with friends. Their eyes met, and Lexi's heart skipped a beat. But as quickly as their eyes had meet, Jake looked away, his expression unreadable.

A nearby junior whispered to his friend, "Lexi's transformation is insane. She's gorgeous."

Lexi's face warmed and she tried to brush off the disappointment. Did Jake just act like he hadn't seen her?

As they grabbed their books, Rachel noticed Lexi's gaze lingering on Jake. "Don't worry, he's just intimidated," Rachel whispered.

Lexi forced a smile knowing that it wasn't true. "Maybe."

More compliments floated their way:

"Love your earrings, Lexi!"

"Your makeup is on point today!"

Lexi's confidence wavered a bit, craving acknowledgement from Jake but non came. Maybe she was being too impatient.

The bell rang, signaling the start of class. Lexi and Rachel closed their lockers, exchanging determined glances.

"Let's own this day," Rachel said.

Lexi nodded, squaring her shoulders. "We got this."

As they walked into their first period, Lexi caught Jake's gaze again. This time, she smiled brightly, showing him how confident she felt. He didn't return the smile.

Lexi's eyes glazed over as Miss Duncan lectured on Shakespeare's sonnets. Her mind had escaped the confines of the classroom, far gone from earth, floating into a world of what-ifs and maybes.

Her fingers absently twirled a pen, a nervous habit betraying her distraction. Her gaze wandered to Jake, sitting across the room. She bit her lower lip, lost in thought.

Does she really have to wait for him to make a move? How long does she have to wait?

As she bit her lower lip, her eyes locked onto Jake's profile again, willing him to sense her gaze. But he remained oblivious, scribbling notes.

Frustration simmered within Lexi. Must she wait forever for him to make a move? How long would she linger in this limbo?

Lexi's impatience grow and doubts began to creep in. What if he never approaches me? What if he thinks I'm just a crazy girl?

She sighed loudly, earning a curious glance from Rachel, seated beside her.

Lexi quickly jotted down some notes, pretending to focus on the lesson.

But her eyes betrayed her, sneaking another peek at Jake.

Why doesn't he notice me? I've changed. I'm not the same girl he's ignored for years.

Lexi sighed again but this time it didn't go unnoticed. Miss Duncan's gentle voice interrupted the lesson, "Miss Thompson, are you alright?"

Lexi's eyes snapped back to the teacher, her face flushing with embarrassment. "Yes, ma'am, I'm alright."

Miss Duncan's piercing gaze suggested she knew better. "You've been sighing, Lexi. What's on your mind?"

Lexi's cheeks burned brighter, aware that Miss Duncan had caught her staring at Jake. She mumbled, "Nothing, ma'am."

The brief silence was agonizing. Lexi feared Miss Duncan would press for details, or ask her why she had been staring at Jake.

But mercifully, Miss Duncan nodded and resumed teaching, sparing Lexi further embarrassment.

As the teacher turned to write on the board, Lexi released a silent breath of relief grateful that she had not pried further.

The rest of the class passed in a blur, Lexi's mind still reeling from the close call.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Lexi was lost in her own world, changing for track practice in the locker room. The sound of rustling clothes and chatter filled the air.

Suddenly, Emily appeared, already dressed in her track cloth. "Hi Lexi."

Lexi's eyes widened in surprise, her hands pausing on her shoelaces.

Emily chuckled. "Why are you surprised? I know who you are. You hugged Jake like a crazy fan."

Lexi's cheeks flushed in embarrassment as she returned to tying her shoes. "Oh."

Emily joined Lexi on the bench, her gaze scanning Lexi's transformed look. "You look good. The whole makeover thing really suits you."

Lexi turned, taking in Emily's effortless beauty. Her blond hair was tied in a messy bun, with loose strands framing her heart-shaped face. Her straight nose, full lips, and honey-brown eyes made her a stunning vision.

No wonder Jake would find her attractive, Lexi thought, a pang of insecurity creeping in.

"Thank you," Lexi replied, attempting to sound nonchalant.

"I like your foundation, what brand is it?" Emily asked, her voice sounding friendly.

Lexi's guard dropped slightly, caught off guard by Emily's sudden interest. "Um, I'm not sure exactly. Rachel got it," she replied, still wary.

Emily's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "I want to shop for new cosmetics myself, so if you could please check what brand it is?"

Lexi hesitated, unsure if Emily was genuinely interested or just being polite even Emily's warm smile did not to put her at ease.

"Alright," Lexi agreed, still surprised by Emily's kindness.

Emily stood up. "Alright. See you on track then!" She said with a wave, leaving Lexi to ponder their unexpected encounter.

As Lexi watched Emily walk away, knowing that she had not approached her just to compliment her or ask about her foundation.

The sun beat down on the track as the gym teacher's whistle pierced the air. "Warm-up lap, everyone! Let's go!" The students took off, their footsteps pounding the rubber surface.

Lexi, a natural athlete, sprinted to the front of the pack, her long legs devouring the distance. Rachel, on the other hand, lagged behind, her breathing already labored. She hated running, she hated sports, she hated gym class and that teacher that always made them run while he watched.

As she struggled to maintain a decent pace, Rachel sensed someone drawing alongside her. Before she could turn to see who it was, a familiar voice called out.

"Hi Rachel."

Her head snapped towards the sound, eyes widening in surprise. "Liam." The name escaped her lips like a gasp.

Liam ran effortlessly beside her, his smile radiant. Rachel's heart skipped a beat. And then two. He looked really good in his white tee and shorts. Rachel was sure she looked like a mess, sweating like she had been in a oven. She even felt her tee sticking to her back and she could smell her own sweat.

Now, as they ran together, Rachel felt her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Liam's presence sparked a flutter in her chest, making her hyperaware of every step, every breath.

"Hey, keeping up okay?" Liam asked, his gaze flicking to Rachel's flushed face.

Rachel nodded, trying to play it cool despite her racing heart. "Y-yeah, I'm fine."

Liam's smile faltered for a moment, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You sure? You look like you're about to pass out."

Rachel laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I'm just not built for running, that's all."

Liam nodded in agreement. "Yeah, don't push yourself too hard, it's just a warm up. We can walk if you need to."

Rachel's face flushed further at the concern etched on Liam's face. She was sure she had turn crimson m "No, no, I'm good. Really."

As they continued around the track, Liam effortlessly keeping pace with her and Rachel found herself relaxing in Liam's presence, feeling seen and heard. It was exhilarating.

The gym teacher's whistle pierced the air once more. "Alright, kids! Warm-up's over. Let's move on to today's lesson."

Rachel collapsed onto the track, gasping for air as the gym teacher called the warm-up over. Her lungs burned, and her legs trembled beneath her.

Just as she thought she'd pass out, a gentle voice broke through her exhaustion.

"Are you alright?" Liam asked, his face etched with concern as he squatted in front of her.

Rachel nodded weakly, still struggling to catch her breath.

Liam handed her his water bottle. "Here, have some water."

Grateful, Rachel took a sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe her parched throat.

As she drank, she turned to Liam, and their eyes met. His tender smile made her heart skip a beat, and she almost choked on the water.

"Hey, careful," Liam said, his voice filled with amusement as Rachel coughed.

Once she regained her composure, Rachel smiled weakly. "Thanks."

Liam's smile broadened. "Sure."

With a final glance, Liam stood up and walked away, leaving Rachel feeling both relieved and disappointed. She hated the fact that she looked such a mess in front of him.

"Oh God, I hate gym class." She groaned.

She watched Liam disappear into the crowd, her mind replaying their brief encounter. She couldn't shake off the feeling that Liam's concern went beyond mere kindness, she wanted to think it was.

"Chel, you okay?" Lexi asked, approaching her with a concerned expression.

Rachel nodded, still lost in thought.

"Was it me or did I see sparks flying?" Lexi teased as they walked to sit for a while.

"Stop it." Rachel said with a smile.

"I think he likes you."

"But he didn't ask for my cell number or anything like that."

Lexi playfully nudged Rachel. "Maybe he's playing it cool, waiting for the perfect moment."

Rachel rolled her eyes, chuckling. "You're such a romantic."

Lexi grinned. "Someone has to be. Besides, I've seen the way he looks at you. That's not just friendly concern."

Rachel's cheeks flushed. "Even if he is interested, I don't know if I'm ready."

"We both know that is lie, you'd jump on him the moment he asks you out." Lexi said with a soft laugh.