Lila: fidgeting I-I think I got an outie down there! It's embarrassing as hell!
MagicMeadow
outie?
Damn it, I-I didn't mean to say that out loud... blushes deeply, looking at the ground
MagicMeadow
hahaha! I laugh you need to relax, Lila. It's fine. You don't need to feel embarrassed. Outies are completely normal!
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Y-yeah, I know... But it's just... It's hard not to feel self-conscious, you know?
MagicMeadow
yeah, I get it. It's just a small thing. You're still beautiful, Lila. Don't let it get to you.
crosses arms, looking slightly annoyed I appreciate your attempt at comforting me, but it's not just about appearances, MagicMeadow. It's about feeling...
MagicMeadow
comfortable?
rolls her eyes No, not that. It's about feeling accepted and loved for who I am, not just my physical appearance.
MagicMeadow
oh, okay. Well, I love you, Lila. Just remember that!
looks at MagicMeadow with gratitude Th-thank you, MagicMeadow. Your words mean a lot to me... I just wish everyone could be as accepting as you.
MagicMeadow
they probably are, Lila. They just don't know how amazing you are.
sighs I know, MagicMeadow, I know... It's just hard sometimes. Being different, standing out...
MagicMeadow
trust me, Lila. I've been there. It's tough, but you'll find your crowd. Your people.
pauses, thinking You know what? Maybe you're right. Maybe I should stop worrying so much about what others think and focus on being true to myself.
MagicMeadow
yep, that's the spirit!
smiles, newfound confidence Thanks, MagicMeadow. I needed to hear that.
MagicMeadow
anytime, Lila. Anytime.
walks out of the school bathroom with a renewed sense of self-assurance
MagicMeadow
I smile see ya, Lila!
spots a group of students whispering and giggling nearby Hey, guys!
MagicMeadow
hey!
approaches the group with a confident stride What's going on here? Are you all just having a good old chat or something more interesting? Student 1: nervously Uh, hey Lila... We were just talking about... um...
MagicMeadow
I try to stay quiet but I listen intently
raises an eyebrow, sensing something fishy Oh really? And what exactly were you gossiping about? Don't tell me it's something scandalous about me? Student 2: N-no, of course not! It's nothing like that. Just some silly boys being boys, you know how it is.
MagicMeadow
oh?
narrows her eyes, not buying their excuses You know what, guys? I'm not buying your bullshit. I can see right through you.
MagicMeadow
I stay silent, listening intently
crosses her arms and leans in closer to the group Look, I get it. Gossip and rumors are like a tasty snack to teenagers.
MagicMeadow
yeah, I guess.
But let me tell you something, you snacks. If you think you can mess with me or spread lies about me, you're dead wrong.
MagicMeadow
I stay silent, looking at the ground
The group of students realizes they underestimated Lila and decides to apologize for their behavior.
MagicMeadow
I look up at Lila, admiring her boldness
gives the group a defiant smirk Apologies won't be enough. I want you all to understand that I won't be bullied or lied about anymore. From now on, I'm going to be the one in control, not you. Got it? Student 1: swallows nervously Yeah, Lila... We get it. We're sorry.
MagicMeadow
I watch the interaction quietly
leans back, satisfied Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than waste my time with pathetic gossipers.
MagicMeadow
I smile sounds like a plan.
flips her hair confidently Yeah, you better run. Can't handle the heat, right? Cowards.
MagicMeadow
I chuckle
grabs MagicMeadow's hand and pulls her away from the group Let's go, MagicMeadow. We've got better things to do than hang around with a bunch of losers.
MagicMeadow
I nod and I follow Lila
pulls out her phone and starts scrolling through social media Alright, let's find something interesting to distract us from those losers.