Chloe was a nineteen-year-old senior with long, curly afro hair and warm chestnut skin. She lived with her mom and two younger siblings in the bustling city of New York. Though she was introverted, smart, and undeniably beautiful, she carried her insecurities like invisible weights—always pretending she didn't. Deep down, Chloe wished for something… more. Something different. Something magical.
People say you can wish on a star, but in Chloe's case, the magic was already in her hands—she just didn't know it yet.
It was 7:00 a.m. Her mom was downstairs making breakfast while Chloe was still fast asleep.
"Chloe!" her mom called out. "Aren't you getting out of bed? You and your siblings are going to be late for school!"
Chloe groaned as she pulled herself up, took a shower, and dressed for the day. She paused in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection.
"I wish my life was more exciting than this," she sighed.
She packed her books and stationery, but most importantly, her diary—the one thing she believed kept her sane. After grabbing her bag, she headed downstairs, greeting her family before settling for breakfast.
"Good morning, Mom." She kissed her cheek. "'Sup, guys?" she added, turning to her siblings, Jace and Tanya.
"Good morning, Chloe," they chorused.
"You look like you had a long night," her mom said.
"Sorry… I just overslept a bit."
Chloe's phone rang. Cherry.
Her best friend since middle school—her complete opposite, but also the person she trusted the most. Cherry had pale skin, long blonde hair, and a wild, unpredictable personality. Where Chloe was quiet, Cherry was loud. Where Chloe stayed safe, Cherry ran straight into chaos. Yet they balanced each other perfectly.
Chloe picked up. "Hey, it's Cherry. Hi girl, what's up?"
"What's up?" Cherry practically yelled. "Chloe, you're going to get us in trouble again! Where are you?!"
"Sorry! Hold on, girl. I'm coming." Chloe shoved food into her mouth, grabbed her things, and called to her siblings. "Come on, guys! Let's go. Bye, Mom!"
"Be careful!" her mom called as they rushed out.
They met Cherry at their usual spot. She was tense but relieved when they arrived. The four of them hurried to school, making it just in time before class started.
Chloe and Cherry took their seats in the middle row. Moments later, Andrew walked in, and Cherry nudged her sharply.
Andrew—the leader of the football team, top student in computer technology, and, of course, Chloe's long-time crush. Tall, handsome, bright-eyed, and effortlessly charming. The kind of boy who made people look twice. Everyone believed he was destined to end up with Brianna—the school's "It girl." Pretty, popular… and absolutely insufferable. She had no respect for anyone and loved bullying people she saw as "beneath" her—Chloe included.
What Chloe didn't know was that Andrew had always liked her too but was too shy to admit it.
Class ended, and just as Chloe and Cherry were about to leave, Brianna stepped in their way.
"Hey, clown girl," Brianna sneered. "Going already? Don't you wanna hang out?"
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Get out of my way, Brianna. I don't have time for you."
"Oh? And what if I don't?" Brianna smirked.
"I'm really going to move you," Chloe said calmly, "if you don't get out of my way."
Before anything could escalate, Andrew walked in.
"Brianna," he snapped, "would you stop that? Have a little respect for yourself and stop looking for trouble."
"Oh, come on, Andrew," Brianna laughed lightly. "I was just teasing her. She took it too seriously." She shot Chloe a smug look. "See you later, Chloe."
She strutted out, leaving Chloe fuming.
Andrew turned to her. "Sorry about that. You okay?"
"I'm fine. Thanks. You didn't have to do that."
"It's okay," he said. "Um… so what have you guys been up to lately?"
Chloe panicked internally. "Uh, nothing much. Anyway, gotta run. See ya!" She grabbed Cherry and practically dragged her out.
Cherry stared at her, baffled. "What was THAT?"
"What?" Chloe muttered.
"Girl! You had your chance, and you barely said a word! Sometimes I really don't understand you."
"I just didn't know what to say," Chloe whispered. "I was already embarrassing myself. Besides… he deserves someone better."
"Who? Brianna? That broken Barbie doll?" Cherry scoffed. "Please. You're amazing, Chloe. He'd be lucky to have you. You really need to give yourself more credit."
Chloe smiled, touched. She hugged her tightly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Probably commit suicide."
They both laughed as they headed to their next class, unaware that Chloe's wish for "something more" was about to come true sooner than she ever imagined.