THE ART OF US

Chapter 1:The quiet before senior year

Sharlene’s pov:

Starting senior year was supposed to be the dream for every teenager my age, and I wasn't an exception.

My name is Sharlene White, I'm 15 and about to start senior year. I was excited, like every other girl in my grade. But underneath that excitement, I was scared. Scared that senior year wouldn't be as quiet as junior year.

I was sitting in my mom's car, staring out the window while half-listening to my younger sister Erica complain nonstop.

"Mom, are we there yet?" she asked impatiently, tapping on the car window.

"Almost," my mom answered.

Erica rolled her eyes, clearly impatient. I sighed and looked away, and somehow that was enough to alert my mom.

"What's wrong?" she asked, concern etched on her face as I turned to look at her.

"Nothing... just thinking about senior year," I answered, looking away so I wouldn't have to meet her worried gaze.

"Everything will be fine," she said softly. Her voice was light as paper and gentle as a breeze as her fingers brushed my chin.

Even Erica, who had been so restless, suddenly went quiet.

"I hope so," I said, feeling a bit better. Her words were light, but they were comforting. For a moment, it felt like junior year had never happened.We stayed silent for the rest of the ride.

First day of senior year came quicker than I expected. I woke up with this weird, hyperactive energy.

"Sharlene, I made breakfast!" my mom called from the kitchen, and my joy instantly doubled.

"Coming!" I replied, jumping out of bed and heading to the bathroom for a quick shower.As water poured over my messy hair, I started overthinking everything. How should I act? What should I say? Maybe a casual 'heyyy!' or 'hiiii!'...No, my subconscious told me. That's too casual. Iwas completely lost.

"I'm gonna eat your portion if you don't come out!" my elder sister Charlotte yelled, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Then I heard Erica come into my room.I quickly got out, dried my hair, and put on a simple pair of jeans and a black tee with my glasses. Erica helped me dry my hair properly and packed it into a cute ponytail with colorful blue ribbons.We went downstairs, ate breakfast, and dashed out of the house