Griz's POV
Barbiee narrated the whole story to me on the way back, and I was truly touched by her effort to help me break out of my shell. We drove happily, singing along to APT by Rose.
The next day at school felt like stepping into a completely different world.
I even dressed up a little. "Griz! You look fire!" lots of students shouted as I walked in.
The moment I stepped into class, everyone clapped.
"Yo! Griz, your art was sick!" Dan yelled, and smiles spread across the room.
I smiled back and headed to my seat. "Barbiee, what's going on?" I asked quietly.
"What do you mean, what's going on? You're a star now! And you look so good, by the way," Barbiee said with a grin.
After two periods, it was lunch time. Barbiee and I headed to the cafeteria.
"Isn't that ugl... Griz, I mean. She's the talented artist. She looks beautiful today," one student whispered, and Barbiee and I giggled.
"Over here, you two!" Chloe yelled, waving us over.
"You're never gonna get tired of doing this stuff, are you?" I asked, and she laughed.
"Never! Guys, let me introduce you to this wonderful artist—Griselda Willows!" Chloe announced, and everyone laughed happily.
"I'm proud of you, Griz," Greg said, flashing a handsome smile.
Amelia and Rachel patted me on the back, too.
"Wait, I'm still your bestie, right?" Chloe asked, and I almost spit out my drink from laughing.
"Sure, but you'll have to make room for one more," I teased.
"Me! Hope you're not mad, Chloe," Barbiee quickly added.
"Why would I be? We click well, and you bring out the best in her. Cheers to the new Griselda Willows—the ex-ugly duckling!" Chloe raised her juice can and clinked it against ours.
"I can't believe this," Nikki muttered as she passed with her friends, interrupting our laughter.
"Some people just never learn," Barbiee said, shaking her head.
"Indeed," Chloe agreed, and we went back to our conversation.
After school, we all piled into Barbiee's car, singing APT by Rose as we drove to the Spring Hotel to have some fun.
This is my life now. The life of Griselda Willows. Ever since I turned sixteen, I realized why I was bullied — and overcame it with the help of my best friend, Barbiee Roberts.
THE END