Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Turning Point and the return

“I can’t do this,” Lily groaned after her first attempt at a yoga class, collapsing onto the mat.

Sophia chuckled. “You’ve already done more than you think, sweetie. Give yourself some credit. Just take it one day at a time.”

Gradually, Lily found herself enjoying the routines. The early morning runs through Central Park became her favorite time of day. It was her space to breathe, to think, and to let go of the fears and insecurities that had plagued her for so long.

Sophia also introduced Lily to healthy eating, teaching her how to prepare nutritious meals that fueled her body. By the end of the summer, Lily had lost weight, but more importantly, she had gained confidence. Her acne had cleared up, her hair was shinier, and her once baggy clothes were replaced with outfits that actually fit her figure.

For the first time in her life, Lily looked in the mirror and smiled. She barely recognized herself.

When Lily returned to Maple Grove for her senior year, no one recognized her. The once shy, awkward girl had transformed into someone confident and radiant. Her wavy brown hair now cascaded down her shoulders in soft curls, her glasses replaced with contacts that highlighted her striking green eyes.

On her first day back, the halls of Maple Grove High were abuzz with whispers. Logan, standing at his usual spot near the lockers, did a double take as she walked past. Gone was the girl he had once laughed at, replaced by someone who turned heads wherever she went.

Logan found himself staring after her, a strange feeling settling in his chest. Who was that girl? And why did she seem so familiar?

“Hey, wasn’t that Lily Thompson?” one of his friends whispered.

“No way,” Logan scoffed, but a seed of doubt had already been planted. He watched as Lily joined a new group of friends, laughing and smiling in a way he had never seen before.

For the first time, Logan found himself feeling something he wasn’t used to: regret.

Lily couldn’t help but notice the stares and whispers that followed her down the halls. But this time, instead of feeling like a target, she felt empowered. The summer in New York had not only changed her outward appearance but had also given her the confidence to hold her head high. She no longer walked with hunched shoulders or tried to blend into the walls.

As she approached her locker, she was greeted by Emma Dawson, one of the most popular girls in school. Emma, who had never so much as glanced at Lily before, flashed her a bright smile.

“Hey, Lily! You look amazing! Are you going to the back-to-school party at Jake’s this weekend?”

Lily was taken aback. Jake's parties were legendary, and she had never been invited before. “Um, yeah, I might,” she replied, trying to play it cool, even though she had no idea what she would wear or if she even wanted to go.

Emma grinned. “Awesome! You should totally come. It’s going to be epic.”

As Emma walked away, Lily couldn’t help but smile. It was strange, being noticed after years of being invisible. But she knew better than to trust appearances. People like Emma were fickle, and Lily was determined not to let her guard down too easily.

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