WHEN THE UGLY DUCKLING BLOSSOMED CHAPTER ONE: "Move! You're taking up the whole space!" Amelia Collins quickly stepped aside, holding her books against her chest. Three girls walked past her, laughing. She lowered her head and continued towards her classroom as if she hadn't heard them. It was only 8:05 in the morning. Another day at Westwood High School. Amelia was used to being laughed at. She was used to people whispering whenever she walked past and boys making jokes about her appearance. Sometimes, she wondered what it would feel like to attend a school where people actually treated her normally. But Westwood was different. Here, popularity was everything. And Amelia Collins was definitely not popular. "Well, well, well. Look who finally arrived." Amelia stopped. She didn't need to turn around to know who was speaking. Jessica Montgomery. The school's queen bee. Jessica stood with her two best friends, Brianna Wilson and Tiffany Anderson. Her blonde hair fell perfectly over her shoulders, and her expensive handbag hung from her arm. She looked like someone who had never experienced a bad day in her life. "Good morning, Jessica," Amelia said quietly. Jessica looked at her uniform and laughed. "Do you own another skirt, or is this the only one your wardrobe has?" Brianna giggled. "Jessica, leave her alone. Maybe she's saving money." Tiffany laughed louder. Amelia tightened her grip on her books. "Can I go to class now?" Jessica stepped aside dramatically. "Of course. We wouldn't want to keep you from your important business." The three girls burst into laughter. Amelia walked away without responding. She had learned that arguing with Jessica was useless. --- The school cafeteria was already crowded when Amelia arrived during break. She bought a sandwich and looked around for an empty seat. Most tables were occupied. At the centre of the cafeteria sat Ryan Mitchell. Ryan was practically the school's favourite boy. He was handsome, wealthy, athletic and popular. Girls found excuses to walk past his table, while boys wanted to be part of his group. He was sitting with his friends, Lucas, Ethan and Daniel. Jessica was beside him, laughing at something he had said. "Ryan, are you coming to my house this weekend?" Jessica asked. "Maybe. I'll see." Jessica smiled. "You always say that." "Because you keep asking." His friends laughed. Jessica playfully hit his arm. Amelia glanced at their table for a second before looking away. She had liked Ryan for almost a year. It was a silly crush, and she knew it. Ryan probably didn't even know her name. She found an empty seat near the window and sat down. "Look at that," Brianna said from Jessica's table. "She's eating alone again." Jessica followed her gaze. "She probably likes being alone. Nobody wants to sit with her anyway." Lucas heard the comment and chuckled. Ryan briefly looked in Amelia's direction. "Who's that?" he asked. Jessica turned towards him. "Amelia Collins. She's in our year." "Oh." That was all he said before returning to his conversation. To Ryan, Amelia was just another student. Nothing more. --- Later that morning, their English teacher entered the classroom. "Good morning, everyone." "Good morning, ma'am." The teacher placed her books on the desk. "I have an announcement. The annual Westwood High School Gala is coming up in three weeks." Excited whispers filled the classroom. "The gala will be one of our biggest events this year. There will be music, performances, dancing and awards. Everyone is encouraged to attend." Jessica immediately turned towards her friends. "Obviously, I'm going. This year's gala is going to be unforgettable." Brianna nodded. "We already know. You'll probably be the queen of the night." Jessica smiled proudly. Amelia continued writing in her notebook. She had never attended the gala before. There was no point. She could already imagine the beautiful girls arriving in expensive dresses while everyone else admired them. Nobody would notice her. "Amelia Collins!" She looked up. "Yes, ma'am?" "Since you seem distracted, would you mind answering the question on the board?" A few students laughed. Amelia looked at the board and quickly gave her answer. "Correct," the teacher said. The laughter stopped. Jessica rolled her eyes. "At least she's good for something," she whispered. Brianna covered her mouth. --- After school, Amelia was putting her books into her bag when Jessica approached her desk. "Amelia." She looked up. "What?" Jessica smiled. "I heard you're thinking of attending the gala." Amelia frowned. "Who told you that?" "Nobody. I'm just asking." "I'm not sure yet." Jessica leaned against the desk. "Well, if you decide to come, please don't wear anything ridiculous. It's an important event, and people will be taking pictures." Brianna and Tiffany started laughing. Amelia stood up. "Why do you care what I wear?" Jessica's smile disappeared for a moment. "Excuse me?" "You heard me." For a second, the three girls stared at her. Then Jessica laughed. "Wow. Someone has finally found her voice." Amelia picked up her bag. "Goodbye, Jessica." She walked out before the girls could respond. Jessica watched her leave, her expression hardening. "Did you see that?" she asked her friends. "She's becoming brave," Brianna replied. Jessica shook her head. "Trust me. I'll remind her exactly where she belongs." --- That evening, Amelia sat on her bed with the gala announcement open on her phone. She stared at the pictures from last year's event. Beautiful dresses. Happy couples. Groups of friends taking photographs. Everyone looked like they belonged somewhere. Amelia placed her phone down. Maybe one day things would be different. Maybe one day she wouldn't feel embarrassed whenever someone looked at her. But for now, she was still the girl everyone laughed at. And at Westwood High, nobody expected that Amelia Collins would ever become the centre of attention. Especially Jessica Montgomery. Because Jessica had no idea how much things could change in just a few months.

Amelia wished she could disappear. It was Tuesday morning, and she was already regretting coming to school. She walked through the school gates, adjusting the straps of her backpack. Her brown hair was tied into a simple ponytail, and her navy-blue school blazer was slightly too big for her. As she approached the lockers, she heard someone calling her name. "Amelia! Wait!" She turned and saw Jessica Montgomery approaching with Brianna and Tiffany. Amelia sighed. What did they want this time? "Good morning, girls," she said quietly. Jessica looked her up and down. "Are those the same shoes you wore yesterday?" Amelia looked down. "Yes. What's wrong with them?" "Nothing. I was just wondering how long you've had them." Brianna laughed. "Jessica, stop. You're going to make her cry." "I'm not making her cry. I'm asking a simple question." Amelia opened her locker. "Can you please leave me alone?" Jessica smiled. "Someone is getting an attitude." Before Amelia could respond, Jessica reached for the notebook sticking out of her locker. "What's this?" "Give it back!" Amelia immediately tried to take it, but Jessica raised it above her head. "What's so important?" "Jessica, please." Tiffany moved closer and began reading the first page. "Dear diary..." Brianna burst into laughter. "She has a diary!" Jessica opened another page. "Wait! Is this a love letter?" Amelia's face turned red. "Stop reading it!" Jessica looked at her. "Who is Ryan?" The girls suddenly became interested. "Ryan Mitchell?" Brianna asked. Amelia quickly snatched the notebook from Jessica. "Give it back!" Jessica stared at her before bursting into laughter. "Oh my goodness! You like Ryan?" Tiffany covered her mouth. "Seriously? Ryan Mitchell?" Amelia said nothing. Jessica stepped closer. "Let me make something clear. Ryan would never look at you that way." Amelia lowered her eyes. "Can you just leave me alone?" Jessica laughed. "Don't worry. Your little secret is safe with us." She turned and walked away with her friends. But Amelia knew that wasn't true. Jessica never kept anyone's secrets. --- The first class was mathematics. Amelia sat at the back, hoping nobody would disturb her. Unfortunately, Lucas, Ryan's best friend, was sitting two rows ahead. He turned around. "Hey, Amelia." She looked up. "Yes?" "Is it true you have a crush on Ryan?" The classroom suddenly became quiet. A few students turned towards her. Amelia froze. "Who told you that?" Lucas laughed. "So it's true?" Before she could answer, another student shouted, "Ryan, you've got an admirer!" Everyone laughed. Ryan looked up from his phone. "What?" Lucas pointed towards Amelia. "Apparently, someone has a crush on you." Ryan glanced at Amelia, then shrugged. "Okay. And?" The boys laughed. "Bro, aren't you curious?" Ryan shook his head. "Not really." He returned to his phone. The class continued laughing for a few seconds before the teacher entered. Amelia stared at her notebook. She wished the floor would open up and swallow her. --- During lunch, Amelia sat at her usual table near the window. She was halfway through her sandwich when Jessica appeared. "Can I sit here?" Amelia looked around. There were plenty of empty seats. "Why?" Jessica pulled out the chair opposite her. "Because I want to." Brianna and Tiffany sat beside her. Jessica leaned forward. "So, Amelia, how long have you liked Ryan?" Amelia continued eating. "I don't want to talk about it." "Why not? It's cute." "Please stop." Jessica laughed. "Don't be embarrassed. Everyone deserves to have dreams." Brianna nearly choked on her drink from laughing. Amelia closed her lunchbox. "I'm leaving." She stood up and picked up her bag. Jessica watched her walk away. "Don't forget to invite Ryan to your imaginary wedding!" The girls burst into laughter. --- After school, Ryan was standing outside the school building with Lucas and the others. Jessica approached him immediately. "Ryan!" He turned. "Hey." She smiled and held his arm. "Are you coming to the basketball game on Friday?" "Probably." "Good. You should save me a seat." Lucas laughed. "Jessica, just admit you want to sit beside him." Jessica playfully pushed him. "Shut up!" Ryan laughed. A few metres away, Amelia walked towards the school gate. She passed them without saying anything. Ryan barely noticed her. He was too busy discussing Friday's game with his friends. To him, Amelia was simply another student at Westwood High. He had no idea how much she admired him, and he certainly wasn't thinking about her romantically. --- That night, Amelia sat at her desk with her diary open. She stared at the page for several minutes before picking up her pen. "Dear diary, Today was terrible. Jessica read my private notebook, and now everyone knows about Ryan. I wish I could stop liking him. I wish I could walk into school without people laughing at me. Sometimes I wonder what it would feel like to be pretty, popular and wanted. Maybe then people would treat me differently. I know I shouldn't care about what they think, but it's difficult when you're reminded of it every single day. I just want things to change." She closed the diary and placed it inside her drawer. Then she switched off her bedroom light. Tomorrow was another school day. And she already knew Jessica wouldn't make it easy. What Amelia didn't know was that the coming weeks would bring changes she never expected. But first, she would have to discover something important about herself. She was tired of being everyone's favourite target.

"Amelia, hurry up! You're going to miss your bus!" "I'm coming, Mom!" Amelia rushed downstairs, carrying her backpack in one hand and trying to finish tying her hair with the other. Her mother looked at her and smiled. "Good morning, sweetheart." "Good morning, Mom." "Did you sleep well?" "Yes." "That's good. I've packed your lunch." Amelia took the lunchbox from the kitchen counter. "Thank you." Her mother studied her for a moment. "Amelia, is everything alright at school?" Amelia stopped. "Why?" "You've been unusually quiet these days." "I'm fine, Mom. Just tired." Her mother wasn't completely convinced, but she didn't want to pressure her. "Alright. Have a good day." Amelia kissed her cheek and hurried outside. --- Westwood High School was already busy when Amelia arrived. Students were standing around the entrance, talking about the upcoming basketball game. As usual, Jessica Montgomery was surrounded by her friends. She stood near the school fountain, holding a pink drink while Brianna showed her something on her phone. "Did you see the pictures from yesterday?" Tiffany asked. Jessica smiled. "Of course. I looked amazing." "You always do," Brianna replied. Jessica flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder. Just then, Ryan Mitchell arrived with Lucas and Ethan. "Good morning, ladies," Lucas greeted. Jessica immediately turned towards Ryan. "Ryan!" "Hey, Jessica." She smiled brightly. "You're coming to my birthday party next Saturday, right?" "I haven't decided yet." Jessica frowned. "Ryan, you promised!" "I said I'd try." Lucas laughed. "Just go, bro. She's been planning that party for weeks." Ryan shook his head. "Alright. I'll come." Jessica's face lit up. "Really?" "Yeah." She happily hugged his arm. Amelia walked past them at that moment. Jessica noticed her immediately. "Amelia!" Amelia stopped reluctantly. "Yes?" Jessica smiled. "I almost forgot. Are you coming to my birthday party?" Amelia looked surprised. "Your birthday party?" "Yes. Why? Don't you want to come?" Brianna and Tiffany exchanged amused looks. Amelia knew Jessica was up to something. "I don't think I'll be able to." Jessica shrugged. "That's fine. I just thought I'd invite everyone." Lucas glanced at Amelia. "Are you actually inviting her?" Jessica laughed. "Why not? I'm being nice." Ryan checked his phone without paying much attention to the conversation. Amelia adjusted her backpack. "Well, I have class." She walked away. Jessica watched her disappear. "Can you imagine her at my party?" she whispered to Brianna. The girls laughed. --- During English class, the teacher announced a group assignment. "I want everyone to work in groups of four. You'll be presenting your projects next Friday." Students immediately began moving their chairs. Amelia looked around, waiting for someone to invite her. Jessica quickly joined Ryan, Lucas and Brianna. "Ryan, we're together, right?" "Sure." Tiffany joined another group. Soon, every student had found a team. Except Amelia. She stood beside her desk, holding her notebook. The teacher noticed. "Amelia, you can join Jessica's group." Jessica's smile disappeared. "Ma'am?" "Yes, Jessica?" "Can Amelia work with another group?" The teacher frowned. "Why?" Jessica forced a smile. "No reason. I just thought she might prefer another group." Amelia looked down. The teacher shook her head. "There's no other group with space. She'll work with you." Jessica sighed. "Fine." Amelia quietly took an empty chair. Lucas leaned towards Ryan. "Looks like we've got another member." Ryan shrugged. "Let's just finish the assignment." He opened his notebook and began writing. Jessica looked irritated. She had wanted to spend the lesson sitting beside Ryan, not dealing with Amelia. --- After school, Amelia was walking towards the bus stop when someone called her. "Hey, Amelia!" She turned and saw a boy from her mathematics class. His name was Daniel. "Yes?" Daniel held out a notebook. "You forgot this in class." Amelia looked surprised. "Oh! Thank you." "No problem." She accepted it. Daniel smiled politely and walked away. Amelia smiled a little. It was a small thing, but at least someone had spoken to her without making fun of her. She continued walking. Across the parking lot, Jessica was getting into her car when she noticed Amelia smiling. "What is she smiling about?" she asked. Brianna looked through the window. "Who?" "Amelia." Tiffany laughed. "Maybe someone finally agreed to be her friend." Jessica rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Let's go." But she wasn't finished with Amelia. Not even close. --- That evening, Amelia received a message from her class group chat. She opened it and saw several students discussing their group assignment. Then Jessica sent a message. Jessica: Amelia, don't forget you're responsible for researching our topic. Amelia: Okay. Jessica: And please make sure you do it properly. We don't want our grades suffering. A few laughing emojis appeared. Lucas sent a message. Lucas: Relax, Jessica. It's just an assignment. Jessica: I'm only making sure we do well. Amelia put her phone down. She knew exactly what Jessica was doing. Jessica wanted her to feel like she didn't belong, even in a group project. Amelia opened her notebook and started working. She wasn't going to give Jessica another reason to embarrass her. For once, she wanted to prove that she could do something well. And she intended to do exactly that.