Sadie's Love

Sadie tucked a strand of long blonde hair behind her ear as she carefully arranged her craft supplies. Her room was her sanctuary, walls adorned with handmade dreamcatchers and paintings. Peaches, her corgi therapy dog, nestled against her leg while Coco the boxer sprawled across her bed. "At least you two always want me around," she whispered, scratching behind Peaches' ears. Tomorrow was the first day of ninth grade, and her stomach twisted with familiar anxiety. She wondered if this year would be different or if she'd still be the girl picked last for everything except when someone needed help.

"Mom, do I really have to go?" Sadie asked, clutching her backpack straps tightly. Her mother gave her a reassuring smile and pulled her into a warm hug. "You'll be amazing, sweetheart," she said, understanding Sadie's separation anxiety. Her older brother Max ruffled her hair as he passed by, while her younger brother Ethan and sister Lily bickered over the last waffle. Sadie took a deep breath, drawing strength from the chaos of her loving family. Peaches nudged her hand, sensing her distress, and Sadie bent down to whisper in her furry ear, "I'll be home soon, I promise."

The hallways of Westlake High seemed to stretch endlessly before Sadie. She clutched her schedule tightly, scanning the unfamiliar room numbers. A group of girls she recognized from middle school walked past without acknowledging her. Sadie slipped into her first class, choosing a seat near the back. "Hey, can I sit here?" asked a girl with curly hair and kind eyes. "I'm Emma," she said, extending her hand. Sadie nodded, surprised by the friendly gesture. Maybe this year would be different after all.

The art room smelled of paint and possibility as Sadie entered after lunch. She spotted Emma waving from a table near the window. "I saved you a spot," Emma said, patting the chair beside her. The art teacher, Ms. Rivera, announced they would be creating memory boxes. Sadie's hands moved confidently as she worked, her anxiety momentarily forgotten. "Wow, you're really good at this," Emma whispered, admiring Sadie's intricate design. For the first time that day, Sadie felt a small spark of belonging.

Sadie stood nervously at the edge of the gym, watching other girls confidently spike volleyballs over the net. "You trying out too?" Emma appeared beside her, already changed into gym clothes. Sadie nodded, grateful for the familiar face. When her turn came, Sadie's serve sailed perfectly over the net, surprising even herself. Coach Martinez made notes on her clipboard, nodding approvingly. "Nice form, Thompson," she called out. Sadie couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. Maybe volleyball could be her thing this year.

Sadie burst through the front door, greeted by Peaches' excited yips and Coco's enthusiastic jumping. "I made the volleyball team!" she announced to her mom, who pulled her into a celebratory hug. Her dad emerged from his home office with a proud smile. "That's my girl," he said, giving her a high-five. Later, as she lay on her bedroom floor with both dogs curled around her, Sadie recounted her day to them in whispers. "I wish I could take you both to school with me," she sighed, burying her face in Coco's soft fur.

The volleyball team gathered around Coach Martinez, listening to her strategy for their first practice match. Sadie stood slightly apart, still feeling like an outsider. "Thompson, you're starting as setter today," Coach announced unexpectedly. A tall girl named Jasmine rolled her eyes. "But she's new," Jasmine protested. Coach's expression remained firm. "She's earned it," she replied simply. During the match, Sadie's precise sets helped her team score point after point. Emma gave her a thumbs-up from the sidelines, while Jasmine's scowl deepened.

Sadie's fingers worked deftly, weaving colorful threads into a friendship bracelet. Art class had become her favorite period of the day. Emma leaned over to admire her work. "Could you teach me how to make one?" she asked. Soon, several other classmates gathered around, watching Sadie demonstrate the technique. "You should start a craft club," Ms. Rivera suggested, noticing the impromptu gathering. Sadie blinked in surprise, never having considered herself a leader. "I could help you organize it," Emma offered with an encouraging smile.

"It's just an overnight volleyball tournament," Sadie's mom said gently, helping her pack. Sadie's chest tightened at the thought of sleeping away from home. "Can I bring Peaches?" she asked, knowing the answer already. Her dad sat beside her on the bed. "We'll video chat before bedtime," he promised. That night, lying in the unfamiliar hotel bed, Sadie clutched her phone after saying goodnight to her parents. Emma noticed her distress from the neighboring bed. "Want to watch funny dog videos until we fall asleep?" she offered kindly.

The tournament final match stretched into a tense third set. Coach Martinez called a timeout with the score tied. "Sadie, I need your consistent serves now," she said firmly. Sadie's hands trembled as she took position. She closed her eyes briefly, imagining Peaches and Coco watching her. Her serve sailed over the net, catching the opposing team off guard. Point after point, Sadie's serves helped secure their lead. When the final whistle blew, Emma tackled her in a hug. Even Jasmine gave her a reluctant high-five.

Sadie arranged supplies on the tables, nervously awaiting the first meeting of the Crafters Club. "What if nobody comes?" she whispered to Emma. The classroom door opened as students began filtering in, more than Sadie had expected. "I saw your flyer and thought it looked cool," said a boy from her math class. Ms. Rivera winked at Sadie from the doorway. "Ready to get started, club president?" she asked. Sadie took a deep breath and stepped to the front of the room, surprised by her own excitement.

"Max, can you help me with this poster?" Sadie asked her older brother, who was home from college for the weekend. He looked up from his laptop with a grin. "The famous Crafters Club president needs my help?" he teased, but immediately came to assist. Her younger siblings, Ethan and Lily, insisted on contributing their own artistic touches. "Your club sounds way cooler than anything at my school," Lily declared, carefully gluing sequins to the border. Sadie felt a warm glow of appreciation for her sometimes annoying but always supportive siblings.

Spring arrived, bringing softball season with it. Sadie stood on the field, glove ready, feeling more confident than she had in the fall. Several of her volleyball teammates had joined softball too, including Emma and, surprisingly, Jasmine. "Nice catch, Thompson!" Jasmine called out when Sadie snagged a difficult fly ball. Coach Bennett assigned positions, naming Sadie as starting shortstop. "You've got quick reflexes and a good arm," she explained. Sadie couldn't wait to tell her dogs all about it.

"We're having a party this weekend," Jasmine announced to the softball team after practice. "Everyone's invited." She handed Sadie an invitation, meeting her eyes directly. "Hope you can come." Sadie stared at the card in disbelief. Emma nudged her excitedly. "Your first high school party!" she whispered. That evening, Sadie paced her room, anxiety building. "What if it's a trick?" she asked Peaches, who tilted her head sympathetically. Coco nudged a tennis ball toward her, as if suggesting she focus on something else.

Sadie stood on Jasmine's porch, finger hovering over the doorbell. "We can leave anytime you want," Emma reassured her, standing loyally by her side. Inside, music played and laughter echoed. Jasmine herself opened the door, looking genuinely pleased to see them. "You came!" she said, ushering them in. Throughout the evening, Sadie was surprised to find herself actually having fun. "Your craft club inspired me to try painting," Jasmine admitted quietly when they had a moment alone. "I was jealous of how good you are at everything."

Sadie helped her dad load camping gear into the car, excitement bubbling inside her. This would be Peaches' and Coco's first camping trip with the family. Her siblings argued good-naturedly about who would sit where. "I can't believe you're not anxious about being away from home," her mom remarked, noticing Sadie's relaxed demeanor. Sadie smiled, realizing the change in herself. "I'm not away from home if you're all with me," she replied, scratching both dogs behind their ears. The weekend ahead promised adventure and togetherness.

The softball championship game entered the final inning with Sadie's team down by one run. Fans cheered from the bleachers, including her entire family and even Peaches, wearing a team bandana. When Sadie stepped up to bat with two runners on base, she took a deep breath. The pitch came fast, and Sadie's bat connected with a satisfying crack. As she raced around the bases, she heard her teammates' wild cheers. Sliding into home plate, she secured their victory. The team lifted her onto their shoulders, chanting her name.

Sadie stood nervously beside her display at the school art show. Her collection of mixed media pieces represented her journey throughout the year. "These are amazing," Emma said, admiring the intricate details. Ms. Rivera brought over a small group of people, including the principal. "This young artist has shown exceptional growth this year," she explained proudly. Sadie's family beamed from nearby, her dad discreetly wiping a tear. Even Jasmine stopped by to offer sincere compliments. Sadie realized she was no longer invisible.

Sadie sat cross-legged in her backyard, Peaches and Coco lounging beside her as she flipped through the yearbook. Emma had written a page-long message about their friendship. Jasmine had signed too, suggesting they practice volleyball over the summer. Her phone buzzed with messages from the Crafters Club about their summer project plans. Looking up at the blue sky, Sadie felt a contentment she hadn't known before. "I think I finally see myself the way you two see me," she told her faithful dogs, who responded with loving licks and wagging tails.

On the last day of school, Sadie's locker was decorated with notes and small gifts from friends. "See you at softball camp!" read one. "Craft day at my house next week!" said another. Sadie carefully collected each token, tucking them into her backpack. Walking home, she felt lighter than she had in years. Peaches and Coco greeted her at the door with their usual enthusiasm. That evening, surrounded by her family at dinner, Sadie realized something important: she had always been wanted and loved, and now she finally believed it herself.