The Journey Of The Rejection Soul

Emily stared out of the windows of her small bedroom, watching the rain slide down the glass in steady streams.

Emily was a high school student that enjoyed being in her comfort zone which was her room filled with paintings and drawings. She was an introvert, who wasn't liked by her peers despite how talented she was. Arts stood as a place of comfort and entertainment to Emily, as she feels happy when painting. Most of her time was spent creating art, making beautiful drawings and creativity, she expressed herself through art and devoted her time to it. She was not loved by her family but found affection from her small circle of friends (Sarah and Bryan). They stood by her and supported her dreams, giving her hope and words of encouragement. She often felt isolated, alone, and slowly disappearing whenever she thought about her life. High school had not been kind to her but she always struggled to fit in. Her life revolved around paintings, drawings and designs. Art was her escape, her comfort zone, the place she feels happy. Her bedroom walls were filled with her paintings: vibrant landscapes, detailed portraits, and pieces that spoke of her innermost thoughts and feelings.

.........................................

The previous year, she had auditioned for the prestigious art club, a group she had dreamed of joining since freshman year. Acceptance into the club was a validation of one's talent and dedication. Emily had poured her soul into her craft, believing it was enough to finally be noticed. But when the list of accepted members was posted, her name was not included. Her heart felt like it had just been pierced as she read and reread the list, hoping she had missed her name. But it wasn't there. The rejection felt like she was being slapped against the wall leaving her broken and disorganized.

On this fateful afternoon, her friends (Bryan and Sarah) walked in while talking about the school art audition event which was coming up soon. This event occurs once in a year whereby the students of VICTORY HIGH apply and the audition and the best students are picked to be part of the club before the big competition comes up.

Bryan and Sarah 's intention was to make Emily participate in it since they knew how dearly art was to her. They tried to convince her in participating for the audition.

" We were going about with something on the school portal then we came across the the art event which is coming up soon, then we suggested you give it a trial again.

Flashing back to the previous year made Emily reject the offer immediately, the two friends understood why she declined the idea but was not ready to allow the chance go.

Emily appreciated her friends efforts but didn't feel it was a good idea, knowing fully well she isn't liked by anyone in the school except for the 2 people standing in front of her.

She sighed heavily before talking as she looked at her friends with admiration . " Trust me , I get you guys are trying to make the best out of all for me but I really don't think it's a good idea". Emily spoke sadly looking away in disappointment . " I always want to be a well- known artist, also I want my creativity to be an inspiration to all but looking at the circumstances at hand, I really don't think this would work out ".

Sarah moved closer to Emily holding her hands, "this is a good idea Emily, I understand what you trying to say but it is a very big chance to showcase your talent. We can't just allow it to blow away because of what people thinks . The world needs to know you, sorry I mean the school needs to know how good you are, this is a chance for you to get a recognition. Pls Emily " Sarah stared deeply into her eyes.

Bryan added, "we would always support you and be there for you if you need anyone or anything, I'm sure you can do this Emily."

She looked at her friends as they spoke, appreciating their love and support for her. They've been her comforter ever since she got into the school and never left her for once despite the humiliation she faces and challenges she has brought up on them.

After so much contemplation,Emily eventually agreed. Her friends were aware of how she was rejected the last time she had applied they were not ready to let such opportunity pass by, since they felt it wasn't bad trying again

As her friends left, Emily pondered all what they discussed and wondered if they would give her a chance knowing fully well that the club is a big deal in the school . She knew deeply that the criteria for acceptance into the club was with so much hard work and efforts which she had always put on her work but things never seem to go her way. No one likes her or associate with her for reasons she isn't able to point out yet.

Emily knew she had to leave her comfort zone to achieve her dreams but wasn't sure she is ready to face more problems since she had a lot at hand already. Since the beginning of highschool, nothing has been favorable to Emily, everything looked complicated to Emily not understanding any of the things happening in her life, everything makes her frustrated and tempted to harm herself. Her family never cared for her and the only person she felt warm around was dead leaving her to the cold hands of the world. This time around she was prepared for all that was to come as long as she gets her dream achieved.

She shook away the thoughts from her head, fighting back tears, and hurried prepared to sleep, feeling the weight of the rejection settle heavily on her shoulders.

Emily dozed off while she was thinking.....

The next day at school, Emily went to the admin's office alongside her friends. Whispers followed them into the office and Emily couldn't help but notice the looks of people around which made her feel so uncomfortable, intending to back out of the whole thing.

Sarah noticed Emily's face and quickly shoved her hands into hers, trying to make her feel better. " Don't let their words get to you', Bryan whispered as the walked in accordance." They don't deserve your time and attention", he added.

It was alil bit difficult for Emily to look away as the stares became too much on her but with her friends close to her she felt safe.

As they entered into the office, they saw a young handsome boy sitting quietly in the corner of the office reading a book.

max raised up his head to see 3 students standing right in front of him.

"Good morning sir" they greeted bowing their heads in respect.

"Good morning, pls I'm also a student and not a sir. " max replied in a cool voice

Emily's heart ran fast as she heard him speak, this was the first time she had actually paid attention to anyone in the school. She tried replying but kept stammering till Sarah pulled her hands stylishly for her to compose.

max sat up and placed his book down, giving the trio full attention. "So how can I help you?" He asked looking deeply into Emily's eyes .

Emily felt somehow as he looked at her, she tried her best to hide to shove the feelings. Sarah quickly spoke up, "We are here to get more information regarding the upcoming art audition".

"Yes, yes sir, we are here for the art club audition, I mean we want to get more information about the Audition". Emily said in a low tone.

max smiled, " well, this are the things you need to know about the contest", he replied bringing out a paper from the file on the table.

They obtained the form and registered quickly.

Emma couldn't concentrate knowing fully well she might not be picked since she was so invisible to everyone in the school.

The rest of the day passed in a haze.

Over the next few weeks, Emily found herself thinking about Max which got her distracted from her artwork. She adjusted herself immediately shaking off the thoughts wandering in her mind.

max was a young boy in the same age range as emily, he was handsome and calm. He was a very quiet guy who doesn't like to be noticed in school but things didn't turn out his way as he was made the president of the art club for over few years now. He spends most of his time in the staff's office reading. Most students didn't know he was the president since his vice was always flaunting herself.

She shook off her thoughts Immediately then picked up her brush to continue painting, his image kept playing on her head making her lose focus. She decided to relax her head for some moment.

The next day at school, Bryan joined Emily and Sarah during lunch. He suggested they all hangout during the weekend, the idea was a pleasant one but Emily didn't want to be involved in the whole setup so she quickly pulled out. Her friends were not ready to remove her out of the picture so they decided to taunt her till she agrees.

As Emily saw how much they were sooo invested in the hangout she had to agree immediately but on a condition that they would go with where she suggests. They accepted and planned their trip to avoid late coming and missing of each other. She preferred an art museum to a cinema. And she gave them some tangible reasons, which they were not actually interested in but had to agree on so as to make her happy.

After lunch the trio dismissed and headed back to their various classes.

The weekend was filled with laughters, fun and admiration of different artworks by different creators. Sarah felt interested in the creativity as she found many paintings beautiful. She questioned Emily, not ready to believe their could be so interesting art......

Emily looked straight at Sarah, asking her if she never found her arts beautiful....Sarah hurriedly explained, she didn't mean it in that way, seeing new arts and drawings was not a common thing since she wasn't a fan of it.

Bryan nodded in agreement with what Sarah had said. Emily smiled and hugged her friends for their words, it was a great joy for her to have friends that showed alil interest in her art world.

The more they went deeper into the buildings, emily took the opportunity to show and explain what each of the art means to her friends.

Despite all the rejections Emily got from her surrounding, her friends were the only ones who encouraged and supported her. She had began to accept the the fate which comes with her schooling but from her family it was like a deep hole pierced inside her heart.

Emily always wondered why her father never supported or stood up to protect her even after seeing how she is being treated by the stepmom and siblings. She thought of what her offence could possibly be for him to prefer her step siblings over .

He would always tell her to accept them as her own family but she couldn't understand why he quickly forgot about her mum even thou they weren't in good terms before she died, he could have at least waited few more months before bringing in the step family.

Whenever she tried to ask her father about her mum's death he would look at her with a face filled with hatred then walk out.

Emily couldn't understand the reason for that but assumed her father hated she and her late mom. But the father was keeping silence for some reasons which was known to him alone.

Emily desires acceptance and recognition peers, but more importantly she yearns to make a name for herself in the art world.

Standing in the middle of her art, Emily took a moment think about everything that has led her to become active with art and made her love it. She thought back to when she was younger by her stepmom, locking her up inside the room without no food which was still happening but alil bit better than then. She couldn't help but think about her friends who stood by her. They tried doing everything in their power just for her to achieve her dreams and also be happy. This didn't only bring a smile to Emily's face but made her heart feel grateful.

The selected students' names were pasted on the school board and Emily was lucky to be one of them. She felt like she was moving through a dream, wondering how she managed to be at the top 5. Her heart was filled with joy as she found her name included, this was a stepping stone for emily to achieve her aim of becoming popular amd showcasing her talent.

She hurriedly into her class with a bright smile, feeling relieved and encouraged. Emily couldn't concentrate during the class, her mind was filled with so many plans on the next step she would take and how the club would also be like.

Her best friend, Sarah, called after hearing her name was on the list later that evening. She screamed excitedly as Emily picked up the phone. "I don't know sarah. I can't believe I was picked. It never occured to me that I would b selected among the tons of students that participated in the audition. I guess I was just luckily " Emily said, smiling happily. Sarah was more happier than Emily. "Your arts are just perfect, emily. The club literally needs someone like you more than ever, and you know the sweetest part, this is a great opportunity for you to get closer to max. After all we saw how you were so lost immediately you saw him and heard him speak." Emily blushed so hard. "pls let's not talk about him , I don't want to be implicated".She appreciated her friends efforts and the contributions they made, she was so happy to see her friends rooting for her, she never expected it and wished her family could do the same.She went to bed that night with a happy heart, hoping that the club would be a different world and would bring some relief to her. Her dreams were filled with swirling images of her paintings, winning of awards and many more.

The next day at school, Emma felt a different way than she had always being. Stares from the students followed her in the hallways, and she couldn't help but notice Jasmine, the president of the art club, smirking and smiling at the same time as she passed by. Jasmine never liked Emily but had to pick her after seeing most of her creations. They needed someone like Emily in the group, knowing fully well if they don't act fast the club might end up crumbling. Seeing the joy on Emily's face, Jasmine couldn't help but get angry but had to pretend by putting a smile on her face as she welcomed her in. Emily thought of it but brushed it off not allowing it to ruin the moment. As Emily assembled with other selected students in the hall, she was the most happiest person on earth that period of time, feeling excited and anxious.

They students attention diverted to the pretty girl standing in front of them. She was jasmine, a very beautiful and the most popular girl in school. Every student in VICTORIA HIGH wants to be around her. She happened to be the vice president of the art club who flaunted herself more, making people have low idea of who the main president was. After addressing the students, she the president to the podium with an applaud as she left the stage.

As Max walked to the podium, the female students began to scream and drool over him making emily feel so irritated and jealous. He introduced himself, and gave the students a welcoming speech. As he kept talking Emily couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked, wishing she could have him all to herself.

The meeting came to an end and the students were dismissed. Emily found Sarah and Bryan waiting for her outside the hall, then she ran to them as they all headed to the cafeteria. During lunch, she told her friends about max and Jasmine without mentioning anything about the art itself. Bryan and Sarah stared at Emily in disbelief, refusing to accept what they just heard her say... Emily quickly changed the discussion trying to avoid any questions from her friends.

Bryan blushed on hearing Jasmine's name. The two girls glanced at each other with a surprise look. "Can someone explain what is happening here?" Emily ask in a confused face. Sarah shook her head notifying Emily she didn't know what was happening either.

Bryan coughed "I've been to tell you both about her. Jasmine had always been my crush right from junior high but unfortunately for me I found out she was deeply involved with Micheal and I wouldn't want to be made mess of so I just admire her from afar instead. Sarah looked at Bryan with an so much expression written on her face. "Wait, you mean she is dating Micheal? Omg, that boy doesn't deserve her for real or what do you think Emily"?.

Emily was lost with the whole conversation, she didn't know most of these students not until today. She only knew Jasmine because she flaunts her beauty and popularity alot. " I really don't know what to say, I have no idea who Micheal is ." Sarah stared at her blankly not believing what Emily just said. " What?