CHAPTER ONE – DIFFERENT
Stella awoke to the soft caress of morning light filtering through her curtains. It was a new day, a fresh start, and as she stretched and yawned she felt a subtle shift within her. For years, Stella had navigated life with grace and determination, cherishing her relationships and treasuring the moments that shaped her. Yet, on this particular morning, she sensed a yearning for something more, something different. She and the girls had a long chat on the phone last night. While everyone was sharing something that made them excited, Stella couldn't find anything other than her books. That didn't sound bad, of course. There's nothing wrong with finding excitement in books. But to have them be the only source? It scared her, to be honest. And when she thought about what else could have been, she was left with silence inside her head. While she was lost in thought, she had no idea that the girls were sending strange and concerned looks her way. Yeah, Flora and Bloom were the ones to be concerned, and the others looked at her like, "Get your head out of your book thoughts now."
As she stood before the mirror, her reflection met her gaze with quiet confidence. Her eyes, once filled with contentment, now held a spark of curiosity and a hunger for new experiences and uncharted territories. She knew that to embrace this newfound desire, she needed to step out of her comfort zone. Stella craved adventure, wanted to taste the thrill of the unknown, and most of all, she longed for a love that would set her soul ablaze. It's normal to want those things, especially if you're a bookworm. She never had a relationship, not because she was a bookworm, though. Just because she didn't feel anything towards the guys that had asked her out. And as a matter of fact, a lot of guys had asked her. She was a vision of natural beauty, with an ethereal quality that seemed to radiate from within. Her complexion was like porcelain, smooth and flawless, kissed by the sun's gentle embrace. A dusting of freckles danced across her nose and cheeks, like constellations in the night sky. The irony, though, was that those freckles were so small they were barely visible, and they only came out when the sunshine hit her. Sunshine. Maybe the perfect way to describe her.
Her eyes were the color of the clearest citrine, framed by long, dark lashes that fluttered like the wings of a butterfly. They held a spark of curiosity and a glint of mischief, reflecting the vibrant spirit that dwelled within her. A cascade of golden waves tumbled down her back, each strand catching the light and shimmering like liquid sunshine. Her hair seemed to have a life of its own, cascading in loose waves or pulled back in a carefree ponytail, depending on the whims of the day. Stella's smile was like a beacon of warmth, capable of lighting up even the darkest of rooms. Her lips, soft and inviting, held a natural rosy hue that seemed to bloom with every laugh and genuine moment of joy. Her frame was graceful and lithe, exuding an air of confidence that came from years of self-assuredness. Stella moved with a certain elegance, a fluidity that spoke of both strength and grace. Her style was a reflection of her vibrant personality, a mix of bohemian chic and classic elegance. Stella's presence was magnetic, drawing people towards her like moths to a flame. She possessed a rare combination of outer beauty and inner radiance, a light that shone so brightly, it was impossible not to be captivated by it. In a world that often seemed to favor conformity, Stella's unique beauty stood out like a precious gem, a reminder that true allure could be found in embracing one's authentic self. She was a living testament to the idea that beauty was not just skin deep, but a reflection of the heart and soul within. So yes, she was beautiful. And everyone was aware of that. Besides her beauty, her friends and family were yet another factors that made her complete. She was the only child, even though her cousins never let her feel that way. She always was pampered by her parents. Luckily, her character wasn't one to break with money and pampering. Maybe she was like this because of the absence of her parents more than their presence. They were hard workers, both of them being chemical engineers. It's not easy. It's even harder when you consider that they own the biggest polymer production factory in the country. So most of the time, they're not home because of work. Stella was used to being alone at nights. And at that time, her friends were the best support she held on to. The Winx. They called themselves that, even though no one knew it. Stella closed her eyes while smiling to herself. It was like yesterday, the day she met all the girls and became friends.
9th grade / Freshman
Ages: 14-15
The first day of school brought with it a sense of trepidation for the girls. They all found themselves in the same courtyard, each clutching the same comic book. It was a stroke of chance, or perhaps destiny that had led them there. The comic was a prized possession, a last edition with no promise of future releases. Bloom sat on a bench, enraptured by the pages before her. Musa leaned against a tree, the beat of her heart matching the rhythm of the music she loved. Tecna sat on the ground, her holographic tablet displaying a digital version of the same beloved story. Flora sat amidst a bed of flowers, the world of the comic seeming to come alive around her. Aisha, full of energy, was playing with a ball nearby, but every so often, she'd glance down at her own copy of the comic. Stella perched on the fountain's edge, the sunlight catching the pages in her hand. As the sun climbed higher, an invisible thread seemed to draw them together. Each one became aware of the others, their eyes meeting in a silent understanding of their shared interest. They gravitated towards one another, forming a circle. Laughter and conversation flowed freely, their voices blending into a harmonious chorus. They discovered other common interests, shared stories, and dreams for the future. Days turned into weeks, and their bond only grew stronger. They became inseparable, a close-knit group that supported each other through the ups and downs of high school life. With each passing day, the comic became more than just a story. It was a symbol of their connection, a reminder of the day they all found themselves in the same place at the same time. They started to affectionately call themselves "The Winx," after the comic that had brought them together. Their friendship became a source of strength and inspiration, proving that sometimes, the most magical connections are forged in the most unexpected ways. They were no longer just six ordinary girls; they were The Winx, bound by a shared love for a comic and an unbreakable friendship.
When she opened her eyes, her smile slowly faded and her expression turned to one of panic. She was running late for the first day of her different life. So cliché. She started to get ready as fast as she could, but at one point, she just let it go. She was already too late for the first class. Griselda would never let her in after class started. So she slowed down and got dressed properly. Stella's choice of outfit was not only stylish but also practical for the crisp September morning in Gardenia. The black skirt struck a perfect balance, offering both comfort and a touch of elegance. Her full-sleeved high-neck, soft beige t-shirt provided an extra layer of warmth, the fabric hugging her frame in a way that exuded a subtle confidence. After she thought about it for a while, she decided to put on her skin-colored pantyhose so the cold wouldn't be able to reach her easily. Her long, blond locks were a cascade of golden waves, catching the morning light in a way that seemed almost ethereal. She always made her bag ready from the night before so she wouldn't have to waste time with it. Now with a little powder, mascara and lipstick, there was nothing left to do but get out of the house. After making sure that she had everything she needed, she left a little note for Mimi. Mimi was responsible for the housework in the Solaria family. She was also like a big sister to Stella, always taking care of her. And Stella would never leave the house without writing down a compliment for Mimi so she knows her day started as good as hers. Looking down at her smartwatch Stella just cursed quietly. Always late, perfect Stella.