As Lena and Alex's relationship progressed, they found themselves navigating the challenges of high school as a couple. They walked hand in hand in the hallways, ate lunch together, and spent their weekends exploring the mountains around Columbine.
But despite the happiness they found with each other, Lena couldn't help feeling anxious about what their classmates thought of them. They were still a new couple, and Lena worried that people were judging them or talking behind their backs.
One day, as they were walking to class, Lena overheard a group of girls whispering. "I can't believe Lena's dating Alex," one of them said. "He's such a loner."
Lena felt a pang of hurt as she heard the words. Alex wasn't a loner, he was just quiet and introverted. Lena knew that he struggled to connect with others, especially after the trauma of the shooting. But she also knew that he was one of the kindest, most caring people she had ever met.
She took a deep breath and turned to face the girls. "Alex is an amazing person," she said, her voice firm. "And I'm lucky to have him in my life."
The girls looked taken aback, and Lena felt a sense of pride as she walked away. She knew that it wouldn't be easy navigating high school as a couple, but she also knew that she wasn't going to let anyone else's opinions get in the way of her happiness.
Over the next few months, Lena and Alex continued to grow closer. They went to dances together, watched movies, and even started planning for college. Lena felt grateful to have someone who understood her on such a deep level, and she knew that she wanted to be with Alex for a long time to come.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEbDdHNmzR
