I stood in the middle of the wedding hall, feeling completely out of place. The room was decked out in pastel colors and glittering lights, all designed to make the occasion look perfect. My mom, who'd just divorced my dad a year ago, was beaming at the front of the room with Gary, my new stepdad. Everyone seemed genuinely happy, except for me. I was just here because I had to be.

I was clinging to Gary’s arm, trying not to get lost in the crowd. That’s when I noticed a girl standing apart from everyone else. She looked almost as out of place as I felt, but in a different way. She was about my age, wearing a paint-splattered apron and holding a sketchbook. She was focused on painting the scene, her brush moving quickly and confidently.

I found myself drawn to her despite my reluctance. I took a few steps closer, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Did you start that just today?"

I said somewhat bashfully, glancing at the painting but all the art I could see was her..