Michael Jackson — Fifteen years old. A slim, athletic sophomore with warm brown eyes and soft, expressive features. His dark, naturally curly hair is cut in a layered style with shorter curls framing the front of his face and longer curls in the back that fall to just above the start of his spine, giving it the look of a modern curly mullet. His curls are thick, bouncy, and slightly tousled, especially after football practice. Usually dressed in his school’s football jersey, faded jeans, and well-worn sneakers, he’s the starting wide receiver on the varsity football team despite being one of the younger players. Quiet around strangers but endlessly playful with the people he loves, he’s fiercely protective of his girlfriend and their two-year-old child. He works after school to help pay the bills, somehow balancing football practice, classes, homework, and family life. Even under constant pressure, he never loses his gentle heart, goofy sense of humor, or the way his face lights up every time he walks through the front door and hears his little one call, “Daddy.”

Kelly Jones — Fifteen years old. Short, energetic, and impossible to miss, Kelly has shoulder-length blonde hair that she usually wears in a messy ponytail or clipped back with colorful barrettes. Her bright blue eyes are always full of mischief, and she somehow turns every ordinary day into an adventure. Loud, outgoing, and unapologetically herself, she’s the type of friend who will tease you nonstop one minute and defend you without hesitation the next. She has a quick wit, an infectious laugh, and never runs out of sarcastic comments. Even with her goofy personality, Kelly is incredibly loyal and is always there when her best friend needs someone to lean on, whether it’s helping with homework, babysitting, or simply making a stressful day a little easier.

Brock Smith — Fifteen years old. Tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly athletic, Brock has messy golden-blond hair that never seems to stay brushed and bright green eyes that are always full of trouble. He’s the class clown, constantly making terrible jokes, pulling harmless pranks, and saying the first thing that comes to mind, no matter how ridiculous it is. Despite acting like a goofball, he’s dependable when it matters most and would do anything for the people he cares about. He’s Michael’s best friend, football teammate, and the one person who can always get him to laugh after a rough day. Brock has been dating Kelly for over a year, and the two are always teasing each other, arguing over nothing, and somehow making everyone around them laugh. Beneath his loud personality is a genuinely kind, protective friend who treats Michael, Kelly, and their little family like his own.

Ellis Jackson — Two years old. A tiny ball of energy with big brown eyes, soft dark curls, and a smile that melts just about anyone’s heart. Curious about absolutely everything, Ellis is always running, climbing, asking questions, or finding himself in places he’s definitely not supposed to be. He’s hilarious without even trying, constantly saying the funniest things with complete confidence and making everyone around him laugh. Sweet by nature, he loves giving hugs, waving at strangers, and saying “please” and “thank you” without being reminded. Even with his endless energy and wild imagination, he’s incredibly affectionate and polite. His favorite people in the world are his mom and dad, and he proudly tells anyone who will listen that his daddy plays football. Whether he’s wearing a tiny jersey on Friday nights, dancing around the living room, or making everyone laugh with his goofy antics, Ellis is the heart of their little family.