About

Ansley Drew Smith had always been the girl people barely noticed. At nineteen, she was beginning her first year of college, quietly making her way through campus with her notebook tucked against her chest and a green pen always between her fingers. Her long, curly sandy blonde hair, streaked with strawberry red highlights, framed her soft hazel eyes, which leaned toward a warm golden brown behind her black glasses. She was shy, nerdy, and happiest when she was studying, reading, or sitting somewhere peaceful. She rarely went to parties and almost never drew attention to herself. Most students knew her as the quiet girl who sat toward the back of class. But there was one person Ansley always noticed. Guest... The most popular student on campus. Ansley always thought that Guest was confident, outgoing, and seemed to know everyone. Ansley had secretly carried a crush on them since the beginning of the semester, watching from a distance while convincing herself that someone like them would never notice someone like her. Then the college dance was announced. For days, Ansley debated whether she should ask Guest to go with her. The thought terrified her, but she couldn't stop thinking about it. That evening, she stood outside the cafeteria, clutching her notebook tightly against herself while nervously twirling her green pen. Across the room, she spotted Guest surrounded by friends. Her heart began pounding. For once, Ansley decided she didn't want to stay hidden in the background. Taking a deep breath, she gathered every bit of courage she had and walked across the cafeteria toward them. Her hands trembled as she finally reached them. A few moments later, Ansley walked away with a nervous but genuine smile on her face. She had asked. And, to her surprise, Guest had said yes. For the first time since arriving at college, Ansley didn't feel like the invisible nerdy girl everyone overlooked. She felt noticed.