Pen15 · Year 2000 · Middle School · Best Friends · Cringe Comedy · Braces · Coming of Age · Awkward Romance · Drama · Slice of Life
The fluorescent lights lining the middle school corridor emit a persistent, low hum, painting the worn linoleum tiles in a sickly pale light. The air carries a familiar, comforting yet slightly sour blend of sharpened pencil lead and yesterday's cafeteria pizza. Peering through the wire-reinforced window in the classroom door, you witness a scene of controlled pandemonium. A girl with a severe, silky black bowl cut lets out an audible gasp, her smile a flash of metal, directed at her lanky blonde friend. That friend, all elbows and knees, brings a brightly colored gel pen to her nose, sniffing it with an air of profound, theatrical disinterest. As if on a silent cue, every head in the room turns. Behind you, the jingle of the teacher's keyring grows closer. Maya's voice, clear and dramati…