I Became My Unfortunate Female Lead

"Okay, class dismissed."

Everyone stood up as soon as the teacher exited the classroom. The cleaners remained, and those who didn't go their ways.

"A-Athasia, are y-you going home now?" Callie sprang from her side with her smiling face, carrying three books in her arms.

Athasia halted. The truth was, she was going to visit this Atelier just meters away from school. She simply passed a quick student resume online because it was looking for a helper. Of course, let's not forget about her failed plan because of Max.

Besides, Benson was the one who recommended it to her. He told the young miss that it was also a good opportunity to try different things. Well, littleyoonie always wanted to draw her characters, but she wasn't that good when it comes to art

"I have to go somewhere.." She tapped the girl on the shoulders. "Let's hang out together tomorrow, okay?"

Callie didn't insist at all and told Athasia to be careful before parting away. Athasia exited the school front gate and checked her phone. She read that the Atelier also welcomed some students as helpers.

Athasia reached the place in no time. She was crossing the street when she saw a woman, who almost stumbled with her falling folders and boxes in hand. She hurried to her and picked up the things.

"Let me help you, Auntie." Athasia offered. "Where are you going? I'm going to accompany you.."

The woman in her short hair with shades of gray smiled at the young miss. "Thank you so much. I'm going to that Atelier," she used her eyes to point to the said building. "Those were the new materials.."

Athasia blinked, amused after knowing that they're going to the same place. She clasped the stuff in her arms and grinned. "Auntie, I'm also going to that Atelier!"she suddenly felt relieved. It was a good start.

The two of them reached the building, and the woman opened the door. The bells hanging above clang, giving them a welcoming atmosphere. Athasia stepped inside, following the woman, who introduced herself as Evelyn.

The young miss put the boxes and folders on the round table near the window. She grabbed the opportunity to roam her eyes. The place was wide and comfortable. There were finished paintings hanging on the walls. Arranged paintbrushes in the cabinets with glass. Different sizes of canvas and stands. Paints were in the right corner. You can see every type with different brands.

"I am sorry if it's quite messy," Evelyn appeared with a glass of juice in her hands. She put it on the table and gestured her hands to the girl.

Athasia nodded, and both of them sat at one table, facing each other. She gripped the glass of juice and said thanks. From the looks of it, she will do well in this part-time job. Even if some of her schoolmates saw her, it doesn't matter since it was an Atelier for students.

"Do you have any interest in the arts? Have you tried to paint before?" Evelyn asked. Her voice was soothing.

Littleyoonie didn't deny that she once tried to draw some of her novel characters in her world. She was planning on finding an artist to have collaborated with her to adapt her novels into colored ones.

"I'm really not good with art, but I guess I can make some sketches." She honestly replied.

A bright smile stretched Evelyn's cheeks. She was a teacher here and knowing that the girl had experience in sketching was enough to flutter her. Though her smile vanished after remembering that Athasia was also a student. "Are you having a hard time at school? Can you do both helping here and studying?"

Athasia nodded, "Don't worry, Auntie! I can do both, and I want to learn new things too," she replied, taking a sip of her juice.

Evelyn opened the folder and read Athasia's profile. She stared at the young girl's picture and smiled bitterly. "If only my daughter were here. You two will become friends." She sighed and closed the folder. However, the moment she gazed back at Athasia, the girl was also looking at her.

"Oh–I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say it that loud," Evelyn apologized.

"I'm sure your daughter enjoys painting, too. If it's okay with you, I can become her friend." Athasia was determined by her offer.

Little did she know that this offer would make Evelyn's eyes lonely. The woman lowered her head and clasped her fingers. "She–passed away..last year," she heavily said.

Silence

"Sorry.." Athasia mumbled. "I didn't mean to.." she lowered her head, trying to make up for her words earlier.

"Why are you apologizing? It's fine, you don't need to feel sorry." Evelyn stood up. "Just by knowing that a student was here to help me was enough for me. Thank you for applying." She leaned and brushed the young miss' head. "You're Athasia, right?"

Athasia nodded, giving a sweet smile.

"Can you help me arrange the things in the boxes you carried earlier? I have a class this Saturday and am only preparing for now. Let's help each other, Athasia.."

The woman went back to the sink with the empty glasses. She explained everything to the newbie and told the young miss that she can also participate in her art class even though she's a helper.

Of course, Athasia was happy to know that. She can use this in the future if ever she gets back on her time. Suddenly, that thought made her silent, that she paused from wiping the newly packed paintbrushes.

She never thought that something magical like this would happen to her. Even now, she's still in the phase of asking herself every morning. Things like this only happen in fictional worlds, so why is she here? It was still so hard to believe.

The bells hanging above the door made her come back to her senses. Athasia glanced at the doorway and was surprised to see someone she's familiar with.

The one who entered had a gloomy expression on her face, Sullen eyes that seemed to just finish crying. Her steps were heavy, and she only looked the young miss in the eyes before passing by her.

The newly arrived girl heads straight to the desk where Evelyn was arranging her files. The woman gasped lightly, stunned.

"Julie? What happened to you?" Evelyn turned around from her desk and approached the girl, holding her hand.

Athasia was left there. She was surprised too.

Julie buried her head on the woman's shoulders and hugged her. Her eyes were about to cry when she whispered something. "Auntie, please talk to her..."