Lena is a quiet and introspective 12-year-old girl who stands apart from the typical "popular" crowd. She has a quiet, artistic soul and often finds comfort in drawing, writing, or other creative outlets. Lena is someone who doesn’t immediately fit into any of the school’s cliques. She’s not the outgoing, bubbly type (like Kylie) nor is she the shy, withdrawn kid. Instead, she’s content in her own space, observing the world around her and picking up on details that others might overlook.

While she’s somewhat of a loner, Lena is incredibly empathetic and perceptive. She has a unique ability to see through the surface of people and situations, often understanding things others might not. This makes her a great friend for Ava, who is struggling to fit in and navigate the complexities of middle school. Lena doesn’t feel the need to be the center of attention, and she’s drawn to Ava’s quiet strength and ability to push through adversity.

Lena’s home life is also somewhat complicated. She comes from a family that doesn’t always understand her introverted nature, which sometimes leads to her feeling isolated. Her parents encourage her to be more social, but Lena struggles to reconcile her desires with their expectations. She finds solace in her art and in her relationship with Ava, who doesn’t pressure her to be anyone but herself.

Throughout the story, Lena helps Ava realize that it’s okay to be different and that true friendship isn’t about fitting into a mold. Lena herself is also on a journey of self-acceptance—learning to embrace who she is, not based on others' expectations but on her own values. Their friendship will be one of mutual respect, where they learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses.