Tay Marley’s short story “Under the Northern Stars” launches a partnership between Teen Vogue and Wattpad Books, featuring a series of chapters updated daily from Oct. 19-23, 2026. The narrative follows Gemma, a budding astronomer, and Leo, a rising bronc-riding champion, whose lives intersect across a shared fence line in Western Montana. Despite their differing paths—one focused on science and the other on rodeo—their relationship evolves from a history of teasing and rivalry into a bond grounded in shared stargazing and summer adventures. However, the story takes a dramatic turn when an accident involving Leo’s horse forces the couple to confront their feelings and the reality of Gemma’s impending departure for college.
A Night of Teasing and a Telescope
Living next door to the Meyers family, Gemma spends her nights observing the cosmos from a telescope set up on a deck she calls her “lab.” During one such night, a football thrown by Leo strikes Gemma in the head while she is adjusting her telescope, shattering the lens. Leo immediately offers to take her to the hospital, but Gemma dismisses the injury. The incident marks a shift in their dynamic, moving them from mere antagonists to people who must interact and resolve the conflict.
Despite her initial reluctance, Gemma is drawn back into Leo’s orbit. Her mother notes that the coach seems pleased, though Gemma remains guarded, unsure how to react to his sudden genuine concern. The tension between their worlds, a world of scientific observation and a world of physical, competitive risk, creates a unique backdrop for their developing connection.
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For the first time, the prospect of Gemma leaving for college in Arizona feels less like an exciting opportunity and more like a loss. The routine of summer evenings and the quiet comfort of the lab are things she fears giving up. Leo’s consistent presence during her recovery and his willingness to share his time and talents force her to acknowledge that her feelings for him extend beyond friendship. This realization creates a conflict between her desire to pursue her dreams and her reluctance to leave the life and people she has built in Montana.
The Montana Fair Rodeo
Leo competes at the Montana Fair Rodeo in August, facing a field of competitors. He performs with skill and determination, aiming to improve upon his previous finish. The atmosphere at the fair is electric, filled with the sounds of livestock and the shouts of spectators. Leo’s father watches with intense focus, hoping for a victory that would solidify Leo’s standing as a rider. The crowd cheers as the horse is released, and Leo rides with a steady rhythm.
Under the Northern Stars
The story appears in five chapters. Gemma lives on a property with a cabin she calls her lab. She uses a telescope to observe the Sagittarius cluster. Leo is her neighbor and the son of her father’s student.
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Leo frequently holds parties at his house. He often disrupts Gemma’s peace with noise. One night he throws a football at her. The ball hits her in the head while she looks through the telescope.
Gemma’s father trains Leo in rodeo. She watches him compete at a local fair. Leo performs well and moves to the next round. He later accompanies her to the hospital after she is hurt.
