His Heartwarming Secret

"Girls, guess what? Ethan asked me out last night! Can you believe it?"

"No way!"

"Oh my gosh, finally!"

"Ethan grew some balls. It's about god damn time."

I clutch my gym bag to my chest, weaving my way through the crowd in the girls changing room. Half of the girls are undressed, parading around in their underwear without a care in the world. The conversation in the locker rooms always gives me a headache if I listen too long which isn't a surprise considering all the girls ever talk about is boys.

The latest discussion is Ethan and Melissa.

Ethan has been crushing on Melissa, the girls captain of the football team for months before he'd finally asked her out. Apparently their first date is going to be at Melissa's pool party she's hosting on the weekend.

That doesn't sound like much of a date to me . . .

I'm a hopeless romantic who spends endless hours watching stereotypical love movies on Netflix. Every single time a couple split, I blubber like a baby even though I predict it happening from the start. My ice cream or popcorn bowl always ended up mingling with my tears. . . Gross.

My idea of a first date would be something intimate yet simple. A chance for both of you to get to know each other without the presence of several others.

Somewhere quiet and romantic?

A restaurant maybe.

like a starved pig

and enter the free one, locking the door behind me. This is where I change every PE lesson. It's small, cramped and smelly but it's out of sight and I'd choose that any day over everyone seeing my SpongeBob SquarePants underwear. I'm ashamed to admit I

shirt with the words HEYWOOD HIGH printed on the back in block white letters. I opted for the size that was two sizes bigger as

trusty old converse. The

attention of the class. Everyone lazily walks over to her, continuing with their conversations. Mrs Hollins let out an annoyed breath, rolling her eyes. I watch as she

foot down onto the grass in a childish manner. She craved the students

my distance from the two girls giggling on the end. Mrs Hollins eyes drift up and down

hold my hand up half heartedly, looking

the class footballs, hurry up."

She throws the gym keys at me and they land in a heap on the floor in front of my feet. I simply

were supposed to catch them," Mrs Hollins sighs, shaking her head. I bite my cheek hard, bending

and several people burst out laughing. My cheeks burn with embarrassment and I resist making eye contact.

"Quieten down class!"

and I glance down at them before sighing heavily. It takes me a while to find the right one but when I do, I smile and pull back the door before stepping inside.

in front of me to stop myself falling. I can barely make out any shapes in here

you like

lurch forward. I yell out as I connect with the floor, landing painfully on my side. I wince and feel

Hollins, blinking back the tears in my

A deep voice cuts in and I immediately

"Hello?"

again. I can vaguely make out

my voice timid. I hear him walk towards me, the shadow of his outstretched hand inches away from my face. I stare at

"Take my hand, I