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.

of eating like a starved pig in front of

smelly but it's out of sight and I'd

white letters. I opted for the size that was two sizes bigger as showing what little shape I have

I'm wearing red and white stripe shorts completed with white socks and my trusty old converse. The entire school basically looks like the human version

with their conversations. Mrs Hollins let out an annoyed breath, rolling her eyes. I watch as she raises the whistle to her

I want you in line now!" Mrs Hollins screams, stomping her foot down onto the grass in a childish manner.

two girls giggling on

me, causing my heart rate to speed up. I hold my hand up half heartedly, looking incredibly awkward. She gives me a slight

the class

land in a heap on the floor in front of my feet. I simply look down at them and

sighs, shaking her head. I bite my cheek hard, bending down to

cheeks burn with embarrassment and I resist making eye contact. I clutch the keys tightly, feeling the cold metal

"Quieten down class!"

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. The room is dark with no light beside from the natural sun peeking through the slither in the

stop myself falling. I can barely make out any shapes in here so what hope do I have in finding the

"Would you like some help?"

from behind and I miss my footing as I stand on something hard which causes me to lurch forward. I yell out as I connect with the floor, landing painfully on my side. I wince and feel around, grabbing a metal pole from underneath me that's

blinking back the tears in my eyes from the sudden

cuts in and I immediately freeze realising that

"Hello?"

make out

his outstretched hand inches away from my face. I stare at it, feeling a blush creep up my neck and cheek.

"Take my hand, I