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.

always the worry of eating like a starved pig in front of

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

block white letters. I opted for the size that was two sizes bigger

converse. The

her eyes. I watch as she raises the whistle to

want you in line now!" Mrs Hollins screams, stomping her foot down onto the grass in a childish manner. She craved the students attention and respect by acting laid back however times like this proved she's the

is formed and I join the end of it, keeping my distance from the two girls giggling on the end. Mrs Hollins eyes drift up and down each student before they land on

speed up. I hold my hand up half heartedly, looking incredibly awkward. She gives me a slight frown

class footballs, hurry

She throws the gym keys at me and they land in a heap on the

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

embarrassment and I resist making eye contact. I clutch the keys tightly, feeling

down

slowly and breathing out. Finally I reach the equipment room and try the first key inside the lock, no luck. There's around ten different keys 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.

I can barely make out any shapes in here so what hope

you like some help?"

on my side. I wince and feel around, grabbing a metal pole from underneath me that's poking into my back. Pain flares up my body and I clench my jaw, the frustration

Mrs Hollins, blinking back the tears in my eyes from the sudden pain.

cuts in and I immediately freeze realising that I'm not alone.

"Hello?"

vaguely make out his outline, tall with broad shoulders.

me, the shadow of his outstretched hand inches away from my face. I stare at it, feeling a

I don't bite."