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

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

HIGH printed on the back in block white letters. I opted for the size that was two sizes bigger as showing what little shape I have to my body doesn't appeal to

and white stripe shorts completed with white socks and my trusty old converse. The entire school

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 raises the whistle to her lips before blowing into it. The shrill of the whistle catches me by surprise and I

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

my distance from the two girls giggling

rate to speed up. I hold my hand up half

"Go get the class footballs,

the gym keys at me and they land in a heap on the floor in front of my feet. I simply look down at them and stare.

to catch them," Mrs Hollins sighs, shaking her head. I bite my cheek hard, bending down to retrieve the keys.

contact. I clutch the keys

down class!"

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

in front of me to stop myself falling. I can barely make out any shapes in here so what hope do I have

like some

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 poking into my back. Pain flares

blinking back the tears

you okay?" A deep voice cuts in and I immediately freeze realising that I'm not alone.

"Hello?"

I can vaguely make out his outline, tall with

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

"Take my hand, I don't bite."