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.

there's always the worry of eating like a starved pig

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 also have the matching bra

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

white socks and my trusty old converse.

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

in a childish manner. She

girls giggling on the

causing my heart rate to speed up. I hold my hand up half heartedly, looking incredibly awkward.

get the class footballs, hurry

at me and they land in a heap on the floor in

shaking her head. I bite my cheek

She's mute," Beatrice's voice fills the silence and several people burst out laughing. My cheeks burn with embarrassment and I resist making eye contact. I clutch

down class!"

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

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

you like some

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 poking into my back. Pain flares up my body and I clench my

back the tears in my eyes

A deep voice cuts in and I

"Hello?"

The voice calls out again. I can vaguely make out his outline, tall

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

hand, I don't bite."