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.

But then there's always the worry of eating like a starved pig in front of

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

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 me.

trusty old converse. The entire school

Mrs Hollins yells loudly, attempting to grab 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 raises the whistle to her lips before blowing into it. The shrill of the whistle catches

foot down onto the grass in a childish manner.

line is formed and I join the end of it, keeping my distance from the two girls

up. I hold my hand up half heartedly,

the class footballs, hurry

heap on the floor in front of my feet. I

shaking her head. I bite

making eye contact. I clutch the keys tightly,

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

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

"Would you like some

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

teacher!" I curse Mrs Hollins, blinking back the tears

and

"Hello?"

make out his outline, tall with broad

me, the shadow of his outstretched hand inches away

my hand, I don't