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 your crush.

This is where I change every PE lesson. It's small, cramped and smelly but it's out of sight

change into my gym clothes, a bright red shirt with the words HEYWOOD 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

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

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

childish manner. She craved the students attention and respect by acting laid back however times like

the end of it, keeping my distance from the two girls giggling on the end. Mrs Hollins

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

the class footballs,

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

"You were supposed to catch them," Mrs Hollins sighs, shaking her head. I bite my cheek hard,

"Didn't you know? 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 the keys

"Quieten down class!"

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

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 finding

"Would you like some help?"

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.

a teacher!" I curse Mrs Hollins, blinking back the tears in my eyes from

in and I immediately freeze realising that I'm not

"Hello?"

The voice calls out again. I can vaguely make

shadow of his outstretched hand inches away from my face. I stare at

I