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.

worry of eating like

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

back in block white letters. I opted for the size that was two sizes bigger as showing what little shape I have to

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

please!" 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

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 complete opposite.

from the two girls giggling on the end. Mrs Hollins eyes drift up and down each student before they land on

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

class footballs, hurry

me and they land in a heap on the floor in front of my feet. I

Mrs Hollins sighs, shaking her head. I bite

and I resist making eye contact. I clutch the keys tightly, feeling the cold metal dig inside my palm before turning and heading for the equipment

"Quieten down class!"

close my eyes, breathing in 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. The room is dark with no light beside from the natural sun peeking through

to stop myself falling. I can barely make out any shapes in here so

you like some help?"

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 pole from underneath me that's poking into my back. Pain flares up my body and I

"Stupid idiot of a teacher!" I curse Mrs Hollins, blinking back the tears in

in and I

"Hello?"

vaguely make out his outline, tall with

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

hand, I don't bite."