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

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

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

converse. The entire school basically looks

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

foot down 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

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

get the class footballs,

a heap on the floor in front of my feet. I

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

out laughing. My cheeks burn with embarrassment 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 room

down class!"

and I 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

out my hands in front of me to stop myself falling. I can barely

like some

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 jaw, the

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

and I immediately freeze realising that I'm

"Hello?"

I can vaguely make out his outline,

out a small squeak, my voice timid. I hear him walk towards me, the shadow of his outstretched hand inches away from my face. I stare at it, feeling a blush creep up

hand, I don't bite."