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.

then there's always the worry of eating like a

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

letters. I opted for the size that was two sizes bigger as showing what little shape I have to my body doesn't

trusty old converse. The entire school basically

line up 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

Hollins screams, stomping 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 end of it, keeping my distance from the two girls giggling on the end. Mrs Hollins eyes drift up and down each student before they land on

I hold my hand up half heartedly,

class footballs, hurry

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

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

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 tightly, feeling the cold metal dig inside my palm before turning and heading for the equipment room where the footballs

down class!"

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

"Shoot," I mutter holding out my hands in front of me to stop myself falling. I can barely make out any

"Would you like some help?"

floor, landing painfully on my side. I wince

Mrs Hollins, blinking back the

you okay?" A deep voice cuts in and

"Hello?"

I can vaguely make out his outline, tall with

him walk towards me, the shadow of his outstretched hand inches away from my face. I stare

my hand, I don't bite."