I was starting my junior year. I mean, of course I was nervous, but I never showed it. Everything was going to be fine.

It was time. “Okay honey, I’ll see you later this evening,” I smiled, hiding the nervousness I was feeling. “Yep, see ya!” Well that was a little too much, but I don’t wanna seem upset.

I was in the restroom before class, trying to calm my nerves. My hands were shaking but loosened. I looked at myself one last time in the mirror, then walked out.

I ran into a hard chest, my low iron increasing. “Uh- I’m so sorry!” I was nervously babbling, but the dude didn’t seem to care. “Uh-yeah, that’s alright. I mean, it was my fault. I ran into you.” I shrugged. “No I think it was mine, I-“ He put a hand in front of me. My goodness his hands were huge. “It’s alright, what’s your name?” “It’s Audrey,” I nodded. He kept looking at me. He slowly tilted his head at me. “Aren’t you gonna ask me what mine is?” My eyes widened. “Sorry, yea, what’s your name?” “It’s Chad, thanks for asking,” he just chuckled. “You’re something, aren’t ya? Well I gotta go, the bell is about to ring, ya know where ya headed?”

I seriously didn’t know why this boy was talking to me, I’m a nervous wreck and my face is probably blood red.

“Yea, Geometry with Mr… Vern,” He took the schedule from my hands, then handed it back. “Oh, same class. Wanna walk with me?” “Uh-sure?” “I don’t know how to tell what your thinking,” he grinned.

This was a random guy, I don’t know what to think.

It was break, and I was sitting on a red bench when a girl came towards me, she had auburn hair and really bad eyeshadow and a teal top with jeans. “Hey, can I sit beside you? The benches are crazy full,” she was chewing gum loud enough to see her jaw moving. “Yeah, that’s fine,” “Stefanie’s the name,” “Audrey,” she smiled.

Lunch, and I was sitting alone. You may think I seem like an awkward person, I just never seemed to know how to express myself, I guess.

I was just about to snap my friend Erin from a different school when the guy Chad came to sit beside me. “Well, hello again,” I stared at him, wondering why he wasn’t with his friends, or, whoever he hangs with. “Why ya sitting alone?” He stole one of my fries off my tray. I moved a piece of my hair behind my ear, and he was intently looking at me. “Oh- uh, I dunno. First day would be a good reason I guess.” He nodded. “Why do you keep talking to me anyway? Don’t you type of boys usually make fun of people like me? Or is that just a cliche thought?” He looked hurt. I covered my mouth, shocked with myself. “I’m sorry, just having a rough day is all.” He took my hand, and I took it back. “What are you doing?” He took it back. I don’t know why I liked his touch, I just didn’t wanna say anything. “Just come with me,” I left my tray.

We were outside, with ten minutes left of lunch. “I’m sorry, for what I said I mean.” We kept walking, and he brought me to the side of the building. I smiled to myself, he likes the quiet. He sat on the ground, and I joined him. “It’s okay, I understand. It’s the first day, lots of people, nerves.” I agreed, nodding. “I like your nose ring,” he leaned in to tap it, and I giggled. “You would look good with one.” I added, he moved closer and my skin was tingly as he put his arm around my shoulder. “Oh, really? Ya think so?” I bit my lip, and he was watching me. “Yes, maybe even sexy, I think,” he blushed, and that’s when I knew we became close friends.

1 year later

It was official. I was in love with Chad. I can’t believe I’m even saying it. We were hanging out at my house, and we’ve been friends for about a year now. We were almost seniors. We were in my room, laying on our stomachs on the bed. I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I just turned to face him, and he faced me. “What’s on your mind, hm?” “This,” I leaned in to kiss him, my lips lightly brushing his. “Oh,” he grinned and I giggled. We were just looking at each other, when we sat up and he wrapped his large arm around my waist. “I like you a lot, Chad. Not even a lot. I- I love you. Like a lot,” He picked me up with not effort and sat me on his lap. I bit my lip, and his lips touched mine. That’s when I knew. “My feelings are way too big also, Avery. You’re my everything.”

What a great year, and an even greater best friend and lover.