Sitting With Martha

Chapter 5: Kayla

Jeff didn't trouble me ever again after our fight.

School had become a lot more fun with no one to bully me.

Martha and I got a lot more closer.

Around her – only her – I didn't have to hide inside my shell.

My boring life had started to get happier.

"So how's school today?"

Martha had come to pick me up from school.

We sat at the playground to 'chill' a bit.

We were caught in our little conversation when someone ran up to us.

It was the cute black girl in my class - Kayla.

I think she's the nicest person in my class.

"Stan, you left your comic book with me."

I forgot to add – she's a fan of comics just like me.

She handed me my book with a smile on her face.

I couldn't help smiling back because her smile was contagious.

"Is she your babysitter?"
She asked pointing to Martha.

"Uhm...."

"I'm his friend."
Martha answered.

She saved me the embarrassment.

"Okay."
"Bye Stan!"

She waved at me.

"Wave back!"
Martha whispered in my ear.

I waved sheepishly.

Martha and I watched her walk away into her mum's car.

"You're crushing on her!"
Martha was so excited for me.

"No I'm not."

"Stan, don't lie to me."
"What's her name?"

"Kayla."

"You like Kayla, don't you?"

"It's not like she likes me anyway."

"So you do."

"Hmm hmm."
I nodded.

"Why don't we set you guys up on a playdate?"

"No!"

"It's just so that you can get to know her better."

"I already know her."
"She probably likes Zach."

"Who's Zach?"

I pointed to a boy talking with a group of third graders.

"You're cuter than him Stan."
"I bet Kayla likes you too."

I stayed quiet thinking it through.

I'm actually cuter than Zach.

"So what'd you say?"
"A playdate?"

"Uhh – okay."

"I'll go over and talk to her mum."

When did you get your first crush?