Today was my birthday. I didn't tell anyone from school. I didn't want to pressure them into giving me anything. I've never liked it when people made a big deal about it. I walk into my last bell and sit down. Thomas walks in and sits down next to me. i glance at him and give him a small smile. He smiles back and passes me a note. "Meet me after school. We need to talk." I roll my eyes and look at him. He nods and turns his attention to our chemistry teacher. I try to pay attention but my mind keeps drifting of. Why does he want to talk to me? Does he notice how down I've been feeling? Does he know why I've been feeling sad? The bell rings and I'm pulled from my thoughts. I pack my backpack and go to my locker. I put my binders away and start walking out. "Meet me at the fountain" Thomas texts. I sigh and push my way through the clumps of people. I make it to the fountain and see him standing, talking to some kids I don't know. He sees me and waves me over. After introducing me to his friends he pulls me over to the old swing set that no one uses anymore. We sit down and I stare at my shoes. "I need you to talk to me." he says. I shake my head. "There's nothing to talk about." I say, defiantly. Thomas groans, frustrated. "We both know your lying, so spill. Why have you been so sad? I know you try to act fine but your not. You might've fooled the others but not me. I'm your best friend." he says proudly. "Nuh uh. You come after my cousin. She's my best friend." I tease him. "Ugh whatever." he replies. He looks at me expectantly. "Um well, theres this guy. And I really like him but he doesn't like me. And i'm probably not even good enough for him. He's like, so perfect. He has a cute smile and a cute laugh. I haven't even known him for that long." I confess. Thomas' face falls. "Well, he's very lucky. I mean if you guys start dating. Your perfect. I'm sure he likes you! What's his name?" I sigh and look at him. "It starts with a T. Ends with S." I say quietly. Realization soon shows on his face. "Aaah sorry. I didn't mean to tell you! I got to go! I have to go to my birthday dinner with my parents! Bye!" I run away. I scold myself for ever thinking he would like me. Why did I tell him! Tears stream down my face as I realize what I just did to our friendship. I slow down to a walk and take deep breaths. I hear the pounding of feet behind me and soon someone grabs my hand. "Kiahna!" I turn around to see Thomas. "I like you too! And I was worried you wouldn't like me because as you said, we haven't known each other for very long and I don't have that many friends and I'm not popular and I'm not anything special." he says. I laugh through my tears. "Silly boy. I thought the same thing. But you are so special and your smile lights up my day and I like you so so so so much. I've liked you ever since you made fun of my crush on Tom Holland."
"I like you a lot too. Ever since you smiled at me in the back of English class." he smiles down at me. I hug him and he laughs. "So, do you want to go out with me?" he asks. I nod. "Tonight? Like right now?" he asks hopefully. I shake my head. "It's actually my birthday and I have to go to dinner with my parents." He stares at me. "It's your birthday?!" I nod sheepishly. "I cannot believe you didn't tell me! Well, you go home and go to dinner and I'm going to go get you a birthday present. I'll see you tomorrow, beautiful." I give him a hug and run the rest of the way to my house. I walk inside and grab a quick snack before going to my room. I pick out my outfit for dinner and sit down at my desk. I try to focus on my homework but all I can think about is Thomas. His smile, his laugh, his eyes. Oh my god, I love him so much.
