She is the Sunlight

Ch. 1: New Feelings

CJ had always loved the first day back at school. She loved wearing her new clothes, going to new classes, and meeting new people. The fresh start made her even more excited for the new things she and the guys were going to be able to check off the list.

So when she burst through the doors of Pootatuck Middle School in search of her friends, all CJ could do was smile eagerly. As she walked down the hallway to her locker, she said hi to everyone she passed, familiar or not. Nothing could ruin her mood.

"Hey, CJ!" greeted Crispo and Fenwick when she got to her locker.

"Crispo! Fen!" CJ exclaimed, throwing her arms around her best friends.

"CJ, you're acting like you haven't seen us in ages. We literally just saw you yesterday," Fen laughed.

"I know, but I'm just so excited. It's our last year as middle schoolers!" she reminded them, "but it's going to be the best year, because-"

"Because of the list," they finished for her.

"Because of the list," CJ repeated, grinning.

The day passed by quickly. CJ had three classes with Crispo, two with Fen, and luckily- none with Mindy. By the time lunch rolled around, they were all tired of learning about what they would be doing during the school year and just wanted lunch.

"Where's Fenwick?" she asked as she sat down next to Crispo.

"I haven't seen him since third period," Crispo shrugged, "Do you like all your classes so far?"

"Yeah, they're okay. I'm so happy you're in three of them," she answered, "I don't think I'd be able to survive them all without you."

Before Crispo could reply, Principal Hader's voice boomed over the loudspeaker, "Welcome back students. I'm sure we're going to have a...great year. I just wanted to remind you all about the Fall dance in two weeks. Tickets cost ten dollars and dress is formal. Thank-you, have a great rest of the day."

"A Fall dance? That's new," CJ said, biting into her sandwich.

"I think they're just trying to make money off of us," Crispo decided.

CJ nodded, "Probably."

"Do you... Do you think you're gonna want to have a date to it?" Crispo asked, casually.

"Maybe, if someone asks me," she replied, "Heads up."

"What are you talking ab-"

"Crispo!" a familiar voice shrieked.

He sighed before muttering a quiet "hi Mindy."

Mindy plopped down in the seat next to him, "How was your summer?"

"Great," he leaned over towards CJ, "help me."

Next to him, CJ was watching the scene in front of her unfold, trying her best not to laugh.

"That's great!" Mindy squealed, grabbing his arm, "Too bad we don't have any classes together."

He laughed nervously, "Yeah, too bad."

"Well, me and Crispo have to go help Mr. Roberts...with some things," CJ interjected, grabbing Crispo's hand to pull him away. She was bored of watching him squirm.

Mindy flashed a fake smile at CJ, "That's too bad. Have fun."

"Oh we will," CJ retorted.

"See you later, Crispo," Mindy winked at him before she spun on her heel and walked away.

"Thank god- I thought she'd never leave. She's actually crazy," he shuddered.

"Thank me later," CJ told him, dragging him out of the cafeteria.

They were still holding hands when they bumped into Fenwick.

"Woah, what's happening here?" Fen questioned them, eying their hands.

The pair looked down at their hands, glanced at each other, and immediately let go.

"Nothing," Crispo answered quickly, "We were just- she was just helping me with Mindy."

"She was bothering him so I got him away," CJ added.

Fenwick raised his eyebrow, "Mhm, okay."

Crispo opened his mouth to respond, but the bell cut him off.As the three friends went their separate ways, CJ couldn't stop thinking about the way she felt while holding hands with Crispo. Her hand still tingled and the butterflies in her stomach just wouldn't stop. Crispo, on the other hand, wished he could hold her hand whenever he wanted to.