She is the Sunlight

Ch. 2: Video Games

The first week of school passed quickly. It was a fairly easy week- the teachers didn't assign homework and most classes consisted of ice breakers. Plus, the prospect of getting dates to the school's first actual and formal dance excited many people. However, it also worried others.

"I have to tell you something," Crispo said to Fenwick that Friday. They were sitting on the couch in Crispo's basement, playing video games.

"Okay, what is it?" Fen asked, not taking his eyes off the screen.

Crispo sighed and paused the game. Fenwick looked over at him, a shocked look on his face.

"Wow, it must be important," he quipped, "You never pause the game for anything."

Crispo nodded, "What I'm about to tell you could possibly ruin my friendship with CJ." He fumbled with his fingers, nervous for what he was about to tell his best friend. He had barely even admitted this to himself, so it was nearly impossible for him to say it out loud.

"You like her," Fen stated, "and you're probably in love with her too."

"How- how did you know?" Crispo stammered, eyes wide. If Fen could tell, did this mean that other people were catching onto his feelings as well?

"You make it quite obvious. I saw the look on your face when she hugged you the other day and how flustered you were after you guys held hands," he told Crispo, "not to mention the fact that you're absolutely whipped for her. You'd do anything to make her happy."

Crispo was speechless. He knew he wasn't the most subtle person, but he didn't think he was that obvious. "Yeah, well she's CJ. I'd do anything and everything to see the way her eyes light up when she smiles. And I-I like her," he stuttered, "but I don't want to mess up what we have."

"When did you realize you had feelings for her?" Fen questioned.

"I mean, I guess I've always liked her. I don't remember a time when I liked anyone else, but I think I finally realized I really liked her during the end of the year assembly," he admitted.

Last year, Mr. Roberts asked CJ and Crispo to give a short speech to the school at the end of the year assembly. They walked confidently up to the stage together, but as they stood behind the podium, he saw a look of fear cross CJ's face. He grabbed her hand, softly rubbing her knuckles with his thumb to calm her down. And he would never forget the way she looked at him. She felt safe with him- she felt at home. He realized then that he wanted her to look at him like that all the time.

"I remember that," Fen recalled, "People were hounding you two about that thing for weeks after it happened. Mindy was especially pissed. But then you guys made it clear you didn't like each other."

"She did, not me," Crispo reminded him, "I didn't really say anything about it."

"Are you going to ask her to the dance?" Fen asked.

"I'm not sure," he admitted, "I don't want to screw things up. Plus, I don't even know a good time to ask her."

"Well aren't you going to her house tomorrow to help her paint her room? That would be a good time," Fen suggested, "I think you should go for it."

Crispo shrugged, "I dunno, maybe."

"Just think about it."