I Was Made For Loving You

Nobody's Fool

Brendon

As I step out into the sweltering Las Vegas heat on the first day of Junior year, the sun beats down on me, a stark contrast to the cool comfort of my air-conditioned home. I know this year was going to be different; it had to be. You see, I've spent the last few years admiring Carlyn Parker from afar, and this year, I am determined to make her notice me, like, really notice me. Not just as the class clown, always ready with a joke to lighten the mood, but as Brendon Urie, the guy who is fun-loving, a little cocky maybe, but also sensitive and thoughtful. I want her to see me as a potential boyfriend, and that thought both excites and terrifies me.
Jumping into my old, trusty car, I make my way to Palo Verde High, my hands sweating slightly on the steering wheel. The familiar nerves of the first day of school were amplified by my mission to make Carlyn Parker mine. Walking through the school gates, I spot one of my best friends, Brent, his blonde hair shining like a beacon in the bright lights of the hallway. His calm presence was just what I needed to settle my jittery nerves.

"Dude, you look like you're about to either throw up or recite Shakespeare to some lucky lady," Brent comments, his eyes narrowing in concern. I couldn't help but grin at his observations; he knew me too well.

"It's Carlyn Parker, man. She's had me twisted up like a pretzel for a while now," I confess, running my hand through my hair, probably messing up my carefully styled locks. "But this year is going to be different. I'm making my move, and nothing is gonna to stop me."

Brent raises an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and scepticism on his face. "You've been saying that since freshman year, my friend. But I have a feeling this time, you mean business. Just be careful, she's got that friend of hers, Shauna Clarke, always by her side, and that girl gives me the creeps."

I couldn't help but scowl at the mention of Shauna. She was Carlyn's constant shadow, a loner with a sharp tongue and a knack for making anyone who came too close to Carlyn feel extremely uncomfortable. "Don't remind me," I grumble. "That girl could give the devil himself a run for his money with those death glares. But even she won't stand in my way this year."

The warning bell rings, signalling the start of another year, and we make our way to our respective classrooms. My stomach is in knots as I wonder if today would be the day I finally gather the courage to talk to Carlyn.

Lunchtime seems to creep up on me, and I find myself scanning the cafeteria for Carlyn's familiar face. There she is, sitting at her usual table, Her usual long dark blonde hair has now been dyed black and red and has been cut to her shoulders. It takes me a minute to realise that it was actually her. The only giveaway that it was her was the fact that she had her nose in a book, and her sketch pad and art supplies were scattered around her, and of course, the ever-present Shauna by her side. She looks up briefly, and our eyes lock for a moment, and my heart skips a beat. I quickly pull a goofy face, sticking my tongue out slightly, and was rewarded with a slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She looks away, a hint of pink tingeing her cheeks, and I feel a surge of triumph.

The rest of the day passes in a blur, and before I know it, I was heading out of the school gates, my mind made up. Today was the day I would speak to Carlyn outside of school. I knew she worked part-time at a coffee shop, and that's where I was headed. My heart pounding with anticipation as I push open the door, the little bell above it jingling merrily.

The familiar scent of fresh ground coffee beans and baked goods fill my nostrils as I see Carlyn behind the counter, drying cups with a tea towel. Her green eyes widen in surprise when she sees me, and I feel a rush of satisfaction. "Brendon? What brings you here? she asks. This isn't one of you your usual haunts,".