Cucumber

Chapter Eight

 The next day, I was ready to deal with this important matter.  It had bothered me all night because I couldn't think of a good enough cucumber name to suggest to Cumber and I need to have a name for all items. When I hopped on the bus though, there was a never a good opportunity. Adding to the fact that I sit in the front while Cumber sits in the back, she was surrounded by all her popular friends that I don't particularly like. Well, except for this one guy. 

Yeah. I know. Unexpected and not gonna happen. I just can't stop myself from being attracted to... Luk. He's not like most popular people. He's smart, not all about looking good and being liked, friendly, and of course, cute. With his buzzed brown hair, hazel eyes, and passion for soccer, we could almost be twins. Which is why I like to think we were meant for each other. I mean, we even have the same middle name!

Maybe I'm stretching it. Sure, we really do have the same middle name, but our hair and eyes are totally different. The one thing I think we would connect over is soccer. Luk is in an All-Star league and plays a forward. I play forward too, but on a Parks & Recreation team. I'm working towards a better league though. I'm almost there. I just need my kicks to get the ball in the goal. My aim is terrible.

And so is my ability to talk to Cumber. After the bus ride, I still couldn't find the nerve to talk to her. Several times, she passed me in the halls, but all I could manage was a smile. I couldn't even do that when Luk was walking with her. I tried, but I'm guessing it came out as a grimace. He didn't notice though, just kept on flashing all twenty-four of his pearly whites. I sped up and ran into a wall as I did so.  Great. Now I'm laying stupidly on the ground with Luk coming towards me. He extends his hand and I lamely reach out to grab it. He hoists me up and once my feet are stable, I'm face to face with Luk. I realize that I've just been staring at him and I hurry to smile. He does with the same and chuckles. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

I don't have to time to figure out my feelings though. Because after that exchange, Luk catches up to Cumber, who has been smiling an I-know-something smile (I hope she doesn't) and they walk off. Cumber throws one last glance at me, making me blush. Now she definitely knows something's up. I guess the naming business can wait until tomorrow. No way am I chancing running into Luk again.