Youth Group Popularity

Chapter 11- Confessions, Fights, and Getting Closer

Preston and I sat on the bleachers in silence as the wind blew gently around us. I knew he hasn't spoken yet because he was probably trying to gather his words. I imagine he was trying to talk himself into telling me also.

"There's a lot more that you don't know than you think," He began as he adjusted the frames of his glasses and I nodded. He didn't wear his glasses all the time, but he usually wore them on days he was tired and too lazy to put his contacts in.

"I get that. I just want you to be honest with me."

"Okay..." He let out a much needed exhale and started his story, "Amanda and I, I don't know. I knew there was something about her ever since I met her but I kept it to myself, thinking it was nothing. But there was something about this school year that made that feeling stronger. So I accepted the fact I really liked her. Then, just about a week ago, I had the brilliant idea to tell her how I felt. Instead of getting that feeling of relief, I just felt like there was even more stress and tension than that feeling of weight being lifted off my chest. I felt like I didn't tell her everything. I needed to express to her literally how much I liked her. So... I kissed her."

He smiled at the end which warmed my heart. The look in his eyes told me that he was being honest and his feelings were true. I smiled back at him as I caught a blush sneak it's way onto Preston's cheeks.

"She wasn't too happy about that. She started ranting about how I ruined everything and that you would be mad too. I remember her saying 'My first real kiss wasted on my best friend'. She got mad at me because I laughed at her statement. She just couldn't stop ranting and repeating her argument so I kissed her again. I don't know why I did, but I was thankful that she didn't slap me or push me away."

I thought about what she said. 'My first real kiss wasted on my best friend'. But, that doesn't make sense because I know Amanda has kissed many guys in the past. Her first real kiss... I wonder what that was really supposed to mean?

"Why didn't either of you tell me?!" I exclaimed which earned me a shrug from Preston.

"I don't know. I guess we were both scared to tell you. But..." He said and held his hands out to an invisible object. "There it is. The truth."

"But why were you sad? Why have you been so on edge lately?"

He sighed and looked at the ground. He pursed his lips to the side for a few seconds before speaking, "She told me yesterday before school that she doesn't like me like that. She wanted to forget that it ever happened and to not tell anybody but that she loved me as a friend."

"I'm pretty sure she likes you. I mean, you're you."

"Thanks, but It's not as simple as that. She explained how she's noticed a change in me. All the clothes and the hair and crap. She accused me of trying to impress her and I guess... In a way I am," He told me.

"Well, we have to impress everybody. That's part of our plan."

"But it sucks that I can't tell her. It's easy for you because Danny already knew, but for me... not so much."

"Tell her then. Todd doesn't have to know."

"But I don't want to do that. If Todd found out that I told her I would feel like he doesn't trust me. Plus, I don't want to disobey him."

"Then I'll tell her. Then he'll distrust me."

"No, don't do that for me. That's not okay."

"Well we can't just keep it from Amanda. Plus this is about making new friends, not lying to our old ones."

"I guess you're right. But don't do it. Don't tell her. Not yet."

"Okay, I promise I won't."

"Thanks."