Firsts

First Flirting

The next few weeks pass by in a blur. An English project comes and goes, I barely pass multiple math quizzes, no thanks to the fact that I'm sitting right behind Gorgeous Boy, and I've developed a loathing relationship with my obnoxious Science teacher. I never realized how stressful school could be when a schedule isn't revolving around your activities, strengths, and sleep schedule. 

I've been able to keep Greg's secret, stop myself from chasing after Ashton like a puppy dog, and steer clear of Amber. I got the vibe she doesn't really like me, so I figure it's best to stay away. Everything was beginning to fall into routine and become normal. Then, the extraordinary happened. Today, in English, instead of staring at Ashton, I found someone else to stare at. A new face. A new kid. 

During Mrs. Wolfsbane's first block AP Lit. class, I'm introduced to James. James Warner. Although he doesn't look at all like Ashton, I still find him almost as adorable. He has dirty blonde curls that rest perfectly on his forehead, right above gorgeous blue eyes that shine like gemstones. He's not as muscular as Ashton, not being a football player himself. He asks Mrs. Wolfsbane if he could tell us three things about himself, and she says that's fine, as long as it wouldn't embarrass him. He assures her it won't.

First, he tells us that he plans to try out for the swim team in the spring. Second, he tells us he can sing a little and plans on trying out for a few school plays. Thirdly, he tells us that he considers himself a writer in the making, so English is his favorite subject. I hold my breath, realizing how much we had in common. Mrs. Wolfsbane realizes it, too, and takes the liberty of announcing it to the entire class. I flush, but see James laughing, so I smile at him. He raised his eyebrows. 

When Mrs. Wolfsbane tells him to take a seat, he takes the empty one beside me. I smile shyly. After class, he stops me by the door. 

"So," he begins. "I don't really have any friends here yet, so I was wondering if I could sit with you at l-

"Sure," I interrupt him, instantly regretting it when I realized how desperate I sounded, but James only laughs.

"What class do you have next?" he asks.

"Science."

"My class is just across the hall. Can I walk you?"

I blush, only able to nod. James smiles at me and takes my books. He hands them back to me. 

"Can I walk you to your next class on the way to my gym class?"

My face lights up with recognition and I practically shout, "I have gym next, too."

He gives me another adorable smile and walks next door to his math class. I turn around to find Julia's jaw dropped. I grin at her. She just stands there, speechless. 

As we walk into science class, all she can say is, "So cute."

I jab her in the ribs. "I have dibs."

She looks disappointed, but shrugs, and I we take our seats. I barely pay attention in science, staring at the clock every five minutes. All I pick up is that we have a quiz tomorrow...blah blah blah........parts of the circulatory system........blah blah blah........ I end up staring into space, pretending that I'm staring into James' deep eyes. They fascinate me, so deep, so knowing, yet so lighthearted at the same time. They sparkle when he smiles.......... The bell rings and I jump out of my seat. James meets me in the hallway and we walk to gym.

About halfway there, he takes my hands, looks me in the eyes, and says, "Tell me right now if I'm wasting my time trying to flirt with you." 

"You're not wasting your time," I manage to squeak out, barely breathing. 

He's so enticing, and the grin he gives me makes my insides melt like butter. As we walk to the gym, my hand itches to be in his again. I look down at it. James meets my eyes, and I practically walk into a locker. I'm not used to receiving the attention of guys here, so this is nice, especially since it's the dreamy new kid. 

In gym, we play basketball. I'm decent at it, better than I am at soccer or kickball, but not as good as I am at softball or dodgeball. The game is pretty close, and at the last second, James has the ball down on his end of the court. 

"This is for you, Skylar," he says, making me flush. 

The basket swishes, the buzzer going off two seconds later. He smiles and runs towards me. 

"So, I just scored the winning shot. Do I win a date with you?"

It's a cheesy line, but I don't care. I just nod. He puts his arm around me. I shudder at first, surprised, and he lifts it, but I pull it back over my shoulders, leaning into his side. Julia can hardly hide her excitement and flashes me a thumbs up. 

"I have drama next," I say.

"I'll walk you," he replies.

"Is your class close?"

"Does it matter?" he responds, giving me another charming smile. 

I must be imagining things because I could almost swear I saw Ashton throwing a jealous look towards James, and Amber snapping in his face, complaining that she was sweating. I just shrug it off and walk with James, completely content. 

"So," he asks at the door, trying not to sound awkward. "Will I be picking you up around eight Friday night?" 

I grin in response, and I think I see a newfound spring in his step. Only three more days until my fantastic date with James Warner.