Youth

Chapter Three

Math class was such a bore.

I've just been waiting till the clock turns 10:30 so it would be break time. It was already 10:20 so I had 10 more minutes.

"Annabelle Rosenfeld." The math teacher said as he caught my attention.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Would you like to solve this at the board?" He asked. Well, it wasn't more as a question but an order. I looked at the scribble of numbers and letters on the board as I nodded and stood up.

I went to the board and solved the math problem he had given me. Even though I daydream a lot in this class, I still seem to have aced it.

"Very good, now, next time. Stop daydreaming in class, Rosenfeld." He said. A few of my classmates giggled and I saw Connor at the back giving a thumbs up.

"Yes, Sir. Sorry." I said as I went to my chair. As I sat down, the bell rang signalling class was over.

"Jesus. Thank you." I muttered. I started to pack my things and Conner just waited for me. I still had history and gym class.

I stood up and he just smiled at me as we went out of class. I still pondered about what Tricia told me. I never knew anyone who actually liked me. In the groups of four friends I had, a lot of people liked Connor, Tricia, and Dylan. No one liked me because they just see me as a quiet and strange person. Especially what happened a few years back with Melanie. They all think I'm crazy.

"Hey, you alright?" Conner asked as I looked at his hazelnut, brown eyes that showed concern. I've been unusually quiet around him ever since Tricia told me that Conner has a crush on me.

"Yeah. I'm fine." I lied. In all honesty, I wasn't. Why? Because I actually liked Conner too but I couldn't risk telling him that because Tricia might just be naive that Conner likes me. Yes, ever since I was little I found him attractive and likeable but I always told myself that he won't like me back so I kept the crush to myself. I never told anyone about it.

"I know your not." Connor said. I froze. Crap.

"Why would you say that?" I asked a bit uneasy.

"Annabelle, I've known you for over 7 years. I know when something is up. I'm your best guy friend and also I care about you." He said as he took my shoulders to face him and tilted my head to look at him at the eye.

"Uh.." Does he care for me how I cared about him?

"Tell me. What's wrong?" He said. His face was inches from mine and his eyes filled with concern. Crap.

"Um.. Come with me." I said as I turned and took his wrist. We were close to the library of the school so we went inside. I brisk walked to the back of the library where no one was there.

I took in a deep breathe and breathed it out. "Tricia told me something when I was with her yesterday. About you." I said. I noticed him tensed up a bit.

"W-what? What did she say about me?" He asked. He was nervous.

"She said that you liked me. Like, you have a crush on me." I said, straight out. His eyes were wide open and his mouth was slightly open.

"So do you? I mean. Do you like me?" I asked. If he says no, then this will be so awkward.

"In all honesty.." He sighed. "Yes. I like you. But I totally understand if you don't-" I kissed him. I don't why but since we were a few inches apart I just closed the distance between us. I guess it's because I liked him too and I was glad he liked me back.