Bent, Not Broken: My Scoliosis Story (among other things)

A Flower

    I rarely post a chapter that is purely story, and not an update concerning something medical, and I would almost never post anything so cheesy. But today? I had to. So if you're here purely to learn about scoliosis, you're probably fine skipping this. But as for everyone else? Have I got a story to tell.
    It's been a while since I mentioned Nolen, hmm? Well, we've been talking every day for about a month now, and we really are becoming closer. He has kept to his word and been very kind and supportive, even through my telling him about my scoliosis and Paul's surprise visit to Urgent Care. But either way, we've been talking almost nonstop, and he really is one of the sweetest guys you'll meet. That's why today was so amazing. You see, every year around Valentine's, our school sells flowers as a fundraiser. Cute couples send each other flowers, and my friends and I all send them to each other as jokes. Nolen had been hinting for a few days that he was planning on doing something for Valentine's, but I just decided to roll with it and see where it goes, seeing as we're not actually dating.
    Now might be a good time to mention how incredibly awkward I am around boys. More specifically, around boys I like. And although conversation comes fairly easily with Nolen (I swear guys, he's amazing), I turn bright red when I'm embarrassed and stutter quite a bit when I don't know what to say. This might be worse than it actually is if he didn't get equally tongue-tied at times, but between the two of us, we make it work. Either way, I was walking around with a small group of friends in the commons room during our lunch hour when Nolen walked up, blushing, flower in hand. This is going to sound corny, I know, but I was just sitting there like "oh my god." I had absolutely no idea what to do, so I just pretended like I hadn't noticed him looking at me funny.
    My friends all started giving me looks, and honestly, I could've melted. He's funny, cute, kind, and- walking towards me. Quickly. He gave me the flower and asked me if I wanted to go out with him (and remember how awkward I can be!) and **SHOCKER** I said yes, with surprisingly minimal stuttering. It was really thoughtful, and he had this whole note written out (which I'm choosing to leave out for the time being ;) ), and I was really surprised. It was perfect. Then, my ex-boyfriend and now guy friend Max started running around telling people "She got a boyfriend! She got a boyfriend!" Very mature of you, Max. Good to know that you still act like you did in the sixth grade.
    Overall, though, it was just a very sweet gesture, and it really made my day. He's been really supportive of me through this whole thing, constantly trying to make me feel better and encouraging me to be confident in the likeliness of my needing a brace. We've really gotten to know each other since I told him, and I feel like it opened a door for a deeper honesty, because he knows I trust him. I don't know guys. It's cliche and corny and weird but it's also my story, and I hope you'll forgive the little detour ;)!
-E