Crushed

Chapter 15

Gym. the word haunts me. After everything that has happened in that gym, I never want to go back. Everything has happened there, between tripping Alex, the wrestling thing, and my asthma attack, I guess you could say Alex and I are kind of victims of that room, in a way. There is yet to be something good that has happened to me in that room, but maybe that'll change at the next school dance.

This morning they made an announcement that the spring dance is two weeks, today. If Alex doesn't ask me by next friday, I'm going to ask him, no regrets. It's not like he'll say no, I mean, we've been on a date already, and are going on another in two days. I have to prove to myself that I can be assertive, and can have the courage to do something I want to do. Also, it's 2016, a girl can ask a guy to a dance, it doesn't have to be the other way around. I don't need to abide by those outdated gender roles, it's just stupid. I've decided, if Alex doesn't ask me to the dance by next friday, I will ask him, no matter what.

*****

Gym, surprisingly went okay. No one got injured, embarrassed, or even had to go get ice. Both Alex and I were back from our respective injuries, and nothing went wrong. I was glad that today went well, and could only look forward to the weekend, and our date.

*****

My heart's still racing. I can't believe what happened on the date. Let's start from the beginning. I started getting ready for the date after lunch. I wore a coral sleeveless dress that goes down to just above the knees with matching shoes. I did my hair, and put on light, natural makeup, which I forgot to mention I did last time. I grabbed my phone and put it in a small handbag. I headed out, locking the door behind me, and putting the spare key back in it's hiding spot. I arrived at the climbing tree to find Alex already standing there in all his glory. His blond hair was shimmering in the sun, and ocean blue eyes were glistening. I've never been more in love. A wave of shivers flooded my body. This again. "Ready to go?" He asked in a honey smooth tone, nothing like I'd ever heard from him before. "Of course I am." I said, smiling sweetly at him. "This way." He said, notioning towards a path across the yard. I smiled, and started to walk towards the path, making sure Alex was following me by grabbing his hand. We walked hand in hand all the way there. His warm, slender hand in mine, constantly reassuring me, and his presence made me feel calm, yet excited. Comfortable, yet restless. Words could not describe the weird mix of emotions I was feeling. I was scared, vulnerable, excited, and in love all at the same time. We arrived at his house after walking and talking for about fifteen minutes. "Here we are," He said, leading me up a cobblestone path towards a beautiful house covered in ivy. "This place is beautiful!" I exclaimed. "Huh, you're right, I guess I've never really looked at it like that before. I always have just kind of seen it as my house, the place that I live." He said, opening the door for me. "Well, it's a beautiful house, for beautiful people." I said, smiling at my own cheesiness. "Don't worry, you don't need to be so courteous, nobody's home. My parents are in Toronto for the weekend, and my brother's not going to be home until like three AM." He said, leading me to the kitchen. "Sounds like you've got your bases covered." I said, in astonishment. "I guess you could say that," He said, "So, what movie do you want to watch?" I thought about it for a minute, "You choose." He looked at me, slightly shocked at my response for a second before saying, "Alright, I think I know one you'll like." He smiled at me, and led me upstairs to a room with a huge tv in it. I sat down on the couch in front of the tv where there was already a drink and popcorn waiting for us. Alex grabbed the remote, and cued up the movie - it didn't say the title. It wasn't until the movie started did I realize what I was watching. It was McFarland. I remember this movie, it's sad, heartbreaking, and I loved it.

We watched the movie, and it was wonderful. I almost cried at the sad parts, and I cuddled up to Alex when I felt like it was right. He enveloped me in a warm, never ending hug, and wouldn't let go. His arms wrapped around me, and I was just absorbed in his presence. He made me feel special, like I was the only one for him, and I knew he would never let me go.

"So, what do you want to do now?" He asked, standing up to turn the lights back on. "I don't know, I just want to be with you." I said, meaning every word. "I think I have an idea." He said, sitting back down on the couch. "Truth or dare," He asked. "Truth," I said, smiling.

I'd tell you all about what happened during that game, but we agreed to speak of it to no one. We played until almost six, before realising that I really should be going home. We continued playing truth or truth all the way to school, where he left me. "Just one more thing," He said before I left. That was when it happened. That was when he kissed me.