Who's Popular Now? -A Charlie Rowe Story

He was always there.

I never knew why.

But he always seemed to be around me.

We weren't even friends.

I know it seems like it doesn't make any sense, but it will. Just wait.

I think I'm paranoid.

My psychologist doesn't tell me different.

So I guess I'm right.

Let me introduce myself I'm Annie Nicolson. Least popular girl in school. So dorky that her own mother won't even look at her anymore. Yep, that's me.

Trust me Charlie is the least of my problems. My mom is the whole problem, she's a model, and I'm well not. She says that I disappoint her. Because I'm not popular or in cheer leading like she was. But its really because I'm not pretty. She thinks I'm going to be just like her, but in fact were the exact opposite. I'm awkward, clumsy, and well lets just say it, ugly. My mother is beautiful and well you get the picture.

Now back to Charlie, and my problems. So Charlie just, I don't know is always there. I go to the mall, so does Charlie. Coincidence? Maybe. But then again maybe not. I'm just not sure, stuck you could say.

My dad left, so I don't have anyone, not even a best friend. It's so frustrating.

So now that you now just a little bit about me.

Do you ever have that problem where you feel like someone is watching you, or stalking you or something? I have that problem with Charlie. He's in my dreams. I see him when no one is around. I'm crazy or am I?

Present time.

I just got to school, but then I fell. I got up and looked to see Charlie and his friends laughing. I grabbed my bag and walked away. I didn't even feel sad, just annoyed and angry. I got to my locker, and got my books and headed off for first period. It was going to be a long day, then again so was everyday.

It was finally lunch time, I grabbed a water and went outside. I sat in my corner that nobody else went near, because I was always there, reading or something. Shutting the world out. I sat down and grabbed my book and sat down. I was in halfway through a page when Charlie walked up to me and sat down, I slowly looked up at him. He smiled. I rolled my eyes and turned back to my book.

"Hey." he said.

I didn't even look at him.

He tried to move my book but I held a strong grip on it.

"Leave me alone," I hissed.

He smiled at me again.

"So Annie, I was wondering," he paused, "do you wanna go on a date with me?" He said.

I laughed, I laughed in his face.

But the boy never stopped smiling, I started to think that his face was stuck like that.

"Do you really think I wanna go on a date with someone like you." I said annoyed.

He grinned and raised his eyebrows, "you have high expectations?"

I smirked. "No, but you just aren't on my list of people I like.''

I got up, grabbed my stuff, and walked away with a million thoughts on my mind.

_____________

Finally the day was over. I didn't see Charlie at all, which was surprising for me.

I walked home but took the long way to think about what happened today.

Charlie's friends tripped me.

But Charlie asked me out.

But he was laughing at me.

But he apparently likes me.

No wait, no he doesn't. No one does, I'm the crazy, dorky kid at school.

He can't like me.

He asked me out.

What's going on?

Buzz. Buzz.

I dug for my phone out of my bag.

Text message.

From Charlie:
You never did reply to me today. So I'm taking that as a yes. Pick you up at 7. ;)

Wait. What?

I re-read the message over and over again.

Oh. I'm home.

I unlocked the door and walked inside.

I looked in the living room. Oh look, mom making out with ANOTHER guy on the couch.

I trudged up to my room, and plopped myself on my bed.

Should I go?

Wouldn't that make my mom happy?

Wouldn't that make me happy?

Wouldn't that make Charlie happy?

Fine, I'll go.

I got up and took a shower.

Once I finished, I went to my closet and went to the section of clothes I never wear, the one's that aren't me and my mom picks out, because there "stylish."

Was it fancy or casual?

I walked over to my bed and picked up my phone and texted Charlie.

To Charlie:
Fancy or casual?

I waited for a reply, finally I got one.

From Charlie:
:) casual, but not too casual. See you in a bit.

I went back to my closet and picked out a floral dress, and a light pink cardigain. And pink peep toe heels. I sorta also got my mothers sense of style. I layed them on my bed and sat down at my vanity. I curled my hair, and put on makeup. It was 6:15 by the time I finished doing that. I got dressed and headed downstairs, and waited. I saw Charlie pull up and I headed for the door.

"Where do you think your going?" it was my mom.

I spun around to face her.

"On a date." I said.

"Your going on a date?' she said raising her eyebrows.

"Yes." I told her.

"Oh," she said, "with who?"

"Charlie Rowe." I said.

The doorbell rang. I went over to go answer it. I opened the door and there stood Charlie.

"Hey," Charlie said. "You look beautiful."