Taking Chances

To hell with it. I'm not backing down now.

I stormed across the beach, kicking up sand behind me. I didn't care. I had to do this before i chickened out, which was very likely to happen.

This bonfire was the perfect opportunity to tell him. We were out of school and the entire class of incoming seniors was here. Like a last hoorah before the school year started next week.

"Hey Tyler! I need to tell you something!" I said loudly above the music to the handsome boy surrounded by friends. He was standing right beside the giant fire.

Where this sudden splurge of confidence came from, i will never know. Maybe it's the fact the i've loved this boy for four years, ever since he first walked into my eighth grade class. I could tell you many details about his life like his eye color or his favorite band. Sad right? Well, what's even more sad is that if you asked him anything about me, Lacey Price, he'd have no idea who you were talking about.

But tonight, i made up my mind. I was no longer going to be the shy Lacey who lacked confidence and blushed everytime a cute guy so much as looked at her. Nope, not anymore. Tonight, i was going to tell him how i felt. If he rejects me, i'll get over it. I'd rather be able to move on instead of secretly crushing on a guy who has no idea i exist. Four years is long enough.

Tyler looked up at the sound of his name, and when he saw my heading for him, taking out anything or anyone in my path, he got a confused look on his face. Probably trying to remember what the hell my name was. Jerk. What did i see in him again? I don't even know. He was too involved in his own world to even consider learning the unpretty girls names. Well, his loss.

"What?" He snapped,as if he were somehow annoyed that this nobody girl was interuppting his time. Well, i just need a few seconds of his precious time and then he could carry on.

Instead of actually telling him, i figured i could show him. I mean hey, if i was going to do this might as well go all out right? That's what i thought. I walked straight to him, stopping only inches away, ignoring his circle of friends who were all watching intensely. Oh great, an audience. I'm all for PDA. And with that sarcastic thought, i grabbed the back of a stunned Tyler Mattinglys' head, curled my fingers in his shaggy brown hair, and touched my lips to his.He was frozen at first, but eventually he responded with his lips. His left hand came up to cup my face. Wow, he reacts pretty darn well to a surprise kiss. He must be used to them.

The kiss wasn't a rough one, but rather a hungry one. I'll take the blame for that part because after four years of picturing this whole freakin' scenario, it finally happened, so sue me if i just lost control for a second. It's not everyday the things you've dreamt about come true.

When i pulled away. I examined his face, expecting to see disgust or some stupid smirk, but he was still in the kissing position, eyes closed and lips pursed. I couldn't read his expression. His eyebrows were just about at his hairline though, so surprise was the only emotion i could see. Suddenly, i realized that the crowd around us was watching us in dead silence. So, i released my fingers from his hair.

"I just thought you should finally know how i feel." I mumbled, feeling a blush come to my cheeks. My random outburst of confidence was now almost completely faded, and i really hoped i wouldn't regret this. I quickly turned and hurried away, not waiting for any response from him. Why not, you may ask? I have no flippin' idea. I'm an idiot girl that's scared of rejection i guess. Sighing, i looked at the sand as I heard people start wolf whistling as i walked away.

"Dude, who the hell was that chick?" I heard some guy ask Tyler.

I barely heard Tylers respond with, "Lacey Price."

Well, well, he does know my name. Who knew? I smiled a little to myself as I walked quickly towards my jeep. I slowly brought my hand up to my lips and gently touch them. I just had my first kiss, and with the boy i always envisioned it happening with.

If only i had known then that that was only the first of many chances i would take with Tyler Mattingly.