Falling for you

Chapter 2

Abby was waiting for me when I pulled into the parking lot. I parked my beat up Nissan in my usual spot and made my way over to where she was hanging out with Eric and his friends. I still felt awkward being around Eric and his friends, considering that he and Abby had been dating for almost a year. Don't get me wrong, they were nothing but nice to me but I just wasn't good in groups. I was too shy to utter anything other than the customary hellos . I just smiled and pretended to understand all the sports talk that usually took place. Those boys didn't play any sports but they sure seemed to be awfully interested in it, in any case.

Abby kissed Eric and came over to where I was. She hugged me and in her typical manner got straight to the point. "So, did he reply?" she questioned with an eager expression. I hesitated knowing that she would blow it way out of proportion and start fantasizing but even I couldn't help being excited over what happened. She squealed when I showed her the e-mail and I was scared that she would start singing any minute now just like in those Disney movies that Anna's (sister) always making me watch. Thankfully, the bell rang just then and me being the coward that I am, grabbed the opportunity like a sailor does at a bottle of rum (Gosh, I have to stop being so obsessed with Captain Jack Sparrow).

Abby scowled at me as I practically ran from her. "You better tell me EVERYTHING at lunch," she wags a finger at me. "Sure, sure," I reply just before I'm swallowed by the throng of students heading inside.

As I'm sitting there twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the classroom to fill up, my phone pings. I dig it out from the pocket of my jeans and I can't help the goofy smile that takes over my face. After much consideration last night, I decided that I would go along with it and see what happens. Heck, he could just stop replying whenever he felt like. He doesn't know who I am so no harm done. So I went ahead and e-mailed him:

How's it going, basketball genius?

To which he had replied :

HAHA! Not too bad man!

BTW you are a girl, right? Coz I would hate to get my hopes up only to realise that you're a dude :p

I sighed. I had finally got my long time crush to flirt with me albeit anonymously. I quickly sent a message just as the teacher entered.

Then lucky for you that I'm a girl!

I was trying really hard to pay attention and not think about Austin when I felt my phone vibrate once again. It became near impossible to concentrate now and I just gave up. I had never wanted to check my phone this badly before.

I was out of my seat as soon as the bell rang and reached my locker in record time. I took out my phone and sure enough I had an email notification. I was holding my breath as I opened it.

Sweet! Do I know you?

I was dreading this even though I knew it was inevitable. I know that it was Abby's idea but I was kinda hooked now. I wanted to get to know him. It was his senior year and maybe I was finally growing some balls.

Maybe.

I looked up and saw Austin across the hallway. He and his friends usually hung out around Hannah's locker. She was a pretty cheerleader and was friends with Austin. The cheerleaders and jocks sure were friends. I tried to curb my jealousy and peeked at him again. He was using his phone and a ghost of a smile flitted across his features. My phone vibrated again. This was going better than I hoped!!

Gimme a little something to work on here. Have we met before?

I smirked. I could be very resilient when I wanted to. Two could play this game.

Maybe.But since you're such a gentleman I'll give you a hint. We go to the same school.

I tucked my phone into my bag as I headed over to my next class. I didn't want any more distractions.

I was starving when lunch rolled around. I met Abbey at the cafeteria entrance and we headed over to our usual table. Eric seemed to be missing. As soon as we sat down Abby pounced on me like a lion does on it's unsuspecting prey.

"Spit it out. I made sure Eric isn't here so don't be shy," she assured me.

I grinned. I'd been dying to show her the messages and ask her input. She's way better at all this boy stuff. Abby read all the emails and then leaned back in her seat, smiling like a Cheshire cat.

"To think that all this happened because of little old me,"she smirked.

"He's definitely flirting, right? What do I do?" I anxiously asked her.

"Just keep replying and see how it goes. Maybe it'll even end up with me making a toast at your wedding and entertaining everyone with the story of how it all started," she gushed.

I couldn't help blushing. I do that a lot but thankfully it's never that noticeable.

I looked over to where Austin usually sat but I couldn't find him. Before I could dwell on that, Abby stood up.

"Since you're too busy dreaming about wonder boy for now, I'll just head over early to my history class to get the homework done. God knows that lady has it in for me. See you later. Love ya." She blew me a kiss before leaving.

With nothing else to do, I may as well head over to my class and get a little reading done. I couldn't resist checking my phone for any new messages. I was so engrossed in my phone that I wasn't paying attention to the simple task of walking and lo and behold, ended up tripping on my own two feet. I kid you not, I'm that much of a klutz. I quickly got up, praying that no one had witnessed my less than graceful tumble. The hallway was deserted and I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hey, are you okay?"

I turned around to find Austin frowning.

This could not be happening. I'm sure my face turned beetroot red and I fervently wished for the floor to open up and swallow me. I just stared at him, my mouth opening and closing like a fish.

Austin just kept staring at me expectantly. Those blue, blue eyes definitely had me lost in them. How can anyone be allowed to look this good?

I finally managed to find my voice. "Yeah, I'm totally fine. Just tripped. Clumsy me!" I gave a nervous laugh. He was still looking at me with this weird expression on his face and I couldn't handle it anymore.

"See you around. Bye!" I squeaked out before running away like the hellhounds were on my trail. Just great! The first time my crush talks to me and I behave like a total retard. Oh, why couldn't I just be normal around him! I'm just hopeless when it comes to boys!

Just as I opened my book, my phone pinged. Noo! I'm just going to focus on my book and not peek. I'm strong enough to do that. I will not check the message until I'm home. I steeled myself as the teacher entered and tried my hardest to focus on the lecture. If I ever do meet him next time I will have a normal conversation with him though I doubt I'll ever get a chance to. I sighed. Today sure had turned out to be exciting.

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Eeeeee!!! She finally got to talk to Austin! So what do you guys think about Austin so far?
Would love to hear from you guys!
Have a great week!