Beauty and the Geek Boy

Chapter 8-Will

*Geek Boy*

At 10:00 pm on a Friday night, I was sitting the office of Devin Humble Protection Orphanage, typing on my Windows laptop. 

The orphanage couldn't afford employees so on Fridays I volunteered to manage their monetary and economic status. On Sundays, I tutored the small class of children within the institution. And on any other days I had free I played the makeshift Electrician.

My mother didn't particularly approve of my job. She figured that my time could better be spent studying or attending revision classes. She'd allowed the compromise once I told her that it was only a few hours a week and I would still attend my classes. The fact that it would look good to Universities helped a little.

Every night, including today, I ensured I was be in bed by eleven and woke up by 6:00. Seven hours of sleep ensured retentive memory and healthy brain activity.

My schedule followed the same pattern every day.

Except for tomorrow.

My heart sputtered and stopped just thinking about her.

I rubbed my blurry eyes as I glanced up at the clock at the far end of the room. 10:05. What was Ellie doing right now?

Her face as she gazed at me was ever emblazoned in my mind. The way her lips parted and red tinged her cheek as I brushed her hair back would never be forgotten. A sigh escaped my lips. What had I done to deserve her attention?

I knew Ellie, and I knew I couldn't deserve her. She wasn't just a beautiful face, she was conscientious, kind, brave and loyal. Throughout the last seven years, I'd seen her defend not just me. I'd seen her protect those she owed nothing to. And every time I watched her stick up for someone being bullied, my heart would expand ever larger. And so would my affection.

I still couldn't believe it.

For the first time in seven years, I'd had a genuine conversation with Ellie Kent. In fact, I'd made her laugh.

The sound of giggling still floated in my mind, making my cheeks burn.

Did her friends hear that wonderful laughter often?

I bit my lip as I imagined her face again. Probably. She laughed like it was an habitual action. Her lips naturally tugged into that beautiful smile.

What I would do to be close to her, to have her attention.

Seriously, Will, get to work.

I turned back to the computer screen.

"Will? You're still here?"

Ms. Marsh, school library manager and care lady at the orphanage, strode out from the hallway leading to the dorms. She tightened her old grey robe as she padded into the room. Her slippers slapped the ground as she walked.

I nodded. "Yeah. I need to finish up on accounting for tax."

Ms. Marsh sighed. "You shouldn't spend all night here, son. You should go home soon, OK?"

I nodded again. "I will."

She paused and I glanced up. A smile was inching across her face. "So, how long have you been crushing on that girl?" Her eyes twinkled. "Ellie Kent right?" she asked.

I felt my face heat up. Was I that obvious?

"Seven years, ma'am," I replied.

She whistled. "Now, that is a manly stretch." She smiled. "Have you told her?"