Look at Things Differently

Chapter 1

I walked through the halls to my next class. I held my head high, I smiled at everyone, I felt confident. I was Kylee Rose, high school Freshman. Nothing could break me down. I was strong, and I lived a great life. Every day was a great one. I was always in a good mood.

Today, I was particularly happy. I'd just been asked out by my biggest crush ever, Ryan Jax, and I had tickets to see Katy Perry in concert this weekend.

I finally reached my class, and walked in. It was the last class of the day, and the only class I had with Ryan.

"Hey Ky." Ryan said as I placed my things at my assigned seat right next to him.

"Hey Ry." I replied, smiling at him. He stood up from his seat, came over to me, and wrapped his hands around my waist. In turn, I placed my hands on his back and sank into the embrace. I felt his lips touch the top of my head, and my face grew suddenly warm. I was blushing. Then he leaned down and planted his lips on mine, pressing gently. I enjoyed the way the kiss caused warm ripples to snake through my limbs, swam in my veins like a fish in the sea. There were some jeers and some "Awe"s from the class, and that brought a grin to both of us. We pulled apart, staring into each other's eyes. His were a hazel color, with flecks of gold that only stood out to me from this close. The final bell rang, and we were forced to sit down as the teacher walked in.

"Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Today, we have more speeches to present, so give your full attention please." she said. It didn't pass my notice that she gave a pointed look to my and Ryan when she said that. I nodded once in her general direction, still looking at Ryan.

I forced myself to look toward the front of the room as the first speaker walked up. I could see her hands trembling slightly, betraying her nervousness. I had given my speech nearly a week ago, wanting to get it over with. It had gone well, and so far, mine had gotten the loudest applause. I think that's when I'd finally noticed Ryan. I heard a few years back that if you can find at least three friendly faces in your audience while speaking, it helps a lot. Unknowingly, I'd singled out Ryan as one of those friendly faces. After my speech, I believe he'd clapped the loudest, and he gave me a fist bump as I went back to my seat. That's when I really looked at him, completely aware of him, for the first time, and I'd realized: he's really cute! Every day before, he would say hi to me, and I'd say hi back, not thinking anything of it.

But after that day, it made me feel special every time. I'd even started to be the one who said hi first. He never hesitated to respond. And now...

Suddenly, the class was clapping, snapping my thoughts back to the present. I clapped with them, even though I hadn't paid attention to the girl's speech at all. In fact. I didn't pay attention all hour. I was too lost in my thoughts to focus.

Before I knew it, the dismissal bell was ringing and Ryan was walking home with me.