I Can Still Taste the Strawberries

hello

I found myself laying on my bed staring at the ceiling, avoiding my homework and responsibilities.

I was listening to a playlist that she made.

It's 1:45 a.m. and I have school tomorrow.

She had gone to bed at 9 and I knew talking to her was out of the realm of possibility, but my mind couldn't help but drift off and wander back to her.

Everything is on my mind.

I saw her for the first time junior year, in the hallway. She was a freshman at the time with probably her friends and ninth grade classes on her mind.

My friend Ty had told me about her before, because his little sister was friends with her.

I walked past her wanting to say something, but with no clue in my mind about what I would say.

I know I can't have her.

She'll never know the boy inside these worn out clothes.

And I know she would never give him a chance either.

The second time I saw her I actually gathered the courage to say something,

"Hey."

She said it back with an enthusiastic tone. She was wearing a bright pastel yellow t-shirt that covered most of her shorts.

"I like your shirt, the color is very... natural."

I couldn't tell you why the word "natural" came out of my mouth, but I couldn't help it. I was so nervous.

She giggled and said thanks.

Now it's 1:47 a.m. and if I don't sleep soon, I'm really going to pay the price in first period tomorrow.

Looking back I am more than proud of myself for saying hello, because all it takes to start a friendship, a relationship, or a story is a simple hello.

And that hello started a story that I'll remember for the rest of my life.