First Kiss

17

It's actually quite awkward. Sitting in drama class again being so close to Cole, I mean. I don't really know why, besides the fact that we're supposed to be like hard core crushing on each other. But he's not even really paying attention to me. His eyes are scanning ahead of what we're reading aloud.

It's the scene after Lara Jean's first high school party, where they're sitting in Peter's Audi.

"'How come you've never dated anybody?'" Cole (as Peter) asks me.

I try to sound how I imagine Lara Jean sounded.

"'I don't know...nobody really asked.'"

Then I notice something new. He's not looking at the script anymore. He's looking at me. I realize that we're similar. We both are naturally inquisitive, but he speaks with his eyes, his expression. I voice my questions aloud. But we both long for knowledge. I like that. And the question he just asked as Peter...he wants to know the answer as Cole.

"'Bull----,'" Cole says. I know for a fact that Cole doesn't mind cursing at all. On the list of similarities and differences, the former is a lot shorter than the latter.

I notice how much brain energy I waste thinking about Cole. Not surprising. Lex hasn't been around lately, and Cole is the only other person I hang out with somewhat consistently. Besides, I'd be lying if I say that I mind.

"'I know for a fact that Martinez asked you to homecoming and you said no.'"

Lara Jean then says, "'What is it with you guys all calling each other by your last name?'"

Cole smirks at me, because I asked him a similar question in real life. I don't know if this pleases me, but it's kind of cool to have an inside joke with the Cole Emerson. Or just Emerson, to most people.

The script is pretty much word for word.

"Excuse me, class."

Miss Stacie cuts me off mid-line. She's looking at her phone.

"I need to step out for a second for a phone call."

I study her face. She doesn't look scared or worried...I would go even as far as to say she looks stony.

As soon as she steps out, the class erupts into talking.

"Ugh, it's all Peter and Lara Jean."

I also am naturally pretty defensive.

"Kind of the point of the book, don't you think Ally?" I say.

She looks at me, surprised. I'm not one to talk to people much. I guess you'd say that I'm an "introvert" or "in my head."

"I think the school should've chosen a better production."

Vanessa butts in with her thoughts.

"I personally wanted to do 'Sierra Burgess.'"

I roll my eyes.

"I wanted 'Newsies.' People never do productions with songs," some other kid calls out.

"I wanted 'A Walk To Remember."'

"I wanted Lord of the Rings."

"Percy Jackson?"

"HARRY FREAKIN' POTTER, MY DUDES!"

"High School Musical would've been so much better!"

"Narnia!"

"Pokémon! Come on guys, obvious."

Okay, too far. Not anything against Pokémon but like...imagine having a production on that! It'd be just awful.