I'm In Love With Grace Madison

First day of school. A new start, even if it's your third year at the same school. New people in, old tormentors out. Old friends that you promised to hang out with over the summer, but you never did for whatever reason. And, in my case, seeing the girl you know you love go out with a monster.

Grace was just beautiful. You couldn't describe her without using that word at least once. She was so optimistic, friendly, caring, and amazing. Her smile could cheer you up within moments and it didn't matter if you were about to kill yourself. If there was a perfect girl, it was Grace.

Now, there's a huge difference between the two of us. While she is bubbly, smart, and gorgeous, I'm plain, stupid, and not the best looking. I know there isn't a chance in hell for us to ever be together, but I hope. Oh, I desperately hope.

"Hey! Daniel!" 

I snapped out of whatever trance I had been in and looked over at Jeffery. He was rolling his eyes and jogging towards me. Standing at a pillar, I waited for him to join me. 

"Dude, has anyone else gotten here yet? I didn't see anyone over the summer apart from everyone who was at Grace's party. My mom grounded me after that night," he said quickly. That was Jeffery. Speaking so fast you could barely understand him and complaining about his mom nonstop. He would be a better match for Grace. They were both upbeat, smart, and happy. 

"Nah," I told him. "Just you and me at the moment."

"Danny! Jeff!" 

I turned to see Grace running towards us in her usual attire. Jeans, a modest v-neck, and Converse. She had a purple backpack mounted on her back and her signature grin. 

Oh, how I wished I could ask her out.

But I was too late. She'd been going out with Rogan since freshman year. We're juniors now and Rogan has been pressuring her, trying to get her to sleep with him. Yet she didn't get mad. She'd giggle and say, "Maybe next time." I mean, she was a trophy to him! Why couldn't she see that? He wasn't a part of our group. Hell, he made fun of most of us. But Grace didn't: A. notice or B. care.

I'm pretty sure it was A.

She tackled Jeff with a hug. "Oh my gosh! I'm sorry your mom grounded you because of my party! I mean, just because someone cussed when you were on the phone with her? She's just so overprotective!"

Jeff picked her up and spun her around, causing her to giggle louder than ever, before responding. "It's no biggy. She's just a nut-job."

Grace let go of him and smiled apologetically. "I'm still sorry."

"Don't be," he said and placed his hand on her shoulder. He was probably a foot taller than her and I was half a foot shorter than him.

Rolling her eyes, she turned to face me. "Danny!" she squealed and hugged me tightly. I hugged her back just as tight. 

"I missed you," I said quietly.

She giggled. "I missed you too, Danny!"

When she pulled away, I reluctantly let go of her and watched as she frantically waved at Rogan. He didn't wave back.

Turning back to face me, she said, "I'm going to go hang out with Rogan for a little bit, kay? See you in class!" She then ran over to him and gave him a huge hug. He didn't even stop talking to his friend and Grace stood there like an object. Not once did she say a word and neither did her boyfriend nor his friend Eric.

I swear that if I could, I would beat Rogan up. 

Jeff sighed. "Why don't you tell Grace you like her? I mean, it's obvious, man!"