[ WP ] Remember *that one* crush you had ? The one you were too scared to asked out ? Well ... pretend you actually did .

Her blonde hair smelled like strawberries. Her blue eyes shone brightly in the sun. She sat at the park bench, wearing her white school uniform and navy blue skirt. She was reading something intently. 
 
 Everything about her was precious. I just wanted to hold her. To share whispers and quiet laughs. To muss with her hair. Poke her playfully in the belly button. Tell her how beautiful she was today. Listen to her soft, kind voice. Put my arm around her waist. Brush the hair out of her eyes. 
 
 But she was unattainable. She lived a different kind of life than I did. An entirely different world. 
 
 On a normal day, I wouldn ’ t even think of telling her my feelings. Those were meant to be bottled up. Contained. 
 
 But something was different that day. It was a warm spring afternoon, full of sunshine and opportunity. My parents wouldn ’ t get off work until late. I could do anything. I could be anyone. It was the last spring afternoon of my childhood. I would be thirteen tomorrow. 
 
 I was playing soccer with my friends. Against some kids from another school. We were better. 
 
 My sneakers flew over the grass. I bit my lip in concentration, popping the ball forward with my foot, poking it this way and that to thread through defenders. I drew my leg backwards and let loose. 
 
 The goalie overcommitted. My shot hit net. 
 
 I looked towards the park bench. She was watching. She ’ d seen it. 
 
 I jogged towards her. 
 
 “ Hey, ” I said, trying to think of something cool. 
 
 She looked up from her book. My mind blanked. She was so beautiful. I just wanted to stare into her eyes and draw her. And touch her. Softly at first. Lightly. 
 
 And then the moment was gone. A chilly breeze swept the air. The sun faded into orange. My friends called to me. They were going home. It was time to watch DragonBall Z. 
 
 “ Hey, ” I said again, anxiety creeping into my voice. “ I really like you, ” I said. I paused, my face reddening profusely. Then, sputtering and saying my words on top of each other, I asked, “ Do you like me? ” 
 
 She looked into my eyes. She smiled. 
 
 We stood there, looking into each other ’ s eyes and smiling. She never did respond. But somehow, that was okay. Her smile had awakened something in me. Opened a new chapter in my life. 
 
: ) 
 

