So, do you like me?

It was Wednesday, a day before the school trip and before we had another history class. I saw Harry a few times more, but not a lot, because besides history, we didn't have classes together until Thursday (Maths) and Friday (double period of economics and one of P.E).
The first time I saw him after I had rejected his plans of going to Starbucks was in the cafeteria. I took a tray and got into the row to get my lunch, and when I'd finally ordered my pudding and grape juice I turned around and hit somebody.

"Oh my God, please forgive me" I said with my eyes wide open while I took the napkin of a boy walking nearby and started to clean the mess I had caused.

"It's okay" replied the victim of my accident. Whoever it was, he had a nice and calm voice. I looked up and found those beautiful green eyes staring at mine. I immediately felt my cheeks turning red. I probably looked like a tomato so I looked down again hoping he didn't notice and I tried to take the purple stain off his gray shirt, but it didn't really work, so I apologized again.

"I'm so sorry! Look at the mess I've made!" I said, still not looking at him.

I heard a giggle. "It's okay, really". He was so nice I felt even more embarassed and started questioning whether I would've had a nice time with him in Starbucks. "It's only juice".
Focus, Jennifer. Yes, he's cute, yes he's nice. But you don't like him, I thought. But wasn't that unfair of me? I wasn't giving him the chance. Ah, come one, like if there had ever been a chance.
I sighed and squatted to pick up my tray and my cutlery. I tried to do it slow, but he didn't move, so I gave up and stood up again. I looked at his emerald eyes once more before turning around and going to my table.

"You like him", affirmed Karen.

"Why do you insist?"

"Well, you should've seen your face! It was redder than Rudolph's nose, let's not lie". With that I felt my cheeks burn again. Karen laughed.

"Just admit it!"
I kept thinking for a while, but did not say a thing.
"Oh, come on" she added. "It's okay to be afraid to fall in love. Boys can be jerks. You know what happened with me and... my ex. He was a jerk, but hey! Not everyone is like that! He could be what you're looking for, but you won't let him prove it".
Maybe Karen was right, but it was so much easier not to be nice and to close myself to him.

*****

The next time I saw him was when school ended and all students were going to their cars or waiting for their parents to pick them up. I kept staring at him, analyzing what he was like, making some judgments, when suddenly, for my bad luck, he stared back. I shocked.
He waved friendly at me, but I just frowned and looked away. I could feel him still staring at me, and my knees feeling weak. I felt so stupid because once more he was making me feel that way.
I couldn't stop thinking about how right Karen was.
Suddenly I heard some music coming out of my pocket,bringing me back to reality. It was my dad on the screen. I answered and he told me he couldn't pick me up at school because the car had broken and my mom was still at work. By that time, almost everyone was gone and there wasn't anyone I was close enough to, to ask them if they could bring me home.
Great. What now?

Suddenly someone placed his arm on my shoulder. I looked at the person, and for my surprise, it was Harry. This time I wanted to be nice, but to be honest, he kind of intimidated me, so I acted as if I had as many feelings as a stone.
I awkwardly looked at the hand on my shoulder, and he took it away.

"Yes?" I asked, seeming emotionless, but on the inside I felt warm, cause he still wanted to talk to me.

"Hey, why are you still here?" he said smiling, showing his dimples. He was so adorable.

"I don't know, but so are you".

"Yeah, well, my sister is always late. My parents aren't in town, so she has to drive me everywhere".He kept quiet for a few seconds. "Uuum... Do you want me to take you home? She'll be here soon".

I considered his offer for a moment. It could be that and get to know him better, or find a cab.
Yes, yes. Just say yes.
"You? Uuuh..." C'mon, I can do it. He's only a person. "No thanks... I'll..."
At that moment a black car parked in front of us.

"Oh, that's Gemma. So... Is it a yes or a no?" he asked, expectantly.

"No thank you. I'd rather take a taxi".
Nooo, what did I just do? That was so stupid! I'm so stupid! No, no, no.

"Ok" he said and his smile disappeared with him. He didn't say goodbye nor looked at me again. He just jumped into his car and left, just like the night at the party, making me feel from special to nothing, only this time I incited him to act like that.

Notes