“Aspyn, just go talk to him!” Julia urged. “I can’t! What if he thinks I’m weird, or what if say something stupid… or even worse what if my breath smells bad —” “—You can’t keep avoiding him,” Julia interrupted, “you think he’s cute so just go and start a conversation. He’s new here anyways and most likely wants someone to talk to. I mean, it’s not easy to transfer to a new school during the middle of the year. Everyone has already formed their friend groups and are unwilling to open up the circle for one more. They consider him an outcast; so show him that’s not true and talk to him! How many times am I going to have to say this”. Julia has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. She moved in right next door to me when we were both four and ever since then we’ve been inseparable! We’re now eighteen and in our senior year of high school and there still hasn’t been a day when we haven’t been together. “Okay! Fine I’ll go talk to him, but if I totally humiliate myself in front of him I will never take your advice again!” Julia chuckled, “Uh huh, sure. And you’re not gonna embarrass yourself… just make sure to avoid any talk of seventh grade; that was not your year hun”. She made a face as if she smelled something unpleasant. “Thanks for reminding me about that Jules!” I sarcastically said. I started to walk towards the table he was sitting at, turning around once or twice only to see Julia with an over excited smile plastered to her face, giving me two thumbs up. The adrenaline started to kick in, making me want to back out. I started to use some of the techniques my therapist gave me for anxiety, “Just say calm Aspyn, he’s a new student and is probably waiting for someone; anyone even, to talk to him,” is all that ran through my head. The fifteen second walk from Jules to my mystery crush felt like it took hours. “Hey! You’re new right? I’ve noticed you’ve been sitting here alone and was wondering if you wanted any company?” No response. I started to freak out on the inside until he put his head up, which is then when I saw him wearing headphones. “Hi, sorry did you say something?” mystery boy apprehensively remarked. “Oh, yeah,” I awkwardly laughed, “I just was saying hi and wondered if you wanted some company? You’re new right?” He laughed and looked down at the floor in embarrassment, “Yeah I just moved here from Canada actually”. While he was talking I couldn’t help but admire his blue-green eyes that sparkled as the sun hit them, or his chocolate colored hair that perfectly swayed in the light breeze, and his diamond white, straight, perfect teeth. “Canada! No way, I’ve always wanted to go there! Why did you move if you don’t mind me asking?” “Oh, no, I don’t mind at all. My mom got a new job here in California. I’m Sterling by the way,” he said while grinning and holding out his hand for me to shake. “I’m Aspyn. Nice to meet you!” I said as I shook his hand. We both held onto each other’s hand for a few seconds too long because we both ended up laughing, followed by an awkward pause. “I’m sorry everyone here is unfriendly,” I stated with disappointment. “That’s not true! I’ve met you, and you seem to be friendly!” As he said this I could feel the blood rush to my cheeks. “I’d love to get to know you more Aspyn. Even though you might be the only person at this school, besides my teachers, who I’ve actually had a conversation with,” I could feel myself getting butterflies as he was talking, “you’re nice and seem fun!” Sterling smiled seemed to radiate through the halls as he spoke. “I’d love to get to know you more as well,” I tried to seem happy, but not overeager when I said this because on the inside I was jumping for joy. “BUZZZZZZZ!” The bell rang, signaling for the students to head to class. “Alright well I have to go, see you tomorrow?” “Yeah, for sure!” I exclaimed. “Sounds good. Bye Aspyn, nice to meet you and thanks for keeping me company!” Sterling winked and then stated to grab his backpack. “Bye Sterling, nice to meet you as well!” When I walked up to Julia who was still smiling at me she excitingly asked, “Sooooooo, how did it go with mystery boy?” I smiled and looked down at the floor in embarrassment, “Amazing!” as we walked down the crowded halls I told Jules every detail that happened with Sterling until we had to go our separate ways for class. Let’s just say Sterling was all I thought about during my next class, but I wasn’t complaining.