Beating Barbie

Zoe is a grade A geek all-the-way and member of the two-man chess team. Unfortunately, she has a crush on the only other member.

Chess team meetings were always on Wednesdays.  Sitting peacefully in the school library, Zoe smoothed the cloth chess board out on the table. With soft thumps, she set the plastic pieces on the board and looked up at Will, the only other chess team member. “Your move,” she said smiling.

                Will, however, was staring off into the distance, his adorable, too long brown hair flopping in front of his face. Stifling a giggle, Zoe followed his gaze. The smile slid off her face. I always hated Barbie dolls. Shelby Williams was standing, posing really, at the library information desk. After two years spent with Shelby in high school, Zoe had learned all she ever cared to about her. Shelby was the head cheerleader with the perfect body, dressed girl and guy stylish at the same time, and had long, straight blonde hair. She also spent freshman year thinking there were two Pacific Oceans because it was labeled on both sides of the world map, but guys overlooked that one. Evidently, Will was able to overlook that one, too. “You know, Will, I don’t feel like playing chess today.”

                Zoe stood up from the wooden chair and began to put the chess pieces back in their bag. With a slight frown, Will turned to Zoe. “Not feeling well?” he asked, confusion clouding his chocolate brown eyes.

                With trembling hands, Zoe rolled up the chess board. Pointedly staring at the Birchwood table, Zoe bit her lip. “I…” Zoe stopped.

                Her voice sounded high pitched, shaky. Blushing, Zoe bent down to get her backpack, the same unstylish kiddie one she had since middle school, the one Shelby laughed at when Zoe walked into U.S. History. “Zoe?”

                Don’t cry, Zoe told herself. Whatever you do, don’t cry. Even if you wish every day is the day Will snaps at Shelby for laughing at your backpack-- With a jerk, Zoe felt her head being pulled up to meet a pair of brown eyes. Warm fingers under her chin, Will was leaning over the table, inspecting her face closely. “You’re crying,” he announced, with a serious frown.

                Zoe felt her face growing hot. Tears slipped faster down her cheeks. “Well, geez, announce it to the world, why don’t you, Will.”

                Zoe said it jokingly, but Will frowned even deeper. He skirted the table and stood in front of Zoe. Arms folded, Will looked down at her. “We’ve been friends ever since that first day of high school. There’s nothing you can’t tell me.”

                Will took a step closer and carefully wrapped his long fingers around Zoe’s wrist. Very slowly, he unbent Zoe’s fingers one by one. She dropped the chess board. Will’s long brown hair tickled Zoe’s nose as he whispered, “Chess club is only fun if you’re in it.”

                Zoe could barely breathe. “Our chess club is only two people, Will,” she hissed back.

                Smiling, Will leaned in and kissed her.

                “Get a room!” shrieked Shelby from the information desk.

                Zoe ignored her.

Reviews

[paradise]

Awwhe I likw it very good story

[Boldpen]

Nice story. It was beautifully written and wonderfully described. Loved the way it was told in. Good Job.
Thumbs up to storyline and character display.
Great write.