THE DAY WE STARTED DATING

Over the summer the only thing I could think about was Leo. All that was in my head every second was Leo Kuff. The tall and kinda cute boy that I had, yes, developed a crush on. 

It was the day after labor day, and we were in the second week of school. The first week of school all we did was talk about what we did over the summer and what we are looking forward to in seventh grade. I silently wished that Leo would still like me. A lot had changed with me over the summer. I got my period, grew three inches taller, started reading more advanced novels, and even got a job as a cashier. So I assumed stuff had happened with Leo too. I didn’t know if his feelings had changed. I didn’t know what to expect.        

It was the start of recess (I feel like everything juicy happens at recess). Anyway, I pulled Leo to the basketball court and tried to think what to say to him. This place was the exact place where I realized I liked him last spring. 

“Hey, do you still, uh, like me?” I asked, kicking my foot awkwardly against the ground.  

“Yeah, of course.” He said right after I asked the question. I silently hoped he was interested in a relationship. Some people I asked out weren't ready for anything which was annoying and heartbreaking. 

“I feel the same about you,” I said. His face went wide and I thought he was going to explode. But I couldn’t tell if it was from excitement or anger. I hoped it was the first one. “So do you want to date?” He hugged me which I wasn’t expecting. 

“YES!!!” He said a little too loudly. I wanted to kiss him but I didn’t. I wished I did though. It was a happy moment for both of us. I saw my friend Rider peek out from behind a tree then quickly run away. I needed to talk to him. 

“ One sec,” I told Leo. I wanted to stay with him but Rider was important too. 

“Where-” But I didn’t hear the rest because I ran after Rider. He hid underneath the picnic bench thinking I wouldn’t find him. I was glad Eli was out sick today, because there was a lot of drama that went on that I didn’t want him to be in the middle of.  

“Rider,” I said to him. “I want to talk.” He got out from under the bench. 

“What if I don’t want to talk in return?”

“Please?” I asked, sitting next to him on the bench. I put my hand out on the table and faced him. “I want to know what's going on, you have been acting, well…not yourself lately.” He turned his head away so I couldn't see his expression. 

“You already know,” He said sadly. It sounded like he was crying. He was my friend and I hoped we could still be friends. 

“That you like me,” I finished his sentence. He turned toward me abruptly, surprised by what I had just said. I guess he didn’t like me?

“No, what the heck?” He stood up and started to walk away. What did he mean then? What was making him not act like himself? I had no idea what was going on. 

“Rider,” I called after him. “Please say what you are going to say. I want to know what's bothering you. We’re friends right?”He looked at me with a grim expression.

“Not anymore.”