The shy's girl crush

Chapter eighteen - She beat me

Dylan's POV:

Soon is our PE test. All we have to do is run fifty meters for time and some laps. The girls have to do crunches, and the boys throw a medical ball. I don't know why it's called that. I should say that it's heavy. That's why only boys do it. Maybe there are some strong girls, but we'll never find out. I don't have problems with any of these activities. After all, I am the fastest boy here. That was until now. Loren is training a lot. I won't be surprised if she beats my record. Well, I will be happy for her. She deserves it. The problem is that people in school might look at her differently. I'm not a king or something like that. I mean that I don't care if someone is faster than me. Maybe I have to help Loren. She might rub it in my face, but I know she'll be happy. Also, it will prove that all the training was worth it. I believe in her, and I know she can do it. Now I wonder how I can get close to her. We were together every day, but what I could tell her was that she was my friend. I want to make progress, but I don't know how. Luckily, Loren has been in a good mood lately. Her being sad is not something I like. It makes me feel bad for her. It's because I care for her. I wish I had talked to her earlier. The thing is that high school love doesn't last much. I can make a move in twelve grade too. Let's say that I want to experience it now. Maybe I have to talk with my mom. She can tell me what to do. After all, she has been in love. Well, she still is. I like that sometimes my parents buy gifts or do something nice for each other. I want to have the same. Having someone who can't get their eyes off you is a good feeling. Loren is checking me out in the gym, but everyone does. I don't blame her. I hope that this can help me get her. She is the only girl with who I want to try.

Today is the PE test. I'm looking forward to seeing how Loren will do it. She is not the best, but the coach gives her A's. That way, she can have perfect grades. It's not like she is not trying her best. I have seen how much effort this girl puts into this. Honestly, I think the gym will help her. I don't know how long she has been training, but I see some results. Mainly they are in her body. I mean, it got into shape. That's the power of working out. I'm glad that I have the chance to do it.

Currently, I am in school. I have Math with Jackson. Alice and Loren are here as well. The teacher gave to solve five problems. She does this often and later comes to check what everyone has done. If you do well three times, you get an A. Our teacher likes to write only good grades. That means A's and B's. If you don't do great, you won't receive anything. Of course, tests are how we get grades. The teacher passed by me.

- Good job, Dylan. Jackson, stop drawing and do something.

- Not today. I'm not in the mood.

- Is everything ok? You can go to the nurse.

- No, thanks. I'll be fine.

- You can ask Dylan for help. - the teacher said and continued checking the other students

- Man, what is going on?

- I don't know. I feel numb.

- Why? Did something happen between you and Alice?

- No, I haven't talked with her for two days.

- Then?

- I woke up like that.

- If you talk with her, she will make you feel better.

- Maybe, but it won't be today.

- You have to get ready. We have PE next.

- Don't remind me. I'll do it the next time.

- If you say so.

- You look excited.

- I am. Loren has been training. I think she might beat me.

- Really? That's not funny.

- Why? Finally, I will have some competition. No offense, but you don't do much.

- Because I don't want to. I still have enough points for an A, so that is enough for me.

- Ok, but I would like it if we could have some fun.

- Not today.

- I won't bother you anymore.

After this class, I went to change for PE. When I was ready, I walked to the field. Loren and Alice were already there. Jackson was there as well. Alice was talking with him. I hope that he will feel better.

- Hey.

- Hi, Loren. Are you ready?

- So-so. Now much.

- Why? You trained so hard.

- I know, but only you were with me. Now everyone will watch me.

- Relax. I am here. If you want, we can do the run together.

- Thanks, but I prefer to be alone. I don't want anyone to compare me with you.

- I'm sure you will beat me.

- Please, don't let me win.

- Oh, I won't. I don't want to ruin my record. You have to do it on your own.

- Thank you.

Soon the teacher came and made us run two laps. He always does this. According to him, that is the best way to exercise. There are many other ways to do that, but I like it. Running is good training for your muscles.

- Ok, we'll start with the fifty meters run. Who wants to be first?

- If no one wants, I will do you the honor.

- Ok, Myers. Go there. I will give you a signal when to start.

- Yes.

I walked to the other side of the field. I waited for the teacher to let his hand down and started running. I have the speed, and I will show it. Let's hope I did well.

- Your time is 6.1 seconds. Good job.

- Who is next? Come on. Please, don't waste my time. If no one wants, I will pick the next person.

- Can I do it? - Loren asked

- Sure. Go there and wait for my signal.

Loren did what the teacher said and waited for his signal. Many people looked at her. Now I understand why she is worried. She started running, and more people looked at her. That's my girl. The workout did a great job.

- Well? How did I do?

- Your time is 6 seconds. You beat Dylan. - the teacher said, and everyone looked at her

I was trying to hold my laugh as much as I could. Then an idea came to me. Let's make things a bit interesting. One scene won't do any harm. I walked up to Loren, and she looked at me.

- You beat me. - I said, seriously

- Look, I'm sorry.

- Great job.

- What?

- You deserve it. I told you that you would beat me.

- Aren't you mad?

- Why? Finally, I have a challenge. Watch out for the laps. I will beat you.

- I will be happy if you do it. Please, help me. - Loren said, whispering

- It's ok. I'm here.

- Ok, who is next?

- Can I do the laps? - I asked

- Yes, but we have to finish the fifty meters run first.

- As I see it, no one wants to do it.

- Fine. Will you do it alone or with someone?

- I pick Loren.

- What? No way.

- Loren, will you do it? - the teacher asked

- I.

- That is a yes.

- Ok, get ready.

- Can I run the same amount of laps as Dylan?

- Yes, but I will stop the timer at your last lap. Girls run two laps less.

- I know, and thanks.

- Ready, set, go!

- Do you feel better? - I asked

- Not really. Everyone is looking at me.

- Relax. I am here.

- That is not helping. It only makes it worse.

- Why?

- The nerd and a good-looking boy. You finish the puzzle.

- There is nothing wrong with that. Also, I like spending time with you.

- You do?

- Yes. I won't hide that. Will you stop worrying?

- No, but I will beat you.

- What?

- Bye, loser. - Loren said and ran away

- Hey, wait!

- Catch me if you can. - she said, laughing

- I will, and you will regret this.

- Less talking and more running.

Loren beat me again. I guess I have to get used to this. Let's be honest. I like that she did it. Maybe now people won't look at her as the bad one. I mean, they will stop making fun of her. If I want the comments to stop, I should stick with her.

- How did I do?

- For your laps, it was great. You have improved a lot since the last time.

- Thanks.

- Also, you beat Dylan with one second.

- Only?

- Isn't this enough for you? The whole school will make fun of me for losing to a girl. - I said

- I'm sorry.

- Hey, I was joking. I don't care about that.

- But I do.

- Everything will be fine. You have nothing to worry about right now. Also, I am here.

- No matter how much you say it, that won't make me feel better.

- What can I do to make you feel better?

- Nothing. I will go and change.

Loren walked away. I know she got worried, but no one will make fun of her. She proved herself. I looked up and saw Jackson and Alice walking around the other part of the field. They have to run too. I guess it won't be today.

After school, I waited for Loren. I saw Alice coming out, but not her. I wonder where she is. Please tell me she doesn't plan to hide. I won't let her do this. Her best friend was with Jackson. He looks in a better mood. I don't know what she did, but I'm glad they talked. She was about to go, but I stopped her.

- Hey, one second.

- Yes.

- Where is Loren?

- She left in the classroom. The teacher walked out, but she was slowly putting everything in her backpack.

- Thanks. I will talk with her.

- Good luck. - Alice said and left with Jackson

I walked to the classroom and saw Loren sitting alone. Her desk was clean, but she didn't want to go out. I don't know what is going on. Maybe Christina commented again. I won't be surprised. I sat next to her, but she didn't notice me.

- Hey.

- Oh, hi.

- Why are you here alone?

- I wanted to be here.

- Do you want us to go out?

- No. I will go home.

- Can I take you for a walk?

- Yes, but not today.

- Please, don't get upset. You know that is not something I like. It makes me feel bad for you.

- Why?

- Because I care. Can we go out?

- I don't know. I don't want to do anything.

- We don't have to do things. All I want is a walk with you. We can study at home if you don't want to be outside. My parents are at work. Is it ok for you?

- What happened to FaceTime?

- I want to keep an eye on you. I mean, to bring your good mood back.

- You want the shy Loren back?

- Yes, I do. I like it when this girl is nervous talking to people.

- Why?

- I don't know. This Loren is funny.

- If you sat so.

- Please.

- Fine, but only for an hour. Later, I'm going home.

- Deal.

Loren and I walked to my house. She has never been here, and I hope she won't be nervous. I went into the kitchen to take some biscuits. Loren was in the same place. I took her to the living room.

- If you want, we can study on my bed.

- Whatever you say.

- Can you not kill my mood?

- I'm sorry.

- Did Christina tell you something?

- No, but everyone was looking at me. I felt like it was my fault.

- That is only running. Please don't take it so personally.

- It's hard when people are judging you.

- Come with me. I will show you some things.

- Oh, ok.

Both with Loren walked into my room. The first thing she saw was a picture of me with a dog. It's the same dog from the necklace she had for a while. The room fits me perfectly. I noticed that she could see my personality through how I organized everything. For some reason, her eyes were on that picture. Probably there is something familiar, but I don't know what.

- Is everything ok?

- Yes. I-I liked the picture.

- That was my grandparent's dog.

- You loved it, didn't you?

- Yes, I did. It was my other best friend.

- It's a stupid question, but is this a lemon three at the back?

- That's right. The picture got taken when I was in my old house. My grandparents came for a visit.

- My neighbors had one lemon tree too. It looks familiar to this one.

- Maybe. Speaking of which. I know you lied to me about your address.

- What?

- Don't worry. I'm not mad. I know you like having privacy, and I respect that.

- I'm sorry. I.

- Hey, don't say anything. So, about the tree. Who were your neighbors?

- Well, they moved out a year after we bought the house. I think they had a boy, but I'm not sure.

- Once, I tried selling lemonade.

- You are kidding me, right?

- No, why? Here is a picture.

- No way. Did I buy a cup of lemonade from you?

- You were the girl with the two red piggy tails? I mean ginger.

- Yes. Here is a picture of me. - Loren showed me a picture, and I started laughing

- So we did meet after all.

- I guess. You had a great glow-up. I mean, puberty helped you. I had pimples in middle school.

- Not only you.

- Well, I learned a lot in the past half an hour.

- You can do more if we start studying.

- I forgot that we came for that. - Loren said, chuckling

- I'm glad your mood is better.

- Oh, thanks. I didn't realize when it changed.

- I prefer the happy Loren.

- R-really?

- That was.

- I-I'm sorry.

- It's ok. Let's study now. Later I will show you more pictures of me as a kid.

- I would love to see them.

- Hey, I was uglier back then.

- That's not true, but I liked this picture. - Loren said, looking at my nightstand

- You can take it if you want. I will make myself a new one.

- No, thanks.

- With what we'll start?

- Homework?

- Good choice.

Loren and I studied for two hours. I received a message from my parents that they would go for dinner. Thank god for that. I don't think Loren will want to present herself to them. I mean, we are only friends. Well, for now. I invited her to stay for dinner with me. I ordered pizza and left her to choose the drinks. We watched a movie while eating. Probably Loren doesn't want to be here, but I don't want her to go. I have no idea where the shy Loren went, but I like her this way. She is carefree and herself. That is probably the best day of my life. I hope it won't be the last because I want us to repeat this. I think it's time for Loren to come home more often.