The Crush

The Dance

I was thrilled as Lathan pulled up to my house in his car. He was dressed to impress and looked like a total dreamboat. I couldn't believe that I was going to the dance with the most popular guy in school.

As we walked into the gym, I felt all eyes on us. It was like I had hit the peak of my high school fantasy. Jordan ran up to me, complimenting me on how pretty I looked in my dress.

"Thanks, Jordan," I said, feeling excited.

But then, I saw Alex across the room, dancing with someone else. I felt jealous, but I knew I didn't have any right to feel that way. I was with Lathan now and needed to focus on having fun.

For the most part, the dance was a blast. Lathan and I raided the dessert table. We dance. We laughed. We took the corny couple picture. I was happy to be here with him. At this moment, any fantasy I had of Lathan couldn't compare to how great it was in real life.

But then Lathan's friends arrived, fashionably late and making a grand entrance. They were loud and rude. Following the friends was the group of girls that followed Lathan everywhere. The friends made fun of everyone at the dance. The girls kept snickering and saying how they saw my dress on the sales racket or in the donation bin. One made a comedy skit on how ugly she thought my dress was.

I looked to Lathan, hoping he would stand up for me, but he was dismissive and acted like nothing was wrong. Lathan was laughing at his friends as they made fools of themselves. I couldn't believe that I was with someone like that. This was not the Lathan I knew.

Feeling hurt and alone, I looked over at Alex, who was laughing and having fun. I wished I was there with him instead of being treated poorly by Lathan and his awful friends.

I walked away when the attention was no longer on me.

"Is everything okay, Winter?" Jordan stopped and asked, noticing my change in mood.

I shook my head, tears starting to well up in my eyes. "Everything is okay. I just need some air."

Jordan put her arm around me, giving me a comforting hug. "I'm sorry, Winter. Maybe it's time to listen to your heart and do what's best for you."

As I wiped away my tears, I realized that Jordan was right. I needed to listen to my heart and stop pretending to be something I was not. It was time to be true to myself and make the right decision, even if it wasn't the easiest one.

However, doing so means I am giving up on Fortmann. Lathan is great when it is just us. We have a good time. We have fun. Am I willing to give up on my long time crush because of a bunch of jerks? Am I that weak? I knew it wouldn't be easy going out with the most popular guy in the school, and here I am, giving up so easily. I am weak.

I ran outside, wiping away the tears.

"You shouldn't be out here in the cold. You could get sick," I heard a voice say.

I turned and saw Alex walking towards me with my coat in his hand, ready to give it to me.

"You left this inside," Alex said, handing me the coat.

I took my coat and put it on. "Alex, you shouldn't be out here with me. You should be with your date.

Alex smiled warmly, "She understands. I am sure she doesn't mind now that her boyfriend is on his way from work."

I asked Alex, "Why did you follow me out here?"

"I wanted to check on you," he said softly. "You seemed upset."

I scoffed, feeling frustrated. "Of course, I'm upset. Look at me, Alex. I'm here with Lathan, the guy everyone wants to be with. And I feel like a joke."

Alex took a step closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You're not a joke, Winter. You're amazing. You're smart, funny, and beautiful. You're everything wonderful."

I shook my head, not believing him. "You're just saying that."

"I'm not," he said firmly. "Winter, I know we've been through a lot, but I want you to know I care about you. You're my best friend, and I don't want to see you hurt."

I looked up at him, feeling a sense of warmth in my chest. Alex smiled, and we both laughed, the tension between us dissipating. We talked about school and our plans for the summer and joked around like we used to. It was like nothing had ever changed. Alex is my best friend. He cares about me. I felt comfort in that.

Then, before I knew it, we were kissing again. It was different this time, urgent and yet tender. Alex grabbed my face and pulled me closer to him. I moaned to his lips.

When we pulled away, Alex looked apologetic. "I'm sorry," he said. "I shouldn't have done that."

I shook my head. "No, I'm sorry. I just can't do this."

He nodded, and I ran back inside.

I saw Lathan putting on his coat, along with his friends.

"There you are. Are you ready?" Lathan asked.

"Ready for what?" I asked, quickly looking back and seeing Alex walking inside, touching his lips.

"To eat. This dance is fun, but we're hungry. We're going to the diner to grab dinner before heading home.

I took Lathan by the hand and smiled. "Let's go."