The Crush

What Happened at the Dance?

Jordan and I sat on my bed, eating popcorn and watching a movie. It was a typical Friday night sleepover, but something was different this time. We were both still reeling from what had happened at the dance. And I had a lot to tell her.

"Lathan was so different around his friends," I said, taking a hand full of popcorn.

"Are you talking about Lathan's personality matching the friends he hangs out with daily?" Jordan asked sarcastically.

"I can't believe he let his friends talk to me like that. They were so rude!" I added, feeling a twinge of anger and disappointment.

"I'm sorry, Winter. I know you like him, and he was a long time crush," Jordan said, looking genuinely remorseful. "And I also pushed you to pursue him in the beginning."

"It's not your fault, Jordan. I don't blame you. I just wish I had seen this side of him before all of this," I said, trying to be understanding. "Besides, I blame the Crush App."

Jordan appeared to say something but nodded in agreement, and we sat in silence for a while, munching on popcorn and thinking about the dance. But then, Jordan spoke up, "So, about Alex..."

I felt my cheeks flush red as she mentioned his name. "What about him?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Jordan gave me a knowing look. "You know what I'm talking about, Winter. The kiss. What does that mean for you and him?"

I sighed, feeling confused and conflicted. "I don't know, Jordan. I really don't. I mean, I like him. But I don't want to ruin our friendship, you know? And what about Lathan? I feel like I owe him a chance," I said, feeling overwhelmed. "Did he say anything to you?"

"I can't tell you what he told me, but I can say that you two need to have a serious conversation, Jordan replied.

I sighed, thinking about the kiss and the look he gave me after.

Jordan took my hand. "I get it, Winter. It's a tough situation. But you have to think about what you want. "Don't let anyone pressure you into anything," she said, reassuringly smiling.

I nodded, feeling grateful for her support. "Thanks, Jordan. You're the best," I said, smiling back.

We continued talking about our classes, teachers, and upcoming exams. Avoiding Alex's name for the rest of the conversation wouldn't keep my heart racing at the thought of him.

Finally, we decided to call it a night and get some sleep. As I lay in bed, I couldn't stop thinking about Alex and our shared kiss. Was it just a one-time thing, I mean a two time thing, or did it mean something more? And what about Lathan? Did I really want to be with him, knowing how he treated me around his friends?

I knew I had a lot to think about, but I just needed to sleep for now. I closed my eyes, hoping to drift off into a peaceful slumber. Jordan was already snoring. But just as I was about to doze off, my phone pinged. I picked it up, seeing a text from Alex. My heart raced as I read the message.

[Text]: Hey, Winter. Can we talk tomorrow? I need to tell you something.

I felt a rush of nervousness at the same time. What could he want to talk to me about? Did it have to do with the kiss?

I replied, "Sure, Alex. We can talk tomorrow. Goodnight."

As I put my phone down, I knew tomorrow would be a big day. I had a lot to figure out and didn't know where to start. But for now, I just needed to get some rest and try to clear my head.

Jordan was already snoring beside me, and I smiled, feeling lucky to have such a great friend. I closed my eyes, trying to push all my thoughts away, and finally fell asleep.

***

"Hey, Winter," Alex greeted me warmly, passing me the tea I love from the coffee shop.

"Hi, Alex," I smiled back at him.

"I'm happy to spend some time with you," he said, his eyes warm and kind.

"I'm glad we could meet up," I replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

"So, where did you go after the dance?" Alex asked, starting the walk.

"I went to eat with Lathan and his friends," I replied, hoping my tone didn't give away how disappointed I felt about the evening.

"How are things going with Lathan?" Alex asked, his expression curious.

"Fine, I guess," I said, feeling hesitant to share my thoughts with him.

"Is everything really okay, Winter?" Alex asked, sensing my reluctance.

"No, it's not," I sighed, feeling a wave of sadness wash over me. "Lathan's friends showed up at the dance, and they were so rude to me. They made fun of my dress and said all sorts of nasty things. The truth is that they aren't very nice people in general."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Winter," Alex said, his expression sympathetic. "That's not cool at all."

"I know, and what's worse is that Lathan didn't even defend me," I said, feeling hurt and embarrassed. "He just went along with his friends and acted like I wasn't even there."

"That's really messed up," Alex said, his voice firm. "You deserve better than that, Winter."

"Thanks, Alex," I said, grateful for his support. "I just don't know what to do. I feel like I should talk to Lathan about it, but I don't want to start a fight."

"It's always tough when friends are involved," Alex said, nodding in agreement. "But at the end of the day, you have to do what's best for you. You deserve to be treated with respect and kindness."

"I know you're right," I said, feeling a sense of comfort in his words. "I just wish it didn't have to be so complicated."

"I hear you, Winnie," Alex said, taking my hand in his. "But I'm here for you, no matter what. You can always talk to me about anything, okay?"

"Okay," I said, feeling my heart swell with gratitude. "Thank you, Alex. That really means a lot to me."

I gave Alex a hug. He squeezed tighter as he hugged me back. I felt a sense of warmth and comfort I had missed since our last kiss. As we pulled away, I don't know why, but I apologized.

Alex chuckled and said, "You don't have to keep apologizing, Winter. I'm the one who shouldn't have kissed you at the dance."

I blushed, remembering the kiss and how I had felt at that moment. I wanted to say yes to Alex, to give into my feelings and forget about Lathan. But I couldn't.

"I appreciate your honesty, Alex," I said softly. "But we kissed each other."

Alex looked me in the eyes, "And I don't regret it."

I wanted to say I didn't regret the kiss either. I wanted to say yes to Alex, to give in to my feelings and forget about Lathan. But I couldn't. I can't give up on Lathan. He's Fortmann, and I have to see this through.

"Alex, you're one of my best friends. I don't want to lose you."

Alex's face fell, and I could see the disappointment in his eyes. "I understand," he said, trying to hide his emotions. "You're my best friend." We both smiled at each other.

I turned to Alex, "Oh yeah, what did you want to tell me?"

Alex hesitated and stammered. "I...it doesn't matter. I am checking in to make sure we are good. I was worried that we wouldn't hang out anymore after the science project."

"Never," I smiled.