The Boy I Never Planned For

The Boy I Never Planned For I never planned on falling for anyone. Actually, I wasn't even looking for love. My only plan was to survive school, pass my exams, make my parents proud, and somehow figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Love was not part of the plan. Then Ryan walked into my life. It started on a Monday morning. I was late. Again. I ran through the school gate with my bag hanging from one shoulder while trying not to lose my books. “Amelia!” I stopped when I heard my best friend, Sarah, shouting my name. She was standing near the classroom door with her arms crossed. “You're late.” “I know,” I replied, trying to catch my breath. “You said that yesterday.” “And the day before.” “And last week.” I laughed. “Okay, you don't have to remind me.” Sarah shook her head and smiled. We entered the classroom together. Most of the students were already seated. I quietly walked toward my usual seat at the back, but something was different. Someone was sitting there. A boy. He had a black backpack beside him and was looking through a notebook. I stopped. Sarah bumped into me from behind. “Why did you stop?” “My seat.” She looked at the boy and then at me. “Oh.” The boy looked up. For a second, our eyes met. Then he smiled. Not a big smile. Just a small one. “Sorry,” he said. “Is this your seat?” I nodded. “Yes.” He immediately stood up. “I didn't know. You can have it.” I was surprised. “It's okay. You can sit there.” “No, it's fine.” He picked up his bag. “I'm new here anyway. I don't want to start by stealing someone's seat.” I laughed. “You're not stealing it.” He smiled again. “My name is Ryan.” “Amelia.” “I know.” I looked at him. “You know?” He pointed toward my notebook. My name was written on the front. “Oh.” Sarah laughed beside me. “This is Amelia. She doesn't normally talk to strangers.” I looked at her. “Sarah!” Ryan laughed. “Good to know.” He moved to another empty seat. I sat down and tried to concentrate on the teacher. But for some reason, I kept looking at Ryan. I didn't understand why. Maybe because he was new. Maybe because he seemed different. Or maybe because of the way he smiled. I quickly pushed the thought away. I wasn't interested in him. At least, that's what I told myself.