DILEMMA - YOUNG LOVE

Growing up, I've never had to put a lot of effort into making friends or getting dates. I'm approachable and easy to get along with. I guess that's why girls never read into it when I talk to them unless I actually ask them out. I'm just that guy. And like most guys in our neighborhood, I drink out with friends, play basketball, get addicted to computer games and eat a lot. I was a normal worry free 17 year old boy then she comes barging into my life. This annoying, loud girl who unsurprisingly gets the judgy looks and attention every time she opens her mouth. The everytime-you-push-her-away-she-comes-springing-back-only-this-time-she's-ten-times-bouncier girl. Ara. Ara Varde. Of all the girls my age, Ara was the least in my thoughts until one day she was the only person in my mind. "Hi, Daryl! Have a great game tonight!", she exclaimed in that spunky voice of hers. To which I responded with a confused "Uh, thanks." She walked pass and I can't help but think that the neighborhood summer league had l been going on for two weeks now and already she managed to annoy the hell out of me. She sat down with her sister and cousins. One of which was my teammate. There were a few good minutes left before the game started and he was still sitting beside them instead of the team bench. I looked over and I caught her staring. She looked away blushing. Then looked back with a huge smile on her face. I walked over to call her cousin, Andrew and invite him to practice shooting with the team. But she just kept staring at me. We left and joined the rest of team to practice before the game started. Then it did. It went on with a slow first and second quarter. I say slow because I couldn't wait for it to end. Everytime I make a shot, or steal a ball. Or even pass a ball she would cheer and yell "D. A. R. Y. L. Go, Daryl!" It was embarrassing as hell. Both my teammates and the opposing team laughed everytime. The other girls would look at her and laugh while whispering insulting words. It was annoying the way she continues on even then. By the first half, we were up by six. And towards the end of the game we were only up by one while the possession was on the other teams. 3... 2... 1... Buzzer