Aidan Lynch

                                    

                                          
I stumble through the hallway, the school bully's foot stuck out in front on me and I go flying. Laughter erupts and I blush deeply as I pick myself up off the floor. My books managed to go all the way down the hall and I sigh as I begin to gather them up. I panic when I notice my calculus book is missing. 
                          
"Looking for this?" A voice behind me speaks and I turn to see my calculus book being held out in front of me. I look up at the person holding it and my heart skips a beat. Annabeth Chase is standing in front of me, Aidan Lynch. 
                          
"Y-yes t-thank you." I stutter out, taking my book. She gives me a small smile and walks away. I groan, knowing I looked like a fool in front of her. I've had a crush on Annabeth ever since she started this year. It's hard not too.
                          
She's top of all her classes, has the highest GPA (right above me) and is a shoe in for valedictorian. She started a week after everyone else and immediately became a subject of gossip. I expected her to fall right into the popular crowd because not only is she a genius, but she's also insanely gorgeous. I've been dreaming of running my hands through her long golden curls for weeks. But instead she keeps to herself, only talking to other students when she has too and spends most of her free time in the library. I know all the popular guys have tried asking her out but she's rejected them all. Secretly I'm hoping shes's waiting for someone who can meet her intellectual needs. 
                          
Someone jams their shoulder into mine, dragging me back to reality. I rub my arm, making my way to my next class. Which Annabeth happens to be in and I happen to sit right behind her. To be honest, I don't get a lot of work done in this period. I glance up at the poster hanging above the door, announcing this years homecoming. I suddenly get an idea. 
                          
As usual, Annabeth and I are the first to class. I find my seat and prepare myself for what I'm about to do. I lean forward and tap Annabeth on the shoulder. She turns around and her grey eyes meet mine. 
                          
"Yes?" She asks. 
                          
"Um, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me?" I manage to squeak out without stuttering. Her face lights up in shock, and I can tell that she was not expecting that. 
                          
"Oh. Aidan, is it?" She asks and I nod. I'm jumping up and down inside because she knows my name. 
                          
"I actually already have a date, sorry! Thanks for the invite though." Of course she does. My shoulders slump. One of the jocks must have gotten to her. She looks genuinely sorry she has to say no though. 
                          
"That's ok. I guess I'll see you there then." I try to say cheerily and she turns back around. 
                          
time skip
                          
Homecoming arrives quickly and I enter the gym, trying not to feel self conscious. I normally don't come to these things but I told Annabeth that I would see her here and I don't want her to think I'm a liar. I hadn't managed to find a date but homecoming isn't like prom. Plenty of people go with their friends or stag. I look around the crowd, trying to spot Annabeth. I find her sitting at one of the tables, by herself.
                          
"Where's your date?" I ask her, sitting down. She looks up and I see recognition in her eyes. 
                          
"Oh, hi Aidan. He's late, like usual." She says, rolling her eyes. I wonder who she's waiting for. This has been a subject of speculation through the halls as none of the guys were bragging about taking her. I don't think her date goes here though. 
                          
A loud static noise interuppts the music playing and a voice comes on over the mic. 
                          
"I'm looking for Annabeth Chase?" A male voice calls out. Everyone is silent, looking over at Annabeth and I. Annabeth has her hands covering her face and for a second I think she's crying. I realize she's laughing when her shoulders are shaking. The crowd is pointing at us and the guy that must have made the announcement comes over. My theory about him not attending school here is confirmed because I've never seen him before. 
                          
"Sorry I'm late, wise girl. Riptide got a little bit of practice." He says, a guilty look on his handsome face. Annabeth looks up at him with an exasperated sigh and smiles. 
                          
"Of course." She rolls her eyes again and takes his outstretched hand. The two of them join the other dancing couples. It's clear they're in a relationship when he kisses her. I watch dejectedly until I deem it's acceptable to leave. 
                          
Annabeth graduated top of the year, and was valedictorian of course. We talked briefly over the rest of the year but after we graduated I never saw her again.
                          
Woot finally home from vacay and I've got 3k views?! What!? Thanks to everyone who has read this collection so far and I'm excited to publish more! Also, there will be a part 2 to this story! 
                          
Hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget to vote and leave a comment! 
                          
XOXOXO, 
                          
G