By the time Connie, Amanda, and I arrived at the stadium, people were already packed in for the football game. We squeezed our way as close to the front as we could, cutting off a few people as we did so and getting quite a few glares in return.

One day, when Jackson and I were dating, he'd reserve seats for me right at the front. I'd attend every game and cheer at the top of my lungs and he'd run over to me at the end of the game and kiss me so passionately that everyone else would stop in their tracks at the intensity of us. I sighed to myself as we sat down a few rows away. That would be the day.

"You just had to get your nachos," I grumbled as I crossed my arms. The players were already on the field and I spotted number 23's jersey with particular interest. Jackson was currently whispering something to number 7, who just happened to be his best friend, Max.

"Forgive me for being hungry," Amanda grumbled as she stuffed her mouth with a nacho loaded with cheese and salsa. "You didn't have to get a drink."

Remembering my coke, I reached for the cup and took a sip. "What's a football game without a drink?"

"We made it in perfect time," Connie cut in, ever the peace maker. "Look, it's starting!"

Jackson's team was huddled up on the field. The ball flew in the air and a player was tackled to the ground.

I clicked my tongue, "Right," I trailed, "So does anyone know anything about football?"

"Nope," Connie chimed.

"Not a thing," Amanda responded.

Note to self: In order to gain football player boyfriend, one must first learn about football.

Another note to self: Your lack of initiation is startling, Mabel.

The rest of the game followed a similar pattern - ball was thrown. Ball was caught. Player was tackled with said ball, and so forth.

By the end of the game, Connie, Amanda, and I were watching a group of girls who actually understood how to play the game. When they cheered, we did.

One of the girl's had Jackson's number painted onto her cheek. But I'd forgive her once Jackson and I were together if she helped me support his passion. I'm all for women supporting women.

We filed out of the stadium at the end of the game - Jackson's team crushing the others (again, this information was gathered from said group of girls. I had no reason not to believe them, though I did find girl number 23 to be extremely irritating.)

We made a quick pit stop to the restrooms to change into our party dresses. I slid into my strappy dark green, silky and slinky dress. It came to my thighs and matched my eyes perfectly. I slid on my heels and met Connie and Amanda by the mirrors as they freshened their makeup.

"Feeling okay?" Connie asked as she puckered her lips by the sink, applying a dark shade of lipstick. Her long, sleek black hair flowed effortlessly down to her waist.

"I feel nervous. Anxious. Excited. Hopeful-" I blabbed.

Amanda shushed me, presumably before I could continue with my feelings chart. "You'll do great, Mabel. Just don't overthink it."

Don't overthink it. I'm not sure people were aware how impossible that was for me. My brain flew a mile a minute and I over analyzing everything.

If only I had Amanda's confidence.

Note to self: Discover how Amanda is so confident and use it for my benefit.

I tucked my red hair behind my ears, already missing my braids and took a deep breath. This was the time. I'd finally meet him properly. I just needed to put my best foot forward. My phone buzzed at that moment and I pulled it out, smiling at my personalized Marcus emojis.

🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♂️♋️🧦🤯Marcus: How's our quest going?

Mabel: Realizing I know nothing about football

🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♂️♋️🧦🤯Marcus: One more thing to add to our to do list

Mabel: What are you up to?

🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♂️♋️🧦🤯Marcus: Poker night! Guys are taking bets on you and your jock as we speak

Mabel: Please tell me you're kidding...

🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♂️♋️🧦🤯Marcus: Obviously. Relax Maybie. You got this.

🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♂️♋️🧦🤯 Marcus: On second thought, I feel like I shouldn't need to clarify this but don't accept any drinks from guys

I smiled, shoving my phone back into my pocket as Amanda, Connie, and I piled into Amanda's car, driving to Jackson's house.

After a few minutes, we pulled up to his mansion. Did I mention Jackson's parents were loaded? They're loaded.

The automatic gate was already wide open, cars littering the length of the driveway, people crowding the front as some made their way into the house. The music could be heard all the way from the car.

We exited the car and I shook my arms to get rid of my nerves. "You okay Mabel?" Amanda asked, taking in my quiet state.

"Just... nervous." I explained. I had never done the 'party' thing in high school and I didn't know anyone well enough to truly attend parties in college so I felt seriously out of my element. And when I was nervous, I blabbed. That was how I ended up confessing my love for Jackson the last time I saw him.

"Come on, you," Connie mused, throwing her arm over my shoulder as we walked inside the massive home.

Amanda's perfectly curled blonde tendrils sashaying as she walked were what I focused on as she led the way forward as per usual. Calm, Mabel.

We entered the house to even more boisterous bodies than there were outside. It was loud. I felt my heart thumping along with the beat of the music.

Amanda led us into the kitchen, squeezing past a few guests as she retrieved three beers from a cooler.

She gave one to Connie before opening mine and handing it over, probably assuming I couldn't open mine for myself. I mean, she was probably right.

She took her bottle and took a quick swig, wincing at the liquid. I wondered briefly how long she'd drink beer as retribution against her parents.

My eyes scanned the large house, zooming in on a group huddled at the back, seemingly having more fun than anyone else at the party. I spotted the short blonde cut and blue eyes straight away and I felt a smile creep onto my face. He was so cute.

I turned around abruptly, "He's right there," I squealed.

"Step one," Connie encouraged me.

"Right. What was that?"

"Just show interest," Amanda encouraged.

Right. I could this. That was easy. I practiced. Someone almost kissed me against his car. He was a prick, but it still counted.

Amanda, Connie, and I walked closer to the football players, all drinking and laughing. I noticed Jackson chatting to Max animatedly.

I maintained eye contact. Jackson looked at me and smiled. I smiled, but not too much, but not like a maniac. Looked away, took a swig of beer. Remembered I hated beer. Tried not to make a disgusted face. Looked back at Jackson sheepishly. He grinned at me.

And then turned around to talk to Max and didn't look up again.

I hate my life.

I shook my head and shouted, "I'm going to find a different drink." Amanda and Connie nodded as I turned away from them.

I walked into the kitchen and pulled out my phone in a huff.

Mabel: I'm starting to doubt your teachings

I grabbed a sprite and cracked open the can, washing down the taste of the beer. My phone buzzed almost immediately.

🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♂️♋️🧦🤯 Marcus: What happened?

Mabel: I looked. I smiled. He went on with his conversation

🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♂️♋️🧦🤯 Marcus: Ready for your next lesson?

Mabel: Over text?! You know I'm an extremely slow learner.

🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♂️♋️🧦🤯 Marcus: I know, I found pink underwear in my load again. We need to work on that

🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♂️♋️🧦🤯 Marcus: Be confident! You're a catch but you need to believe that for him to believe it

Mabel: You're telling me to approach?? Mayday! Abort!

"Hey," A masculine voice sounded next to me.

My eyes shot up from my phone to meet the bluest eyes I'd ever seen in my life.

KEEP IT COOL, MABEL. I'm freaking out. I'm freaking out. "Hey. Uh- How's it going?"

Good. You're cool. You're collected. YOU'RE COOL.

"Kind of running on a high right now," He grinned at me. I'm dying. "Were you at my game?"

"Oh yeah! I mean, I wouldn't miss it. I'm uh-a fan." I rambled, clamping my lips shut before I could continue.

He laughed and if that wasn't the sweetest sound I wasn't sure what was. He was perfect. "A fan you say? I'm Jackson," he grinned reaching his hand over for mine.

My eyes widened. He didn't remember me, I was almost positive. My hand was as cold as death. "Mabel," I fumbled forward and gripped his hand before he brought my hand to his lips. His lips!

"Nice to meet you, Mabel. So do you think I could get your number? I'd love to take you out some time."

He wants to take me out! Calm, deep breaths, Mabel. DO NOT TELL HIM YOU LOVE HIM.

"Y-yeah," I cleared my throat, "For sure."

He slid his phone to me with a smile, "Great." I plugged in my number before handing it back to him. "I'll call you," he stated before walking back to his group.

I turned to find Amanda and Connie's eyes on us. Amanda burst out into a dance and Connie pumped her fists, throwing her arms around Amanda in happiness.

Did that just happen?!

I remembered my previously buzzing phone and lifted my phone back up, unlocking it to read my message from Marcus.

🧙🏼‍♂️🧞‍♂️♋️🧦🤯 Marcus: Don't doubt yourself. Here's a secret - I actually enjoy your company. What guy wouldn't?