Crystal paced around my room, still processing everything that I told her.

I felt bad for keeping it from her, from everyone. I haven't even told my parents.

"I just, Koleen we're best friends. Why didn't you tell me?" She says in a disappointed tone.

I sighed, "I didn't want you to make a big deal out of it and such. I'm sorry."

"Why wouldn't I make it a big deal? It's your first boyfriend Leen! Is my enthusiasm annoying?"

"No it's not that, I was just shy about it."

"Right. Y'all have been dating for a week and I never even noticed, the only way I found out was because the whole school was talking about it!"

I looked at her apologetic, and her face softened.

"I'm sorry Crystal. I promise I won't keep stuff from you anymore." I say leaving my spot on the couch to go and hug her.

"Ok. I'll forgive you. But I want every detail about it."

"Deal."

So I told her how it all happened, and the romantic things he did, even the kissing parts and how I felt.

It felt so good to let it all out, to talk about it to someone.

I should've told her when it all happened.

"Aww, Leen. And you said you didn't like bad boys." She teased poking my sides.

I laughed, "The thing is, I don't categorize him as one."

Sure he had his problems, and issues, but everyone had them. I thought it was what made us human somehow.

"So how was your date the other day then? Anything hot happened?"

I blushed. "No. Not at all. It's too early for that."

"You'd think he'd pull a move though, I would've gladly responded."

I rolled my eyes, "Ok, but that's you. I wouldn't, I want my first relationship to be taken slow with no rush."

She fake yawned, "Boooring."

I threw a pillow at her which made her laugh, and we ended up having a pillow fight.

I'm glad I told her everything, I missed talking to my best friend.

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My legs were getting heavier as I ran towards the goal with the ball between my feet.

Now that Cross Country was over I had Track, and Soccer to worry about.

The practice clothing, and uniforms weren't much different from the Cross Country one.

The shorts rose up, but they weren't as short which made things more comfortable for me.

This may be the only uniform I'd be comfortable to be seen in by Bryson.

Now that I have someone, I never even stopped to realize how I'd look while performing.

Sure he saw me in the Cross Country meet before, but I don't know, now that we were official I felt different.

More vulnerable...?

I was about to kick the ball when one of the girls stole it from me, practically shoving me to the turf.

"What the hell Lisa?!" I stood up, and ran towards her, but before I could steal the ball back she hit the ball into the net.

She cheered and gave me a smug smile. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

She may have been the team captain but she was the worst.

"Aw, maybe next time Paris?" She says looking at me innocently. I hated the way she said my last name, it always sounded like she wanted me to challenge her, prove that I'm less than her. "By the way, since when did Anderson start dating girls like you?"

"Girls like me?" I ask confused.

"You know, the lesser, weirdo, charity case?" She laughs making some of the others giggle as well.

My face heat up in embarrassment.

"You know Lisa, you may be the team captain, but you will never be faster than me. And if that's what bugs you about me, don't take it out on me, train harder and maybe you can keep up." I say storming out of the field to get some water.

At least it'll cool down my hot face.

"Are you okay Leens?" My coach asks approaching me.

I wanted to tell him no, that Lisa is disrespecting me, but he'll only request a team bonding activity and anything is better than bonding with them, so I hold my tongue and simply nod.

He gives me a tight smile then to the others says, "Ok ladies hit the showers. Good practice." They all cheer together then run inside towards the building.

"Koleen I know it's always been a struggle to get along with the others, but this is your senior year, can't you just get along for one last time?"

Me?

He's acting like I'm the problem?

Lisa was the one who called me worthless!

"What about the other girls coach? Did you have this chat with them?" I tried not to give an attitude, but they were no saints.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I did Koleen. You better cool it with the attitude, or I'll make you do bleachers all period. Hit the showers."

Once I faced away from him I rolled my eyes.

"Did you get in trouble again Miss.Pari?" Lisa mocks me as she exited the showers.

"Shut it." I tell her walking towards the last stall.

I hated showering in the school's for fear that someone might see me, or a camera was hidden somewhere but I can't stand being sweaty, sticky, and gross so I had to suck it up.

I always tried to shower very quickly, not washing my hair and getting changed just as fast.

I liked showering in my own bathroom anyways, where there's more privacy.

I walked out of the locker room annoyed, but it went away as soon as I saw Bryson up ahead.

"Hey," he says linking his hand with mine. "I would've came sooner but the locker room is pretty far."

"You came to walk me ?" I asked admiring his effort.

"Yeah I wanted to see you."

My heart melted hearing him say that. I mean it also melted when I'd see it in romance movies, but it being targeted towards me made it ten times better.

I smiled up at him ,and pulled his hand towards me embracing it.

"Do you need to go to your locker?" He asks as we were close by. I nodded my head and broke our hold to switch out the journal for my next class after lunch.

"Well look who we have here boys, I guess the rumors are true. Leen the freak actually has a boyfriend." I hear Sean say approaching us.

"Surprised Anderson would be the first to commit to that."

"You better watch that mouth of yours, Stark." Bryson grabs my hand, and pulls me towards him, glaring at them.

"Hey," He raises his hands up defensively. "I'm just stating what everyone thinks." He smirks.

I didn't understand why it bothered everyone if it was none of their business. I couldn't walk with him without being stared down.

"Besides, " Sean steps closer towards my direction, looking into my eyes. "I haven't forgotten what you did to me Koleen." Something in his voice made it seem like a warning, almost like a threat.

I couldn't help but tell him off. "When I punched you for disrespecting

me? What are you going to do Sean, punch me too? And for what? Getting into jail for abusing a women ?"

I wanted him to back off, it's been a few quiet weeks without his disgusting remarks, and I was starting to become a comfortable invisible until...Bryson and I dated.

"I didn't say any of that. See y'all later, cuties." He walks away with his friends leaving me nervous, and Bryson still angry for being an ass towards us.

"If he ever comes towards you again just give me a call, and I'll gladly beat his ass." Bryson says.

I shook my head, "As much as I'd like that to happen, violence isn't the answer. You'll end up getting expelled probably, and who knows what else. I want you here. With me."

His face softened, and he came closer towards me. I knew he wanted to kiss me from the way he was looking at my lips, but I backed away.

PDA was uncomfortable for me. My head hit the lockers and he smirked.

"Just a quick kiss ThunderThighs." He whispers, leaning in.

Quick kiss.

Ok.

It's not much.

So I closed my eyes too, and immediately felt his lips on mine. A warm feeling appearing in my stomach.

I didn't know if I was a good kisser, but he sure as hell was. I'd always feel dazed after breaking our kiss. Each time I wanted more, but we were only together for a short time, I wanted to take things slow.

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