Elliot Thompson sat at his usual spot in the school cafeteria, idly pushing his food around with a fork. His best friend, Miles, was chattering away about some new TV show, but Elliot’s mind was elsewhere. His eyes kept drifting to the other side of the room, where a group of girls was laughing and giggling. Among them was Jenna Parker, the girl, who had occupied Elliot’s thoughts for the better part of the last year.
Jenna was everything Elliot wished about, she was confident, athletic, effortlessly charming. Her dark hair fell perfectly into place, and her smile could light up a room. Elliot felt a flutter in his stomach every time Jenna glanced into his direction, even if those glances were rare and fleeting.
“Earth to Elliot” Mile’s voice broke through his reverie.
“Huh? Sorry, what did you say?” Elliot asked, tearing his attention away from Jenna.
“I was asking if you want to come over after school to play some video games” Miles repeated, rolling his eyes with a grin. “But clearly, you’re too busy daydreaming about Jenna”
Elliot blushed and looked at Miles kind of angry. “I wasn’t daydreaming,” he stated.
“Sure, you weren’t,” Miles teased. “Why don’t you just talk to her?”
Elliot shook his head vigorously. “No way. She doesn’t even know I exist.”
Miles sighed, but before he could say anything more, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Elliot gathered his things and followed Miles out of the cafeteria, while his mind still lingering on Jenna and her perfect smile.
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Elliot found it hard to concentrate in the classes, his thoughts constantly drifting back to Jenna. He replayed every interaction they’d ever had, which were mostly limited to a few shared classes and the occasional awkward smile in the hallway. Elliot wished he had the courage to talk to Jenna, but every time he thought about it, his heart raced, and his palms grew sweaty.
As the final bell rang, Elliot packed his bag slowly, not in any hurry to get home. Miles had another course before they will meet for the video gaming.
So Elliot was on his own and walked out of the school and decided to take the long way home, hoping the cool evening air would clear his mind.
The sky was painted with the warm hues of sunset as Elliot made his way through the park near his house. He sat down on a bench by the lake, watching the ducks glide across the water. It was peaceful here, a stark contrast to the chaos of his thoughts.