CHAPTER 2

After that electrifying encounter in the cafeteria, I discovered a twist of fate that would bring me closer to Ezra. As I settled into my classes for the day, I noticed a curious pattern: Ezra seemed to share many of my classes. This unexpected turn of events set my heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

In each class, I strategically chose a seat at the back, where I could discreetly observe Ezra without drawing too much attention to myself. It was a spot I'd grown comfortable with, a place to hide from the world and keep my secrets guarded.

Just as I'd settled into my seat during my first class of the day, the door swung open, and in walked Ezra, accompanied by her friends, Josh, Ryan, and Jude. I couldn't help but steal glances at Ezra, who looked just as captivating as she had in the cafeteria. Our eyes met once again, and my cheeks flushed crimson. This time, Ezra responded with a smile, a smile that sent my heart into a flutter before she turned to join her friends in the middle of the aisle.

The day continued, and my heart raced with every stolen glance in Ezra's direction. Concentrating in class became an impossible task, as I felt the weight of Ezra's gaze on me. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, a sensation I couldn't quite explain.

As the classes progressed, Ezra's friends began to catch on to her obvious interest in me. They exchanged knowing glances and teasing remarks, fully aware of my crush. Despite their banter, Ezra remained undeterred, her attention fixed solely on me. She smiled openly, not bothering to hide her fascination with the quiet girl at the back of the classroom.

I couldn't help but feel flustered and exposed under Ezra's unrelenting gaze. In each class, as our eyes met, I found myself blushing and turning away, trying to maintain my composure. This pattern repeated itself throughout the day, leaving me feeling both elated and perplexed.

It wasn't until our last class of the day, a science class, that the tension finally broke. As the bell signaled the end of the lesson, I hurriedly packed my things and stood up, eager to leave the classroom and escape the intensity of Ezra's attention.

But as I turned to make my way to the door, I collided with something hard. Looking up in surprise, I found myself face to face with none other than Ezra, whose smile seemed to light up the room. My heart skipped a beat, and I immediately assumed that Ezra would be angry about the collision.

However, to my astonishment, Ezra simply stood there, still wearing that captivating smile. I stammered out an apology, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Ezra, however, was utterly unfazed by the accident. She gently stopped me from apologizing further, taking the blame for standing in the way, even though it had clearly been an accident.

Then, in a moment that left me utterly bewildered, Ezra confessed her intention. She told me that she wanted to be my friend and asked for my phone number. My eyes widened, and I couldn't help but blush even deeper at Ezra's request.

In a shy and hesitant voice, I finally mustered the courage to ask, "Why do you want to be my friend?" My voice quivered with uncertainty.

Ezra's smile softened, and she replied, "Because I think you're really interesting, and I'd like to get to know you better." Her words were honest and straightforward, and they left me speechless.

With a shy nod and a reluctant smile, I handed over my phone number to Ezra, who took it with a grin. I couldn't quite comprehend the whirlwind of emotions that had just taken over my day, and as Ezra ruffled my hair and bid me goodbye, I stood there in the hallway, trying to process what had just happened.

In the quiet corridors of Crestwood High, my world had just shifted in the most unexpected way. I now had Ezra's number, and the charismatic volleyball captain wanted to be my friend. As I replayed the day's events in my mind, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held and how this newfound connection would change my life.

---