Kiss Me

Chapter 10

    I was at my locker, putting away the book we were reading in my English class. My headphones were in and I was humming quietly to the song that played. I was so deep in thought that I jumped when I felt someone tap my shoulder.

     Turning around, my eyes widened when I saw Ella standing in front of me. Her blue eyes were bright and she was smiling warmly, and I stared at her in shock. It was crazy how a month ago we'd been strangers and I had desperately wanted her attention. But now with her in front of me, I didn't know how to act.

    "Hey," Ella said. "What's up?"

    "Ugh, nothing," I said, glancing at my locker. "Just putting some books away."

    "Well... I was wondering if you wanted to hang out at lunch. We could grab bubble tea nearby."

    It took everything in me to not look shocked. And as joy and hope rose in me, I fought back a look of utter joy.

    "I'd love that," I said.

    "Okay, I'll see you at lunch then," Ella said, smiling widely. "Bye, Luke."

    "See you."

    Ella was beaming and once she wasn't looking at me, I fist pumped the air, ecstatic. Never in my life did I think I'd be spending time with Ella like this. I'd been furious at Parker for introducing us, but now it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.

*****

    Ella and I were sitting in a small bubble tea store. We were sitting at a table by the window, facing each other, with our bubble tea in front of us. Ella was slurping on hers and I was staring at her, feeling mesmerized. She'd been carrying the conversation and I was so thankful she was a social butterfly.

    "What are you plans when you graduate?" Ella asked.

    "University for sure," I answered. "I'm hoping to become an engineer."

    Ella looked impressed. Her eyebrows rose and I flushed at her reaction.

     "You must be smart. I wish I could relate," Ella said.

    "You probably are smart," I said. "What are your plans?"

    "I'm still... confused." Ella frowned and grew deep in thought. "I'm taking it one step at at time, but I'm debating between teaching and accounting."

    "That's cool. I hope you figure things out soon."

    Ella smiled at me and I smiled back. With every minute that passed, I grew more comfortable around Ella. She was easy to be with and I realized I didn't need to be so nervous around her.

    "High school flew by," Ella said. "I liked high school though. It was a fun experience."

    "I liked high school a lot, too," I said. "It's sad it's ending soon. I hope university is fun, too. Even if it's a different experience."

    "Well, there'll be no Kissing Game, so university will definitely be a different experience."

    Ella went to take a sip of her bubble tea and at the mention of the Kissing Game, I couldn't help but think about Ella's ultimatum of how whoever she dated would have to be the Holy Kisser. Thinking about it, I grew curious.

    "What are your thoughts on the Kissing Game?" I asked.

    "It's... fun, I guess," Ella said, shrugging. "It's what makes this school different than your typical high school. The game has its flaws, but you can't deny it doesn't spice things up here."