[Wait for me after school.]
No way was I going to do that.
Today was my crush Winford Lamb's birthday.
I promised I'd be there.
I texted back. [You're too old. I like sunshine boys.]
After school, I sneaked out with my best friend Michele Trujillo to the bar.
I sat in a corner, swaying to the music while Michele sang.
Winford came over and sat next to me.
He said, "Lilia, I have something to tell you."
I turned to meet his intense gaze.
I knew where this was going.
I scratched my neck, suddenly feeling guilty.
Lyman's texts came back to mind.
[Lilia, you're being naughty.]
His message seemed to press down on me.
"Lilia," Winford pulled my attention back, "are you listening?"
"Huh? What were you saying?" I asked.
He leaned in close to my ear, his voice soft and a bit intimate.
He said, "I've liked you for a long time.
"Will you be my girlfriend?"
Just then, Michele switched songs.
Winford's words echoed in the suddenly quiet room.
Everyone was shocked.
They all looked at me.
It was super awkward.
Logically, I should've been thrilled. After all, I liked Winford.
But his confession now made me feel uneasy.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop thinking about Lyman.
My neck itched like crazy.