Day 298: Childhood Like

As she folds up the piece of paper, I see her glance my way. The teacher is writing a list of math problems in chalk on the blackboard. With a sleight of hand, the note moves from her fingers to behind her, to the side, and onto the next person. My palms start to sweat. What if she said no. What if she said yes. What does it mean to boyfriend and girlfriend? Do we automatically have to hold hands to show our companionship? Will one of us trade seats? Do I have to be at every door from now on and make sure it’s open before she even thinks about opening it herself? The note seemingly floats around the room until it reaches my row. It is passed forward, one by one. I don’t even have to turn around to know it’s headed towards me. I peak over again, but she’s writing down the math problems. Be cool. It’s cool. Then there’s a psst. I turn around. Sam is looking at Kevin next to me. Kevin reaches out his hand without taking his eyes off the board. He opens the note slowly without making a sound. The teacher is asking someone to answer the first question, but I haven’t even looked up. I look over at her. She’s looking my way, but Kevin is looking back with a smile. He picks up a pencil and draws a circle on the folded paper. I guess my note must have gotten lost in the mail.