Love Notes - By Heather Gunter Page 0,5

out why I’m having this reaction to her. No other girl ever has affected me like this.

Her neck and chest are red and splotchy. I think it’s cute. She’s nervous and her voice quivers a little. I can tell she’s not a fan of speaking publicly. I can’t help but feel completely captivated by her as she speaks. I learn where she’s moved from and that she’s moved around a lot. My heart hurts a little for her. I can't imagine not living in the same place with the friends I have had my whole entire life.

Her name is Charlie.

It seems to fit her. She seems so shy, but something tells me this girl isn’t really what she seems, and she’s worth getting to know.

Charlie. For a girl.

It’s different, but I like it.

No, I love it.

And it’s sexy as hell.

Chapter 4-Charlie

This has not been a great start to the day so far. I feel like I’m just going through the motions. The only time I’ve felt normal or that I was noticed in any capacity, was when I showed my less than stellar walking skills.

I’m mentally slapping myself as I try to find my first class which happens to be history. A Mrs. Jenkins is my teacher. I spot a place in the far corner of the classroom to sit. Get there as inconspicuously as possible, I think to myself. I’ve already made myself look like a fool once and I'm not keen to continue on that track.

Now that I’m seated, I’m hoping the teacher won’t do that embarrassing thing they always do when they call you to the front of the room to talk about yourself. I hate that shit, and despise talking in front of people. I feel as if I’m being put on display. I see myself as a boring, uninteresting, and not a whole lot to look at.

The class is quickly filling up and in walks that guy. The one that put me in a state of shock, by calling me pretty. Is it possible for him to be even better looking than I first thought? He peers around the room and as he does, so do I. I realize the only seat available is right smack dab next to me. He starts walking over and damn, even his saunter is hot. I quickly turn away, not wanting to get caught staring at him. I decide to pretend that he’s not even there.

Yep, just pretend and everything will be fine. Remain cool. Yeah right, I am so the epitome of un-cool.

The moment he sits down, the teacher starts to speak.

“We have a new student, would you please come up and introduce yourself to the class?”

I feel my chest and neck start to get hot and I know exactly what that means. Damn it, everyone will see it and know it too. When I’m nervous, I get a reddish gross looking blotchy mess, that covers my entire chest and neck area. Not something easily missed, trust me.

When I get to the front of the class, I start telling them about myself. My name and where I moved from. That’s all I’m willing to share. I finish and quickly walk right back to my desk making sure to look at the ground and avoid all eye contact.

As I’m bee lining it to my seat, I see a couple of girls smirking. Not just smirking, but openly staring at me with contempt and cutting their eyes. I wonder what that’s all about, but then I think, what the hell do I care? I want to make friends, but definitely not that kind.

Mrs. Jenkins calls out the roll and I learn that this gorgeous boy’s name is Maverick. I can’t help but think what a cool and different name. In a strange way, something as simple as his name makes me feel good. Maybe because my name is uncommon too. I don't know what it is about this boy. No not boy–guy. I feel an attraction to him unlike anything I’ve ever felt. I quickly tamper down my feelings and chastise myself for having any at all. I’m not the girl that gets that kind of guy.

History is over before I know it. During the class, the only thing interesting I have learned so far is that his name is Maverick. Maverick, what a strong name and not one you ever hear, at least not since the Top Gun movie. I wonder if he has a story about his name,