Page 14 of His Shy Girl

I nod slowly. My feelings are so much deeper. I would never be able to put into words how I feel about him.

“And does he like you as more than a friend too?”

He did. But that was before he met me. Now, I don’t know what he thinks of me, and I’m too scared to get online and see whether I have a message from him…or not. I don’t want to see that he’s unfriended me.

I take the pen and paper back and begin to write.

He told me he came to see me because he didn’t want to tell me over the computer that he was having feelings for me. But then I just climbed in my car and took off. I was so nervous and didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to scare him off with my stuttering.

I hand her back the paper, and she smiles at the first part, but her smile fades again.

“It’s okay to be nervous, Willow. Even I stuttered through my sentences when I spoke to your dad for the first time. I felt like such a fool for all the nonsense I was blabbering on about. My stomach was so full of butterflies, I couldn’t think straight. But your dad just thought it was cute. He liked the fact that he made me nervous because it showed him that I liked him. So, please don’t assume that you’ve ruined things. All you need to do to is talk to him. Tell him that you struggle with your speech. Explain why you didn’t tell him. If he really has feelings for you, it won’t matter. And if it’s a problem for him, then good riddance. You don’t need someone in your life that can’t accept all of you.”

She makes it sound so simple. Yet, she didn’t see his face. The freaked-out look in his eyes. I don’t think he’ll ever want to talk to me again.

“Look, I know sometimes it’s easier to run from our problems. But just make sure you’re not running from something truly special. I’ve honestly never even heard you talk about boys before, so that has to say something about him. He might be worth it.”

He’s definitely worth it. I’m just not sure he thinks I’m worth it.

“Do you want to tell me what this boy’s name is?”

“Brennon.” His name comes out completely clear and my mom’s eyes flare on a gasp. I’m shocked too.

“Well, I hope things work out with him, kiddo.” She smiles. “But if they don’t, know that there are plenty of fish in the sea.”

Not for me there aren’t. My sea is more like a tiny fishbowl. Brennon was the first and only guy who’s ever showed any interest.

“Th-th-thanks, M-m-mom.” And now my words are shaky again.

She leans in and gives me a hug. “Anytime you need to talk, I’m here. Now, I’m going to go down and start making dinner, but if you need me, just let me know.”

As soon as she leaves my room, I take a deep breath, looking toward my computer, wondering what’s waiting for me as soon as I boot it up. My stomach is churning, wavering on the precipice of my truth. What if he’s gone? What if he unfriended me and blocked me in the game? It’s what I’m bracing myself for as my screen starts to glow.

10

Brennon

Istare at the corner of my screen, waiting for her little icon to turn green. It’s been over an hour and there’s still nothing.

“Hey, Bren!” My mom knocks on my open door. “I was just looking at some apartment complexes and was wondering if you’ve made any progress with finding a roommate?” Roommate? I’ve been too preoccupied with Willow to even think about it. “If you haven’t had any luck yet, I found a couple that offer roommate matching. You can choose a double, triple, or quad, depending on how many guys you want to live with.”

I’m really not in the mood to think about this right now.

“Sure, Mom. Just text me the links and I’ll have a look.”

“What’s wrong, Bren?” Her voice is closer, and I hear the creak of my bed. I finally lift my eyes from Willow’s little red icon and turn to face her.

“Nothing’s wrong. I’ve just got stuff on the brain. No, I haven’t met anyone yet. If you want to send me the information, I can take a look.”

Her eyes narrow right in. “I know when my boy’s upset. Now, tell me, what’s going on?”

Why do mothers have to be so nosy? Although, honestly, I could use a female’s opinion because listening to my buddy’s advice may have lost me my girl.

“I met this girl. And I really like her, Mom. A lot.” Her face lights up, but she hasn’t heard the rest of it yet. “But I don’t think she likes me back.”

“What makes you say that? You’re so handsome and kind. Everyone likes my little Bren.” And she’s biased because she’s my mom.

“I went to go surprise her at her school today, and she got all nervous and took off.”

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