Never Been Kissed by Daisie Sam

Chapter 8

The official title of “girlfriend” brought a newfound confidence to Amelia. No longer was she the shy bookworm lurking in the library shadows. Now, she walked the halls with her head held high, a secret smile playing on her lips whenever she caught Ethan’s gaze across the crowded classroom.

Their relationship blossomed amidst the pressures of schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Stolen glances in English class became whispered jokes, and lunchtime found them sharing a table, their laughter echoing through the cafeteria. Ethan, ever the charmer, managed to score them coveted tickets to the school play, a production of “Romeo and Juliet” – a fitting tribute to their initial Shakespearean connection.

However, the world of high school wasn’t all sunshine and stolen kisses. Rumors about their unlikely pairing swirled through the hallways, fueled by whispers and surprised stares. The popular crowd, accustomed to Ethan’s string of fleeting dates, couldn’t quite grasp the concept of a genuine connection.

One afternoon, during a heated debate in history class, Amelia found herself the target of a snide remark from Jessica Miller, the queen bee of their year. “Enjoying the spotlight, Shakespeare?” Jessica sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Must be nice, finally catching Ethan’s eye.”

Amelia bristled, but before she could retort, Ethan stepped in. “Leave her alone, Jessica,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “This isn’t about popularity contests, and Amelia is a lot more interesting than you’ll ever be.”

A stunned silence descended upon the class. Jessica, faced with a public display of loyalty, stormed out, her cheeks flushed with anger. Amelia looked at Ethan, her heart overflowing with gratitude.

“Thanks, Ethan,” she mumbled, a shy smile gracing her lips.

Ethan squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry about what people say,” he whispered. “We know the truth.”

That night, as they walked home under the starlit sky, Amelia realized that dating Ethan came with a price. There would be whispers and judgment, but their connection, built on shared passions and mutual respect, was something she wouldn’t trade for anything.

The weekend brought a welcome respite. Ethan surprised her with a picnic lunch in a secluded clearing deep within the town forest. As they spread out their blanket beneath a canopy of leaves, the world seemed to shrink to just the two of them.

They talked for hours, sharing hopes and dreams for the future. Ethan confided in her his secret desire to pursue writing after graduation, a dream he’d kept hidden for fear of ridicule. Amelia, in turn, shared her aspirations of getting her work published one day. The realization that they could support each other’s dreams, that their love story was woven into their individual journeys, filled Amelia with a profound sense of happiness.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the clearing, Ethan pulled her close. “You know,” he began, his voice husky, “I never thought I’d find someone who actually gets me. Someone who can spend hours discussing Shakespeare and still laugh at my terrible jokes.”

“And I,” Amelia admitted, leaning her head against his shoulder, “never thought I’d find someone who not only cares about my writing but believes in me enough to push me to chase my dreams.”

Ethan cupped her face in his hands, his gaze holding hers. “You are everything I never knew I wanted, Amelia. You’re smart, you’re beautiful, and you make me want to be a better person.”

Their lips met in a kiss that was soft and tender, filled with a deeper understanding and a growing sense of commitment. In that moment, under the watchful gaze of the setting sun, Amelia knew this was more than just a high school romance. This was a love story waiting to be written, a story filled with challenges and triumphs, laughter and tears, but most importantly, a story filled with the unwavering support of two hearts beating as one.