The word "crush" always amused me. It's such a horrible word for such a wonderful thing. But I paid no attention to the warning signs in the name itself. I just knew that you were my crush.

My life was a whirlwind of puppy love and infatuations. I guess you would call them crushes. But they all fizzled out like a firecracker dropped in water. Until you, that is.

I thought all the boys I "loved" before were something. Now they all seem the same, bland brick wall. And you're an explosion of personality, humor, creativity, and curiosity.

I had no idea but the perfect date with you was forming in my head when I first met you. And I when I actually thought about it, it was already there.

We would walk on the beach, the water just warm enough for us to put our toes in. We would laugh and tell jokes for hours, not noticing how late it had gotten until we wished on our first star together. We would drive back to my house but stop at the neighborhood and walk together, savoring the last moments of the night together. We would eventually reach the porch and sadly say how much we loved the night. Maybe a small kiss would be shared. You would watch the door close behind me but linger, lost in thoughts about me. And you would have no idea but I would be leaning with my back against the door thinking the exact same thing.

Funny how a fantasy can shatter in a single moment. All my dreams imploded, burning me as I held onto that firecracker too long.

You don't know this but I read the text messages you sent to my friend. And to the other girls. I saw who you really are. You weren't my knight in shining armor but the dragon that was holding me captive.

Something broke within me that day. What it was, I'm afraid to find out. The ability to trust or maybe love.

You were the boy that taught me why it's called a crush.