As it is destined to happen, I developed a crush. Yes, on a girl. Why is everyone so amazed by that?

I asked her to the school dance, even though by the rules of The Church, I was too young. She accepted and I was doing backflips (mentally, there's no way I can do a physical backflip). I couldn't be happier. And then it ended at the dance. Pretty much as soon as we entered she ran off to see her friends and dance with every other guy, never saying more than one word to me.

It took me awhile to stop blaming myself—thinking that I got what I deserved for breaking the rule.

My next crush also crushed me. Since, I was a year younger than everyone in my class, by the time I reached The Church's "legal" dating age, everyone was paired off. Pretty much on the day I turned 16, I was going to tell my crush my feelings. Luckily (sort of), I didn't get far as I found out she was with someone else (as was every other female in the class).

***

"Come on, Kid," said the ice cream man behind the counter.

I glanced up from my screen. A kid, probably about ten to twelve, debated on what ice cream he wanted.

The server groaned a sigh. "Come on, Kid, just pick one. We have 42 favors, just choose."

Finally the kid said, "Vanilla."

"Kind of bland, aren't you," said the server.

I returned to my work.

***

There was one girl I regret letting go...Suzie. We were in drama class together. Yeah, I know, what's a stuttering, shy, scared-of his-own-shadow guy like me doing in a drama class? Not the point.

Suzie and I were always partners. I should have picked up on the flirting; but after so many heartbreaks (I haven't told you them all), I was cold to love. She probably could have knocked me to the ground and assaulted me with kisses and I wouldn't have caught on.

Maybe if I'd been more aware...

Then again, maybe she was just being nice.

***

"Nice ice cream, Kid."

A group of bigger kids quickly surrounded the ice cream kid. The other patrons turned their seats away from the action; some whistled happy, oblivious tunes.

"I thought you didn't like vanilla," said Bully B.

"Idon't," snapped Bully A. "It's too bland. Nothing special about it. Just likethe Kid. I just wanna do this." In a swift motion, Bully A knocked the icecream from the kid's hand. The kid stared at it for a long moment while thebullies laughed. The kid finally glanced my way for a few fleeting secondsbefore walking away, trying not to show his sadness.

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