When I First Met You.

Chapter 1 - Introduction (pt.3)

D Y L A N

It's been a long time since I last got to do something that wasn't a part of me being a school athlete or spending time with my girlfriend Madison, I've always felt a certain pressure on my shoulders and there has never been a person around me that hasn't pushed me to be a certain way or act differently to who I am.

Ever since I began playing ice-hockey until now everyone around me treats me as a superhero, but if they knew the truth about me and who I really was outside of sports, they would stop worshiping me completely.

I'm happy despite my feelings on everything, for the first time in a long time I'm going to Barcelona on a school 'culture' excursion for Spanish class, with my girlfriend and my friends. I've never really traveled outside the US before and it's going to be a welcome break from my studies for a while.

I'm currently waiting in the airport terminal with my class as I stare at the floor pensively in deep thought, I'm sat next to my girlfriend and my best friend, desperate to escape my school life and have some fun for the first time in a long time.

"Dylan, you're staring into space, are you alright?" Madison asks, as she tugs on my black jacket.

"Yeah babe, I'm fine just happy to get away for a while." I say smiling, as I kiss her.

"Is that all you're excited for, are you not happy to be spending a week with your girl in Barcelona?" She says, as she looks at me suggestively.

"Of course I'm excited for us to spend time together babe, why wouldn't I be?" I say, as I smile at her trying to look happier.

instead of replying she just shrugs and begins looking at her pink iPhone. Dating Madison has been an interesting experience, it's not that I don't love her or anything but I don't feel the same as she does. Sometimes I wonder why I'm still with her or why she is still with me, but the 'relationship' keeps me busy, despite me not feeling the same way about her.

I don't know what it is or what about me feels different, but I have a stronger attraction to my guy friends or guys in general, I don't know if I would date my friends as I don't think any of them would understand completely, I want someone that will understand my interests and vibe with my personality more than Madison does at least, she only likes me because I'm considered attractive.

"Yo Dude, we're moving to the gate." My best friend Ryan says, as he nudges me.

"Oh great." I say, as I grab my suitcase and walk with my class.

"You've been out all day bro, you feeling alright?" Ryan asks, as he walks beside me.

"I'm feeling fine, just nervous about the flight." I answer, smiling nervousley.

Walking to the gate takes no time at all, I start to feel a dizzying mix of nervousness and excitement in the pit of my stomach. Today is my chance to find what I've been searching for, to escape for atleast a little while, I've got a feeling that this excursion will change my life, I can't wait for it to begin.

As the gate agent checks everyones tickets, I prepare mine to be checked. Once on the plane, I put my bags in the compartment and I sit next to Madison and Ryan, as the plane reaches the runway I'm ready to fall asleep and settle in for the long ride ahead.

As I settle in, I repeat to myself softly

"I can't wait."