The Best Years

one

Jodi

"So, I was talking to them, right? And- hey! Would you quit staring?" my best friend tried to snap me out of my trance. "Sorry, sorry. What were you saying?"

"What the hell are you even staring at?" she looks behind her to try and find it. "Nothing." I reply, continuously staring. "Oh my god, Jodi. Would you just te- oh. I see. It's not a what, it's a who." she smirked at me. "Just go talk to him already!"

"Viv! If you get any louder, my chances will be ruined." I told her, trying to calm her down. "We've been coming to this coffee shop since the summer before we started college. You haven't looked at mr. barista boy like that."

She's right. I really never noticed him until last week. He helped me on the bus because I fell asleep after a long day. He woke me up to tell me we were the last two people on the bus. Really embarrassing, I know. "It's nothing, Viv, seriously. I don't need to interact with him unless it's about coffee."

"Fine. Suit yourself."

--

I really never saw myself to be a good athlete. I am on my college's basketball team, but I'd say I'm just decent. I get some play time, I guess. No, I'm not a jock. I really only have two friends: Viv and Lucas.

"Dude, I cannot handle the vibe in fin-lit. After Mr. Crawford's scandal, I couldn't look at him the same." Viv said, putting her lunch down on the table. "Not gonna lie, he's now attractive to me." said Lucas, followed by me and Viv throwing up in our mouths a bit. 

"Lucas, I can't with your gay ass." Viv laughed. I looked across a few tables and I saw him. Barista boy. I stared again, unconsciously. "She's at it, again." Viv whispered to Lucas. "Is it that barista boy?" he asked and she nodded in response. 

"HEY!" Lucas snapped me out of my trance. "You know, it's rude to stare."

"Oh, sorry. I didn't realize-"

"Will you just ask him for his number already?" Viv pushed. "Guys, I don't even know his name!" they both groaned at my statement. "Jodi, the girl-who-falls-in-love-with-every-guy-who-talks-to-her." Lucas made fun of me. 

I can't deny it because it's true. Hell, I even fell in love with Lucas before I found out he was gay. "Shut up, guys."

--

wowowowow. i'm writing. how weird.