Steven passed by Cheriece as casually as his shaking hands and knees would allow. There was something about that girl that made his heart jump to his throat and choke his speech. It didn't help that he forgot his wallet at his desk, now she will be sure to take notice of him. Taking a deep breath he stopped, turned around and quickly tried to pass her again.

“Are you trying to listen to our conversation?” She noticed him.

“Ah… wallet, no pay. Okay?” successfully Steven made a fool of himself. The only thing he could hope for was to be saved by Geo, but that was unlikely.

“Look Stevie blunder, I don't need you all in our conversation. Get out of here.” she shooed him away with a disgusted look and the sharp sound of sucking her teeth. Taking a few steps toward his desk, Steven couldn't believe she remembered the nickname she gave him years ago.

Seven years ago, in the 5th grade, the class took notice of Steven's nervous habit to struggle over a few words before ending with a confirming question. It was after a class debate where Cheriece and Steven were leaders of the opposing sides that she claimed victory over his inability to form coherent sentences. She declared from then on that Steven Baddham would be known as Stevie Blunder.

“My man Stevie B!” Geopauld Flaunk, the most popular senior in their district, greeted his friend. “I tried to meet you earlier than usual for our lunch break but I got held up by some juniors. I even tried taking a different hallway than usual but man, it's like no where is safe. I'm telling you someone is always on the prowl.” Geo slung his arm around Steven, noticing that he hasn't looked away from Cheriece’s direction. “Look man, I know you been hooked for a minute but you can find someone a bit more… your pace.”

“No, she's perfect.” Steven clutched his wallet and bulked up. It may have been the presence of his best friend, or the fact that she remembered his childhood nickname after everyone else had forgotten, or even the realization that after this year none of this high school stuff would matter, but he was ready.

“What, Stevie where are you-?” Geo’s words were not reaching Stevie. The adrenaline kicked in and nothing was stopping him now.

As Steven came within the group of girl's vision they all stopped to stare in confusion.

“I told you to get out my face." Cheriece was not entertained, but she thought she might be able to get a laugh out the situation. “You back to eavesdrop agai-”

“Cheriece I love you.”

“What the hell? Shut up talking that mess.”

“That's not what I meant I'm sorry hold on.” Steven closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The hallway became void of sound for a moment. He opened his eyes and only made eye contact with Cheriece. His heart indeed shot up to his throat, but not to choke him, to speak directly to her. “I blunder because I can't think straight with you. I'm constantly at war with my thoughts on what's the right thing to say or how should I say it. I'm never sure how I can talk to you and get you to really see me. The me that admires your determination to strive for the top scores on all the tests. The me that avidly listens to your poetry readings and sympathize with your struggles. To really get you to understand that since that moment in 2nd grade when the cafeteria wouldn't give me lunch because my family couldn't pay the fee for that week. And I cried because I didn't understand that no money meant no food, but you saw me crying at the table alone and you sat down next to me, rubbed me on the back and said, ‘Eat this its my favorite. I bet it'll make you feel better.’ That was the moment I took to heart. I'm sure you have long forgotten about all that but I know that you put up a front. I know that the happy girl I grew up crushing on got her heart broken time and time again until she decided to be the heart breaker. I know that you push people away before they get too close, and you never ask for help. You keep moving forward and no one is really willing to give you the support you need to keep you from breaking down. You're smart enough to take college by storm and make something spectacular of yourself. Needless to say you are more than strong enough to reach phenomenal heights alone, but I want to be there when you do. I want to be the one person you let in to support you and to keep you from taking on everything alone.” This time the hallway was silent. Everyone was watching and listening to this confession. No one dared break the silence, and the tension was so high Cheriece froze for the first time in her life. The tears welling up in her eyes brought her back to the present. She held her head high and closed her eyes to take back control of the conversation that somehow was taken out of her control.

Right when she began her reply, the bell to end their lunch break had rung.