“El, you have to tell him! It’s now or never.” Says my friend, Alice. “I- I’m not ready yet..” I say. Alice wants me to confess my love to my crush, Al.

Al sits next to me in class, and it was love at first sight except that I don’t know if he likes me back.. I wanted to get closer to him, so I offered to do his homework.

He agreed, and I’ve been doing his homework ever since the beginning of the year. “COME ON YOU HAVE TO!!” She says. “No, I’m not-“ I try to say, but before I can even say it she pushes me towards him.

I take a deep breath, and say, “Uhhh.. hey Al..” I say. Oh my god that was so embarrassing. “Hey, Elenor. You have my homework?” He asks. I blush a little. He said my name! AHHH.

I chuckle nervously, and say, “Well, no, I just wanted to tell you something..” I can’t believe I was doing this. “Yeah?” He asks. “I- I’m uhh.. I LIKE YOU OKAY?! I liked you the moment I met you, and I hope you like me back.” I say.

I did it. I actually did it. Oh my god. Al looks at me speechless. “Actually…” he says. Does he like me? All this time he actually liked me???

“…. I never liked you. I just wanted my homework done, and I passed the class thanks to you.” He says, and he walks away. I stand there speechless. Alice comes to me, and takes me to the girls’ bathroom.

“I’m so sorry….” She says. I looked at her silently. I didn’t know what to say after that. “I shouldn’t have pressured you into telling him. I should’ve let you go on your own pace, but I was just so excited. I’m sorry. Do you forgive me?” She asks.

I did forgive her. It wasn’t her fault. “I mean… at least I know now that he was just using me” I laugh trying so hard not to cry.

“I just need some time alone. If that’s okay with you?” I ask. “Yeah, of course.” She says. She leaves the bathroom, and I got into a stall. Locked the door, and started crying.