I was in school, per usual. I was learning about the Civil War, but I really I was just doodiling next to my notes.

My name was Tanner Ukule. I was a fourteen year old eighth grader. I’ve always wanted love, always wanted to hold a girl’s hand in my own, but the past two times proved failure. This time I was after Sam Kim, my speech and debate partner in the mock trial.

Though, I feel it’ll only happen again. I already know she probably doesn’t like me as anything more than a partner, but it’s always nice to dream, no?

I was falling asleep in class, how long until forst period would end?

I was doodling a flag, not sure of what, but a flag, then I felt my stomach drop and a wind blew, my hair didn’t fly, but a strong wind blew.

I looked around, everything was still there, but there was something…more.

My friend who sits behind me whispered if I was okay, I said yes.

Part of me wasn’t sure I was.

I continued writing down notes, but the doodles on my paper weren’t there anymore, now it was as if they were never there. I looked around more, everything was still the same.

My teacher walked over to me with a note.

_Your girlfriend registered for a ten minute break with you. You may leave now._

Girlfriend? Last I checked I was still single, and no one wanted to mingle with me.

I stood up quietly, taking the note with me. As I walked out I continued to read it, then when I pushed the door open I was met with Sam’s smiling face, her hands taking mine.

“I was wondering what took you so long,” she said, dragging me with her. “I’ve waited all morning.” She pushed me to the wall, kissing my lips softly. I saw a custodian walk by, but he just didn’t care.

What? The school policy—yes I’ve read the school policies—said no kissing or else detention, why didn’t he punish us?

She deepened the kiss, holding me tight.

At one point I shook my head and lightly pushed her off. “I’m sorry, Sam, but what are you doing?” I asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean what are you doing, making out with me? We barely even speak in speech and debate.”

“Babe, we’ve been dating for two months.” We what?! I have no memory of dating her, nor anyone ever calling me babe.

I looked around, something definitely wasn’t right. Something had happened, someone had to have changed something. That’s when I noticed it, it was hard to see because of the distance, but at the basketball courts a small, blue hole—seemingly in the air—stood. It wasn’t blowing any wind, nor was it moving anything, it was just there. Then it went black, and it shrunk until it was no bigger than a penny, then it disappeared.

I looked at Sam, but she just looked at me like I was a psycho, she didn’t even see the portal!

I looked back, shaking my head. Until I figured out what was happening, this was my life now.

I returned the kiss.