you'd lived in jackson before ellie even arrived. but as soon as she did: flick. a switch in your brain turned on that you didn't even know you had.

you were completely enamored with her. at first you thought it was a platonic type crush- like you really wanted to be friends with her. but then you started to dream about kissing her.

there was one issue. you didn't even know how to speak to her.

so you didn't.

you admired from afar as she learned the ways of jackson. she eventually became friends with your friend, jesse, but you still didn't know what to do.

everything about her was perfect. her auburn hair, her perfect body, even the way she handled a gun was beautiful. she was so cool, and so confident, and so sexy and perfect. you'd tried to talk to her a few times, but every time you got too scared to say anything. she was so intimidating, but you liked her so much you thought you might explode.

you kept your cool whenever you were in the same vicinity, and ellie found herself noticing. she thought you were pretty, and you seemed cool and nice. but she assumed you, one, didn't like girls, or two, didn't want to speak to her, due to your avoidance.

one day, jesse decides to host a little party at his house. most of the teens and young adults in jackson show up, and youre hanging out with jesse when ellie gets there. as soon as you see her, you swear your heart explodes in your chest. she always has this effect on you. just looking at her perfect freckles makes you want to cry. ellie notices jesse and waves.

she approaches you guys in what seems like slow motion.

"hey, jess" she smiles at jesse and glances at you.