Charlie’s always been an awkward nerd, through and through. The very same in high school. There were cliques no doubt but the ‘nerd’ group even seemed too cliche for her.

So she stayed alone mostly. With a few choice friends that also skewed from the ‘average’ interests.

Days at her school were static, all the same. Most of her time was spent catering to her mother in the hospital, the rest of it was spent watching star wars, coding, or some other niche hobby she picked up.

Most of her days were repetitive. Except for the day you arrived. Charlie knew she wasn’t exactly ‘boy crazy’ like many other girls—but seeing you—she started to piece together that it was a little more than that.

She watched you with rapt attention, the new girl. Your hair swaying, eyes basically sparkling. She stood like her feet were glued to the floor in an awkward position and then you stop right next to her locker.

She managed to unstick her tongue from the roof of her mouth and squeak out a “Hi.” and then immediately hated herself for speaking because you were waiting for her to move. To get to your locker.

Stupid Charlie, stupid Charlie.

She repeats the mantra in her head as she stammers out an apology and takes a few steps back.

Great first impression.