Christmas time is always different in school, more relaxed, even for me who usually frets over the exams coming in the spring, class tests, and course work due dates. A lot of the time on the run up to Christmas break, we’re left to ‘study’, which usually means people sitting in their groups chatting, doing whatever they want for the duration of class, sometimes we get to put on a movie, and of course the annual Christmas talent show.

I was never overly invested in the talent show, I couldn’t think of anything worse than being on a stage in front of the whole school. But this year I bought a ticket and I made sure to get a seat as close to the front as possible because you, my girlfriend, are performing with your friends. You haven’t told me what you’re doing other than some sort of dance routine from a movie, so obviously I’ll be there to support you.

This year has been a bit of a fever dream. You and I were so different, I’m a quiet, sci-fi loving book worm who struggles to even speak up in class, and you’re confident, beautiful, friends with everyone. We were paired together in Chemistry class at the beginning of the year and ended up studying together and then we started hanging out, then somehow, four months ago, I worked up the courage to ask you out, and you said yes!

You've helped me come out of my shell. I don't spend lunch time tucked away in the library with the boys. My merry band of nerds join your girl friends at lunch. You encourage me to do things outside of my comfort zone, like going to small get-togethers or parties. You encourage me to just have fun and not worry about what everyone else thinks. You were my first everything, and I felt like there had been a film lifted from my eyes after our first time. Totally life changing.

I’m sat in the auditorium with Louis and Zayn chatting away while waiting for your performance. There’d been a lot of different talents, some good, some… not so good. The lights dim again and the three of us look up at the stage as you and three of your friends take the stage.

Good Lord.

You’re wearing black knee high boots, a shiny red skirt and top, with a white fluffy trim, and a santa hat to top it off. You look… wow, and then the music hits and you all start the routine. I think one of the boys might have to pick my jaw up off the floor.

A round of cheers erupts as you start, and I hear a girl behind us saying something about how ironic it is that you are doing the dance from Mean Girls when you’re the furthest thing from it, and then I remember what move the dance is from. You’d convinced me to watch it a few weeks ago after I got you to watch Star Wars.

I watch the way you move, the skirt swaying with every movement. I can't take my eyes off of you, you look like Santa's hottest elf (without the pointy ears), and I can see just how much fun you're having up there. The sparkle in your eye is evident from the third row, your smile shining brighter than the stage lights makes you more beautiful than ever. I can't help but snap a few photos when you finish the routine in posing in sync with the other girls. The auditorium is filled with cheers, hoots, whistles, and all I can think is 'that's my girlfriend!'

The rest of the acts are much the same. Someone singing a cover of a song in the charts, some Year 8s doing magic tricks, and even some of the football guys preforming in drag for a laugh. It was pretty fun, and I probably wouldn't have even bothered with a ticket if you hadn't been performing.

They judge the winners based on how loud the crowd cheers at the end, and obviously me and the boys made the most noise when it came to you and your girls. I stop by my locker on the way to meet you backstage to grab the bouquet of your favourite flowers I bought before school.

"These are for you, superstar," I grin, handing you the flowers and leaning down to kiss your cheek. "The prettiest Christmas elf there ever was."