I saw her today in the hallway as I was grabbing my books from my locker. After the first day, she never left my mind. I’ve dreamed of her every night ever since that day. I see her roam the halls, in the cafeteria, her car, on her porch. Everywhere. 

Today, she has soccer practice after school. I wait in the parking lot for her to leave and follow her home. I see her, her eyes glistening from the sun and her smile as she laughs with her teammates. She doesn’t notice me, although I wish she did. I followed her home seeing her greeted by her dog. I envy her dog sometimes, hoping someday I’ll be the one greeting her at the door, kissing her. I go back home yearning for the day she’s mine. 

At night, I’m sitting by my phone imagining myself calling her cell. I want her to notice me so bad it hurts. Everytime I try, I just imagine her being disgusted and hanging up the phone right away. I just breathe and imagine her laugh in my head. Tomorrow, I’ll make my move. 

I head towards her locker early in the morning and slip a note in it. 

“Hello. Is it me you're looking for?” I waited at the corner to see if she’d open my note. I could feel my heart pounding in my ear. I see her pull the note out and stare at it. Then, she crumpled it and dropped it in the trash. It’s okay, she’s just scared. That’s what love does, it makes people scared. 

Later that night, I stood by her window. I see her inside, sitting at her desk as she does homework and practices her guitar.. Her room is warm and colorful. I tried to get a better look but I ended up knocking against the window instead. She turns quickly and heads toward the window. Luckily, she didn’t see me, but she closed her curtains. That was my sign to head back home. 

My room is filled with pieces that remind me of her. Her trash, notes,  pictures I’ve taken of her at home, the hallway, her car. Stuff she didn’t want anymore, but I kept it because I felt the need to. I head to my phone, put in her number and impulsively call her. The phone rings three times and then she picks up. 

I didn’t expect her to really answer. I hear her voice, tired. “Hello, who’s this?” she utters. “Hellooo?”, I don’t respond. I stood there listening to her breath. Then, I hung up. I tell myself, tomorrow is my day. Maybe she’ll see me. Maybe she’ll understand. I get into bed and wonder if she feels lonely, or if she feels the need for someone in her heart. I hope that she tells me what she wants. I’m right here for her. I will wait for her. Even forever if I need to. I’ll always wait. Because I love her.