There’s a new girl at school.
That’s the first thing I notice.
And after taking a closer look at her…
It’s obvious she doesn’t care about fitting in.
She wears beat-up Converse sneakers.
And has pins all over her backpack.
She’s so much different from the others girls here at Westfield Prep.
My best friend, Max, smirks at me from across the room.
And then I feel my phone buzz.
Max
Did new girl move here from the slums?
Max
Or did she crawl out from the sewer?
I send him a look before texting back.
Dean
It’s not easy being the new kid.
Max
But you have to admit, I have a point.
Max
I mean, she’s kind of hot.
Max
What’s a girl like her doing at a school like this?
Dean
I don’t know a thing about her.
I hear the chair pull out from the desk beside me.
From the corner of my eye, I see the new girl sit down.
The smell of lavender washes over me.
She might look a little strange.
But she sure smells nice.
I can tell she’s looking at me…
I have no idea what to say to her.
And Max’s words are still ringing in my head.
But all thoughts of the new girl vanish when the teacher makes a sudden announcement.
Mr. Stark
Put away your phones and take out your pencils.
Mr. Stark
Cambria, I’m very sorry to do this to you on your first day.
Mr. Stark
But to everyone else, I don’t want to hear it.
I groan along with the rest of the class.
Well, this is just great.
I’ve really been struggling with math the past few months.
And if I get any more bad grades…
And if I fail, I’ll lose my scholarship.
He looks just as pale as I do.
Geez, is anyone in this class doing well?
I’m not surprised to see a 47% on my quiz.
I put my head in my hands.
What the hell am I going to do??
The teacher’s next comment grabs my attention.
Mr. Stark
Nice job, Cambria!
Mr. Stark
I have to say, I’m impressed.
I sneak a glance at her quiz…
And my eyes bug out of my head.
How is that even possible?!
She catches me staring and smiles.
But that 105 is on my mind the entire class.
And as the minutes tick by, an idea forms.
I introduce myself to Cambria.
Dean
I meant to say it yesterday, but…
Dean
Welcome to Westfield.
She smirks as she puts her notebook away.
Cambria
Did you mean to say it yesterday?
Cambria
Because I got the impression you were trying to avoid making eye contact with me.
But I wasn’t going to admit it.
Cambria
My dad always tells me I’m too honest.
Cambria
I’m starting to think he may be onto something.
I feel tongue-tied as she faces me.
I notice she has freckles across her nose.
Seconds pass before I realize she’s waiting for me to say something.
Dean
I can appreciate honesty.
Dean
And if it came off that way, I’m sorry.
Something glitters in the glow of the school’s amber lights.
Wait, does Cambria have a ring on every finger?
Cambria
Anyway, thanks for welcoming me to the school.
That didn’t go at all how I planned.
I hurry after her into the hallway.
She spins around at the sound of my voice.
Dean
I was actually hoping to ask you something.
I get a slap on the back.
It’s Jameson, captain of the football team.
He wants to make sure I’m going to the game on Friday.
I finally get him to leave, but then Kimmy comes over…
Asking if I’m going to the homecoming dance.
They both throw Cambria strange looks…
As if they’re wondering why I’m talking to her.
We get interrupted twice more, before Cambria gives me a smile.
Cambria
This is obviously a bad time.
Cambria
We can chat later, Mr. Popular.
I’m completely screwing this up.
I follow her down the hall and into the cafeteria…
I have a hunch she feels the same…
Because she throws me a look from over her shoulder.
Cambria
Should I be worried, Dean?
Cambria
I’m starting to think you’re following me.
Wondering how to phrase things at this point.
Dean
Well, you’re new here.
Dean
So I figured you might need someone to show you around.
Dean
Give you the lay of the land…
She’s quiet for a moment.
But then her lips spread into a smile.
They’re really full lips.
The bottom is a bit bigger than the top…
I drag my gaze back up to her eyes.
I can see people openly staring at us…
Cambria
I see. And let me guess…
Cambria
You’re doing this from the kindness of your heart?
She goes to stand in the lunch line.
This is starting to feel like the stupidest idea ever.
Cambria
Dean, I’ll just put you out of your misery.
Cambria
Does this have to do with your abysmal math grade?
Dean
I know you’re new and probably have a lot going on…
Dean
But I could really use some help.
She grabs a chocolate milk.
I haven’t had one in ages, so I grab one too.
Cambria
So you want me to tutor you?
Cambria
—Showing me around?
Cambria raises an eyebrow.
She takes two steps with it.
Cambria
The only problem with that is…
Cambria
I like to find my own way around.
Cambria
But I’ll take another favor.
Cambria taps her chin thoughtfully.
She IS wearing a ring on every finger.
Cambria
I haven’t decided yet.
Cambria
But yeah, I’ll tutor you.
Dean
I really appreciate it.
Cambria
We can get started after school.
Cambria
Come to my house.
Cambria
I’m making hot pretzels.
I watch her for a moment…
Before Max blocks my line of sight.
Max
What the hell were you doing, talking to her?
Max
You sit next to each other in class and now you’re friends or something?
His words annoy me, but I just shrug.
After school, Cambria and I meet up by my truck.
People stare as I load her bike into my backseat.
I haven’t ridden a bike in so long.
And I’m pretty sure no one at this school has either.
The lot is filled with luxury cars.
Cambria jumps in the passenger seat and once I get in…
She rubs her hands together eagerly.
Cambria
So, Dean who’s bad at math…
Cambria
Tell me something else about yourself.
I have no idea what to say.
Dean
What do you want to know?
Cambria
Why don’t you tell me what you’re good at?
I’m kind of offended at the question…
But when I look over, her smile seems genuine.
Dean
I’m a big history buff.
Dean
I guess I’m good at that.
Dean
Remembering facts and events and stuff.
Cambria
I read several books about American history this summer…
She goes on to list some of my favorite titles.
Dean
What are you good at?
Unlike me, she doesn’t hesitate with her answer.
Cambria
I’m good at remembering people’s birthdays.
Cambria
And I’m decent at drawing.
Cambria
I’m not so good at watercolors, but I plan to be one day.
Cambria
Oh, and I’m good with numbers.
Cambria
I have somewhat of a photographic memory.
Dean
And you’re good at being honest.
The sound fills up the car.
Dean
I don’t know about that.
She turns to me and leans in conspiratorially…
Cambria
The secret to being honest is not caring what other people think.
I give it serious consideration.
She’s moved to the wrong town.
Everyone here cares what people think.
To the point of insanity.
Dean
Huh, I never thought about it that way.
Cambria leans back in her seat with a sigh.
Cambria
I’d be in trouble if I cared what other people thought.
Dean
Why do you say that?
Cambria
Well, I have purple hair for starters…
Cambria
Or did you not notice?
Dean
It’s my favorite color.
And by the time we get to her house…
I’m much more comfortable.
Maybe it’s partially because her house is exactly like her.
It has a bright green door.
Garden gnomes all over the yard…
And a welcome mat that says “You look nice today.”
Yeah, even her house makes me smile.
It’s colorful, a bit weird, and also a bit sweet.
Cambria
My dad’s not home, so we can work in the dining room.
Cambria
Give me a second. I’m just going to start the pretzels.
Ten minutes later, I’m eating the most delicious hot pretzel I’ve had in years.
My parents and friends are all health nuts.
So I don’t get to indulge like this very often.
And I decide then and there how stupid that is.
Cambria
Okay, let’s get down to business.
Cambria
Because you need a lot of help.
And then, for the next two hours…
Cambria’s really smart and patient…
And by the end of the night…
I’m feeling a lot more confident.
Dean
I already feel more prepared for the test this Thursday.
Cambria
Maybe a couple more sessions wouldn’t hurt.
We laugh together for what feels like the hundredth time.
As she’s walking me to the door…
I notice a table with framed pictures.
There’s one of Cambria ice skating.
Another captures her, posed on a horse.
There’s one of her in a softball uniform…
And in another she’s fishing.
I whistle low in my throat.
Dean
You’re one of those people who tries anything once, huh?
I mean it as a joke, but she suddenly blushes.
Which is weird, because I haven’t seen this girl blush once.
Cambria
Well, I thought about what I want as a favor…
Cambria
You know, because I tutored you.
She steels her shoulders.
The action makes me nervous.
I shake my head, not sure I heard her correctly.
She blows out a breath and rushes to explain.
Cambria
My dad’s in the military, so we move around a lot.
Cambria
I never really have a chance to make friends or…
Cambria
The thing is, you’re right.
Cambria
I do like to try everything once.
Cambria
But I’ve never been kissed.
Cambria
And that’s one thing I really, really want to try.
That’s the last thing I was expecting.
I stare at her for a moment…
Then I think of chocolate milk, bike rides and endless laughs.
I slide my backpack off my shoulder.
Dean
Let me put my bag down first.
She puts a hand on my arm, another laugh bursts from her lips.
Cambria
Only if you get a good grade on this week’s test.
Cambria
I have to earn it.
My eyes go wide at her words.
Dean
So, no kiss if I fail?
Cambria
And maybe just a peck if you get a C.
I burst into laughter too.
Dean
I’ll see you tomorrow, Cambria.
She gives me a big smile and a small wave.
Over the next week, my time is consumed by studying.
I go to Cambria’s house every day after school…
And with her help, I’m starting to feel like I can ace the test.
Our little study sessions haven’t gone unnoticed, however.
And people are starting to talk.
They’re wondering why I’m hanging out with her.
Why I’m giving “someone like her the time of day.”
And it’s starting to bug me.
Because I’ve grown to really like Cambria.
But she’s generous and interesting.
And a breath of fresh air.
I feel like I can be myself around her.
I’ve never felt that in any of my past relationships.
There’s no pressure to be perfect.
And in the spirit of her honesty…
I’m really looking forward to that kiss.
I often catch myself staring at her lips…
And I see her doing the same to me.
I’ve never been attracted to a girl like her before…
And now I’m wondering how I ever could have been attracted to anyone else.
By the time Thursday rolls around…
But when I see Cambria walk into math…
Cambria
You’re going to kick ass!
She shouts it, causing several people to turn around.
Some laugh, and others roll their eyes.
Dean
If I do, it’s because you’re a great teacher.
But Mr. Stark cuts her off.
Mr. Stark
Phones away, pencils out!
Mr. Stark
And don’t forget…
Mr. Stark
This test counts for 25% of your grade…
As if we needed a reminder.
Twenty minutes later, I’m knee-deep in the test and feeling confident.
I know for a fact I can at least pull off a B on this thing…
And that’s good enough for me.
At the end of class, Cambria drags me outside.
Cambria
Did the study sessions help?
I bite my lip, trying not to smile.
Dean
The only one I didn’t understand was question 10…
As we walk down the hall…
He’s standing with Kimmy, and they’re glaring at us.
Max gestures to his chest area and then points at Cambria.
He gives me a look that says…
She’s got on a shirt with an alien that says…
Why did he feel the need to point that out to me?
Cambria notices my change in demeanor.
Mr. Stark stands at the front of the room…
A stack of papers in his hand.
I’m fiddling my thumbs nervously.
The tests are being handed back at a snail’s pace.
Cambria suddenly grabs my hand.
Cambria
Stop worrying. You did great.
Mr. Stark finally gets to our table.
He puts down her test first.
Mr. Stark’s mouth quirks into a small smile.
Mr. Stark
Well done, Mr. Porter.
Mr. Stark
Whatever you’re doing, keep it up.
But I don’t even care, I’m too excited!
Cambria squeals as she gets a look at my grade.
Cambria
I knew you could do it!
Cambria
I’m so proud of you, Dean!
Dean
I couldn’t have done it without you.
Realizing it’s time to live up to my end of the bargain.
My stomach rolls with a mix of nerves and excitement.
Dean
Meet me at my truck after school today.
I grin wider than I have in a long time.
I think she’s as excited as I am.
It’s all I think about for the rest of the day.
I genuinely like spending time with Cambria…
And I hope that even though she’s not tutoring me anymore…
We can still see each other.
She’s waiting by my car right after school…
Shifting nervously from one foot to the other.
I walk up to her, trying to appear more confident than I feel.
I lean one arm on the truck.
Cambria
How do you want to do this?
Cambria
Should I close my eyes now?
Cambria
Or right before our lips touch?
Damn, she makes me smile.
I open my mouth to respond…
But something over her shoulder catches my eye.
It’s Max and Kimmy with a few of my other friends…
And they’re all staring at me.
Dean
What were you saying?
Cambria
Sorry, I guess I’m just really nervous.
I’m about to tell her it’s okay…
But my friends catch my eye again.
They’re all laughing at something.
I unconsciously back away from Cambria.
I notice she’s wringing her hands.
Cambria
So…are we doing this now?
I look at her, but find I can’t respond.
I’m feeling a million things at once.
And Cambria deserves better than that.
She finally follows my line of vision.
Takes a look at my friends pointing and laughing…
And I see her shoulders droop.
When she turns back to me, she doesn’t meet my eyes.
Cambria
You don’t want people to see you kissing the weird girl.
Cambria
We don’t have to do this.
Cambria
You don’t have to explain.
She picks her bike up from the ground.
I cringe at my own words.
Her lips form a thin line…
Then she gets on her bike and rides away…
Leaving me feeling the world’s biggest coward.
I don’t go to the game that night.
I don’t want to be around anyone.
Because I’m so ashamed at the way I made Cambria feel.
How could I have I hesitated for even a moment?
And that’s all that should matter.
I shouldn’t care what people think.
And I already know she’s a much better person than me.
I’ve learned so much from her.
And I want to learn more.
Make it up to her somehow.
Maybe it’s too little too late…
I spend the weekend plotting.
And when Monday rolls around…
To make sure that I don’t miss her.
In the mornings, all the students linger in the parking lot out front before the bell rings…
And today is no different.
Except this time, I stay in my truck.
That is, until I see her bike coming down the sidewalk.
And I jump out of the truck.
Max
Where were you this weekend??
In this moment, every part of my being is here for Cambria.
Today she’s wearing a purple dress that matches her hair.
I walk over to her at the bike rack.
Then clear my throat to get her attention.
She turns around, surprised…
She must see something in my expression…
Because she looks at me curiously.
I say it louder than necessary…
And people start to stare.
Dean
If I could take back what happened on Friday, I would.
Dean
You didn’t deserve that.
Dean
And not because you helped me…
Dean
But because you’re the coolest person I’ve ever met.
The whispers are getting louder by the minute.
Dean
I really, really want to kiss you.
Cambria sucks in a shocked breath.
I take a step toward her.
Her mouth gapes open for a second…
Then gives me the slightest nod.
I capture her lips with my own.
I groan low in my throat at the feel of her mouth on mine.
Kissing her isn’t like I thought it would be…
I hear people talking around us…
We pull apart a few seconds later…
Dean
So, your first kiss…
She puts her arms around my neck.
I let her pull us together again…
And she whispers against my lips.
