I had gotten to school early like

usual and the hallways were still empty.

I went through the usual

routine of putting my books away

and then moving over to the

student lounge to see what was going on.

The halls slowly became more crowded

as school was about to begin.

Occasionly,

someone would greet me but,

other than that I remained silent.

I was simply sitting there,

quiet and motionless,

waiting.

Waiting like I do everyday.

Waiting for her to come by.

Her name was Nikki and we were

fairly close friends.

Not close enough for me but,

I enjoyed what we had.

Like clockwork she walked

by to get to her locker and like usual,

I followed her.

Every friday, I would follow her like

this and usually ask her out.

This friday she looked especially good.

She was wearing a short

plaid skirt and a black sweater

each of which showed off her great curves.

Her long red hair was put up

revealing the pale flesh of her neck.

It drove me crazy to see her everyday

and it drove me crazy

knowing that in a moment I would

probably be rejected again.

"Hey, Nikki" I said with some apprehension.

"Hi, Steve. What are you doing?" she asked.

"I just wanted to know if you weren't

busy tonight, if you wanted to maybe

catch a movie tonight?"

"I'd like that but I already have plans tonight, sorry"

"No problem, maybe some other time"

Shot down again I thought.

I don't know why I do it every friday but

every day I hoped that the answer will be different.

Nikki walked off toward her class

and I stood there and watched her move

so gracefully down the hall.

Strike six, I thought.

What a great way to start out

my day.