The exact day is a mystery, but I do recall the period. First period, first quarter, second year of high school. The class was English II and the teacher was far too laid back to be called a teacher. As usual, during the first couple weeks everyone will know which students will come to class and which ones will not. The "ditchers," if you will. However, the rule is not definite, and is at times bent or broken. Sometimes the student is simply still on vacation and is normally a very bright student. Other times there is a tragedy in the family that is keeping the student out of school for awhile. Then there is the case I observed, though I was not aware of it at the time. This case involved a certain girl named "Mia." She was absent for many days during the first quarter of school. I thought she was missing because she moved away. I later learned that she was having back problems involving scoliosis.
It's interesting how people react when they see beautiful people. Stereotypical individuals will make comments and jokes to their friends or brag about how hot he or she is. Obsession kicks in and before you know it the person thinks he or she has fallen in love before actually meeting the other. I take a different approach. I prefer the method of idolization for anyone I feel is uniquely beautiful (I'm stretching that expression), this way I will feel all the infatuation and keep my real emotions at bay.
Going back to the day I described, I was infatuated on sight. At the very moment I saw her face, I melted. Endorphins flowed through my brain in massive amounts, making me happier almost instantly. Using a term I adopted a mere month ago, she was legendary. I wanted to meet her. I was miffed that she was not in school every day and wondered if she would return. Lo and behold, upon second quarter's arrival, she became a class regular. I still had no opportunities to meet her, unfortunately enough. I saw her in class so often, and essentially idolized her. I looked forward to English not only for the lack of work to be done, but also for the legend that partook in the laziness.
Her skin was white like a vanilla-flavored treat, with faint freckles in just the right spots hovering over her raised cheekbones. The slant and extension of the corners of her eyes was ill-seen by me in previous days, and she possessed a gentle smile that I swear released pheromones each second. I found no flaw in Mia's face. I tried, but even looking past her good features only brought to my attention her long, reflective dark hair. If I were a cartoon I would certainly begin building my shrine dedicated to her existence, and writing the document that is my personal Bible.
I've always wondered why it is so hard for a person to approach a peer in class unless given a very good reason. Sometimes the peer looks intimidating, maybe he or she is anti-social and never speaks to anyone, or maybe he or she is simply too good-looking. The third applied to me, but there was also the thought in my head that speaking to Mia would ruin any chance I had of at least being friends with her. Idolizing her made me extremely cautious. I considered never trying to speak with her so that I could remain in my own world and never damage the connection which did not exist.
I eventually did give in, however. Despite this fact, I never spoke with her for a long time. Over one quarter, as a matter of fact. It was not until the day of the ASVAB testing in the school auditorium did I meet Mia. I saw her in line, in front of me. I knew at this point that her last name was in the same range as mine, so I'd be sitting near her. I strategically placed myself in line, and sure enough, I was sitting down less than two feet away from Mia. The empty space in the seat between us had an awkward feel. I knew she was so close, yet she felt both far and near at the same time. I noticed something on the stage and pointed it out to her.
"Hey, do you think there's a light on that stick or is it just light reflecting off the golden icicles?" I calmly said to Mia.
"Oh, that? Yeah, that's probably just light reflecting. Why would it have a light on it?" Mia replied.
"Well, you never know."
She released a small chuckle. I knew at that point that I was already being placed into the Friend Zone.
"What's your name?" She asked.
"Evan."
"My name's Mia."
We shook hands, smiled, and took the test.