Tom liked Susan.
She was the most beautiful girl in school, everyone knew this. But no one got close to her, no one expect Peter that is. When Tom first noticed Susan it was 2 weeks after he had transferred from his other school.
He noticed her instantly, and then quickly realized she wasn't alone.
He thought they were a couple. He laughed at the people who told them they were siblings, they must be mistaken. But then he saw them greet their mother and siblings, and it seemed to be true.
It was the night of the dance when Tom decided it was his chance. Susan was alone, a punch bowel the sole focus of her attention, he stepped over to her.
"Hi Susan," He couldn't help but he proud of himself, his voice didn't crack.
She cast him a brief smile, "Hi Tom,"
"I was wondering if you'd like to dance?" he asked bravely, mindfully of keeping a brave face and his nerves in check.
She shook her head, "I'm sorry, but no. I'm heading to sit down for a bit, these heels are killers," she laughed.
It was then, right in that second, when Tom noticed she wasn't filling up one little class with punch, she was filling up two.
Tom nodded, "Maybe later," he said without any real emotion behind his words.
Susan smiled, "Have a good night Tom,"
He watched her walk away. He saw her weave herself between the dancing couples, smiling at friends and nodding at teachers. And when she made her way across the room and seated herself, Tom noticed she companion for the first time that night.
He was staring straight at Tom, across the room, over all every other soul in the room. And his angry, such angry eyes were fixed on the young transfer student. Tom swallowed hard, Peter, the brother, was glaring at him, warning him, threatening him.
Tom knew where he didn't belong.
It was at the last dance when he saw them again. Arms wrapped and bodies immersed in each other, Susan's head resting against her brother's check, and Peter's arms claiming her waist.
Tom knew love when he saw it.