He put his history textbook neatly in its place on the top shelf. Not a hard task since he was as tall as the lockers. Six foot three without an athletic bone in his body but he really loved school. His favorite subject was actually next period. Calculus.
He grabbed the textbook and pulled it out of his locker.
"Hey Zed!"
"Addison!" He exclaimed with a jump, her sudden greeting startled him enough to drop the thick book onto his foot. "Gah!" He groaned, grabbing his offended appendage with a hiss.
"Oh my god! I'm so sorry for scaring you!" Her sweet voice frantically apologized.
Zed dropped his foot, trying his best to hide the wince that contorted his face, and ran his fingers through his hair in an attempt of playing it cool. "No no! It's fine! I'm fine! You're fine! Just a little clumsy." As soon as the words left his mouth his smile dropped.
"N-not that you're clumsy! I'm clumsy! You're the furthest thing from clumsy! With your amazing basketball skills! You're so much faster than the other girls 'cause you're shorter than them. Not that that's a bad thing! You have better maneuverability this way!" He stopped his rant with a shake of his head before he could say anything else stupid. When he lifted his eyes, she was staring at him with those gorgeous blue ones and a faint tint of pink on her cheeks. "You're… perfect." He breathed.
He watched as her eyes lit up from his words, the thumping of his heart almost enough to make his ears ring. She finally pulled her gaze away from his face as she tucked a stray lock of golden hair behind her ear.
Her lips parted like she was about to reply, but was cut off as Zed was shoved backwards and a stockier student replaced his spot and leaned his arm across Zed's locker door. Zed recognized him. Trey McLarson. Goalie for the Lacrosse team.
"Hey there Addison, I've been looking all over for you!" Trey smirked at her. She pursed her lips as she glanced over his shoulder at Zed, who looked disheartened as he bent down to pick up his textbook off the floor and clutched it against his chest.
Anger began to bubble in her core but she knew better than to make a scene. Her upbringing in the public eye had taught her that. Being the daughter of the Mayor and Police Chief wasn't all gumdrops and rainbows like some people expect.
So, she plastered on a condescending smile as she turned her attention back to Trey. "What do I owe the pleasure." Sarcasm dripping from her tone. The jock's chest puffed as he fidgeted half nervously.
"I was wondering if you'd like to come cheer me on at the Varsity Lacrosse game this Friday. It's the last one before Prawn! I'll let you wear my jersey and, ya know, maybe we could go to the dance together?" He finished more quietly.
Addison blinked at him in shock. Was this jerk really asking her out? Only a second later, it was his turn to stare in shock as Addison burst into laughter.
"Listen, I'm sure some girl will be happy being your little trophy but I'm clearly not her." She settled herself, wiping under her eyes from the humorous tears that welled up there. "Now if you'll excuse me, you rudely interrupted a conversation I was having." She said, gesturing behind him. Trey frowned, turning to see Zed still standing there, waiting for his locker.
"With this loser?" The jock laughed. When he pivoted back towards Addison her smile was gone, replaced with a death glare.
"This 'loser' is my date to Prawn," she paused, making eye contact with Zed behind him, "if that's ok with you?" The wide eyed teen gulped before nodding enthusiastically, making her smile. But it just as quickly dropped as she once again returned her glare to Trey. "So, McLarson, I'd appreciate it if you'd let us get back to our conversation." She insisted.
"O-ok, ok!" Trey surrendered, clearly stunned. Then turned towards Zed again and shook his hand. "Wow, congratulations Man. She really likes you." He muttered in amazement before excusing himself. He was obviously about to spread the news around the other jock and, in turn, the whole school.
"Thanks for standing up for me, Addison, but you'll probably get a lot of flack about being my date to the dance." Zed rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
She knew he was right. Everyone in this school was so judgmental. But Addison didn't even care.
"You're pretty great yourself, Zed." She told him with a sincere smile, catching him off guard as she took a step closer and placing a gentle hand on his arm still clutching his book. "You're the smartest, sweetest, most considerate guys I've ever met." She told him softly, her hand slowly reached up to pull him in by the neck.
"Let them talk if they wanna." She whispered just before her lips connected with his. He sucked in a sharp breath through his nose, fireworks bursting behind his closed lids. Just as quickly, though, her lips were gone.
He opened his eyes and saw her looking up at him in panic. "I'm so sorry, Zed! I should have asked you first!" She apologized frantically. He could barely process what she was saying, his world was still spinning. But then her furrowed brows and hopeful eyes stared up at him again. "D-do you want this?" She asked quietly, her fingers gripping the back of his neck like she didn't want to let go.
Zed didn't hesitate. He lunged forward and kissed her deeper, his calculus book flattening against her back as he drew her in closer. His other hand cradling her jaw as she tilted to create a better angle.
The noisy hallway faded and it was just the two of them, the budding feelings they'd harbored for too long finally allowed to bloom. The starts of a soon-to-be garden, memories and laughter they'll create and plant in their hearts will only make their love grow stronger. Their someday was today.