As soon as she entered the corridor,a few girls whispered and giggled. Her bestfriend Mia rushed to her side.
"So is it true?".Mia asked with wide eyes."You and Ian?".
Janice felt her cheeks burn."Yes he asked me last week".
Mia squealed "finally! The way he looks at you,even a blind person could see it".
Janice smiled,but inside she was nervous.
She had never been the talked of the school.Now it felt like the whole school was watching her every step.
During break time Ian found her near the cafeteria "Hey girlfriend ",he said shyly .
That single word made her heart jump "GIRLFRIEND ".
"Hey".she replied,pretending to be calm.
They walked together to buy snacks,their shoulders brushing slightly,Janice was very aware of every little movement-his laugh,the way he carried his bag on one shoulder,how he slowed his steps to match hers.
"So------------------are you okay,with everyone knowing?Ian asked.
"I think so ",Janice said."It's just new".
Ian stopped and looked at her seriously. "I won't let anyone make you uncomfortable. If they talk too much tell me.
She nodded,feeling safe with him.
After school they sat under the big mango tree near the field. Students were everywhere but it felt like only the two of them existed.
"Janice ",Ian said softly,"I've liked you for a long time".
"How long?". She teased.
"Since the day you argued with MR ANDERSON in class and still won".
She laughed."That's was embarrassing?".
For a moment they just looked at each other.No noise,no drama-just warm,strange happiness, people only feel when they are falling for the first time .
Janice realised something then love didn't always have to be painful like her mother's story.
Maybe hers could be gentle. Maybe it could be different.
Question:What will happen next will;
a.A jealous girl starts trouble for Janice.
b.Ian invites her on their first real date?
c. Rumours spread and Janice gets scared.