10. Plans

I was contemplating whether to tell Maria that I liked her. The thought sounded weird to me, too. Should I ask Chad? Definitely not.

I glanced at the letter on my table and sighed. I'd never broken anyone's heart- none that I knew of- so I knew that it would be hurtful to reject someone. I'll let them down slowly, whatever the case may be. Then I'd find a way to talk to Maria, if she doesn't already have someone she's interested in. She wasn't an ordinary person anyway.

I'd never really seen any guy though, so, I hope that meant she was available.

What was I even going to tell her anyway? How was I even going to say what I wanted to say?

Damn.

I didn't want to call Chad and tell him about my dilemma for some reason. So, I called the other person in my contact list whom I'd named 'friend'.

"You called. I'm surprised."

I rolled my eyes. I was surprised too. "Hello to you too."

There was laughter at the other end of the call and it hurt me deeply that I couldn't just cut it because I needed the person's help.

I needed advice.

"How may I help you, Val?"

"Well- "

"Is this about a girl?"

I groaned. "Will you at least let me- "

Another laugh. "Sorry. Tell me what's the problem. I doubt it's about a girl."

"It is."

Silence.

"You're joking, right? Because I was joking. Really."

"I'm not," I said.

"I'm trying to digest this new information."

"Take your time."

"Maria?"

I frowned, deciding to get comfortable on my bed. "How did you know that?"

There was a gasp. "You didn't even try to deny it! I was just guessing. I mean, she's the only other girl I've ever seen you with."

"Apart from you," I pointed out. "Not like we hang out a lot."

Or ever.

"True." There was a pause. "So what exactly do you want?"

I sighed. "How do you tell a girl that you maybe like her?"

"Wow."

"Yeah."

"You just... tell her the normal way."

"I don't know the 'normal way' though, because I've never done this before. And I've never been interested in someone before. In case you've forgotten, I love my games and art."

"Alright, alright."

I wanted quick advice but I wasn't getting it. I guess you can't rush such things. It was annoying though. That's why I prefer solving my problems myself. If only this issue wasn't what was unfamiliar to me.

"Tomorrow is Valentine's day, in case you don't remember. And also your birthday."

"So?"

"So you could make that day the best day ever."

"Or the worst," I added.

I really couldn't believe that I was worried about being rejected. Or should I just let it go? She wasn't the only girl in the world anyway.

But she was for now.

"Stop thinking negatively. Doing this will give you closure and you'll be able to move on with your life."

I stood up, pacing now. "Tell me what I want to know."

"Get her flowers and tell her you like her. It's simple and cute. You don't have to do anything extravagant, really."

"Hmm."

That made sense. I probably would have checked the internet for ideas, but this was straight to the point. I really didn't need to do anything extravagant.

"But don't do it where everyone can see. So that if you're rejected, it's between the both of you and even if she tries to spread rumors about you, you can act how you always have."

"She wouldn't spread rumors about me," I said. "I think."

"Should I tell Chad that he was right about you liking Maria?"

"Even if I refuse, you'll still do it," I said, no longer pacing.

"You're not wrong."

"So do whatever you want."

I've already gotten what I wanted anyway. I would try my best not to respond to Chad's calls or texts yet. I wanted to concentrate and think about a few things.

First, I'd have to turn down whoever sent the letter. Next, I'd ask Maria to meet somewhere in school and tell her I liked her. Simple.

"Thanks, Winter."

"You're welcome."