Winning My Ex-Crush

Fenella’s POV

I opened a teenage magazine and saw one of the articles I had read before. It was from three months ago, but I thought it was still relevant to me. The article’s page discussed several tips for a successful first date.

“Wearing appropriate attire for the date location while staying comfortable.” I read the first tip for myself.

But I didn’t know where Lloyd would take me. He didn’t say. I thought about just wearing something comfortable. I opened my wardrobe and started choosing clothes for tomorrow. From one top to another and various pants from long to short.

A dress? I glanced at the dress but immediately shook my head. I still vividly remember the last time I wore a dress for a boy, and it didn’t end well. Laird said I looked ugly, like a clown.

Fortunately, now I’m quite good at dressing up after following tips from magazines and YouTube videos. At least better than a birthday clown.

My heart raced as I stared at myself in the mirror. I never thought Lloyd would ask me out. No boy has ever asked me out. Of course, I’m excited.

“Hi, Lloyd. Your outfit looks cool.” I rehearsed greeting and complimenting my date according to tip number two.

I felt weird imagining Lloyd’s face. He seemed more mysterious and harder to understand compared to Laird.

“Hi, Laird. You look unusually tidy today.” That’s what I might say if I were dating Laird.

“Good morning. Come on, let’s hurry, Laird.” I simulated several times as if I were going on a date with Laird.

I sighed after five minutes of practicing compliments for boys. Somehow, it feels easier to mention Laird’s name than Lloyd’s.

“Enough.”

I lazily lay on the bed. I continued reading the magazine article from the third tip to the last one.

“You can choose to kiss him or just hug him after the date ends?!”

My eyes widened, and I swallowed hard. I had no idea there was an option like that after a date. Truly, I couldn’t imagine getting my first kiss tomorrow. Imagining it with Lloyd felt wrong, and I screamed in panic.

***

“Thank you, La-Lloyd. The flowers are so beautiful.” My heart pounded as I smiled broadly.

This is weird. I almost called him Laird. Surely this is because last night I practiced calling Laird’s name too much. I quickly shook my head to get rid of all of Laird’s names in my mind and on my lips.

I have to focus on Lloyd because my date is him. Like the third tip written in the magazine, focus on him.

“Not as beautiful as you.” Lloyd smiled as he looked at me.

Upon hearing the compliment, my face immediately felt hot. I felt so embarrassed. This is the first time a boy has thrown such a compliment at me. Well, maybe Dad often says that, but it feels totally different.

He’s only 12!

In my heart, I panicked hysterically. Nevertheless, I tried to stay calm by taking deep breaths several times in silence.

How can a younger boy be so disturbing?

“Are you ready?” Lloyd asked.

“Where are we going? You didn’t say the destination, so I’m confused about choosing clothes. Would my outfit be wrong?” I asked, casting a glance back at the clothes I was wearing this time.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

An oversized white long-sleeved T-shirt tucked into tight blue jeans. Black belt with a large golden buckle. A navy crossbody bag was an additional accessory to my outfit.

Oh, and I also wore white sneakers as the safest choice in various situations. I also tied my long hair high to look fresher, unless Lloyd turned out to be taking me to an expensive restaurant.

“Your outfit looks cool. It’s not the wrong costume.” Lloyd praised me again, making me feel conceited.

This is dangerous, I thought. I might really become addicted to his compliments.

We walked to the subway, took the train for 5 minutes, then walked again. After that simple journey, I was amazed when I saw the place Lloyd chose for our first date.

“Why? Come on, let’s go in.” Lloyd reached out his hand for me to hold.

Hesitantly, I took his hand. It was very different from Laird’s rough hand; Lloyd’s was smoother. Laird’s fingers were longer and could engulf my whole hand, but Lloyd’s fingers fit mine. Lloyd’s hand felt cold, unlike Laird’s warm hand the last time I remembered.

Again, I felt guilty for comparing the brothers in my mind.

I immediately followed Lloyd’s steps into one of Boston’s largest arcade game venues. I knew this place very well. Me, Laird, Lloyd, and our parents often came here after Red Sox games at Fenway Park.

“I didn’t expect this.” I said to Lloyd, still a bit confused.

“Why? Doesn’t it meet your expectations? Too bad it’s not an expensive restaurant, but I guarantee we’ll have fun.”

“No, not about that,” I said, shaking my head.

“Then?” Lloyd arched his brow.

I couldn’t put up to let out my word to him. I mean, the magazine said that the first date is all about romantic venues. It didn’t have to be a fancy and expensive restaurant. I thought we were really going on-I don’t know-maybe something sweet and simple like a picnic in the park and sitting around under the big tree.

“Never mind that. Let’s go now.”

I walked beside him to the arcade. If it’s to the arcade and bowling alley, it’s the same as usual when the three of us went with Laird. The only difference this time is that I’m alone with Lloyd. At least it calmed my nerve that we went to our familiar place.