THE KISSING LESSON

The sun is beating down on the lush green field of Springs High School, casting a golden glow over the electric atmosphere. The air is alive with anticipation as two unbeatable teams, Hyenas and Tigers, face off in the most highly anticipated last soccer match of the season.

Hyenas, known for their lightning-fast counterattacks and impenetrable defence, have been undefeated for four years. Their coach, the seasoned and ruthless Mark “The Shark” Watson, has drilled his team to perfection.

Tigers, on the other hand, are a force to reckon with. Led by their enigmatic captain, Alex “The Ace” Cambridge, they have been quietly building a reputation for their innovative tactics and razor-sharp instincts.

As the whistle blow, the game erupts into a frenzy of movement. Hyenas launch a series of fierce attacks, but Tigers’ defence hold strong. Meanwhile, Alex Cambridge orchestrates a series of clever passes, slowly but surely wearing down Hyenas’ resolve.

In the 89th minute, disaster strikes for Hyenas. A momentary lapse in concentration allows Tigers’ superstar striker, Dario “Ronaldo” Gomez, my four-year crush, to slip through and score a stunning goal as soon as I finish my quick little prayer for their victory.

Hyenas try to push hard for an equalizer, but Tigers’ defence is unyielding. As the final whistle blow, Tigers celebrate a hard-fought 5-4 victory.

Hyenas are stunned, their undefeated streak shattering. Coach Watson shake hands with Alex Cambridge nodding in respect. “You outplayed us,” I hear him say as I’m sitting in the front raw near the field with my friends who are still basking in joy. “You deserve the win.”

As Tigers lift the trophy aloft, fans erupt in joy including my friends and I who are uncontrollably jumping up and down in our own seats, overflowing with excitement. Alex Cambridge grins basking in the adoration. “We did it, guys!” he says to his team, his voice hoarse from shouting instructions. “We’re the champions!”

Hyenas, meanwhile, make an exit from the field with great sadness to let Tigers have their moment. “Congratulations Cambridge!” Coach Watson growls, leading his team out.

And so, the rivalry between Hyenas and Tigers has reached its end – a rivalry that has fuelled the passions of Springs High School for four years.

The Acknowledgement And The Disappointment

As I stand amidst the sea of frenzied fans in the packed school stadium, my voice is reduced to a hoarse whisper from screaming in unison with my friends and the electrified crowd. The Tigers have just clinched the match of the season, and the air pulses with exhilaration!

My friends and I, all ardent Tigers enthusiasts, are ecstatic, embracing each other and jumping up and down in unbridled joy. On the field, the team celebrates, and our gazes scan the players, searching for Dylan. When our eyes meet, he overflows with happiness, exchanging endless kisses with us across the distance.

Then, my attention shifts to one person, Dario Gomez. He beams with pride, grinning from ear to ear, as teammates lift him aloft, trophy held high. When they lift him down, our eyes lock, and time freezes. Dario’s gaze holds mine, his index finger pointing at me, fist pounding his chest repeatedly, and a dazzling smile illuminating his chiseled face.

My soul escapes my body, leaving me breathless and awestruck. The stadium’s din fades into the background as our connection takes center stage.

I realize Avery has noticed what Dario just did because I suddenly hear her squealing and exclaiming, “Oh my gosh!!!”

“What?” I turn my head to her, dazed.

“Is Dario Gomez acknowledging you?!” she asks, her eyes wide in disbelief and voice trembling in shock.

“What!” Talia squeaks in shock, dropping her phone mid-picture.

“I-I think he is!” I stammer, excitement overflowing.

The three of us squeal in unison, erupting into joy, jumping up and down, and grasping onto one another as my dream finally comes true!

Just as the three of us are basking in joy, we get hit with another surprise. Dario, whom we just cheered for acknowledging me for the first time in my existence at Springs High School, is now making out with Chelsea Spencer, a mean social media influencer and Cheerleader Squad captain, right in the center of the field! My heart drops heavily to my stomach, filling me with rage.

“Are you kidding me?!” I exclaim, totally enraged.

Avery tries to comfort me, “Don’t worry about it. What matters is that he acknowledged you, and tonight you’re going to slay so he gets spellbound.”

Talia confidently boosts me, “Yeah, don’t let that mean ass bitch Chelsea be a threat; she has nothing on you, girl.”

But I’m fuelled by rage, “And yet she’s making out with the hottest boy in school right in the center of the field during the biggest match of the season, and I’m not!”

Talia tries to convince me, “Girl, don’t let that get to you; it’s just one of Chelsea’s publicity stunts for her brand. We all know that.”

I respond, sadness etched on my face, “Sometimes I don’t know if I should believe that anymore. I mean look how passionate they are; it doesn’t look like a publicity stunt at all.”

Avery and Talia take a brief glance at Dario and Chelsea’s makeout session and comment in unison, “Damn!” taken aback by the passion on display between the two.

Outside The Stadium

As Chelsea and her cheerleading squad take to the field for a victory performance, my friends and I decide to leave the stadium and head to the parking lot to await Dylan by Avery's car.

"Girls, I've decided not to embarrass myself tonight," I say, leaning against Avery's car, arms folded, blood boiling. "Tonight, I'll just behave like any other normal girl. I'm tired of making stupid headlines over a boy who doesn't care about me. I swear if Dario doesn't approach me tonight, I'm done. I can't keep chasing him until I head off to college."

Avery tries to cheer me up, "Don't worry, baby girl, with your hairdresser, makeup artist, and fashion stylist, you'll definitely snatch him tonight. And who knows, you might even end up sucking the shit out of his lips."

I'm taken aback, "Suck the shit out of his lips?" My voice trembles, and I panic. My lips have never even been kissed before!

Avery unexpectedly reminds me of the biggest lie I told her and Talia last year, "Yeah, like how you did with Mason last year, and he soaked his pants right away."

"That one never gets old." Talia teases, chuckling.

My heart drops to my stomach!

I force an awkward grin, "Hahaha, right. I'm definitely going to do just that."

"Wait, you guys still remember that?" I ask, nervous.

Avery teases, "Who can forget such hot tea? It's still unbelievable how you guys made out despite not seeing eye-to-eye at all."

I cringe, wanting to disappear.

Jesus, these girls still haven't forgotten about that fake make-out story I told them 15 months ago? I swear, if they ever find out it's a lie, they'll get so pissed and dump me. Somebody needs to do something before things get crazy!

As my thoughts still race, Talia asks me, shyly looking away, "So, do you think throwing a little performance for the Tigers would be an embarrassment?"

I ask curiously, my eyes slightly open, giving her a scare, "And what kind of performance are we talking about?"

Talia responds shyly, her voice barely above a whisper, "Just a little dance."

I boldly refuse, "A little dance? Uhh, you know what happened last time I did that ‘Little dance’ right? I almost lost my leg and arm, made national headlines, and the entire school wouldn’t stop torturing me for the entire six months! So nope, I'm not going to pass that, sweetheart."

Talia teases, "But you were doing acrobatics, which is crazy for someone like you who can’t even flex.”

I confidently argue, though unsure, "It wasn't acrobatics, it was just...just a dance to impress Dario."

Talia persists, "Whatever. Listen, this one will be an easy and sexy task. Doing it will boost Dario's attraction towards you."

I ask curiously, willing to change my mind, "Really?"

Talia's cheeks flush with excitement. "I've got some cute TikTok dance moves I've been practicing for days. Believe me, you won't regret this."

I say with a sassy attitude, "Oh? Can you demonstrate for us? If I'm impressed, maybe I'll participate in your little performance.”

“And it better fire, Talia. This is my last attempt to have my long-term three-some wish granted with Daren & Luca.” Avery says, dropping our jaws. “Shit did I say that out loud?” She asks, instantly regretful.

“Oh my god, you want to have a three some and you haven’t told us?” Talia whines in shock.

Avery tries to brush it off, “It’s just…something messing with my mind lately. Nothing serious.”

Talia’s curiosity gets the better of her, “Oh shit. So tell us, how do you want to have it? Want both holes booked and busy or just one hole at a time and your mouth pumped?”

I’m traumatized & disgusted, “My god, Talia!”

Avery confidently confirms, “I want both holes pumped.”

“Avery!” I exclaim, disgusted.

She whines, “It’s the only way I can have back my orgasms since I haven’t been having none lately!”

“What?!” Talia asks, shocked.

“And you think that is the best way to have your orgasms back?” I surprisingly ask, literally sounding judgemental.

“Is that a judgement?” Avery snaps at me.

“Absolutely not. I was just…trying to suggest better ways for you.” I lie, my voice trembling as Avery seems ready to jump on me.

“I know you’re lying,” She shuts me down. “Anyway, I was kidding about having a threesome,” she says, confusing us now.

“Oh, I know you were not,” Talia teases her, a smirk playing on her lips.

She rolls her eyes at Talia to avoid arguing, then confidently drop another bombshell, “But, I do want to have a three-way makeout.”

“Oh!” I exclaim.

“Yeah, like the one in Zendaya’s latest movie, Challenges. Gosh, so hot!” Avery says, flushing with excitement.

“Ooh, maybe I need to do that too,” Talia considers, flushing with excitement as well.

“Is Dylan going to be involved in that stupid three-way makeout of yours?” I ask Talia, concern etched on my face.

“Definitely,” Talia confidently says. “I need to find the second guy – someone like Dylan 2.0. Help me pick guys, please.” She continues, her face scanning around the parking lot for hot guys.

“Firstly, I doubt Dylan will agree to your stupid fantasy,” I say. “Secondly, Dupree and Ben seem perfect for fulfilling your crazy fantasy; I heard they’re wild.” I continue, looking in Dupree & Ben’s direction as they gathered around with their fellow Hyenas teammates, loudly discussing the game they just had.

Talia steal a quick glance at them before huffing and say “You know what? Maybe I should reconsider this.” 

“That’s what I thought,” I say gladly.

She then excitedly changes the subject, “Anyway, let me show you our dance routine.” She adjusts herself to demonstrate the dance routine.

As Chelsea and her cheerleading squad take

The Encounter With The Boys

As Chelsea and her cheerleading squad take