I’ve known this girl since second grade but see her now with fresh eyes. I guess John will be alone in trying to impress her friends; I have just been bitten by the love bug and they aren’t even here yet.

How do I let her know? How do I tell her I like her as more than a friend? She is awesome, way cool! I don’t know why it took me so long to realize it. But now, here we are and the future is riding on me and my confidence.

What if she laughs at me? What if she tells me she has a boyfriend who’s in college so you’d better watch it, High School Boy? How embarrassing! I’m saved by the bell, the doorbell that is.

Wendy answers the door and in walk Monica, Michele, Lori, and Jill. They look and, yes, smell awesome. John is sitting over there grinning like an idiot. Oh boy, here we go.

They start talking and John jumps right in. He’s not exactly the shy, silent type. But suddenly he’s like a mystery man to me, transforming before my eyes into this Romeo, this lover boy who’s fearless around girls.

He starts talking to Michele and it’s as if there are violins playing quietly in the background and heaps of roses he has just given her.

Her response to him is like the pain from a shot in the arm: Immediate. She scoots closer to him on the sofa, takes his hand in hers.

I am in total awe! My buddy John is a major hit with the ladies! At least with Michele, who happens to be very fine. Who knew?

I corner Wendy and tell her, “You’re the coolest girl I know. Your reaction earlier has made me realize I’m in love with you and want you to be my girlfriend.”

I don’t know where those words came from, but they are bold and decisive and I’m glad it’s me who says them. What a surprise! I’m confident when it counts; I don’t stutter or lose my cool! It’s like I’m finally in control, smooth-talking and self-assured.

She puts her arms around me, pulls me close. Smiling warmly, she licks her lips and starts to close the gap between our mouths. That’s when I realize this beautiful girl is making me melt. We kiss lightly at first and finish with a kiss to write home about. I think I’ve been swept off my feet, and wait! I’m supposed to be doing the sweeping.

I came over here hoping to talk to and get to know Wendy’s friends, but realized instead that things don’t always go according to plan, and also that you’ve gotta play your cards right.

But who’d have ever thought I’d come out winning? Who could imagine I’d be so lucky? Love is grand, I tell you!