• As I stood in the wing waiting to go on stage, I watched her. In the center of the stage, Dani sang a sweet melody, her glorious smile and smooth red hair stunning the audience. As she held the last note, the audience applauded, as I sighed. Was I good enough for her? As the audience quieted, I entered, and the play continued. But when I wasn’t speaking, my eyes always drifted toward her. I yearned for her friendship, just a touch of the hand. But I knew I had no chance.

    I had fallen for Dani, but her eyes passed over me as if I were invisible. While she chatted with her friends, I would discreetly watch, my eyes fixed onto her face. I had only dared to tell my closest friends, for I dreaded any of my family members finding out. So I hid the secret in the depths of my heart, although my eyes betrayed me. The days passed, and it was almost the end of the show. As I left the theatre the night before the last show, one of the other boys walked up to me.
    “So is the rumor true? Do you like Dani?”
    Stunned, I stopped mid-step. “Sorry…what’d you say?” “I asked if you like Dani,” George said. A deep sigh escaped from my chest. Glancing around, I leaned in closer and said in a low voice, “Who told you that?” George, innocently shoving a dagger into my heart, replied. “Oh, everybody’s talking about it. But she doesn’t like you. I think she likes me.” Staggering from the blow, I turned and rushed away.

    The next morning when I arrived at the theater, I was accosted by multiple cast members asking the same question. “Is it true?” The more people asked, the more I thought that I had no chance. But I had to do something. I had to find out.

    Standing backstage, I waited for the play to begin. Then, the door opened, and Dani walked in. barely glancing at me, she swept by. But as she passed, I just barely caught her hand. Turning toward me, she looked puzzled. Our eyes met for a millisecond, and then I released her. Watching her walk away, I sighed. But throughout the performance, there was a slight smile on her face. I would’ve given almost anything to know if the smile was for the audience—or for me.

    The play was over, and backstage was a flurry of business a** the sets were pulled out and the theatre emptied. Grabbing my backpack, I walked outside and joined a group of my friends. My heart was aching, but I wanted to do one last thing. I wanted to tell Dani. After a long discussion with my friends, I decided I would simply march up to her, and tell her. So I waited until she was alone. Then, my heart beating faster and faster, I walked up next to her. As my mouth opened, she met my gaze and slowly shook her head. Hesitantly and sadly, she answered my unspoken question. “No.” Then she left me.

    That was three weeks ago. Although I haven’t seen her since, she’s been on my mind. When I think of her (which is about every other minute), my heart breaks again like it did when she quietly slipped the dagger into my heart. There’s a song that partly describes how I feel - “Every Little Thing” by Hawk Nelson