Mel’s Awkward Moments: Sidewalk Dancing

He is walking towards her. Mel’s heart flutters as she wraps and unwraps her earphone cords around her fingers. He is a senior football player, the star quarterback with a hefty scholarship to some college.  And those blue eyes and sharp cheek bones. The single dimple in his left cheek when he smiles.

Mel has two whole classes with him this year. But he is a senior who would never pay attention to someone like her.

But sure enough. It’s Charlie Anderson. And he’s walking towards her. Mel’s eyes dart down, counting each crack she walks past.

But she glances up. And boom: eye contact. She’s making eye contact with Charlie. She holds her breath before quickly looking away.

Her legs move forward. Closer and closer. In fact, he’s right in front of her. Too consumed with their eye contact, she didn’t realize they’re walking straight towards each other.

Then the collide, literally, Charlie looking down at his phone. Mel jolts to the side, mumbling “sorry.”

He smiles, and steps to the side. Right in front of her again.

“Sorry, I’ll just,” and she moves the other way, feeling the blood rush to her cheeks. But once again, he steps with her.

And now, they are dancing. Right. Left. Right. Left.

Mel stares at the ground, avoiding. Could it get any worse? 

“Mel, let’s just do this.” And Charlie puts his hands on her shoulders. Not only does he know her name, but he’s touching her. Right. Now.

“Okay.” Mel laughs nervously.

His hands tightened on her shoulder and he softly moves her to the side. “There we go,” he says.

And with that, Charlie walks away. Mel’s shoulders tingle and her hands won’t stop shaking.