1. A Start of Something

"I have decided. I am going to make the first move and ask Anthony out!" I declared to Sarah, my best friend since I first saw Anthony Turner, I knew he was a gentle and caring guy. Not like the jerks I've dated so far. He was 5 foot 9 with dark brown eyes and dark skin. What attracted me the most about him was his smile. He had the kind of smile that lit up the entire room.

I didn't know I liked him right away. He wasn't exactly the most popular guy in my school. He didn't hang out with the people I usually hung out with. In this school, I was popular. Guys liked me for my good looks and the girls were envious of me. And that's how attracted all kinds of assholes who were after my body.

But I knew Anthony wasn't like that. He was the kind of guy who liked a girl for her personality and not for her looks.

The first time I noticed him was when he rescued an innocent kid from being bullied.

It was a Monday morning, I was putting my books in my locker when I saw Anthony Dean had Matt Murray pushed up against the wall. He grabbed his collar and held him up in a threatening manner.

What else is new? Anthony Dean was the biggest jerk and a bully in our school. His part-time job was to terrorize the poor, unsuspecting students who were weaker than him.

I'll admit it, I used to think he was hot with his tousled blonde hair, intense blue eyes, and tanned, muscular body but the more I saw his jerky behavior the less I like him. I try to avoid him as much as possible.

"I don't have time to hear you whine, you stupid bitch, you said you'll get this shit done by today. Does it look like it's done?" Anthony waved a piece of paper in front of Matt's face.

"N..no...but..." Matt stammered.

"But what?" Anthony roared. "I don't wanna hear your goddamn excuse. Get it done before Math class starts," he ordered.

"But it starts in half an hour! I can't finish it that fast!" Matt exclaimed.

"It'll only take me half a minute to break all those teeth," Anthony threatened and raised his fist near Matt's mouth.

Should I say something? I thought. Nah...I wouldn't be able to do anything against Mr. Macho man over there.

"Leave him alone!" another voice spoke and I looked in that direction.

"Who the fuck are you?" Anthony barked.

"I am Anthony, let Matt go. He doesn't owe you shit," the other guy replied. What is this? The battle of the Anthony?

"Ah, we have the same name. Too bad you look like a complete dork," Anthony Dean smirked.

"Good one jerk, let Matt go," the other Anthony said.

"Or what?" Anthony Dean glared at him.

The bell rang before Anthony no. two answered so Anthony Dean let Matt go. I am sure Matt wasn't entirely safe though.

I wasn't worried about Matt so much as I was too busy looking at the nice Anthony with admiration. Finally, someone who stood up to the school bully.

It wasn't the only instance that drew me toward him. I started to notice all the nice things about him. The way he helped his classmates with their homework, the way he kept the loner kid company during lunch, and vice versa.

The way he smiled at me when I said hello to him in English class made me realize something. I needed to stop dating jerks. Anthony Turner was the guy for me.middle school.

"Anthony Dean?" she raised her eyebrows.

"EW! Absolutely not. The other Anthony," I said quickly.

"Who?" Sarah was confused.

"Him, sitting on the front row," I whispered and pointed at him.

"Oh, you mean Anthony Turner. That's funny, I didn't think he was your type," Sarah said.

"He is now. He is such a sweetheart. I am sick of dating assholes who treat me like shit. It's time to give nice guys a chance," I said.

Sarah thought about it for a second. "I don't know Summer...I think Anthony Dean is hotter," she said.

"Who cares? His personality sucks. He always acts like some type of alpha male who's better than everyone. All he does is flaunt his wealth and good looks. Besides, I heard the last girl went out with him, ended up being heartbroken because he ditched her like she was nothing," I remarked.

"I bet Anthony Turner would never do that to a girl," I added.

"Whatever you say. So what's your plan?" Sarah looked at me curiously.

"I am going to pull the old fashioned trick and pass him a note," I grinned. It was the first day of the semester and Anthony Turner happened to be in my English class. Lucky me.

Okay, I'll admit it wasn't very original and I should go with a more direct approach, but I was suddenly feeling shy. I never had to ask anyone out before. Guys usually come to me. I didn't know how to get him alone as this was the only class we had together so I asked him to meet me after school by the bus stand.

He sat all the way at the front. I bet he was one of those over-achiever students. I sat in the back so I needed some extra help to reach him.

"Mr. Dean! You are late," our teacher Mr. Burns said.

Oh, great...he is in this class too? I thought bitterly as I stared at Mr. Jerkface aka Anthony Dean.

"Yeah...sorry, guess time flies by when you're busy making out," he grinned smugly and winked.

Gross.

"I'd prefer it if you don't share your private accomplishments with the entire class, Mr. Dean," Mr. Burns winced. "Now please, take your seat."

Anthony Dean smirked and took his seat. He sat two seats behind the nice Anthony so he couldn't help but glare at him when he passed him. What a jerk.

Mr. Burns started to write stuff down on the board. His back was turned so now is my chance to pass the note to Anthony.

"Psst...pass this to Anthony Turner," I whispered to the person next to me.

She nodded and started to pass the note. I hope he responds to it and meets me after school. What if he has no idea who I am!

I decided not to worry about it too much. I have a reputation to be popular and beautiful. He will notice me eventually. And even if he says no I wouldn't let it bother me, I decided.

I saw the note traveling towards the front row. And now I wait...