Totem by E.M. Lathrop

know the man that rested inside of him. Not knowing him personally made it easier to keep my hormones in check knowing that he seems immune to me. From what I can tell, I do not affect him the way he affects me. Class after class, I watch him. I disguise it as if I am scanning the crowd or calculating a move against the other team, but it is all for him. It is all so I can see his face. I don’t know what would happen if I found out Ty felt otherwise about me.
                  After a long game and very little talk from a pondering Michelle, I grab a drink of water from the fountain. Since the one in the hallway has become the common one to use and is always crowded, Michelle and I ventured away discovering the one in the women’s locker room off the side of the gym. It’s a little further away, but usually by the time we get water and head back, we are quicker than the line at the fountain. We walk together through the double doors.
                  “You’re right,” states Michelle breaking the silence. “Screw him.”
                  I smile as I sip the cool water. I nod at Michelle then turn and open up the door out of the locker room. Immediately I am drawn to a halt as I am face to face with the one person who makes my heart skip a beat. He smiles. I am so close I can see the little beads of sweat that form on his perfect forehead. My mouth opens allowing more air to fuel my quickening heart. His eyes are locked on me.
                  “Oh hi Ty,” states Michelle nudging me as she walks out the door.
                  She shoots my one sly smile as she walks away leaving me alone with Ty. Secretly I wish she would have stayed, but at the same time, I want to be alone with him.
                  “I heard what you told Michelle on the volleyball court,” states Ty.
                  “How?”
                  “You were kind of loud,” replies Ty with a smile. “It was actually kind of funny. Yet, it was awesome to see how much you care for her.”
                  I feel my heart pounding in my chest. I open my mouth slightly to allow more air to pass into my lungs. Ty keeps his gaze on me. His face is unreadable. My mind races over all the possibilities that could be lurking behind his handsome guise.
                  “What are you doing after class?” asks Ty.
                  “I have a break until two.”
                  “Want to go grab some lunch?”
                  The words left his mouth and I had to will my mind to believe I was not dreaming. Emphatically, I nod my head. It is all I could do to keep from grinning like a crazy person. He shoots one more brilliant smile before walking back into the gym. I pause a few seconds before I follow. As soon as I return to class, Michelle is immediately by my side.
                  “What did he want?” asks Michelle
                  “He wants to go to lunch,” I disbelievingly state the words.
     
                  After class, Michelle seems to be back to her normal self. She smiles and laughs as we grab our bags. Once again, we are the last ones to leave. This time though, we have company. Ty waits patiently for us to collect our belongings beside the gym door.
                  “Hey, Ty,” greets Michelle as she gives me another nudge.
                  “Hey,” replies Ty as he looks at Michelle.
                  His eyes lock back on to mine. I feel myself melting all over again.
                  “So Kimber,” he begins.
                  He spoke my name! My inner self leaps for joy at the sound of my name coming from his lips. I nod my head in response waiting for whatever might come next.
                  “Are you ready for lunch?”
                  Unexpectedly, Ty grabs my