The rain poured down the glass as James sat reading in his chair. He was reading his favourite book, the only book he had ever read and he had read it more than twenty seven times. His parents were out shopping for groceries and he had opted to stay.

He had nobody to take to the annual dance and he was drowning his sorrows in cheese. Cheese was one of the most satisfying tastes to James’ selective palette which cautiously stayed away from exotic foods and stuck to burgers, noodles and of course, cheese. James was no couch potatoes though. He played soccer and cricket, and was one of the school’s top basketball players.
The phone rang and James put down his book. He sighed heavily as he picked it up.

“This is James.”
“Hey James, how are you?”
“Sup Alex? I’m O.K.”
“I heard about you and Sam, bummer man. What happened?”
“Oh, she said she couldn’t keep up with me, that I was too friendly with other girls and stuff.”
“What’s wrong with having a few good friends that are girls?”
“She was super jealous. I’m over her, although it is sad.”
“Well, are you coming to youth tonight?”
“I suppose it would be good to get out. I’ll see you then.”
“Cool, see ya.”

James put the phone down slowly. It wasn’t cool being let down but he knew he needed to get out and get over it. Life goes on. Besides he had so much to be thankful for. He had a quick shower and got dressed.

Alex met him at youth. The place was packed with teens and tweens. They met up with some other friends and James began to feel better already. That was when he saw her. She was standing in a group just a few meters away. Her hair was a golden brown, long and silky as it fell behind her ears and half way down her back. Her eyes were a stunning sky blue lighting up as she spoke excitedly to her friends. She turned her head and saw James. She smiled, her perfectly white teeth just exposing themselves between her gorgeous lips. James gulped. She turned back to her friend and she giggled.

She said something to her friends and walked towards James. His heart skipped a beat.
“Hi, I’m Storm.”
“Um…, hi.” She giggled again, her nose wrinkled up in the cutest way, James thought.
“I couldn’t help seeing you stare at me.”
“Sorry about that… I’m James.”
“Nice to meet you James, do you want to join me for a soda?”
“Soda?”
“Yes James, a cool drink.”

How could somebody so beautiful be so sweet? James nodded slowly and walked with her towards the tuck shop. His friends watched him leave, whispering among themselves. He asked what she wanted, and she replied with a Fanta. That was James’ favourite drink. They spoke for a while and he couldn’t believe how much they had in common.

The youth leaders called everybody inside and praise and worship began. James was fascinated by Storm’s love for Jesus. She danced and worshiped him with all her heart. James was falling for her in a big way. The youth pastor spoke on friendship and how Jesus wanted to be their ultimate friend. Storm’s laugh was contagious and every joke that she laughed at got the entire building laughing.

After the meeting they walked outside together. James looked at her and smiled.

“I think I really like you Storm,” She smiled again making James’ heart race, “Will you come with me to my schools annual dance?”
“I would love to James.”
“How about movies tomorrow night?”
“What time will you pick me up?”
“Six, we can see the eight thirty show.”
“I’ll see you then”

She lent forward and kissed him softly on the cheek. James stood, glued to the spot watching her get into her parent’s car. She waved and he waved back. When James got home he raced to the fridge. He pulled open the door and grabbed a piece of sliced cheese. He kissed it and smiled. Life was good!