The one that got away:a Jim Povolo story

I walked into the theater. A group of theater majors were huddled around a small hobbit like boy. I suddenly say who I was looking for. I smiled to myself.

"CAITLIN!!" A tall boy with brown hair started running toward me. I was lifted off the ground with ease. 

"Hi Jim." I replied trying to hide the excitement exploding inside of me. He put me down almost as if he thought I was made of glass. When I looked into his eyes I felt sparks. I know he wouldn't like a girl like me. I was his best friend, a junior in high school he's a senior in college. He's graduating next week, his parents had bought me a bus ticket to visit him in Ann Arbor. 

"Who's that babe with Povolo?" I heard the curly haired boy say. I laughed and looked at the boy who said that. I assumed it was Darren. Jim had told me all about him when we video chatted once. 

"This is my best friend Caitlin" Jim said with pride. "She's 16 almost 17 so Darren hands off!"

I giggled to myself Jim always thought it was his responsibility to take care of me. Like a big brother. He was oblivious to the fact that I feel something more. When he met me I was sleeping on a bench in a park. He woke me up. Seeing the bruises on my face he asked if I was okay. I wasn't my stepfather had beaten me the night before. He took me home, I wouldn't do that normally but I felt safe with him. His mother greeted me smiling she sat me down on the couch while she grabbed her husband obviously talking about my bruises. Jim smiled and put on aladdin and I smiled. His mom walled back in ice pack in hand. I placed it on my eye. 

"You can stay here tonight if you want." mrs. Povolo said. I accepted. Jim staying up all night watching me sleep. 

I woke the next morning Jim lightly snoring mouth open. That was the first time I realized I was in love with Jim Povolo.