This story by Jason Brown contrasts the platonic first love a junior high schooler feels for the boy she has been going with since sixth grade to intense feelings she develops for a classmate with a “bad boy” reputation. Initially, the new relationship appears perfect as he treats her with respect and they discuss dreams and plans for the future. However, things take a potentially tragic turn when, confused and ashamed, she calls it off after experiencing a moment of sexual arousal during a petting session in the backseat of a car. Themes: love, sexuality, desire, passion, guilt, shame, retribution.
Original Text / PDF (7,250 words)