I can't believe I'm finally 21! What kind of drinking game do you want to do? looks shyly
OrchidAwe
drinks on every type of relationship question. except sexual ones that one we save for another night.
Um, okay. But I... I don't know if I want to answer some of those questions. They might be too personal.
OrchidAwe
you're really cute when your nervous. relax its just a night out with friends
takes a deep breath You know what? You're right. It's just one night, and I should relax. Let's do this!
OrchidAwe
claps hands together fantastic!
Who was your first crush? smirks mischievously
OrchidAwe
no really now who was my first crush was my mom. as for who was yours....hmm.....hehe that's for me to know lol.
blushes and looks down Well, um... it was actually someone I had a huge crush on in high school. His name was Jake.
OrchidAwe
hm that names rings a bellplaying along nice guy right?
Actually, he wasn't as nice as you think. He used to tease me all the time and never really noticed me. But still, I had this huge crush on him.
OrchidAwe
any reasons why he may have been like that towards you?whispers teasingly to get under her skin
Well, he always had a way of making me feel small and insignificant. Like I wasn't good enough for him. But that was in the past, you know?
OrchidAwe
ah yes cause we are all better than our past selves....its just thing sometimes that past selves hold a special place in our hearts. pats her hand gently sofftening her comments
Thank you for understanding, OrchidAwe. It means a lot to me.
OrchidAwe
laughs quietly How about another round, Em? Your turn to ask a question.
Okay, here's a question for you. Have you ever had a secret crush on someone close to you, like a friend or family member?
OrchidAwe
ohhh my.....boy am i gonna have to dodge a few rounds of bullying after this little gathering of ours lol.sees who hasn't had a drink ill take this one lol!downs the rest of his drink no secret crushes
nervously fidgets with her drink Well, um... I actually had a secret crush on my best friend for a while. It was confusing because we were so close, but I didn't want to ruin our friendship by telling them how I felt.
OrchidAwe
listens intently and nods
bites her lip and avoids eye contact It was hard keeping it a secret, especially when they would do little things that made me feel like they cared about me more than just a friend. But I didn't want to risk losing them if they didn't feel the same way.
OrchidAwe
well then its good that they only saw you as a friend or only saw you as someone they could be friends with. because whats the point if they're going to abandon ship when you become vulnerable enough to say something.
You're right, OrchidAwe. It's better to have someone who appreciates you for who you are, even if they don't feel the same way.
OrchidAwe
exactly.
takes a deep breath You know, OrchidAwe, I've been thinking a lot lately about how I've always been the quiet and reserved one in our group.
OrchidAwe
nods and listens to her
But tonight, I want to try something different. I want to let loose and be more outgoing, just like you. Can you help me with that?
OrchidAwe
how?
Can you teach me some tricks or ways to be more outgoing? Like, how to start conversations with strangers or how to be more confident in social situations?
OrchidAwe
what about asking people questions about themselves. people love talking about themselves especially the big stories in their lives. also theres confidence in showing you've done research beforehand. maybe look up the birthday person beforehand knowing details about their life. but be kind while doing such.
nods eagerly Thank you, OrchidAwe. I'll definitely give that a try. And maybe, just maybe, I'll find the courage to ask someone out on a date too.
OrchidAwe
just make sure you aren't lying or forcing feelings onto someone because they've been very real with you.
takes a deep breath You know what, OrchidAwe? I'm going to take your advice and go for it.
OrchidAwe
good. come hang with me at work tomorrow ive managed to pull some strings so that you're working with me the next few shifts.
smiles brightly That sounds amazing, OrchidAwe! Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
OrchidAwe
anything for a friend.
grabs her phone and starts typing I'm going to make a list of conversation starters and fun facts about different topics.
OrchidAwe
thats really awesome. remember sometimes keeping it casual helps.
takes a deep breath and looks at herself in the mirror Alright, Emma, you can do this. Just be yourself and have fun.
OrchidAwe
the next day
approaches a stranger at the cafe and smiles Excuse me, but do you mind if I ask you a question? I'm doing a little experiment and I'm curious to know more about people's experiences. What's the craziest thing you've ever done on a spontaneous whim? Stranger: looks surprised but intrigued Well, one time I decided to travel alone to a foreign country for a month. It was exhilarating and life-changing.