First Dance With A Boy

Everyone remembers, most likely begrudgingly, middle school. With all the drama and tears, its probably one of the most horrible experiences youwill go through in your life. At least for me. I spent my days admiring the popular girls who were dating guys, wishing I could be like them. I was teased constantly. I had 2 or 3 friends. My studies didnt come easily either. There were a few bright spots: my teachers. I loved them. Particularly my science teacher who told us all he was going to repel off the building at the end of the year.

The end of middle school came as a huge relief for me. I was ready for high school - especially since the high school I was going to was in another district, which meant I would probably never see these people again.

The eighth grade dance was what everyone was looking forward to. It was kind of fancy, and I had to get a dress and new shoes. I arrived at the dance and, like many, waited by the front windows to watch everyone arriving. Some girls had rented limos and dressed like little beauty queens. When Kim, one of the most popular girls, arrived, I said to my friend Crystal, "Look at Kim! This is not the prom!"

The dance was held in the school's back courtyard. (I always admired the architecture and design of my middle school, like the nerd I have always been) The DJ played the top hits of the day mixed with the classics, for the teachers. I remember watching Brandon, who I lusted after all year, grind on some girl and Iwished I was her.

Crystal and I had fun. She was not afraid to bug the DJ to play Backstreet Boys, but I was afraid to bug the DJ to play Hanson, who I really wanted to hear.

At some point, a boy came up to me. He was so cute; what was he talking to me for? I had never been the subject of a boy's attention. I was shocked when he asked me to dance. I said, "Are you serious?" and he said, "Absolutely."

We held hands as we danced to the moldy oldie Get Down Tonight. Crystal and our little group of friends watched with huge smiles on their faces. I was a bit embarrassed about dancing in public, and also by the fact I was dancing with a boy to the lyric"make a little love".

The song ended hours later. Crystal danced with him next, being the forward person she was, and informed me later he was in high school. I had danced with a high school boy!

Time has robbed me of his name and I've spent years wondering what a high school boy was doing at a middle school dance. It was a great night though. And today, every time I hear that song it takes me back to my first dance with a guy.