[EnigmaofSorrow]

At first, it was pretty obvious that he had little interest in girls. His life revolved around computer games and soccer.

His failure to make it to a top secondary school had put some unwanted pressure on him, but he always did well in his examinations. It was as though he was subconsciously showing his parents that he was not a failure.

He was also rather active in CCAs, having joined soccer, track and field, uniformed group, prefectorial board and strangely, the IT club.

His greatest wish was to represent the school in soccer, but due to his size, he was not even considered for the school team. Having failed there, he decided to concentrate on track and field and his uniformed group.

When he started secondary 2, he realised that his lack of height was indeed a problem. While his peers were already hitting the high end of 1.6meters, he was still floundering at the mid 1.5meters. Jane too, had probably peaked at her maximum height of 1.68meters, and her skirt seemed to have gotten shorter over the past year. Her blouse too had gotten tighter. He wondered if she was merely out to attract the attention of the guys.

But she was in the "clique" and there was no such need. Guys would be around her anyway.

Due to his track and field training, soccer and uniformed group activities, he was soon being surrounded by girls as well. Despite his height, his body was developing pretty nicely. All he needed now was some extra height.

All this while, he was not particularly close to Jane. She knew of his existence and acknowleged his presence, but he was never more than a schoolmate to her. Besides, she was more preoccupied with the attention of the hordes of other boys who were all vying for her attention.

Things started to change midway through the year. Jane did not have a CCA and was advised by her form teacher to get one, otherwise, she might not be able to accumulate enough CCA points to get a good grade to help in her entry to Junior College.

Having so many CCAs, Jane saw Alex as the perfect person to ask for advice.

The "clique" was out having lunch at a fast food outlet in a nearby shopping mall one day when Jane decided to make her move.

She took her tray of food and approached the table where he was at. He was rather oblivious to her presence, while his lunch companions could only ogle at her.

J: Hey shorty.

He ignored her.

His friend Ben nudged him.

B: Ehhh.... she's talking to you...

A: Well, I have a name, and if she doesn't even have the decency to address me by my name, I don't think I have an obligation to answer.

Jane was taken aback. She was so used to being the center of attraction. But this guy was different. She was intrigued.

J: Hi Alex. May I join you?

Ben nearly choked on his fries. He had never heard Jane speak to anyone like that.

Alex looked up.

A: Why hello Jane. Sure you may join us.

He looked at Ben who dutifully shifted to the inside of the booth, letting Jane sit next to him, directly opposite Alex.

J: Thanks.

A: So how can I help you?

J: I need a CCA. Since you have so many, perhaps you could help me.

Alex thought about it for awhile.

A: I don't think you want to play soccer or run around a track. How about the IT club?

J: I need a core CCA for the points.

A: Girl guides?

J: Erm. Don't like the uniform.

A: Why don't you join my uniformed group then?

J: I was meaning to ask. You seem like a pretty guyish guy. Why are you in that uniformed group?

B: Haha dude. Told ya it was sissy.

A: Well let's see. I get to play with guns in NS, so NCC and NPCC don't appeal to me. Boys Brigade seems more obsessed with getting badges over anything else. I was in scouts for a little while in primary school and it was boring. So...

J: Wait. That's how you chose your CCA?

A: Not really. I get to learn a useful skill. All the uniformed groups have the basic things like footdrill and what not, but I'll get to learn more useful things.

J: And you aren't bothered by everyone saying its a sissy CCA?

A: Do I look like a sissy to you?

Jane reached forward and stroked his arm, running her fingers along his forearm up to his toned bicep. Ben choked on his coke. Alex hardly flinched.

J: You feel quite fit.

A: Precisely. So if you're interested, I guess you could come down on Saturday.

Jane still had not removed her hand. She did not know what came over her. Usually, it was the guys who were clamouring to touch her, and when she touched them back, even on the arm, they would go delirious. Somehow she had no effect on Alex. She wondered if he was gay.

J: I'm interested. But you'll have to guide me along. I'm one and a half years behind everyone else.

A: No problem. I could teach you some stuff.

J: Including CPR?

Ben choked on his coke again.

B: Hey, I'm from the same CCA. I could teach you CPR!

A: We aren't qualified to teach CPR yet.

In the back of her mind, Jane had decided that yes, Alex was most likely gay, or really dense. Could he not see that she was outright flirting with him?

J: Ok then. I'll be there on Saturday.

A: 8am. Be in PE attire and bring an additional change of clothes.

J: Ok. I'll go join my friends now.

A: Sure.

With that, she took her tray and headed back to her friends, who immediately greeted her with wolf whistles and teasing.

B: Dude... She's into you.

A: She is?

B: Don't act dumb la.

A: Nah, she's probably just flirting.

B: But she's flirting with you.

A: Haha. So? She's not interested. Trust me.

B: Oh man... what I wouldn't give to have her stroke my hand... you sure you didn't get a hard-on?

A: Dude, it takes more than a girl stroking my hand to get me hard.

B: Even one as hot as Jane?

A: If you get hard just like that, I guess your hormones are over the edge. Besides, I'm sure she isn't interested in me. Come on, she hardly talked to me or us for that matter even though we've technically been going out for more than a year.

B: Jane touching my arm.....

Ben was still fantasizing.

Alex glanced over at Jane's table and caught her glancing over as well. He smiled and she returned it.

She was intrigued by him. He was not like the other guys.

That signalled the start of a friendship that would span decades.