And why can't I have an ignore button like my phone? As I…
““ And why can't I have an ignore button like my phone? As I hit it, his calls disappear from the screen and the ringing stops. But the tingles are still at my fingertips, as if he sent them through the phone to grab me. Shoving it in my purse-the pockets on skinny jeans must just be for show 'cause nothing else is fitting in there-I smile at Mark. Ah, Mark. The blue-eyed, blond-haired, all-American quarterback. Who knew he had a crush on me all these years? Not Emma McIntosh, that's for dang sure. And not Chloe. Which is weird, because Chloe was a collector of this kind of information. Maybe it's not true. Maybe Mark's only interested in me because Galen was-who wouldn't want to date the girl who dated the hottest guy in school? But that's just fine with me. Mark is...well, Mark isn't as fantabulous as I always imagined he would be. Still, he's good-looking, a star quarterback, and he's not trying to hook me up with his brother. So why am I not excited? The question must be all over my face because Mark's got his eyebrow raised. Not in a judgmental arch, more like an arch of expectation. If he's waiting for an explanation, his puny human lungs can't hold their breath long enough for an answer. Aside from not being his business, I can't exactly explain the details of my relationship with Galen-fake or otherwise. The truth is, I don't know where we can go from here. He ripped holes in my pride like buckshot. And did I mention he broke my heart? He's not just a crush. Not just a physical attraction, someone who can make me forget my own name by pretending to kiss me. Not just a teacher or a snobby fish with Royal blood. Sure, he's all of those things. But he's more than that. He's who I want. Possibly forever.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator wrestles with complex feelings about a new crush while still entangled in past relationships and self‑doubt, questioning why excitement feels muted despite idealized expectations.
In simple terms: Confused about a new crush while still tied to past love.
Key Takeaway
Explore feelings before assuming excitement.
Themes
love
identity
self‑doubt
expectation
growth
Mood
conflicted
hopeful
nostalgic
Type
narrative
emotional
romantic
When to use this quote
- first dates
- talking about past relationships
- self‑reflection
- deciding on future steps
Key Concepts
attachment
idealization
self‑esteem
relationship dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the narrator truly want from Mark?
- How do past relationships shape current attractions?
A Different Perspective
The narrator’s emotional turmoil may be amplified by unresolved grief, making it hard to feel genuine excitement.