How to act normal

HOW TO ACT NORMAL

"So how was school today?" My step mom asked as soon as she saw me entering.

"We moved into a new house not new school." I remembered.

"Even so, I just wanted to ask that's all." She defended herself.

I rolled my eyes at her. "Whatever."

I marched upstairs to my room ignoring her.

"Sweetie I've arranged some snacks for..." I slammed the door behind me which blocked every unwanted noise. You know what I'm referring to.

I jumped on my bed and lay with my face in a pillow then I screamed in it.

Today was awful, completely awful!

How could I have acted that way? I was so embarrassing that I don't think I would hang out with myself if I was Asher either.

I wonder how Catherine has been able to stand me with all this weird behavior. It's like I'm cursed to never be normal and be single for the rest of my life.

I rolled continuously on my bed.

Being this mad at myself meant I have so many energy in me and I have to burn them out so I could be sad.

But before that, I need to think of a way to be less weird around him, I mean of course today isn't the only day he'll come over. He might even come over tomorrow!

That realization hit me like a blow and I sat up immediately.

No no no no! I got to think of a way to act normal around people.

But how do I start to change my behavior?

I sat and thought for a while until the best idea hit me like a bulb lit on top my head.

"Of course!" I said out loud. "Where else would you turn to?" I shook my head and went straight to my laptop and went to Google.

I typed in 'how to talk normally to your crush,' then I read all the search results.

The hell? It says I should be a good listener, tell stories, ask questions, mention something we have in common, don't second guess myself, be well read and mention a TV show or book or movie.

So many things I can't do!

I can't talk! No I can be not properly so how can I ask questions or tell stories? What will I even talk about? And I can't even be a good listener cause that's when I'll want to talk.

And if I don't second guess myself then how will I know what's wrong with what I'm about to say?! I could be saying something totally of key!

Asher definitely don't read that I'm sure of but... Movie and TV shows?

'Dummy, why don't you find out these things so you'll have what to say!' the little inner voice in my head said to me.

Hmm, I could do this. I went forward to look at 'people also ask' and found things I could ask my crush.

"Okay Athena! You can do this, all you need is courage, just build up your courage and the guy will be yours." I said to myself encouragingly.

"I just have to ask him about his hobbies and a conversation will begin." I said loudly and smile to myself. Slowly that smile disappeared.

"Or first I find those things out so I'll know how to reply. Then nothing will be awkward."

Yes, that would be perfect.

Now how will I find those things out?

As soon as I asked myself the question, the answer slapped me in the face.

I picked up my phone and called Catherine.

"Hi Cat, you home yet?" I asked casually when she picked up.

"Yes I'm home." She replied.

"So umm, how's things at home? Got into any argument?" I asked.

"Pft, forget about that. Well he's not yet back so maybe later." She jokingly replied.

I laughed.

"But you didn't call me up for that now did you?" She questioned.

I was taken aback as how she knew what was in my mind.

"Wh..wh..what do you mean by that?" I stuttered. "Can't I just call you? Aren't we friends?" I chuckled.

"Athena, come on, just spit it out. You only big me at school so your call means something." She urged.

"Uh..." I cleared my throat. Guess she knows me really well, there's no need hiding or beating around the bush.

"Well the thing is, I thought... Well I was thinking that since you've gotten really famous that probably we'll be seeing more of Asher these days so I should probably act more normal around him." I stuttered out.

"Okay? Well uh... That probably is true..." She said hesitantly.

"Well the thing is, I need to know more about him so I'll be more comfortable and start a conversation. Please help your girl out." I begged.

"Hmm..." She seemed to be in thought. "Okay, well I was invited to a party today so I could probably get information for you." She said after a while.

"Really, thank you!" I said excited before everything she said actually sank into my head. "wait, you were invited to a party? Why wasn't I?" I asked.

"You see, well don't take it personally but it's for only the cool kids and you're not one of us yet so... You get the picture." She replied. "That's why you have to get popular quick."

I nodded. "You're right, more reasons to be Asher's girlfriend." I said out loud absentmindedly.

"Alright then if that's the reason you called me..." She thrilled off.

"Oh yeah, that's why I called." I replied.

"Nothing else?" She inquired. She sounded like she was expecting more.

"Yup, that's all. This there anything you would like to say?" I asked.

"No. I don't have anything to say, was wondering if you had anything more to say." She inquired.

"Nah, was all."

"Oh okay, well how are you?" She asked.

"I'm fine girl." I replied. From her inquiries I am sure she wants me to say something about I don't have that time to focus on that. Something else is on my mind and besides I've already asked her to do what I wanted.

"Anyways that will be all, have a good night... Oh right you'll be at a party. Enjoy it for the both of us then." I rushed to say. "Byeee."

"By..." I heard from the other end but was too quick to end the all.