Gemotions

The insistent pounding on the door brought Maya out of her dreamy state. It was Mr. Henderson, the retired judge, looking, as always, severe. The music was still pumping. She felt a familiar nervousness, but it mixed with something else. An almost… giddy anticipation.

The thought of facing him, having to explain herself, was terrifying. But the thought of him being *near* her, her heart skipped a beat. She’d been noticing him, how his eyes crinkled when he smiled.

She opened the door, a slightly flustered, sheepish smile on her face. She began to speak, but her words felt clumsy and awkward, and for a moment, she could barely meet his gaze. She found herself fiddling with the hem of her shirt.