I'm sorry, I don't speak that language.

"Excuse me? What is *that* supposed to mean?"

Boys make NO sense. They say one thing and mean another. They don't say something, but mean something else.

They say, "She's a great friend" and mean they like her, but say, "You're a great friend" and mean that you are... a good friend.

They smile and flirt with you and make you smile till it hurts to stop smiling.

And then they go off and flirt with The Girl You Wish You Were.

Then you think: do I even like him? No, no I don't! Why would I? He's nice and cute and funny, and he makes me smile, and I like him. Yes, I like him. Wait. No. I am so over him. What's his name again? I don't even know. It starts with.... one of those letters.

Then you talk to him. And your heart melts. And you might possibly swoon. (in your head or your heart, it is advisable not to physically swoon in public.) And you realize that you really really like him.

And then he's back with The Girl You Wish You Were. Talking and laughing. Possibly about you.

Good heavens, I am so self conscious. I probably wouldn't be if I knew that people actually like me and don't think I am a weirdo. But they do.

But wait, he just said, "No, Katie, you're great!" *translation: I'm a really nice guy, so I even do my best to boost this child's self esteem, no matter how much I lie.*

Because it is so much different when he tells you that you're great than when he tells The Girl You Wish You Were that she is great.

Oh, dear. I can't wait until summer. Away from boys and school and him and The Girl You Wish You Were and most of the people that dislike me.

I can have a fresh start with new people at EFY.

And then I'll go back to school-- This time as a freshman and get picked on and teased.

And see him and it will be exactly the same.

I should just tell him that I like him.

And run for Miss America, while I'm at it.

Good heavens. I need a break. Come, come, summer!

xoxo katie