Short story · Writing

Taxes and Crushes

Amy

I went to pick up my completed taxes this morning. I’ve been going to this place for a long time, and when this receptionist first started, I recognized her. I went to grade school with her for many years, through several different schools. Today was the day I decided to mention that I think I knew her.

No one from grade school or high school would recognize me now. I can pretty much fly under the radar. That’s how I got away with so many years of this woman not knowing who I was. Well, that, and we were not in the same friend group. She was very popular. While I had friends, I was not in the popular group.

She also happened to be the girlfriend of my eighth grade crush. Without exaggeration, this boy was the biggest crush I’ve ever had in my life. It extended into ninth grade, the strength of this crush. I was quite shy, and I never really had the nerve to speak to him. I freaked out anytime he was nearby. Paralyzed like Samantha in Sixteen Candles, every time she saw Jake (and, can you really blame her when he shows up in that red Porsche, girlllllll…).

I sat at the same lunch table as my crush and his girlfriend. We sat a few feet away from each other, yet I had to pretend like I was totally fine on the inside. I specifically remember one day, eating a dessert, and he was staring at me. I looked at him, then looked back at my dessert and continued eating. I am not sure what my face revealed or how many shades of red it was.

My crush was athletic. He was tall and muscular for eighth grade. He wore a San Francisco 49ers starter jacket. And when he and his girlfriend started dating, she began to wear the jacket. Can you feel my teenage angst?

After eighth grade, we went to separate schools. My crush went to a different school and his girlfriend and I went to another. I wasn’t friends with her there either, but I knew of her. In the fall of ninth grade, his JV football team was playing our JV football team and I had to go to the game. I saw him in his uniform and he was oblivious – per usual – as we walked by – me and my friend group.

Something of the allure of eighth grade had gone. The shine of the gold starter jacket had worn off. Separated by schools, and having new experiences in ninth grade, my crush faded. Don’t worry, I got a new one. There was a boy in my English class who was a skater boy, and he was adorable. Unfortunately, he moved away to Georgia in the middle of the year. I really liked him. And he was cool. (Hey, Matt, still wonder from time to time what happened to you, bro.)

Back to 2024 and taxes. I mentioned to the receptionist that I think I knew her in school. She asked me where I went to high school. Same school. I asked her where she went to middle school. Same school. I asked her where she went to grade school. Same school. I asked her where she went to third grade. Same school. I went all the way back to second grade. Same school. She said she was going to look me up in the yearbooks. She has saved them. I have, too. A guy friend of mine wrote in my eighth grade yearbook, “You should’ve asked K. to Homecoming. He probably would’ve said yes.” He didn’t know that did ask him via a friend, because I was too shy to ask directly. And he said no. He said he wasn’t going to the dance. I don’t know if he went or not, because I never did go.

I wonder when she checks her yearbooks if she will realize that I was the girl who had the biggest crush on her boyfriend in eighth grade. I guess I’ll find out next tax season.

I heard my crush didn’t turn out so well. I have not seen him since ninth grade at that football game. Or if I have, I haven’t recognized him. It’s just as well, I like to keep my memories untarnished. Just like that shiny, satin San Francisco 49ers starter jacket.

©️2024, itsamyisaid.com

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Published by Amy

I love words. And animals. Photography and fedoras. Welcome. And stay awhile.

48 thoughts on “Taxes and Crushes”

      3. I’ll be rooting for the 49ers simply because they aren’t the Chiefs 😄
        Ah, skool daze (note the 80s spelling, eh?).
        Always interesting to me how a lot of the ultra popular guys (and girls, for that matter) from high school seem to tank later on in life and some of the quieter ones are the late bloomers who go on to do ok. It’s like they peak early and, that’s it. Graduation comes and the downward spiral starts. Strange thing, life.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Unpopular opinion: I do not like the Chiefs. When I say I do not like the Chiefs, I mean I really don’t like them. I don’t follow football that much, but I follow it enough to know that I don’t like anything about the Chiefs. I did watch the Super Bowl the year. The Eagles were in it and that was pretty exciting. But I don’t follow them strictly, either. I’m forewarning any people who read this comment and are saddened or shocked by my revelation about the Chiefs. 😆 San Francisco all the way, and that’s only because I don’t like the Chiefs. And also the starter jacket thing.😆 but mostly the Chiefs.

        Some people peaked at high school. Luckily, I wasn’t one of those people. It’s quite sad the people who are at their top at high school. Life really begins after high school. I have no interest to return to that era. I probably would have nightmares about it if I think about it too long lol.

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      5. I wasn’t one either and I am very glad for it lol
        I didn’t hate high school, but I’m good where I am now thanks.

        I’ve never liked the Chiefs. They’re in the AFC, but so are my Patriots. Plus, one of the total f’ing bitches at my old workplace is a Chiefs fan. I despise her, therefore I despise them too lmao

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      6. I can’t really stand all the hype on the Chiefs. And this Taylor Swift stuff. They constantly show the players box and it’s just too much. Just watch the field and watch the game and keep your eyes on the game. That’s a new one lol. “Hatred adjacent”😆

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      7. I have my principles, after all.
        Well, I can’t blame the league, they aren’t stupid. Capitalize on the publicity, I guess. Not saying I like it, but I understand it. It will be even funnier when they break up at some point 😄

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      14. P.S.
        That nasty bitch I told you about? One of her co-workers, who she’s worked alongside for 3-plus years is moving onto a new role WFH effective Monday.
        The classless witch couldn’t even be bothered to say goodbye to her today.

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      16. I told her it’s just one more good reason she made the right decision. The only thing left in that place these days is a bunch of vipers. Plus, the fact that her boss told her after the fact that they won’t be replacing her. They decided a few weeks ago to re-budget her department, which means someone was likely getting cut. Either a reassignment to some other department or a pink slip.

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      18. She very well might have been the one to get it too, because she was the only hourly paid employee on that team. The rest were all salary. And if it wasn’t her, she’d have been stuck with salary level work for her hourly wage, in addition to her own tasks.
        I was there over a decade, I know how they operate lol

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      20. Oh, I know all too well. Seen it a lot over the years. I get the concepts of cost and efficiency, but “cut another person” is not always the answer. From what I hear, they’re not even replacing the safety manager who recently left either. I’m sure it’ll get foisted off to someone else as well.
        When the only way you can show a profitable month is to eliminate overhead, your business plan is more than slightly flawed. Eventually, there’s no overhead left to eliminate lol

        Liked by 1 person

      22. I think the house of cards is finally collapsing and they’re just bleeding it dry until it falls completely. If there are any remains, they’ll sell them and move on.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. As the mother of 2 high school daughters, it’s a nice reminder of how intense 8th grade crushes can be from their perspective! Thanks for sharing! Linda x

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    1. They are very intense. I went back to about that age to bring those memories back. It’s a fun, adrenaline rush of a feeling. I’m glad this was a nice reminder of your daughters’ current age and what they may be experiencing. must be super fun. Glad you enjoyed it. 😊

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