A/N: This is a true story, as in it actually happened. All names have been changed.

I watch you sit on top of the car.

Well, float. It's a float, but who cares?

You're on the float for your church youth group.

The parade goes by as I stand on the side of the street.

Carnival lights flashing, noises all around.

You have a bag of candy in your hand and a thick string of beads around your neck.

You sit slightly hunched on the roof of the car.

Your strong arms hold the bags so securely.

Your skin is pale, but your cheeks are flushed a warm pink.

Your shaggy brown hair sticks up in the corners, just how I like.

You're perfect, it seems.

Of course I know that you are far from perfect.

But maybe that's why I like you so much.

My best friend Amanda punches me on the arm.

"Yell for some candy!" she tells me.

"No." My whisper is fervent.

"Why not?"

My gaze drops downward. "Because I'm shy."

But I can see it all in my head.

"Tyler!" I call your name.

That flawless smile blossoms when you see me in the crowd.

I motion for some candy. You take a string of beads from around your neck and grab a handful from the bag, tossing it my way.

I laugh when I catch them both and wind the necklace around my wrist as a bracelet.

I smile up at you. The halo of carnival lights makes you look like an angel.

You grin and do that upwards-nod head-jerk thing. Your grin makes me melt.

I smile back. You don't let it show, but it makes you tingle too.

But no. The truck turns the corner as you slowly fade away.

And then is when I realize how much I wanted to.

How I want to run through the crowd, calling your name.

I know that the scene in my head would've happened,

If only I had mustered the courage.

I blew it. I failed.

You can't even see me now. You didn't even glance my way.

If the scene happened, I know I would be on cloud nine right now.

You would be tingling down to your toes.

Or at least thinking about me.

But no.

Why?

Because I'm shy.