After we've been dancing awhile and need a breather, we walk off the dance floor. I whip out my cell and say, "Pose for me." The first picture I take is of him trying to pose like a cool bad boy. It makes me laugh. I take another one before he can strike a pose this time." Let's take one of the both of us," he says, pulling me close. I press my cheek against his while he takes my cell and puts it as far away as he can reach, then freezes this perfect moment with a click. After the picture is taken, he pulls me into his arms and kisses me.

— Simone Elkeles

Alex and Carlos—the tag team from hell. They’re the last people I need shit from right now. If they decide to trail me, too, I’ll have an entire entourage.“I’m fine.”“Then sit up and talk to us.”“Okay, in that case I’m not fine. Go away.” I moan. “Unless you want me to puke all over you.

— Simone Elkeles

And my piece of advice is...don't flirt with any of the female instructors. They all have access to weapons bigger than yours.

— Simone Elkeles

And while my mind is telling me I'm flirting with her just to prove a point, my body wants to play "you show me your perky privates, and I'll show you mine.

— Simone Elkeles

Are you following me?" she asks, but doesn't meet my gaze." Yeah," I say." Why?" I give her the only honest and true answer I have. "You're where I want to be.

— Simone Elkeles

Are you going to dance with me tonight?" I ask." Hell, yeah."" Colin never wanted to dance with me."" I'm not Colin, queries, and never will be."" Good. I've got you, Alex. I realize it's all I need, and I'm ready to share it with the world." Inside the club, Alex immediately heads for the dance floor with me. I ignore the gawking stares from Fairfield students from my side of town as I pull Alex close to me, and we move as one to the beat. We move together as if we've been a couple forever, every movement in sync with each other. For the first time I'm not afraid of what people think of me and Alex together. Next year, in college, it won't matter who came from what side of town.

— Simone Elkeles

A text pops up on the screen. It’s from Luis. I can’t help but grin when I read his perfectly thought-out me

— Simone Elkeles

Being afraid to take chances is scarier than actually doing things that challenge you.

— Simone Elkeles

Being brave is not as easy as it looks.

— Simone Elkeles

Ben walks in the room and asks, “What were you guys doing?” Nikki says “Nothing” at the same time I say, “Your sister and I were just makin’ out.

— Simone Elkeles