Well, here goes:

A couple days before homecoming, an acquaintance of mine ended up next to me when we switched seats in math class. Let's call her Ashlyn. I'd known her since 5th grade, but never really become friends. Anyways, we hit it off real fast, and we were good friends by the end of the class. This is probably when the attraction started, but I had been hurt recently and decided to push my feelings back; watch and wait.

I talked to Ashlyn a little bit after that, I just didn't see her much. Then, on the day of homecoming, I went to see the parade with some of my family. As one of the freshmen homecoming "representatives" (stupid, i know), Ashlyn got to ride one of the floats. When she saw me, she acted extremely excited, calling out my name, waving, throwing candy in my direction. My emotions became stronger at this kind display and began to create unbound feelings of love.

This turned out to be a bad thing, because at homecoming (which admittedly sucked a good sight anyway) I saw her hanging out all night with a guy, which put a solid damper on the night and my temperment. I tortured over myself that night, pondering what to feel and what to do. Ashlyn did act excited again when she saw me at homecoming, even giving me a hug. Eventually I came to a decision.

I decided to watch and ask questions, find out if Ashlyn was really dating and if she really liked me (at all) or if it was just the fancy of a day or two. The first question: I found out she had a boyfriend named Joe, who goes to a boarding school about two hours away and lives about one hour away. He apparently came to homecoming, so he's commited. They've been dating for less than six months, though. She doesn't talk about him a whole lot, but Ashlyn is an artist and sometimes expresses her feeling for him through that.

The second question: Actually, another yes. After more than a week filled with great conversation, and a certain event of which I am about to speak, it is clear that we are great friends after less than two weeks. Just last night, Ashlyn, I, and another (male) friend of mine went to see THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS in the theater. Despite a frantic rush to get to the theater and the terrible storming outside, we had a great time. Even better: The three of us went for ice cream and milled around Borders for about an hour. It was awesome. I got another parting hug to boot.

So, like it or not, I'm stuck with love for this girl. Ashlyn too, has shown signs of interest, apart from anything you might pick up from the previous paragraphs. She wore the tightest clothes I've EVER seen her in yesterday, and despite wearing her jacket often at school, went without it most of the night, even in the rain. Also, she did not invite anyone to see the movie with us despite my invitation to do so.

I am currently using the "watch and wait" method, remaining great friends with Ashlyn while waiting for a breakup or weak spot in her relationship to try and tell her I love her. Still, this may be the wrong idea, and even if it is the right thing to do, I do not know how long my heart can take the longing before I do something stupid and instinctual to advance my feelings.

Now, to get to the point, and my question: What should I do?

stick with the "watch and wait" method and if you feel like you want to make a move on her, tell her your feelings before acting on them. You should find out how close she is with her boyfriend she might really like him but misses the attention because she doesnt see him often (or in school) in which case in comes you, or she might just be dating him and things are going "okay"

Nicole read my mind

u can wait nd see which is good cause u can then build up a better relationship with her, but once u see the chance to say u love her, take it, because u will only get one shot @ telling her how u feel

ok, I only read the last paragraph b/c I don't read novels on the internet

But...I think if you like the girl, you should flirt with her or ask her out (for a date) or tell her you like her.