How can bring things to the next level? is it normal to feel this way?

This girl from one of my classes and I have been walking home from school togehter for the past while now. Initially when I met her although I thought she was pretty I didn't want to think anymore of it. I've had heart break issues from the past and don't want to repeat them, but anyways... As I've gotten to know her I am really starting to like her. She has a nice personality, she is kind, humble, and seems like just the normal girl who I have dreamed of being with for years. Unfortunately for me those were dreams and I never planned on them becoming reality.So I am puzzeled as far as what I should do to perhaps get serious with her. We walk home from school everyday and we are really open with each other. The last time we walked home together we were talking about past relationships and when she was talking about the relationships she is currently in, she hesitated and giggled before she mentioned our relation to each other then quickly changed the topic, even though we were deep into the previous one.

I am getting mixed messaged from her and don't know what to do. We always look at each other and smile whenever something funny or odd happens at school. She is always fidgeting around in class playing with her hair or drawing pictures. I have heard that playing with one's hair is a sign that a girl likes a guy, but I don't know if she is just bored and that is what she does.

Regardless of all this, i have begun to have feelings for her and can't stop thinking about what I should do. I don't want this to be a "one that got away" kinda story. I've had that happen to me in the past and never have things been this close to getting so real. I want to just throw myself at her during mid period, but I won't and know it won't work out if i do. I don't think she has been a relationship in the past and seems kinda shy as far as that aspect goes. She is a nice girl and I want to start something tangible with her but don't know how. I don't know how I can bring it up without things getting awkward between me and her. I don't even know what we should do if the two of us went out like would we do coffee or something? I have no idea on how to ask her out and what to do if we go out, please help if you have ideas..