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“I was hoping I could give you these…” he said as he sheepishly held out a single red rose and a card.

AJ. And I was dumbfounded.

This gesture seemed to come from out of left field. The again, did it, really? Or has he been sending me feelers? It all seemed so sudden. Then I though back…

…To that time, after we were both confined at the clinic. His ride had arrived and he stoof up, bid me goodbye, started to walk, then looked back and said, “I couldn’t have thought of anyone better to spend great clinic time with than you.” And then he winked.

…To that day in November, after dance practice, when I chanced upon him shooting hoops alone in the gym, and he called out to me.

“Hey Katie! That ankle’s looking fine. You cashing in on that basketball tutorial I promised you? I want to pay up,” he said as I agreed, grinning from ear to ear. And then it was a whole half hour of his funny antics and my crackin up, his semi-serious skill demonstration and my trying to keep up, plus our high fives for my little victories, with hands clasped. He gave up finally, and said, “The court has no room for graceful people. You’re best left on the dance floor.” I hummed all the way to the showers.

…To the night of the Christmas party at a classmate’s house. I was away from the door, but I saw him come in late and kid around with his guy friends. He caught sight of me across the room. He strode purposely to where I was seated with Nicole and Anne, and as he towered over me, he leaned.

“Merry Christmas, Katie,” he gave me a buss on the cheek.

“You’re early,” I said, teasing. I had to be sarcastic so I wouldn’t give myself away. “Fashionably late,” he corrected me. “Now this party can get started,” he said, and I was intoxicated with his confidence. Later, as I was by myself, he plopped down on the seat beside me, and we chatted for a while. He commented that he liked my hair.

…To that first day back in school from break. I had just sat down after recitation, saved by the recess bell from more extensive prodding by my English teacher. He came by my table.

“You look different,” he said, brows furrowed. “You’re glowing!” he finally declared.

“Maybe it’s because my braces aren’t reflecting the light away from my face anymore,” I quipped.

“Well, it’s not just that. Your hair, your smile…” he trailed off. One of his friends called out to him. “Whatever it is, it’s great! It suits you,” he said, before he walked away. I did catch him looking at me three times in the caf during the break. I knew I wasn’t imagining that.

But I thought nothing of those other times before today. I chalked it all up to the fact that AJ was just naturally friendly, that he was fond of me at best, that he thought staring at me was better than spacing out that first school day in January. But then here he was in front of me, arm outstretched, flower and card in hand–this boy whom I was crushing on for more than a year now, this boy who seemed perfect. It was a dream.

“I was hoping I could give you these…” he asked simply, sheepish.

I tore the card open after his ride left.

Hurriedly. Without reading the marking outside.

It started,

“Dear Nicole…”