Saint Joseph School

It was 8:00 AM and Nick sat on the train back to Saint Joseph’s School looking forward to the day ahead. Anyone that knew Nick would have been surprised. He had a well established reputation for being a complete zombie in the mornings, usually not quite able to function until after the first period or two of classes was over. But today was different. He could hardly sleep the night before and he woke up before sunrise or his alarm clock had a chance to disturb the day. Quietly he’d dressed and snuck out of his quad to the train and then to pick up the package he’d arranged for. The price was ridiculous but Nick felt it was worth it. After all, how could she not be impressed by a dozen roses on Valentine’s Day?

Being embarrassed to be seen with such an uncharacteristic item, he’d hidden the flowers in his gym duffel. It was large enough, he’d figured, and they should be safe wrapped as they were. He was hoping the fragrant smell wouldn’t give him away until he could present them to his intended target.

I hope I can catch her before class, he thinks to himself. It would be nice to make her smile for the rest of the day. He knew she roomed in quad 10 but he wasn’t familiar with the layout of the girl’s quad. He hadn’t been there before; he never had a reason to.

(( Thanks Aeon. I mean Violet. ))

Nick had knocked at the door to Tiffany’s quad and gotten no response. He’d guessed that he had already missed her and no one was home.

He found Aeon out on the quad, in leggings and a waffle-weave shirt, warming up with slow, circular stretches. Her face was its usual battle-blank, but a crease of determination lined her brow. He approached her, waving a bit.

"Morning, Aeon."

She finished her rotation and turned to him. "Hey, Nick, you’re looking amazingly awake today. I was just gonna go for a jog." She looked him over, noticed the scent of the flowers and his gym bag, and held no misconceptions. A knowing grin spread lightly over her face. With a nod to the bag she asks, "For Tiff?"

Nick blushed a little. "Yeah. Have you seen her around?"

Aeon shook her head and bemusedly resumed her torso twists, keeping her gaze on Nick. "Have anything romantic planned?"

"Well, kinda. Say, would you have any tips to offer--you know, as a girl--before I dive in?"

Her grin widened, pedagogical spirit sparked. "Well, a girl likes to feel special, you know that. But you can't do that by being nice to her all the time. Just as you can't ignore her, you can't try too hard--it comes off as clingy and needy, you know? So flattery is good--the honest stuff that sounds profound--but it can't be constant. Because a guy has to have a spine."

Nice-boy Nick smirked, a little dissatisfied. "But what about the whole nice guys finish last, thing?"

Aeon thought for a moment, switching to side-bends, her gaze growing distant. "It's part of the spine thing. A guy who can be an asshole and still respect himself--he has self-worth that doesn't require outside validation, which means it's potent. It makes him independent. Girls like a challenge, so they feel they've earned reward. So the more difficult a guy is the more gratifying it is when he does show her she's special to him. A guy who's three-dimensional with his own life--his opinion holds more weight than a doormat's empty praise."

Nick chuckled. "That's all great stuff, Aeon, but how is it going to help me today?"

"Oh, I couldn't tell you anything you don't already know--you got Tiff in the first place." The mildly terrified look in his face prompted her to continue. "Be honest. Sincere. Don't put up a front trying to be cool, you know? Few words, big actions. The flowers will speak for you."

She took her left foot in her hands and slowly stretched it up over her head while bracing on the right. She looked off toward the sunrise, musing. "The best thing you can do is listen. And watch. Not to put her on the spot, but...learn something. Make careful, respectful, observations about her--not just her eyes and hair, but about things that you learn are important to her. See her values matching yours, see her experiences reflected in your own past. That connection has to go deeper than just interests or physical allure. Laugh at her jokes a little bit. Don't let her get herself down, but don't brush off the negative things she says about herself--acknowledge the validity of her feelings. Have something to share about yourself, too: aspirations, philosophy, your inner workings. Give the tip of the iceberg and let her figure you out. Let her unravel herself on her own terms."

Aeon lowered her leg and flexed her fingers. The sun filtered through the trees, pink light dappling the quad. She let the rays play over her morning-chilled skin, breathing the real air into her real lungs. "But most importantly, cherish every single moment. Everything is in flux, so if you live in the past, ignore what is before you, or delude yourself, you could miss the most amazing moment of your life. And when you catch those moments...knowing that they won't last forever is what makes them precious. There's a beauty in transience, phases, cycles. For every dark winter is a new spring worth waiting for."

There was a long pause, the girl clearly deeply lost in thought. Nick smiled to himself. "Thanks a ton, Aeon. I'll keep it in mind."

"Violet." He examined her features, slightly confused. She turned then, meeting his gaze. There was that determined look again, slightly weary. "That's my name. ...I remembered."

Nick nodded slightly, smiling. "Thanks, Violet."

"Any time, Nick. Why don't you try looking for Tiff in the Library after first period? I’ve heard she’s usually there on Wednesdays."

"Will do. Thanks again. Damn, I’m going to be late for class!" He gave her a small wave and turned to run off.

"Good luck."

She sank down to the grass, peering again into the dappled sunlight. "A boy who was all those things would be...pretty much perfect...wouldn't he?"

She rested her chin on her knees, watching a small, brave bird, barely visible against the brown of the quad, root around in the winter grass for prey. "Where the hell are you, Michael...?"

Bryan sat alone in the library; most of the other students would be occupied with their morning classes and no one else had come here. The young man sat at a wooden table under the fluorescent lights. A huge tome of classical poetry sitting in front of him, he seemed to be taking notes from the book.

Bryan heard the door swing open; he yawned and stretched as he looked up. Bewilderment swept over him as he saw Nick standing in the doorway. Bryan smiled at his friend, “Hold it right there! Who are you and what have you done with the real Nick?” It was well known Nick was not a morning person yet there he stood though, bright eyed and anxious.

Nick chuckled at the comment, “Oh hey, Bryan. Is anyone else here this morning?” Bryan looked about him, gazing at all the empty seats, pretending to search closely for some evidence. “Nope, buddy, just me. Unless Eddie is in here.” He laughed and pushed up his glasses. “You looking for someone specific or will anyone do? Cause, I’m a perfect anyone. Hey, what’s with the duffel bag?” Bryan asked him.

“Oh, it’s nothing.” He answered but subconsciously moved the bag behind him slightly. “I’m actually looking for Tiff. Have you to seen her?” Bryan shook his head, “No sorry, Nick. I haven’t seen anyone but the librarian. It’s still early though.” He smiled broadly again, as the pieces fit together. Nick up early, a suspicious package, Valentine’s day....

“If she’s anywhere, she’s probably over at the cafeteria loading up on sugar before class.” Bryan reached down and tore a single page from his notebook. He got up and handed it to his friend.

Nick looked at the sheet; it contained a poem written in Bryan’s tight block lettered handwriting. He looked back at Bryan in confusion. “What’s this for?”

“Jeez Nick… it’s a love poem. Read it to her. Tiff will love it, I promise.” Bryan said in feigned disappointment.

“Well, don’t just stand here. Go find her.” Bryan patted Nick on the back and let out a friendly laugh. “Good luck buddy.” Nick turned and headed for the cafeteria

Tiffany moves through the crowded hallway, eyes darting in all directions, searching through the gathered students. Lots of girls carrying around stuffed bears, flowers, and heart shaped boxes of candy greet her as she passes.

She smiles, waves, but still searches.

Where is he... I know he’s here somewhere.

She checks the many classrooms, runs by his locker, sticks her head in the lunchroom, and finally makes her way toward the gym.

As she passes Biff she stops a moment and asks, “Hey Biff, have you seen Nick? I can’t seem to find him and i wanted to talk to him a second."

The older boy looks back annoyed for a moment and answers, “Nick? Why would I care where he was?" and then turns back to the huddled group of boys he had been talking to before.

"Fine... thanks anyways," she replies as she rolls her eyes and continues her search.

Glancing down at the small gift bag she carries she hopes its not too girly a gift.

Inside sits a plush red devil holding a satin heart that reads, “hot stuff".
Attached is a card.

She hopes he likes them both.

There was still a little more than half an hour before her class, but the weather was nice enough to make Samantha not want to waste it staying inside. She was too busy concentrating on juggling the soccer ball from her knee to her foot to her opposite knee to see her spiked-haired friend walk up, wearing his leather jacket and carrying his familiar looking duffel bag. He was mumbling something to himself, reading from a torn scrap of paper. None-the less, she caught the ball mid-air and spun around as he approached just the same, slightly wrinkling her nose.

“Little early for you, isn’t it Nick? You awake yet?” she asked. It was after lunch. “And… new cologne?”

He smiled, and nodded, “Sort of. I hope Tiffany’s likes it,” he says sheepishly, causing her to stifle a chuckle.

“Nice. You maybe next time might want to tone it back, just a hair.” Nick’s smile started to falter.

“Too much?” He asked, his expression turning worried, causing her to shake her head.

“No, no, no, no- it’s fine.” She assured him, thinking that they survive the sewers; a bit too much Drakkar Noir wouldn’t faze any of them. “So let me guess… you’re meeting up with her?”

“Looking for her, actually. Have you seen her?” Sam looked around at the near empty grounds, tossing the soccer ball into the air once for emphasis.

“Nope. Have you tried calling?”

“I’m an idiot. I was having so much fun when we hung out that I never thought to get her number,” he replied, causing her to shrug.

“I dunno, maybe look in her favorite haunts. Where you guys do… whatever you guys do.” Another grin crossed her face. “What do you do? I mean, have you asked her out yet at least? “

“Yes. No. I’ve been trying to. Not, formally yet...” He stammered, causing her to laugh again. She thought back to the words she’d once said to Jason “It’s, I’m, Dorms…” and inwardly groaned.

“Not formally? What are you waiting for?”

“The right moment,” he said, matter of fact.

She let the ball bounce down on her knee catching it again as she looked up at him.

“It’s Valentine’s Day, goof, this IS the right moment.”

“What do you and Jason have planned?” he half asked, half fishing for ideas.

She shrugged in response.

“It’s Jason.” She smiled, letting her eyes drift a bit and her smile grow soft. “I never know what he has planned. Could be a trip to the hot tub or a hot air balloon ride, but in any case, makes no never mind, as long as I get to be with him, you know?” Nick smiled.

“I think I do, Sam. I really think I do.”

“Do something fun with her, Nick. Tiff likes having fun. Do something un-Nickish, like go ice skating, or bowling, or to that arcade over in Talos. That would probably be a blast- play some pinball, hit the motion theatre, get something to eat. Just promise me- no museums, no archaeological digs, no science fairs. If you think to yourself ‘this sounds interesting’, you do the opposite.” She smiled, causing him to grin as well.

“Thanks, Sam.”

“No problem. I’m thinkin’ of starting an advice column for stuff like this, ‘tween you and Bryan, I’ll stay in business.”

He chuckled, and started heading towards the main door of the quads, but she bounced the soccer ball off his back, causing him to stop and turn.

“You’re gonna go in there and risk the third degree?” Sam warned. “Boys in the girls’ quad rarely flies, I know the nun on duty this morning. Luckily, you have an insider, want me to check?” Nick looked to her and to the doors again, and Sam could swear she saw the wheels turning in his head. “And if you’re thinking on stealthing in, just know that’ll make you look creepy even in my eyes.” He didn’t mention that he’d already done that this morning and reluctantly nodded, informing her Tiffany was in Quad 10.

Sam covered the long trek down the hall in no time flat, loving the Heelys her aunt bought her for Christmas. She pounded twice on the wooden door, and called out: “Tiff?” No answer. She pressed her ear against the door to listen for signs of movement or the shower running, but was met with silence. She knocked again. “Tiff? Loverboy’s outside looking for you.” Still nothing, so she heel skated back out to Nick. “Recon was a bust.” She told him with a shrug. “No Tiff.”

“Great.” He scowled, causing her to smile again.

“You’ll find her, Nick. “ She said with a smile. “Maybe try the cafeteria? She could be grabbing some food before class.”

Nick sighed. He'd been to the cafeteria four times already without success.

Another visit to the cafeteria but this time a little different.

"Tiffany! I've been looking for you all day!"

Tiffany's cheeks form a slight blush making the few freckles across the bridge of her nose stand out a bit more. A broad smile forms as she shifts her weight, hiding (or at least attempting to hide) the bright red gift bag behind her.

"Hey Nick! I was kinda looking for you too. I wasn't sure what your class schedule was and I tried asking Biff but... well ... let's just say he’s not real helpful."

She pauses a moment and crinkles her nose a bit, still grinning ear to ear.

“So you first, what do you need?"

She again shifts her weight to the other foot passing the bag behind her to the other hand.

"Well, I was going to read you a poem I got from Bryan but I lost it and I also got you these," he says in one hurried breath. Nick unzips his gym bag and looks inside it. He suddenly looks crestfallen and he starts digging into the bag. A few crumpled rose petals fall out and flutter to the floor.

"I'm sorry, I have a terrible way of messing things up," he says as continues to excavate his bag. “It must’ve gotten crushed from all the moving around.”

Finally, he pulls out a single pristine rose and extends it to Tiffany.

"Tiffany, would you be my Valentine?"

She is speechless for a moment. If her smile got any wider her cheeks would probably burst.

She reaches for the rose with her free hand bringing it up to her nose and breathes deeply.

“I don't know what to say...I never got flowers before..." She stammers, obviously taken by the moment.

“I um… got you something too," she continues.

She hands the gift bag to him, her cheeks now more flushed.

The card attached reads,

Dear Nick,
I had so much fun Saturday, and I was wondering, if maybe sometime we could maybe go do something again together?
Happy Valentines Day!
Tiff

She stands watching and quietly answers him with giggle, her green eyes sparkling. “I would be more than happy to be your Valentine if you'll be mine."

Nick looks up from the note to Tiffany, an uncontrollable grin on his face. He moves a little closer, slipping his arms around her.

It was the moment she had been waiting for since they met. Now here it was and she had no clue what to do other than follow his lead and wrap her arms around him too.

As he leaned in to kiss her she returned the kiss and grinned shyly back at him.

It was a moment he wished would last a lifetime.

((

That's the end folks.

Thanks to Aeon, Bryan, Sammy, and (of course) Tiffany for contributing to this story. It ended up being a bit longer than I thought it would.

))