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Juli:

I couldn't believe it. Well I could, I just didn't think it was likely. But the world, or rather Bryce proved me wrong. He asked me out. My excitement out quickened my thoughts and the answer escaped my lips. But now I'm glad it did, because now I'm going to go on a date with Bryce. After everything, the auction, the eggs, the tree, I've rendered smitten to him. How could I be mad at him? The world was brighter and everything seemed more momentous and important.

"Juli? Are you planning on smiling and standing in front of the door for the rest of the day?" My mother grins.

"Can I?" I give a breathy, happy laugh.

"What happened sweetheart, what did Bryce do to make you so happy?" my mother continued.

Without ever breaking my smile, I told her word for word what exactly happened between Bryce and I could feel my mother's genuine happiness. We talked more until I sought refuge in my room. The only thing that didn't change was my smile. However my view of everything did. I climbed into bed and slipped into a blissful sleep that night, complete with that smile that had what felt like a permanent residence on my lips.

Bryce:

I became restless, and I was anxious for the date to come. By morning, I had extreme butterflies. I came downstairs and sat at the table. However, there was a slight alteration in this morning aside from my personal anxieties; Grandpa. Grandpa had his paper but accompanied by an unusually sly grin. I immediately came to the conclusion that he knew of my fortunes with Juli. However, I should have suspected. His chair might as well double as his base for his stake outs of the going-ons on our street; especially Chet. Grandpa was wise; he was also like a father to me. Or maybe even more a friend than anything else. Having grandpa as a consultant may seem well pathetic but he wasn't any ordinary grandpa; he was mine.

"Good morning grandpa" I say cheerfully, probably too enthusiastically for my own good.

"How are you Bryce? And how is Juli? Did she like the tree?" Grandpa said with that grin.

"I'm good grandpa, Juli as well. And she loved it." I reply.

A pause stretched on for what seemed so long. His smile grew bigger.

"When's your date with Juli?"

I stop short. Of course he knew. My mother then took interest into this conversation. And luckily Lynetta hadn't come down yet. But in my peripheral vision, I could see me father's expression. He's never approved of the Bakers but I couldn't care.

"It's this Friday; I'm going to take her to the fair." I admit.

"That's wonderful. You're a very lucky gentleman. That was brave of you Bryce; to confess your feelings. I'm proud." Grandpa praises.

"Thanks grandpa. I've got to go; I'm going to be late."

I left the house in contentment. Grandpa's admiration only reinforced that I did the right thing. And as I walked down my driveway, my heart stopped. There she was; in all her iridescent beauty. Juli closed her door behind her and turned to see me staring. Panicking, I quickly look away and continue to walk.

Juli:

There he was; the boy who was once and probably forever more dazzling. He was looking in my direction. Even from 20 metres away his intense blue stare pierced through me. But it was like he was a puppet on strings when he rapidly turned from my gaze and kept walking. I couldn't help but think my peculiar self was making a reappearance and weirding out Bryce. We become parallel as we walk. The silence was comforting. I could feel Bryce's closeness.

"Good morning Juli." Bryce stutters. I never thought I would be one to make him nervous. How could I?

I knew what I wanted to say. It's like I went mute. I smiled like an idiot and became frantic all while trying to hide my internal battle.

"Hi Bryce." I manage.

"How are you today?"

"Good, better now." I reply.

"Why's that?" Bryce asks.

"Well I guess because –"

Bryce:

Juli abruptly stops talking as her books are knocked to the ground. We both bend down and begin gathering her bursting binder with pages dancing in the breeze every which way. Juli and I reach for the same book and our hands touch. I feel a surge of energy rushing through me. I think of when we planted the tree together and I took her hand. I was about to do the same thing again when a voice cuts me off that instantly ignites an angry fire within me.

"Morning" He said with a sneer as he passed us. Garrett.