The next morning

The light from the sun's rays shone through the closed blinds in Sandy's dorm, revealing that a new day had arrived. Denying the awakening from the sun, Sandy threw the covers over her eyes and tried to go back to sleep, only to be awoken by the bird's morning song. Sandy smiled to herself as removed the covers that shielded her eyes.

"Mmmmm…" Sandy moaned as she stretched her arms above her head and sat up. When she placed her hands back on the bed she felt something. Looking down at the pillow next to her, Sandy noticed a single, red, rose.

AWWW…he is so sweet and romantic too. Wait, what's this. Sandy wondered as she picked up the note that was attached to the flower. The note was in a white envelope with lace design that had her name written in cursive. Now she was curious. What was he up to? When she opened the envelope she noticed two pieces of paper. One of them was a letter.

Dear Sandy,

Good morning baby. I'm sorry you didn't wake up to see me there, but I have a surprise for you. Today you will be going on a scavenger hunt to find the surprise I have for you. Attached to this note is your first clue. Each time you find a clue you will be one step closer to the surprise. I will be waiting at the end for you. So don't take too long. I love you, and I hope to see you soon. Good luck!

Love,

Martin.

After finishing reading the letter Sandy had tears in her eyes, happy tears. The things he came up with really shocked her. Hmmm…I wonder what will be at the end. A scavenger hunt, how cute. The last time I did one of those I was 11 yrs old. Sandy thought to herself.

As she held the letter in her hand Sandy remembered about the clue. She picked the second piece of paper that was on the bed and began reading it.

First clue

You come here to think, relax, and explore. Please be silent and don't slam the door. Don't make a disturbance or make a scene, I will be nice and ask you to leave.

What kind of clue is that? Slamming a door and not making a sound. Ok…think Sandy. Where is a place you go to think and explore? Sandy thought to herself.

Getting up off her bed, Sandy went into the bathroom to get refreshed before she went on her little quest. 20 minutes later Sandy emerged from the bathroom with her hair flowing down by her shoulders and a touch of makeup. She went to her closet to find the perfect outfit for when she saw Martin later. Finally after ten minutes of standing in front of her closet, Sandy decided to wear a pair of dirty washed, vintage, style jeans (the kind that are dark blue and have the tanned vintage look to them) a white sweater, and a pair of black high boots.

Now that she was finished getting dressed, Sandy went back over to her bed and re read the clue. You come here to think, relax, and explore. Please be silent and don't slam the door. Don't make a disturbance or make a scene, I will be nice and ask you to leave. Sandy re read it to herself silently. As she thought about it more, Sandy realized what the answer was.

"THE LIBRARY…THE ANSWER IT THE LIBRARY." Sandy shouted in excitement.

It all began making sense. You go to the library to sit and relax and think about stuff, and the exploring part was reading. The last part of the clue talked about the librarian. Whenever anyone in the library kept talking really loud she would ask them to be quiet or leave…Yes yes yes...I did it…now all that's left to do is go there…well what am I waiting for? Sandy thought to herself and ran out the door.

When she entered the library, she noticed the librarian looking at her with a smile. Figuring it couldn't hurt to ask; Sandy went up to the desk and politely asked, "Hi did anyone happen to leave anything here for me." She would feel totally embarrassed if she said no.

The librarian handed her a piece of paper with a smile. "Here is your second clue." The librarian smiled and continued. "Good luck." The librarian said. She thought it was romantic that what Martin was doing for her. It was like something out of a romance novel.

"Thank you." Sandy replied taking the second clue from her. I wonder how hard this one will be, or where he will have me go next? Sandy wondered to herself.

Sandy sighed, took a deep breath, and opened the next clue.

Second clue

You're not caged in, so get here quick. I know the prize is sure to be a hit. Don't be too late, because three strikes and you're out.

The expression on her face was a confused, dumbfounded, and perplexed look. Could the clues be anymore harder? Sandy re read over the note and began thinking to herself. So go to a place where I'm not caged in. What could that mean?

Sandy began walking as she thought more about the clue. Don't be too late, three strikes and you're out. Prize is a hit. How is anyone suppose...Sandy stopped in the middle of her thoughts and realized, THE BATTING CAGES…CAGED IN, BATTING CAGES, SURE TO BE A HIT….AHHHH I DID IT AGAIN. Sandy praised herself and did the happy dance in the middle on the campus, causing people to stop and stare at her.

With that Sandy left to go to the batting cages. She couldn't believe he chose the batting cages as a clue; he must have really loved it that much. But hopefully not more than he loved her. Upon arriving to the cages, Sandy noticed a familiar face. It was Jason.

Jason was giving her the next clue? She found it odd due to the fact that she hasn't spoken or seen him in a long time. He was standing there with a black helmet on with his green tee, and blue jeans.

"Hey Sandy...didn't think I'd see you so soon. You must be busting not knowing what he has planned." Jason said, but quickly added. "How have you been?" I wonder if she is feeling better. Jason wondered to himself.

A smile came to Sandy's face, knowing that he cared. "I'm a lot better, thanks for asking. You know I was a little surprised to see you here. But I should have guessed it would be someone from the baseball team. And yes…I am busting. So can I have my third clue?" Sandy asked making her cute pout face.

Oh no…not the pouting face. Martin buddy…watch out for the pouting face. Jason thought to himself and laughed. "I see you still make the pouting face. Here is your third clue. Good luck." Jason wished her good luck and went back to the cages.

"Thanks Jason…and yes I still do the pouting face." Sandy yelled after him with a smile.

Jason turned his head, looked at her, and nodded. He was glad to have his friend back in his life.

When she opened it, she noticed it was a bit longer than the other three. Hopefully it wouldn't be too hard to figure out.

Third clue

I know this seems like child's play, but please give me the time of day. You go here when you need some stuff. Fun and perks, it's pure fluff. Sit in the corner, read a book. Come here quick, I need you to look. Hurry up, but don't forget. Two more clues before you Ace this test.

This clue stumped her. She was absolutely baffled. This clue made no sense what so ever. Sandy kept reading over it but still didn't get it, so she went and sat on a nearby bench.

What does this clue mean? I can't ask anyone for help or even try and get it out of Jason. What does he mean sit in a corner, give him the time of day? Could it be the candy store, it did say pure fluff. Sandy thought to herself.

20 minutes went by and she was still unsure about what the clue could be. Looking at her watch, Sandy sighed. She wanted to hurry and figure out the clues before Martin would think she wasn't coming to wherever it was she had to go.

Sandy picked up the clue and read it aloud. "I know this seems like child's play, but please give me the time of day. You go here when you need some stuff. Fun and perks, it's pure fluff. Sit in the corner, read a book. Come here quick, I need you to look. Hurry up, but don't forget. Two more clues before you Ace this test." Even though she re read it, it still wasn't making sense.

UGHHHHH…why couldn't he have made them easier? Ok where is a place that is pure fluff…think Sandy think. Sandy pondered.

About another 15 minutes went by and still nothing. She had thought about the words he used more and more. Sandy had a perplexed look on her face. What does this mean? It has to be somewhere he goes a lot, or maybe where I go. Test? Hmm, could it be the school? No… Sandy thought. She started to feel like she might cry. Now he's going to think I don't care…and I don't want him, and whatever he has waiting for me at the end…Come on, Sandy! THINK! She yelled in her mind.

Then suddenly, a guy came walking by with a cup of coffee in his hand. Sandy looked up and noticed that the cup said Ace's Coffee Shop. Wait a minute…fun, fluff, reading in corner…oh my god… that's it Ace's coffee shop...

Sandy was gonna go thank the guy for walking by, but she didn't want him to think she was crazy. But she wondered where at Ace's Coffee Shop is my clue?

When she got to Ace's, she opened the door and went inside. She looked around to see people sitting at tables, some reading the paper, and some on the cell phones. Ok I'm here and I have no idea where the clue is. Something about fluff, corner, and a book. If I were the clue where in here would I be? Maybe it's in the book I read here last time.

Sandy went to the bookshelf and began looking for the book she had read the last time she had been there. For about 20 minutes Sandy looked for the book but had no luck finding it. She figured someone else must have taken it. Sandy sighed in defeat and went and sat in the corner table. Oh great now I will never find the clue. Sandy thought.

One of the girls who worked there saw Sandy sitting in the corner and realized she was the girl the man who had came in earlier was talking about. She recognized her from the photo. Grabbing a tray, she walked over to her and said," Here you go miss." She placed a book in front of Sandy and smiled.

Looking at the girl with this confused expression, Sandy said, "But I didn't ask for anything."

The girl didn't reply, she just smiled and went back to the front of the shop.

When she left, Sandy looked down at the book and realized it was the book she had read the last time she went there. She opened the book where she had left her bookmarker at to find her next clue. Eager to see what it was, Sandy grabbed the clue and began reading it.

Fourth clue

You shine like a jewel

You sparkle like a star

The shimmer of a diamond

Is clear when I look in your eyes

My heart connects to yours

You glisten like a silver chain, beaming in the sun.

Go where you can find these things, though you are all in one.

Sandy read the clue and laughed. As soon as she read it she knew where to go. It was the jewelry store, this was one clue she got on the spot. She loved jewelry and was a shopper so all the clues made sense. Ha-ha Martin you thought you were gonna get me on that one didn't you. He should know I love to shop and that jewelry is my specialty. Sandy thought as she left for the jewelry store.

On her way there she thought about how her whole day was going. She woke up that morning to a wonderful surprise, which was leading her on a fun little quest. If this was how her life would be with him then she never wanted to lose him.

When she entered the store she saw Maggie standing at the counter with a box in her hand. She hadn't seen Maggie since that day Jason blabbed that she was raped. Would everything be ok when she walked over there? Or would things be a little rocky between them. Ok I can do this. Maggie is or was my best friend, I can do this. Sandy assured herself and walked over to Maggie.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling, Sandy said, "Hi Maggie. It's been a while."

"Yea it's been too long." Maggie replied. She had missed Sandy so much over the past few months. Maggie wanted to call her or go see her, but she wasn't sure if she should.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you when it first happened, it's just I was so embarrassed about it. And then when Jason told you I got so angry because I wanted to tell you." Sandy apologized.

Maggie was getting teary eyed as she listened to her friend. She looks great…and soo happy. Martin is great for her, and he really loves her. Maggie thought to herself. "So…we're still friends right. Can we hangout sometime soon, I really miss having my best friend around." She asked.

Sandy smiled and pulled Maggie into a hug. Both were very happy to see each other. Tears of happiness rolled down their cheeks as they stepped back and laughed that they were now crying.

"Look at us…we're crying…hahahah…" Sandy pointed out. It felt good to have a girl to talk to again. Not that she didn't love talking to Martin, but she needed a female friend.

"Yea…Oh I almost forgot here is your last clue. You know you're really lucky to have someone like Martin. I mean look at all he has done today and these past months. I wish I had someone like that." Maggie admired.

I really am lucky. Martin really is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Sandy thought to herself.

"I am lucky aren't I? But I'm even luckier because I have the greatest friends in the world. Martin got you and Jason to give me the clues so that way we can all be friends again. Not that we weren't friends, but he got us to talk again and for that I am grateful. You have no idea how much I missed you guys." Sandy stated.

"This is yours…" Maggie handed Sandy the box. "Good luck with the clue." Maggie said.

The box was small, blue, and had a little white ribbon on it. Sandy lifted the lid off of the box and gasped. Inside was a silver, heart shaped necklace on a silver chain and a piece of paper folded in half three times.

Maggie watched as Sandy opened the box. Her eyes lit up with excitement as her gaze fell upon the item inside. This made Maggie laugh. Maybe one day I will have someone to do something like this for me. She really deserves this after everything that has happened. I'm so proud and happy for her. Maggie thought to herself.

"Wow…I mean look at it...it's beautiful." Sandy exclaimed, as she held the necklace in her hand.

"It's amazing…are you gonna read your clue?" Maggie wondered.

"Oh yea the clue…I like totally forgot that for a second." Sandy stated.

Putting the necklace back in the box, Sandy picked up the piece of paper and began unfolding it. Once she was done she motioned for Maggie to come over and read it with her.

Final clue

Come here on a sunny day. To relax, eat, or even play. Hurry before it gets dark, cloudy and gray. You come here to walk, jog, or have some fun. In the shade or sitting on a bench. This scenic area is quite the catch. So hurry up and get here quick. I'll give you your present and maybe a kiss. This is your last clue, so think hard and fast. Don't you just love sitting in the grass.

Sandy,

Ok baby here is the last clue to this is little quest. Hope to see you very soon, and remember I love you with all of my heart. I hope you like the necklace. It reminded me of you, beautiful and amazing. You're the light of my life, my reason for living. I love you baby, I always will.

Love,

Martin

When they finished reading the clue the girls smiled. But when they read the note, they were in tears, it was so romantic. Sandy felt so in awe at Martins words. He always knew how to make her melt. Maggie was just so happy that Sandy was happy and that she had someone.

"Aww…he is too romantic. Sandy you are so lucky. Well I'd better be going. Talk to you later?" Maggie said.

"Yes of course. I'll give you full details…It's so great we're talking again. We have to hangout as soon as I get my surprise." Sandy stated.

"Definitely…" Maggie confirmed.

Giving Sandy a hug, Maggie left leaving Sandy to think about her final clue. Hmm I wonder where it could be. Where would I go on a sunny day, to relax, take a walk, or have some fun? Sandy wondered. Thinking about the clue a little more, Sandy began to piece it together.

Then it hit her…"The park." Sandy shouted out loud. She was still in the jewelry store. When she shouted it caused the people to look at her funny.

Now she was embarrassed. The people were looking at her like she had gone insane. "Sorry. Just figured out my last clue." Sandy informed them as she walked out the door hysterically laughing.

Well if that wasn't embarrassing…Great now the people there will think I'm crazy, and every time I go in there they can say "Hey look there's the crazy girl." Oh well…besides I figured out my last clue so I am very happy. Sandy thought to herself with a smile on her face.

With that Sandy left to go claim her prize that Martin had waiting for her. She walked to the park and began looking around for Martin. All of a sudden Sandy heard music playing, light, soft, romantic music coming from the north east part of the park.

Sandy followed the music and it led her straight to the gazebo. The sight in front of her was breath taking. There were candles lit, a little table for two, and three men who were playing violins. Martin was standing there with a red rose in his hands. Her mouth dropped, her body froze, it was like a fairytale and she was the princess being swept off her feet by her prince. It was the most amazing thing she had ever seen. He did all of this for me. Sandy thought as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Martin looked at her and thought she looked radiant. The smile on her face was so bright, brighter than the sun. She was finally there and he could finally do what he had been wanting to do for the longest time. Martin watched as Sandy walked over to him with this glow, this light, this sparkle in her eye that said I love you.

Everything bad that had happened seemed to fade away as she made her way over to the man of her dreams. The table was covered by the beautiful, cream, lacey table cloth with a silver candle holder in the center.

Meeting her half way, Martin walked up to Sandy and handed her the single, red, long stemmed rose and pulled her into his arms to give her the most passionate kiss anyone could ever imagine. Her eyes closed, her breath become faint, her body filled with ecstasy as his lips caressed hers, with a sweet, enticing taste that sent numerous shivers up her spine. It was like being on cloud nine, like she was floating through a cloud of love that never ended.

When they pulled apart both of them looked up into each other's eyes.

"Wow Martin…Everything looks absolutely amazing. I still can't believe you did all of this for me. Martin I love you so much." Sandy exclaimed.

"I'm glad you like it. I hope the clues weren't too hard." Martin said.

"No they weren't. So I made it to the end of the quest, where's my surprise." Sandy asked. Now that she had made it to the end she wanted to know what she had won.

Martin looked at her and laughed. "Later, but first we are going to enjoy the desserts I brought." Martin proclaimed as he took the desserts out of the picnic basket.

Inside the wicker basket there were chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, and cream puffs. There was also a wine bucket with ice and a bottle white zinfandel wine. The aroma of the desserts, candles, and flowers made everything so much more romantic.

Sandy's eyes widen as she watched Martin place the delightful looking desserts onto the table. Everything looked so good that she didn't know which to try first. I wonder what the surprise is and why I have to wait. And how did he organize all of this. There's no way he thought of this all last night. He must have been planning this for a while. Sandy wondered.

"Do I really have to wait till later?" Sandy asked as she made her puppy dog face.

Not the puppy dog face. She knows I can't resist the puppy dog face. But I have to. She will get her surprise later. Martin thought to himself.

"Later I promise. Now let's enjoy our desserts." Martin replied.

"Ok fine." Sandy threw her hands up in defeat. "So when did you plan this? How did you get all of this done?" Sandy asked curiously.

Sitting back in the chair, Martin smiled as he thought of everything. It was going to be a long story, so he poured some wine and began to tell her, his story…