The next day, Magdalena told Pietro, "Okay, look, I'll go with you."

Pietro almost jumped out of his seat.

"You will!"

"Yes. Only under one condition. My brother is going to come, too. So, we'll go with him. Would you rather we pick you up or meet you there? My brother will take me. And he'll stay, too. He's been to school dances before. I haven't."she told him.

"Your brother?"

"Of course. You don't expect someone of my age to go out with just anyone, do you? Anywhere? Alone?"

"Uh, oh, uh, no, of course not."

"The truth is, I really wouldn't like to...let's just say, give the wrong impression. It's always been a desire of mine to be someone whom others can envy. And that doesn't allow for any mistakes. I've envied others for many reasons, they've made sure I've got that clear, but we'll see who gets the last laugh. They'll be envying me far more than I ever envied them. Fine, I will go with you. Only I don't know if I can stay too long."

"That's fine! I agree to anything you say."

"Really? I was under the impression that you would change your mind. I'm what some people have described to me as an old soul. I was born in the wrong time period. I belong in the times when there was at least some decency, some respectability, where people still valued their honor."

Pietro nodded.

"I completely agree with you."

"Thank you. You know, perhaps you and I have much more in common than I thought! Amazing! I never thought I'd ever meet another one before."

"Well, I didn't, either."

"Then if we're to pick you up, you had better be ready when we're there. I don't like to wait, and I especially hate people who move slower than snails. What I can get done in five minutes at least, it takes them half an hour, if not an entire hour! I hate that!"

"I know exactly what you mean."said Pietro.

She smiled.

"Well, at least I hope that means I won't have to wait on you."

"Not for a second!"

"I better not, because then I might just change my mind, and decide to just go home. On foot, if necessary. You should know I have no problem with going home on foot. If the weather is nice, and maybe that might not change things."

"Not a problem. I don't ever like being late."

She smiled.

"You know, I think I'm starting to like you."she said to him.

"Are you?"

"Well...yes. I guess. And I suppose I'm looking forward to the dance."