"—er, I'll be grounded for eternity!"

I could tell she wanted to stay here forever. I wanted her to stay forever, too.

"Thanks for the flowers and the dinner and the stars," she said hurriedly by the truck she came in, scrambling for her keys.

"Thanks for coming." I said.

"Raven?" I said, cautiously.

"Yes?"

"Would you like me to…"

"Yes? Yes?"

"Would you like me to…invite you again, or would you rather sneak back in?"

"I'd love to be invited," she answered, waiting.

"Wonderful, then. I'll call you." I kissed her softly on the cheek. I could tell she wanted my lips on her neck, but I couldn't do that. Not here.

I could still feel her presence as she drove off. I wanted her…I needed her. Gosh, I was starting to sound like a bad B-movie actor. I went up to my attic room, day—err, nightdreaming about Raven.

The next day, I slept, hoping Raven would come back soon, and that the blonde kid would stop harassing her. And that she didn't turn into a giant mosquito from that bite.

Days went by. I wondered if I'd ever see Raven again. I couldn't eat, sleep, or even go outside without thinking of her. Some people call this love. I call it hell. I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to call.

"I couldn't wait any longer," I said.

"Excuse me?" She asked, surprised.

"It's Alexander. I know guys aren't supposed to call right away. But I couldn't wait any longer." I said.

"That's a stupid rule. I could have moved." She replied.

"In two days?" I asked.

"It was only two days?" She said longingly.

I laughed. "It seemed like a year for me."

After a pause, she said, "Alexander…um…I have something to ask you."

"I do too."

"Well, you first."

"No, ladies first." I laughed inside my head.

"No, guys are supposed to do the asking." She said coyly.

"You're right." I said. "Well…would you like to go out? Tomorrow night?" I blushed.

"Go out? Yeah, that would be great!"

I was delighted. "So, what were you going to ask me?"

She paused. "Would you…"

"Yes?"

"Do you…?"

"Do I what?"