After a long two hours of rock climbing, the latest in the string of new and spontaneous outings, Willa and Philby sat down to take their gear off. "Honestly, how on earth are you so fast?" The girl replied, "It's a gift." Philby rolled his eyes. "Right," he muttered sarcastically. He finished tying his shoes and stood up. "Okay, well, I must go now, but we are still on for later right?" "Wouldn't miss it." It was nearly five when Philby and Willa walked into the restaurant. Dressed in her best for the night she was surprised when she saw all of her friends. This was obviously not a dinner for the two of them. "Dell, did you know they were all going to be here? On our date?" "Phil-dweeb," Maybeck groaned. "C'mon man, are you going to tell us what we are doing here." "Apparently, you did," she looked at him rather perturbed. Philby placed his hand gently on her back. "Don't be mad," he whispered. "Its part of the surprise," he lead her over to the table were two places were already set. The group greeted one another. Philby pulled out a chair and Willa sat down, her face reflecting an odd mix of scrutiny and bewilderment. Amanda, who per usual was sitting next to Finn, leaned across the table. "So, what's this big news you guys have for us?" The girl was looking back and forth between them expectantly. Willa's eyes grew wide and nervous, she looked to Philby. "Yes, what is this big news?" He let out a nervous laugh and sat up straight before replying. "It is more of a question for you really." Philby looked at every one at the table; catching the glances of Finn, Jess, Charlene, and Maybeck, before finally landing on Willa who sat in the chair next to him. He relaxed his arm on the back of her seat. "What are your plans for spring break?" They all leaned in expectantly, "What did you have in mind?" Philby retracted his arm from Willa and placed both hands on the table to explain. "My family owns a place in the Keys. So I was wondering who would like to go for the week. Anyone in?" They made a plan. The Sunday after classes ended they would head down together, or almost all of them; everyone but Willa. Willa, who after being pressured by Philby, agreed that she should audition for an on campus musical. Now, she was performing four nights a week as lead pianist/understudy. As a group they waved good-bye to her that morning as the brunette promised to leave the first thing the next day. They all sat in the car as Philby stood outside the driver's side door looking upset. "You better get going," Willa suggested. Philby grimaced. "I think maybe we should all just go down tomorrow." "No, don't be silly." Willa put both hand on his chest and reached up on her tippy-toes to kiss him, before pushing him unto the driver's seat. "Go ahead. Have fun. I will see you tomorrow." Willa mouthed a quick Love You and waved good bye to the group who joyously smiled back. Everyone but bus-driver Philby seemed anxious to get on the road. The girl was easily distracted the rest of the evening. The last show went off without a hitch and the short cocktail after party was in full swing for the cast and crew. Willa was enjoying herself, though she had to repeatedly try to sneak away from the masses. She was currently chatting with Amber, a petite, wispy blonde and sweet-tempered violinist, whom she had made great friends with over the past month. They had been sitting on a small, green-velvet chaise located along the wall of the room. Amber could be described as cautious person. Her eyes constantly roamed the room and she never did anything unless someone offered first. "Are you still dating that ginger boy?" she questioned innocently. Willa blushed, "Yeah," she answered shyly touching the book shaped locket that hung down the collar of her dress. The necklace had been a gift to her of the recent Valentine's Day. "Dell and I are still together." The dark-haired girl flattened out the hem of her black dress along her knees. "He is down in the Keys with some of our friends right now. They headed down this morning and I am supposed to leave tomorrow. I should probably leave soon so I can get a good sleep. I haven't even packed yet!" Amber was quiet momentarily, "He's down in the Key's you say?" "Yes," Willa stared at the floor rather dreamily. "Are you sure?" "Of course, I am positive," Willa's head jolted up to her friends but the girl's eyes were locked on a far-away destination. "I sent him off myself just this morning." Amber smiled and looked back at Willa, "I am going to go talk to Ryan from the light crew." She stood up, fixing a strand of impeccably straight hair behind her ear. "I'll a- I'll see you later Willa." Strutting off in the direction she had previously been staring at, Amber nodded to another boy in passing. Willa now understood what all the questions had been referring to. She had caught the glance of the boy who should have been miles away by now. Philby stood in a suit and tie not ten feet away from her and was heading forward with flowers in his hands. Willa jumped up, and met him in the middle. Bewildered, she asked, "What are you doing here?" Leaning forward, Philby gave her a kiss like nothing was out of norm. Pulling back only inches, "I came to see my girlfriends final performance." He held the flowers up between them. "And might I add, she was remarkable tonight." The girl couldn't help but let a small smile creep into her lips. "You are supposed to be on the road right now." "It's a long drive. I didn't want you to go alone. Besides," he put his arm around her and led their bodies to one of the unoccupied tables. "I gave Amanda the key. They have a GPS and a map." Willa shook her head, laughing, "You're crazy." "I don't think so. Now I get to spend all day driving around with the loveliest person in the world," he answered smoothly. The girl made a face as if to say I see your point and brushed her lips against his once more. "I think there is something you should know about my day tomorrow before you decide." "And what is that?" Philby whispered. "I have to stop at my parent's house . . . , " Willa looked up innocently, "and now you are coming with me." **IMPORTANT UPDATE: I have the rest of the chapters outlined and hopefully they can be written, drafted, and distributed in a timely manner. However, the recent release of the new book has caused some problems. I will finish the story as planned but cannot be held accountable if something happens in this recent publish. Officially, I own the book but with shipping issues i will not be allowed to have it for the next month and a half. So please, NO SPOILERS, and do not be angry if there are some continuity errors. I fully intend on reading the book the moment I get my hands only it (most likely I will lose sleep because it will be a marathon to the end). Thank you.