Meanwhile, at Buster's house, he thought about seeing Marina again. He wouldn't admit it to his friends, but he had a small crush on her, and he wanted her to like him more than just a friend. Buster then called Marina on his telephone.
Marina: (on the other line) Hello?
Buster: Hello, Marina, it's Buster. I was wondering... if you would like to hang out at the Mill Creek Mall with me today?
Marina: I would like to. Where are we meeting Arthur and Francine?
Buster: Actually, I was hoping it could be just the two of us today?
Marina: (happy) Wow, Buster, I'm flattered that you want it to be just us. I'll meet you at the mall.
Buster: Remember, meet me near the entrance of the mall.
Buster hung up, and thought be might be to dress nice for this outing. He took a shower, got dressed in one of his best shirt and sprayed his mom's
cologne on himself. Bitzi, Buster's mother, actually saw him dressed like someone who was perfect.
Bitzi: Are you going on a date with a classmate?
Buster: Actually, I'm going to spend time with a new friend of mine.
Bitzi: Well, just don't get home too late.
Buster then says goodbye to his mother, then went to the Mill Creek Mall to see Marina. He saw her outside, standing right by the entrance of the mall. Marina then
felt Buster's shoulder, feeling his shirt.
Marina: That's a great shirt you have on, Buster. I can't see, but I can tell how neat the fabric is by feeling it. You look sharp!
Buster: So do you, Marina!
Buster and Marina then went to explore around the mall for the day. First they went to the Mega Kid clothing store, then browsed around David's Toys, then had lunch
together at the Mill Creek Munch restaurant, stopped at Bruno's Music, and went to the Cinemas Mill Creek Mall 8 to see a comedy movie. After the movie, they both
laughed because they had a lot of fun. Before he left on the date, Buster had found a pair of friendship rings in the closet. Other than his food collection, he
sometimes also collected various knickknacks. He bought those rings cheap at a yard sale for that collection. However, he now thought there was someone special for him
for give up one of those rings. After leaving the mall, Buster and Marina then walked to the World's End Park. Buster had brought Marina to the park because he had
something important to tell her. They both sat down at a park bench, and Buster got up his courage to tell Marina what he had to say.
Buster: Marina, before Prunella went on her spring break trip, we didn't get to talk very often. However, we have seen each other on occasion, like when we did that
yoga class at Prunella's house, and we had lunch with the gang at the Elwood City Picnic. Also, while I was on a world trip with my father, when I was in Alabama,
I went to the Alabama School for the Blind, and met children who were blind, and learned a lot about it. My school won the contest for the best news story, thanks to
you. This was the best spring break ever, and it's because I got to spend it with you, because I secretly had a crush on you. (Marina happily perks up) I had these
two friendship rings in my closet. I'm wearing one of them right now. Would you like to feel it? (Marina nods, and feels Buster's middle finger with the ring in it)
I have one for you, too. Move your finger so I can put it on you. (Marina moves her middle finger and Buster slips the ring on it) So, with all that said, Marina Datillo,
would you be my girlfriend?
Marina: Buster, there's something I also want to tell you. I could never see you, but I always could tell that you're friendly and a funny boy. And I hoped you wanted
me to spend time with you as well, because during this spring break, I've also had a secret crush on you, and I was afraid how you would react. To answer your
question... (crying, with tears of joy) Yes! Absolutely, Buster Baxter! I would love to be your girlfriend! (Marina hugs Buster with glee)
Both filled with happiness, Buster and Marina went to tell their families that they are in a relationship. When Marina told her mom, she congratulated her daughter.
When Buster told Bitzi, she thought that was terrific. But she also had something else to say to him.
Bitzi: While you were out, Buster, Arthur called here about an important meeting you're doing at the Sugar Bowl at 10:00 tomorrow morning.
Buster: Did he say what it was?
Bitzi: He didn't, but I would suggest going there to see what it is.
Buster: I'll get up early tomorrow and see what this is about.
Buster then went to bed, very happy that he got the girl of his dreams, and dreamed about what the next day would be.