Chapter 4- Saturday

Chloe spent most of the afternoon getting ready, though she wasn't quite sure why. Her mother was ecstatic. Mrs. Sullivan seemed to know whom Chloe's secret valentine was, but was refusing to tell. That alone amazed Chloe; her mother was not a quite person.

Mrs. Sullivan seemed twice as excited as Chloe. Friday night she took Chloe into Metropolis to buy a dress. It was the most beautiful shade of shimmery blue satin that Chloe had ever seen. The off-the-shoulder fitted bodice showed off Chloe's form beautifully. It flared at the waist, billowing around Chloe. Her favorite feature was the way it swished, as if talking, when she moved. She hated to admit it, but she loved the way she looked in it.

Mrs. Sullivan spent an hour doing Chloe's hair. Pulling it back in golden ringlets. Chloe felt as if she were going to the prom.

"Mom, what if I'm getting all dressed up for the ugly, pimply guy who sits behind me in English?" Chloe voiced her worries.

Mrs. Sullivan put her hands on Chloe's shoulders. "That's not who it is, baby. Trust me."

"Sure?" Chloe asked, biting her lip nervously.

"Positive," Mr. Sullivan replied, walking into the room.

"So, you admit you know who it is," Chloe said, raising an eyebrow and smirking.

Mrs. Sullivan rolled her eyes. "Just go meet your valentine, why don't you?"

Chloe laughed. "Here goes nothing."

When Chloe got out of her car at the Talon, rose petals led the way inside.

Chloe cringed as memories of Sean flooded her mind. "Déjà vu," she whispered.

Chloe followed the petals inside and gasped. Candelabras outlined the room, bathing it in a warm glow. Rose petals were scattered over the tables, chairs, and floor. Soft music floated through the air.

Chloe walked to the middle of the room. When a figure emerged her hand flew to her mouth. She clenched her teeth, but the tears came anyway.

Chloe threw herself into the boy's arms, hugging him tightly. "I hoped it would be you. I wanted it to be you," she whispered against his neck.

"I love you, Chloe," he said, holding her in his arms.

"I love you, too, Pete," Chloe replied, closing her eyes in complete happiness.