It was around 9:00 when Claire arrived at Ryder Park. She sat on a bench by some trees and awaited John's presence. Her heart was fluttering, John was so special to her, what could he possibly want to say to her. She worried that it would be bad news. At about 9:15 she heard footsteps on the fallen leaves behind her. Arms went around her waist, and there was John. His touch made her heart flutter even more, his hands were so strong resting on her hips.

"Glad you're here Sweets. I wanted to talk about you and I. I know that your friends wouldn't be accepting of me, but Claire I want to be with you."

"John please, don't make this hard on me, I have great feelings for you too, but you know how important my image is as this school."

"As much as it hurts me for you to say that, I sort of understand. Just let me enjoy you this one night under the stars, and you don't ever have to acknowledge me again."

He had a blanket with him that she hadn't noticed. He laid it down on the ground and grabbed her. She never though he could be this romantic. He carried such a hard image around his burn out friends. After thinking this, she found herself ashamed using the same word her mother had to describe them. They settled down together and watched the stars. She was so nervous, she had only kissed him Saturday. That was her first kiss, she hoped he wasn't going to take things further. He didn't, at least for awhile. He leaned in and placed his lips on hers. A warm rush flushed through her, starting at her ears and working down to her toes. His lips were smooth and she could smell the sweet scent of smoke on him. Claire was enjoying this, school was forgotten when she was kissing John. He pulled her closer and moved his tongue along her lips, then gently pushed it down into her mouth. He kissed her down her neck, caressing her with his hands at the same time. Claire began to breath a little harder. John began to unbutton her shirt. Something about this didn't feel right with her, if she ever took it that far with John, she didn't want it to be here. She stopped him, gave him once last kiss, and headed home. She wouldn't talk to him for weeks after this, but when she did it would be asking John to go to prom with her. No other guy seemed worthy enough, and after Ryder Park prom queen didn't seem so important to her.