A/N: Sorry... I reallt am. :-)

"Hello," Simon greeted politely, trying to sound grown-up. "May I please speak to Deena for a few minutes?"

"One moment." Deena's father replied, somewhat coldly.

"Deena, honey, Simon's on the phone for you." Mr. Thayer called out worriedly, he covered the mouthpiece. "Do you want to talk to him?"

"Yes Daddy, I do. It can't hurt." Deena said weakly from where she sat. Mr. Thayer sadly noted the tears starting to sparkle in the young woman's eyes.

Deena took slowly took the phone from her father. "Simon, its Deena."

"Deena! Its wonderful to hear your voice again." Simon silently rejoiced. "Listen Deen, I was wondering if you could go out with me-"

Deena choked back her tears. "Simon, I really can't go out with you. I have to focus on my health and studies. This isn't our time and I don't want to hurt you needlessly."

"Deena, please, you'll hurt me more if you say no. Besides, I'm inviting you out for Valentines Day. That's a month from now; won't that give you enough time for your health an studies?"

Deena silently considered his request. Just once, once more. How desperately she wanted to…

"I'll bring you home at 9:00 on the dot." Simon desperately pleaded.

Deena decided that once couldn't hurt. "Okay, Simon, I'll go out with you on the 14th."

"Wonderful, I'll pick you up at 6:00" he promised before hanging up.

Mr. and Mrs. Thayer looked at their daughter, shocked. "Deena, are you sure?" Mrs. Thayer gently questioned walking over to where Deena was seated.

Deena moved her head and burst into soft, heartbreaking sobs. "Mom, I couldn't help it, I really couldn't… I tried… but… I just can't…"

"Oh, Baby." Mrs. Thayer hugged Deena to her. "I'm so sorry; this must be so hard for you. Mrs. Thayer looked up at her husband, tears pressing at her eyelids.

"No, Mom." Deena whispered, "Don't be, time will come and heal our pain."

Why must I feel this?

Why is happiness just a tease?

Maybe I'll just shrivel up and die

Watching life pass me by

A/N; Short I know, but loads of research to do. R&R please…..