The next day, I sat in a seat by the window in the dreary composition class. Looking outside at the desolate snow-covered landscape, I wished desperately for spring to arrive. Spring meant warmth, green, a return to home, family and friends. It seemed like this winter would last forever. The occasional ray of sunshine bursting through the clouds, the squirrels that braved the cold to scratch through the snow for food, the days that were just warm enough to go outside without a hat and gloves and three layers of clothing, these gave me hope, but not enough.

My thoughts were suddenly assaulted by the intrusion of my professor. "Miss Blanca, please turn in your report."

"My report? Oh, my partner left it in your mailbox." I replied.

"I checked my mail before class, Miss Blanca. I found no project from you or from Mr. Berenger."

"Are you sure? He told me that he always leaves his papers in your mailbox."

"I assure you, Miss Blanca, there was nothing there."

"But - "

"I have the report right here, ma'am." I turned to the back of the class to see Max standing in the doorway holding a copy of our work in his hand. As he approached the teacher, every single pair of eyes in the classroom followed him. Max didn't seem to notice or care. He handed his report to the shocked professor, then took a seat behind me.

"How nice of you to drop by. Mr. Berenger, I'm assuming?"

"Call me Max." he said, and the class laughed. I couldn't help but crack a smile. The teacher, however, did not look amused. She continued on with her lesson plan. After class, I tried to hurry along to my dorm but Max was persistent in following me.

"Hey, partner, wait up." he said. "I want to talk to you." He caught me by the arm. I whipped around.

"Leave me alone, Max." I told him. "We're done with the project now. I don't want to talk to you anymore." Trying to ignore the look of shock and hurt on his face, I turned back around and attempted to run in the direction of my building. Unfortunately, I happened to be standing on a patch of ice, and slipped. Before I could hit the ground, Max caught me. I couldn't stop the tears from falling down my cheeks.

"Look, Lily, maybe I was coming on a little too strong. I understand if you don't want to go out with me. But I don't see why we can't be friends. I really like you." he said as he helped me back to my feet.

"Why would you like me? I'm an idiot." I sniffled. To my dismay, he laughed.

"Lily, you're not an idiot, and there's lots of reasons I should like you. You're nice, you're smart, you're cute."

"But I've been so mean to you!"

"Up until last night, you've been a perfect lady. And I can understand why you acted the way you did."

I realized then that either Max didn't know the true reason I didn't want to date him, or knew but simply did not acknowledge it. I stood there staring at him, struggling for something to say.

"Look, why don't we just go out to a movie in the city this Friday, as friends. Then, if you still don't want anything to do with me, we'll go our seperate ways. Deal?"

I stared at him for a long time. "Deal."

"All right then. I'll pick you up at 7. I'd walk you home, but I've got another class to get to."

"Okay." I said, sheepishly swiping at my tears with the back of my sleeve.

"Oh, and Lily? Watch out for that ice, it's a doozy." he said with a playful smirk.

"Very funny." I said, and walked back to my room.