Simon was up and out early the next day. He'd spent a sleepless night worrying about what he should do but now he was decided. When he'd thought of the answer it seemed absurdly simple and as he walked to Jillian's house he found he was strangely calm.

"Simon?" She was clearly only just up and dressed. Her hair was still messy and she looked distinctly sleepy.

"Sorry I'm so early."

"Was I expecting you?" She ushered him inside.

"No," he apologised. "But there's something I really need to say." She focussed on him.

"Is this about Jeanette?" He was momentarily surprised.

"How did you know that?" She rolled her eyes.

"Everyone at school knows she likes you. To be honest everyone thought you liked her too 'til you asked me out. That's why I never realised you were trying to impress me."

"You knew?" She nodded.

"Like I say, I was surprised. But pleased," she added. She looked at him and shrugged. "Now I'm not surprised but somewhat disappointed."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's not your fault." He stood awkwardly. This wasn't quite how he'd imagined it.

"I've got to get ready," she hinted.

"Oh, Yeah, of course." She followed him to the door.

"I'll see you round school." As she began to close the door behind him she continued. "Good luck with Jeannette."

He stood on her front path somewhat bemused. He'd expected tears or remonstrations, not encouragement. He smiled to himself. Honesty really was the best policy. He hurried back up the road to try and reach Jeanette's house before she left for school. As he checked his watch he realised he probably wasn't going to make it. But maybe they'd be running late. Possibly his brothers would suggest they waited there for him.

'Fat chance' he thought as he remembered who his older brother was. Still he went up to the front door and rang the bell, just in case.

"Simon?" Jeanette opened the door. Simon was just about to thank his lucky stars when he noticed she looked pale.

"Are you alright?"

"I told Eleanor to tell you," she murmured. "I don't feel well."

"Oh." His face fell. "I didn't go with the others today. I wanted to…" he hesitated. "Well, I wanted to talk to you actually."

"Really?"

"Can I come in?" She glanced down at herself awkwardly but pulled the door open. He stepped inside. She was clearly not expecting visitors. She was wrapped in a fluffy dressing gown and her hair was loose and tangled. To Simon she'd never looked more appealing.

"I'm not at my best I'm afraid." She pushed her hair back and sat herself carefully on the sofa. Simon sat next to her. The paleness in her cheeks had been replaced by a blush of embarrassment. This was again not how he'd imagined it.

"What did you want to talk about?" She wasn't looking at him. He licked his lips nervously.

"I saw Jillian today." He noticed she turned further away and had a sudden inspiration. "Jeanette? Look at me." For a long moment he thought she wouldn't. Then she turned to him and he saw the tears in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Simon. I don't feel well," she stammered. He reached out and took her hand.

"And I'm sorry Jeannette, that's it's taken me so long to realise what was right in front of me." Her mouth formed an 'o' of surprise. "It was never Jillian. It's always been you." She turned away again.

"Simon. I don't… Oh!" she began pulling her hair again and then hurriedly stood up. "I look terrible." He stood and caught her hand before she could run out the room.

"You look perfect." She searched his eyes for a sign of a lie.

"You think so?"

"I know so." He smiled and reached out to stroke her hair. "You feel perfect, you look perfect, you sound perfect, you smell perfect…" he closed his eyes as he breathed in the simple smell that was 'her'. When he opened his eyes he found her looking at him in wonder. "And you taste…" he leant forward and pressed his lips against hers softly. "Perfect," he breathed.

"You'll be late for school," she murmured in his ear as he wrapped his arms around her.

"You know, I don't think I'm feeling quite myself today." His eyes sparkled.

"Then I guess you better stay home," Jeanette smiled. As he kissed her again, Simon knew everything would work out now. Because he was finally being himself and had found a girl who loved him for himself.

And as they snuggled up together on the sofa he knew he'd never want Jeanette to change either.

"I feel kinda bad for whoever sent me those chocolates," she murmured. Simon smiled.

"Believe me… he's feeling pretty good right now." Jeannette looked up at him in confusion. Then as understanding dawned, Simon kissed her again.