Advanced Music Appreciation Class, Mid-Afternoon.

"And here we have what some consider Beethoven's greatest work." The instructor was saying. Immediately the music room was filled with the strands of an exquisite

piece by the masterful composer, bringing sighs and gasps among the students.

Dennis quickly scribbled some notes, dismayed to find that his usual enthusiasm for this class was faltering. This was his favorite class; the one that he'd looked

foreword to taking ever since he first applied to Yale. Darn that Mark, putting these ridiculous ideas of a woman into his head!

He'd meant what he'd told his room mate. He simply wasn't interested in meeting any women right now...or anytime soon for that matter.

That's what dance clubs and bars were for; definitely not his style. Besides... he just didn't have time for-.

"What do you think, Mr. Reed?"

Dennis looked up, horrified when he realized that Professor Noble had been speaking to him.

"Well?" Professor Noble prompted.

Dennis swallowed hard. "Yes, it's a wonderful piece." He said, cringing when the room broke out in laughter.

However, Professor Noble was not amused.

"Thank you for your unbiased opinion, Mr. Reed. But I was asking how you would compare Beethoven to Handel's Messiah."

"Ahh... Interesting question indeed!" Dennis said, trying desperately to think of a witty answer. "Both are certainly masterpieces, but to compare the two is indeed a

challenge that I accept!"

"Well, I'm sure we'd all love to hear it, but I'm afraid we're out of time." Professor Noble said. "Perhaps next class we can discuss the difference between Handel and

Beethoven. And I trust, Mr. Reed, that you'll be more attentive during class lectures in the future."

Suddenly filled with unimaginable humiliation, Dennis looked away.

"Absolutely, Professor Noble. And I do apologize, for I always love listening to your outstanding lectures."

"Well thank you, Mr. Reed. It's nice to know that students appreciate my teaching." Professor Noble smiled. "If only all my students were as enthusiastic as you."

Normally Dennis would be on Cloud 9 after receiving a compliment from his favorite professor. But today he had other things on his mind.

He raced back to his dorm and opened the door.

"Hey Mark." He said, relived to find his room mate watching TV. Figures he wouldn't be studying.

"Reed! How's it going?"

"Good, thanks."

"How was class?"

"Um... very insightful. Listen, about what we talked about earlier this afternoon..."

"Forget it, man. You said you're not interested so I won't bug you about it anymore. Sorry if I was a little hyper about the whole thing."

Dennis rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Well, actually, I've been thinking..."

"What's this girl's name again?"

"Betsy. Betsy Wilcox."

"Betsy Wilcox." Dennis repeated.

"Whoa! Don't tell me you're interested now...after that whole scene in the student center?" Mark asked.

"Well..."

"Seriously? You'll do it?"

"Oh what the heck? I mean, it can't be any worse than the dates I had in high school. Although, there weren't that many."

"You're going to love this girl, I swear!" Mark said excitedly. He jumped off his bed and picked up the phone. "I just have to make a few phone calls and I'll get it all set

up."

"Great." Dennis said, suddenly wishing he'd never agreed to this.

"Trust me, you won't be sorry." Mark said.

Dennis sighed and sat down at his desk, opening his Advanced Music Appreciation book. "I just hope I'm not making a big mistake."