“So wait…explain that over again.” Colin said scratching his head.

“You have to…” Danielle said launching into a speech about the properties of elements.

It was a Friday afternoon and Colin’s chemistry test was fast approaching. The two had spent almost every afternoon in the library together.

“So I hear you’re going on a date with Bright.” Colin said.

“What does that have to do with barium?” she asked.

“It’s more interesting.” He replied.

“Well, you’ve got me there.” Danielle said. “And yes I do have a date.”

“I never thought I’d see the day.” Colin said shaking his head.

“Excuse me?” she asked.

“I don’t think I should be telling you this.” Colin said.

“You realize by saying that you now have to tell me.” Danielle told him.

“Fine, I never thought I’d ever see Bright nervous about going out on a date.” Colin said.

“He’s nervous?” she asked.

“He’s freaking out. It’s pretty funny actually.” He said.

“I didn’t know I had that effect.” She said with a smile.

“Well, apparently you do. Now I want you to know I told Bright about a few things in preparation for your date.” Colin said.

“Like what?” she asked.

“Like he should treat you right and take good care of you because if anything happens to you my chemistry grade is down the drain.” He said.

Danielle patted Colin’s arm. “I’m so glad to know how important I am to you.”

***

“So what are you doing tonight?” Danielle asked as Ashley helped her get ready for her date.

Ashley shrugged. “Not quite sure. I’m trying to get Ephram to watch the new O-Town DVD with me.”

“I can’t really see that happening.” Danielle said.

“But Ashley is so cute!” Ashley said.

“Well, yeah. But I doubt that will be a selling point for Ephram.” She remarked.

“Touche. Here. Try this on.” Ashley said handing Danielle a pink sweater.

“Do you think I’m crazy?” Danielle asked slipping the sweater over her head.

“Indeed.” She said.

“So I shouldn’t be going on this date.” Danielle said.

“Oh, I thought you mean crazy in general.” Ashley said with a laugh.

“You’re not helping here Ash.” Danielle told her.

“That sweater isn’t going to work.” She said. “See, I’m helping.”

“Just answer the question” Danielle said.

“No, I don’t think you’re crazy. You’re a very smart girl who is capable of making good decisions and if you think this date is a good idea then I say go for it.” Ashley said.

“Thanks.” She said.

“Can I ask you something though?” Ashley asked throwing a blouse at her head.

“Sure.” She said catching the blouse.

“When did the sudden interest in Bright develop?” Ashley asked.

“Well…” Danielle started. “I guess it was when I saw him interacting with the kids.”

“He’s a pedophile?!” Ashley shrieked.

“No, that’s you.” She said referring to Ashley’s love of Harry Potter. “I meant watching him work at the center. He’s a whole different person once you get to know him. He’s sweet and funny and pretty cute.”

“I guess he’s kind of cute…on some level.” Ashley replied. “And for the record I’m not a pedophile. I can’t help it if Danny Radcliffe is a sexy little mofo.”

***

“I’ll get it.” Danielle said opening the front door. “Oh hey Ephram.”

“Thanks for the warm greeting.” He said walking into the house.

“Sorry.” She said jumping onto his back and hugging him. “Is that better?”

“Ashley! I’ve developed a growth on my back.” Ephram called out.

“Umm…hello.” Bright said walking up to the door.

Danielle jumped off of Ephram and turned around.

“Hello to you too.” She said straightening out her sweater.

“Hi Ephram.” He said.

“Bright.” Ephram replied.

“What’s all the noise in here?” Ashley said walking into the room. “Oh it’s just you.”

Ephram rolled his eyes. “The love is radiating out of you two tonight.”

Danielle laughed. “Bye guys. Have fun with your O-Town DVD.”

“What?” Ephram asked as Danielle closed the door.

“Do I even want to know?” Bright asked as he and Danielle walked to the car.

“Sometimes it’s better to be left in the dark when my cousin is involved. So…” she said changing the subject. “Where are we going?”

“I couldn’t think of anything really creative. So I was thinking dinner and a movie.” He said starting the car.

“That’s fine with me.” Danielle said.

Bright let out a sigh of relief. “Good.”

“Umm…is there a reason you seem really nervous?” she asked.

“Me? I’m not nervous.” He said quickly.

“Whatever you say.” She told him.

“Fine. You’re different from other girls I’ve dated.” Bright said.

“How so?” Danielle wanted to know.

“Just different.” He said.

“Enlighten me.” She said.

“I don’t know…it’s hard to explain.” Bright said. “I guess you could say I’ve only dated the cheerleader types.”

“So why me then?” she asked.

“No girl…actually no one… has really ever held their own against me, put me in my place. You weren’t afraid to tell me off.” He said.

“Jeehz, I sound pretty awful.” Danielle said.

“No, I deserved it half of the time.” Bright said.

“Yeah, you did.” She said with a smile.

“So your turn. Why did you agree to go out with me?” he asked.

“Because underneath your frat boy exterior I think there’s something more.” Danielle said.

Bright grinned. “I’m glad you said yes.”

“Me too.” She replied.