Allison was half-asleep on the couch in her apartment. Voices were streaming from the television but she only had it on to keep her company instead of for its entertainment value. When she was just about to drift into her land of dreams, a loud ringing started. Startled, she quickly sat up then realized what the noise was and reached for the phone while turning off the volume on the TV.

"Hello?" she said sleepily.

"Hey, baby. You sound sexy."

"Huh?...Oh, I just woke up. Actually you woke me up."

"Oh, I'm sorry, honey. I just called to see if you were busy tonight."

"No, I'm not, but, Zach, I'm really not in the mood to go out."

"What do you mean?"

"I just feel like being somewhere quiet and away from a lot of people."

"But if it were just the two of us, would you want to do something?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Good, that's what I have planned."

"Where are we going?"

"Don't worry yourself with the details. I'll pick you up in half an hour."

"Okay, see you then."

"Oh, and wear something warm."

"Alright, bye."

"Bye, Ali."

She quickly hung up the phone and went to her room to get ready.

What could he possibly be thinking? she wondered to herself.

After pondering the meaning of "warm" for a couple minutes, she settled for pants and a long sleeved shirt. Before she knew it, Zach arrived to pick her up. When he came to her door, he was wearing long pants and a sweater so she decided to grab a windbreaker on her way out. Then they took the stairs down the two flights to the parking lot. Soon they were both seated in the car and ready to go. With every turn of the wheels, Allison felt the curiosity in her grow.

Kevin arrived at Madison's house a few minutes past seven. He was so caught up in thinking through what he was going to say to her that he nearly ignored everything she was saying to him. Eventually he snapped out of his thoughts and began listening to what she was saying.

"...so Chris took Daddy out to lunch and told him how much he loved Amber. So then he asked if he had permission and his approval and everything to ask my sister to marry him. Well, you see, I heard this all from my mom so this part may not be true, but she was telling me how everyone reacted to this. Amber is so excited! All she has been doing is planning for the wedding, and she can't wait for the big day. My mom is happy because she wants to have grandchildren. But apparently my dad was kind of upset. He wanted me to be the first to get married. Plus he always wanted a son but all he got was me and Amby. So now Chris is his first son, but he likes you and wanted you to be his first son. And then he said--"

"Wait, so he thinks we are going to be getting married?"

"Yeah...and I think so, too. Don't you?"

"This is a lot of pressure. Madison, I'm only 23. I have so much to do in my life still. I'm not anywhere near being ready to commit to marriage. There's a lot of stuff that had been on my mind lately and I think we seriously need to talk," Kevin interrupted.

"Uh-oh. That's never good."

Kevin didn't answer so the last few minutes of the drive were in silence. After what seemed like hours, they pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant.

They walked in to find the waiting area filled with people. Kevin draggen Madison along as he pushed through the crowded area to the maitre d'.

"Excuse me, sir," Kevin said politely.

v"Yes, how may I help you?" the middle-aged man responded.

"We have reservations for 7:30."

"Name, please."

"Richardson."

There was a pause.

"Um, perhaps it may be under another name?"

"Maybe. My cousin was supposd to make the reservation. Check his name, Littrell."

The man scanned the list but did not find it.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't have a Littrell...What is your name, miss? It won't hurt to check."

"Wenzel."

"Aah, Wenzel we have. When will the rest of your party be arriving?"

"I think you have the wrong Wenzel. It's just the two of us."

"I see. Would you like to wait for a table?"

"How long will that be?"

The man again looked down at the list, then quickly scanned the room before responding, "I'd have to say about an hour, at least."

"Okay, I think we'll find another place for tonight. Thanks for your help."

"Good-night."

They exited the restaurant.

"Well, Madison, where to now?"

"How about we go back to my place and we can quickly whip something up?"

"That'll work."

Again, they drove in silence, however, their silences were very different. Madison's was very content and happy. She felt words would ruin the perfect moment they were sharing. She felt warm and fuzzy and loved, whereas Kevin, on the other hand, had more of a nervous quiet. He was pacing through his mind as he thought of what he would say to her. He looked over at Madison and wondered what she was thinking. She looked happy and he did not want to ruin that, but he told himslef he could not continue being with her while he had feelings for Allison. Before he had anymore time to think about it, they had reached the apartment complex.

Once inside, Madison listened to the messages on her answering machine while Kevin went to the bathroom. When he came out he heard the voiced of those who had called her.

"Hi, Maddy. Your dad and I were calling to see what would be a good time for you and Kevin to have us visit. Please call back as soon as you know. I love you, sweetie."

Kevin stood in the doorway watching Madison smile at her mom's message. It's now or never, Kevin coached himself, then walked towards Madison.

"Hey, Kevin. You missed it. There was a message from my parents. They want to come visit and want to know what would be a good time for us."

"Actually, I did hear the message and I want to talk to you. I really don't think this is working for us. We're two completely different people. In real life opposites may attract, but they don't stay together. Our personalities are just way too different. I've felt this way for a little while but I was trying to make it work...but now, well, it's just too much. You're constantly talking about marriage and being together forever while I'm thinking how this isn't working and trying to find a way to tell you. I don't feel for you the way I once did."

Madison stood there, speechless, staring at him.

Kevin continued, "Well, then...I guess this is good-bye. I'll let myself out...I'm sorry it had to be this way."

Just as Kevin was about to close the door to leave, he heard her call, "But, my wedding..."