“Man check out that scenery,” Antoinette said, as she looked out the bus window at the surrounding trees.

“That’s so beautiful,” Valondra said rolling her eyes.

“Shut up, Lon,” Antoinette warned.

“Come over and make me,” Valondra said, as Antoinette got up out of her seat.

“Don’t tempt me,” Antoinette replied just as Valondra stood up and Antoinette backed off. “Don’t hurt me either.”

“She’s afraid of me,” Valondra said while Antoinette sat back down. “Even in school she was. This is funny shit.” Nickolas looked up at her and smiled, as he pulled her onto his lap. She looked at him and he kissed her, as Antoinette shook her head.

“Everyone’s afraid of you,” Nickolas said.

“Including you?” Valondra asked.

“Nah, I don’t think so,” Nickolas replied.

“I could’ve kicked her ass yesterday,” Valondra said. “Ya do know that right?” He nodded. “Good.”

“Maybe ya should have,” Nickolas stated and she just looked at him. “To show me what an ass I was so I wouldn’t do it again.”

“It was tempting but I didn’t want to waste my time,” Valondra said smiling and he shook his head then started tickling her. “Stop it.” She started laughing and Nickolas continued tickling her.

“Let’s stop,” Lillie said. “I’m hungry.”

“Stop where?” Kevin asked sitting beside Antoinette and shaking his head at a laughing Valondra and Nickolas.

“Pizza Hut,” Lillie replied. “Didn’t you see the big billboard? Besides, it’s dinner time anyway.”

“I don’t see why not,” Kevin said, as Alexander went to the front to tell the driver.

“So, Brian,” Rachel began, “we have been together for over a year. Well one year, two months, and sixteen days to be exact. What do you have to say for your achievement?”

“Pretty good,” Brian said. “How about you?”

“It’s been great spending my time with you,” Rachel replied. “Hopefully it’ll be for a long time yet.”

“Who says it can’t be?” Brian asked.

“What do you mean?” Brian smiled and got on one knee in front of her and took a deep breath. “What are you doing?”

“The first time I saw you, I started feeling things I didn’t think I would ever feel. I had other girlfriends, but I never felt with them what I am feeling with you right now. This past year together made me realize that I want to spend the rest of my life with you and no one else.”

“Are you asking what I think you’re asking?”

“Just let me do this, Rachel.”

“Sorry.” She smiled.

Brian took another deep breath and said, “Ok here it goes.” He took Rachel’s left hand and smiled at her. “Rachel, I love you with all my heart and I know you love me.” She nodded and he took something from his pocket. “So, Rachel Lynn Jones, I know it’s only been a year, but will you marry me? Please?” Lillie sneaked up on them and looked at Brian on his knee and then at Rachel. She heard Brian’s last words and then she saw the ring. “What do ya say, Rachel? Will you marry me?”

Rachel nodded her head and said, “Yes…yes I will.” Brian slipped the ring on her finger and then kissed her. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

They kissed again and Lillie said, “Awe, it’s a Kodak moment.” She smiled and Rachel and Brian looked at her.

“Oh shut up,” Rachel said.

“How much did you hear?” Brian questioned.

“Just from when you asked her to marry you the first time,” Lillie said. “So when am I telling everyone else?”

“You’re not,” Rachel said. “We are.”

“Maybe when we get to Pizza Hut,” Brian replied.

“I say right now,” Lillie stated. “You can’t keep this happy news a secret. If you don’t I will.”

“When we get to Pizza hut, Lillie,” Brian said, as Rachel looked at her ring.

“Let me see that thing,” Lillie said walking over to her, as Rachel stuck out her hand. “Ooh, it’s pretty. You’d sink right to the bottom with that.”

“Very funny,” Rachel replied just as Valondra joined them.

“What’d I miss?” Valondra asked just stopping in her tracks.

“Bri--,” Lillie began, but couldn’t finish, as Brian covered her mouth with his hand.

“Ok,” Valondra said with a strange look. “I’m not going to ask. I don’t think I want to know.”

“You’ll find out later,” Rachel replied, as Valondra got in the refrigerator. “You’ll love it.” Rachel stuck her hand in her pocket so Valondra wouldn’t see the ring. Brian still stood there with his hand over Lillie’s mouth trying to keep her quiet.

Valondra grabbed two sodas while saying, “I’m kicking Nicky’s ass at video games. He’s getting so pissed, you should see him. It’s the cutest thing.” She shut the door and looked at the other three. “You guys are beginning to scare me. I think I’ll leave now.” She gave them a strange look and then walked away.

Brian took his hand off Lillie and said, “Thank you for not saying anything.”

“How could I?” Lillie asked sarcastically. “You had your hand over my mouth. Why didn’t you tell her? She won’t tell anyone.”

“I know, but we are going to wait until the time is right,” Rachel answered. “Besides, it’s our choice and not yours.”

“Alright,” Lillie said. “No need to bite my head off.”

“Hey, guys, we’re here,” the driver interrupted from the front seat.

“Thanks,” Brian said. “We’ll tell the others.”

“Lillie, go tell them,” Rachel said. “Why should I?” Lillie questioned. “You just told me I can’t.”

“Not about that, Bonehead,” Rachel answered.

“That we’re at Pizza Hut,” Brian added.

“Alright I’ll go,” Lillie said. “Not saying I’m not going to tell.”

“Well you’re not,” Rachel replied, as Lillie walked away smiling.