With her head held high, and a wry smirk on her face, Michelle walked very slowly down the street, expecting Luke to appear any moment. When he did, he was such a burst of energy, practically snatching her off of her feet and hugging her against him, that she laughed aloud. Delight was still evident on her face when he turned her towards him and finally said it:

"Michelle Darling, give me the honour of calling you my girlfriend."


A whole army of tingly butterflies were storming through her veins and, as much as she tried, she couldnt wipe the smile off of her face. She did pull her eyes away from Lukes, with a great deal of difficulty, mind you, and she reached into her pocket and pulled out the little silver Peppermint Toad box, turning it in her free hand, and scrutinizing it without really seeing it. Well, she said, drawing out her words emphatically. If youre askingand if youre sure you dont want any of those other girlsI thinkyes. Here she gave a resolute nod and brought her eyes back up to meet Lukes while she popped the silver box, and its Peppermint Toad that was calling her name, back into her pocket.