It was the end of the school day, and Cecelia Heath, a quiet girl who minded her own business, was not in the mood for games. Unfortunately, Ruben Jones, her best friend, was.

He was running towards her in the hallway, not watching where he was going — as per usual — when he pushed her into a dark-haired boy.

They fell like perfectly lined up dominos; Ruben hit Cecelia, Cecelia hit the boy, and the boy hit the ground.

"Ruben!" Cecelia scolded, stumbling to keep her balance. Once it had been regained, she turned to face the boy who was now kneeling on the ground and collecting papers that had fallen out of a folder.

"Oh god. I'm so sorry, are you okay?" She stammered, face flushed. She dropped to her knees alongside him, scrambling to pick up the papers he'd dropped.

"Don't worry about it." The boy shrugged with a small smile.

Cecelia looked at him for a moment before averting her eyes and collecting the rest of the paper.

"Sheet music?" She inquired, noticing the treble clef on the pages. "What instrument do you play?"

"Flute," he replied as they both stood up and brushed themselves off. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I didn't even fall, so..." She pursed her lips, holding the papers out to him, "Ruben just doesn't like to watch where he's going." She turned and glared at her friend, who hadn't offered his help.

"Sorry," He had the sense to sound sheepish, though he didn't really look sorry at all.

"What's your name?" The boy asked. "I'm Xerxes."

"Oh, uh, Cecelia." She mumbled, suppressing an embarrassed grin.

Xerxes nodded. "You're a cheerleader, right? I hear you're really talented."

"Uh, yeah, I am." She blushed. She was used to being seen around the school, but not used to engaging in real conversation. Not with boys that she hadn't known for years, at least.

"That's cool! I guess I'll see you around?" He waved, turning around and walking down the hall.

Cecelia watched him walk away before clearing her throat and turning back to Ruben. He gave her a knowing look.

"What?" She asked.

He just laughed and shook his head. "I feel like I've seen him before. You know, outside of school."

"I haven't. I didn't even know he went here. Let's go home now." Cecelia put her books into her bag and began to walk to the main door with Ruben following along.

"Are you coming over, or am I dropping you off at your house?" She asked him when they reached her car.

"I'll come over." He said. "But can you make a stop for me on the way?"

Cecelia sighed. "C'mon, Ruben. I just want to go home."

"Please, Cecelia? It's my sister's birthday tomorrow and I need to get her flowers. Do you know the flower shop on Day Street? It's called Smell The Roses, can't we just stop there real quick?" He begged, turning to her from the passenger seat.

"Fine," She caved, "We'll go."

Ruben broke out into a grin. "You know I love you, right?"

She laughed. "You suck."

When they reached the flower shop, she pulled the car over and parked by the curb.

"Let's go," Cecelia said, opening her door and stepping out.

When Ruben didn't move, she crossed her arms. "Ruben, get out, this stop was for you."

"Can I just send you in? Here, that's forty bucks. Just get her whatever you think she'll like." Ruben pulled the cash out of his wallet, handing it to her unceremoniously.

"Ruben," She groaned, slumping tiredly.

"Please, Cecelia? This way I won't get distracted by anything." He reasoned with her.

"You don't deserve me." She caved for a second time, slamming the car door shut.

She walked through the door of Smell The Roses and the bell jingled happily, but she stopped in her tracks when she saw who was behind the counter.

"Cecelia," he smiled, "hey."

He wore a heavy denim jacket with gloves to protect himself from the thorns of the roses he was holding, and a strand of his dark hair hung in his face.

She opened her mouth to say something but found herself at a loss for words, an awkward shyness taking over her tongue.

"I, uh..." she mentally cursed herself for being so shy.

"You need flowers?" He asked, setting the roses on the surface behind him.

"Um... I think so. Yeah. Yes, I need flowers." She confirmed, continuing to stutter. At least this time, words came out.

"What kind?" He asked as she walked the rest of the way to the counter.

"Oh, uh..." she looked around the shop. "What do you recommend for a birthday?"

"Probably lilies." Xerxes walked out from behind the counter and over to a pre-made bouquet of flowers. "Are these okay?" He motioned to a bouquet of pink ones.

"Those are good, yeah." She nodded. "I mean, I think they are. My friend just sent me in here to get something for his sister's birthday." She confessed.

He smiled. "Well, she'll probably like these. Flowers are always a nice gesture."

Cecelia nodded, and not knowing what to answer, said, "Yeah."

"Okay, the bouquet is $22.00," Xerxes said, and she handed him the money Ruben gave her.

"Thanks." She squeaked as he handed her the change and bundle of flowers.

"I..." She laughed quietly, "I like your jacket."

"Oh, this?" He smiled sheepishly and looked down at the thick coat. "It's just so I don't get stabbed by thorns."

"You look really cool." She teased him. "Very in style."

"Oh, shut up." He blushed, brushing the strand of hair out of his eyes.

Cecelia turned to leave the shop, smiling as she opened the door.

"I'll see you tomorrow." He called after her.

"Bye," she felt heat rush towards her cheeks while she left and walked back out to the car.

"Here are your stupid flowers." She said to Ruben.

"Enjoy your stop?" He asked, a slight smile on his face. Cecelia resisted the urge to whack him with the flowers.

She was still smiling as they drove back to her house in comfortable silence.