Luke Casban was a student at the top of his game. He was on track to valedictorian at James Garfield High, was in the student body, was volunteering in his neighboring library twice a week, and lived alone while his parents were abroad. He was talented in various useless tasks: juggling, card tricks, random fun facts, lock-picking, hypnotism, and flower arranging. He was charming and charismatic, loved by everyone except the girls-who-liked-him's boyfriends. He came to school every Tuesday and Friday in a suit and tie, and has tried almost every epic activity you can think of: deep-sea dving, sky-diving, playing with the Harlem Globetrotters, riding an elevator to the top floor and then all the way back down, stopping at every floor along the way, you name it. He was that guy that everyone and anyone wanted to be like.

And, of course, for every future leader, or every great future man, in the back, lurking in the shadows, is that great man's wife. The real leader is that woman. She probably has the most influence on that man more than anyone else. She could convince him to put off work. She could convince him for a getaway vacation or for that new pair of shoes. That woman could pull that man's strings like he was just a marionette (A/N: a fancy puppet you numbskulls. Check the pokémon 'Banette'.).

And who was Luke Casban's great woman? Who was Luke Casban's puppet master? Who was this deadly influence? Just who was this woman?

Her name is Karen. Karen Dant. Same age as Luke (seventeen, if you must know). Same basic personality: smart, attractive, determined, and fun. They were like connecting puzzle pieces: one filled the other's hole (both metaphorically and literally).

And the puppet master, Karen, was very good at what she did. She had gotten Luke to accompany her to a movie theatre to watch 'No Worse Than Death' on this special occasion. It was Friday, their date night. It was also a six month relationship anniversary. Luke had gone in his usual clothes while Karen took it upon herself to stay casual and bring a fedora for a change of pace.

"Luke, are you sure?" Karen asked. Luke smiled and laughed to himself.

"Of course. If you want to watch it, then we will. I don't care what it's really about. As long as you happy, I'm happy. Because all I really want in this life is your happiness." he smiled. Karen gave Luke a hug, then leaned her head against his shoulder. He just sighed, but not a sad sigh. It was more of a happy sigh, like he was expecting something was going to go wrong. He thought that since nothing had gone wrong yet, that had to be wrong itself.

A wise man once said, "If something can go wrong, it will." This statement is one of Murphy's Laws. And there is a good reason why he is still considered 'a wise man'.

"So, what's next, Karen?" Luke asked her. Karen looked up at Luke, her brown eyes getting lost in his green, and then spoke.

"I want to be with you." she answered.

"Good choice." Luke pointed out. The couple chuckled as the monlight of a full moon lit up the city sky. It was nearly eleven p.m., as the night was still young in the couple's eyes.

"Luke?" Karen asked him. Luke looked back at Karen, while he was listening intently.

"Yes, Karen?" Luke answered. He said it and it made her blush. She wasn't exactly sure why, but it almost seemed involuntary, like even if he said something ridiculous like 'crackers', she would turn red.

"Umm...we've been going out for a while now..." she started.

"Yes?" Luke asked, giving her puppy-eyes. She then quickly regretted saying anything, but she could tell it was much too late now. The truth was so close to coming out, and there was nothing in her power that she could do to restrict its daring escape.

"Is there something wrong, Karen?" Luke asked her. He was ready to give her pity and sympathy, which was something she didn't want from him from the topic at hand.

"No, Luke, It's just..." Karen began. She couldn't say it. There was no real sane reason she could say it. It was a curse that she acquired a long time ago after Luke had captured her heart after breaking through her tough exterior that represented armor.

"Karen, go ahead, say it." Luke said. He was ready to take on anything. He just hoped it wasn't as bad as the suggestive tone gave. He gulped as she then spoke.

"Luke, I don't know how to describe it..." Karen started. Luke knew the situation. He knew there was only one thing he could say right now.

"Karen, forget the semantics. You want me to do something, right? Then tell me and go do it. There's no rule saying that every emotion needs a proper name." Luke stated. Karen gazed into his eyes again, took a deep breath, and let go of his hand.

"It's been so long. Could you perhaps...say you love me? Again? I just want to hear it again." Karen pleaded. Luke was taken aback by her request. He couldn't believe how it was so difficult to ask for a simple 'I love you'. He knew that sometimes it was difficult for people to remember to tell each other that they loved them. He knew it wasn't as good for some people. He knew that love wasn't meant for two specific people and that he was lucky to have it. But Karen was irreplacable. She was going wherever she wanted to go, because he would follow her there. No. Matter. What.

"Alright, Karen." Luke said. He checked his watch. About five minutes after eleven. He looked around, seeing the deserted streets along the usually busy highway. He then took two steps into the street, standing in the middle of a lane, looking straight at Karen.

"Karen, when you love someone, everything they ever have been, ever are, and ever will be becomes beautiful. And, everything about you is beautiful. So, logically, that must mean-" Luke said, but was cut off.

"You love me." Karen said. Luke, that night, was cut off twice. Once by Karen, another by a very fast, very much speeding car. That's his story.

And the rest is history.