After the choir festival, my friends came over to celebrate a successful show with me. They had gone to support me, as usual. Of course, I returned the favor by attending their events.

But that night was all about relaxing. We sat together on my couch, watching a scary movie. That night, I do recall it being Sleepy Hollow, starring Johnny Depp.

With me being a naive little teenager back then, I was frightened easily. Luckily, Ray was protecting me, Ella was protected by Cory, and Jesy was grinning the whole time, not flinching a bit. Sometimes, I didn't understand her. Merlin was next to her, his head resting on her lap.

I screamed as the Headless Horseman suddenly claimed another victim. "AH!"

Ray hugged me tightly, almost laughing. "Don't worry. Your head is still on straight."

Jesy sat back, putting up her feet. "Chrissy, I don't see how this is scaring you. I mean, it's only bloody murder."

When Jesy stated things like that, she was stating obvious facts as to why I was scared during a scary movie. "It's like you're stating the obvious."

Ella whimpered slightly at the next part. "Who's idea was it to watch this?" she asked.

I shrugged, "Honestly, I don't know."

"Pretty sure we all voted on it," snickered Ray who fist bumped Cory.

My callbox buzzed. Never was I more relieved to hear that buzz. "Excuse me Ray. I must answer that."

He released me and began to reach for the remote. "I'll pause it for you."

"No no no no, thank you. You may continue watching," I said quickly.

"Take your time," Ella assured me.

I hurried to the callbox, "Oui? What is it Victor?"

"Oh, Christine. Someone has just dropped off a little gift for you," his voice sounded from the other end.

This news came as a shock to me. "A present? For me?"

"Yeah. Nothing too big, but he brought it."

"OK. Um... Then I suppose... Bring it up," I shrugged.

"No problem," he answered. "Be up in a minute."

With that, I left the callbox, thinking hard about who could have possibly sent me a present.

Jesy came towards me. "What's the matter, Chrissy?"

"I'm just trying to figure out who would send me a gift." Just the thought of someone having an interested in me was weird. I couldn't recall anyone who liked me in any way, other than a friend.

Ella peeked from underneath her blanket. "Well, there are a lot of guys who like you."

"I don't think so," I doubted her statement. "Who would be interested in a girl who always has her head up in the clouds?"

The statement was true. I was constantly distracted, in some sort of daze, always having new ideas for, who knew what. Apparently, that was never found to be attractive in a girl.

The elevator arrived with Victor inside. "Hello, Christine. Oh, hey everyone."

Ella suddenly screamed, ducking under the blanket again.

"Horror movie night?" He asked.

I nodded nervously. "Yeah. Tonight's Sleepy Hollow."

"Ooh, Headless Horseman rides again," he said trying to sound cool.

But something in his hand caught my attention. "Is that the gift?"

He nodded, handing me a beautiful rose. Every detail still remains as clear as crystal in my head. Petals as red as blood, a ribbon tied in a bow around the stem, as black as night. The smell, it was unlike anything I had ever smelt before. Never had I held a finer rose in my hand. It was almost so perfect in appearance, I was afraid to even touch it, for if I had, it would rot within my hand.

Attached was a little envelope addressed to me. "Who wanted this delivered to me?"

Victor shrugged, his face blank. "I don't know. He hid his face and refused to present his name."

"Did he say anything?" My curiosity began acting up.

His head shook. "No. Only that this was to be delivered to you immediately."

Jesy raised a brow, looking suspicious. "Whoever sent you this wants to remain anonymous."

I agreed with her on that. "Yeah. He must be too shy to say anything yet. Hopefully, he works up the courage. Merci, Victor," I thanked him.

"No problem. See you guys later," he waved and descended to the first floor.

I returned to the couch with Jesy. Ray paused the movie, making all attention turn to me. "So, you know who sent it?"

I shook my head. "The man refused to show his face. But, there is a note attached."

Ella perked up, as well as Cory. "Well don't keep us in suspense," she exclaimed.

Cory took a place next to me. "Yeah, read it aloud. We wanna hear."

From the mini slot, I had brought out a little piece of off white paper with the most beautiful and elegant handwriting. I read it aloud,

They say you fall in love once. That is a lie. Every time I look at you, I fall in love all over again.

I remember my heart fluttering after these beautiful words. So romantic, so simple, yet it said a lot.

Ella was intrigued by the beautiful note. "Aw, that was so cute."

Cory put his hands on my shoulders, shaking me. "Ooh girl, you got a lover boy watching you."

My eyes rolled in annoyance. "Cory, I am pretty sure that he is not watching me."

Ray grabbed the note reading over it. "Girl, he must really like you. I can tell he went through a lot to make this perfect," he smirked.

I took it back, placing the rose in a small vase, letting it fall under the moonlight. Its color stood out more in the moon for some odd reason, almost as if the rose looked better in a dimmer light.

The next thing I did was turn off the tv and grab my violin. "You all want to practice for the concert next week?"

Cory jumped up. "Let's do it. I'm ready."

Everyone else followed his lead. We went to the balcony where the weather was chilly, but beautiful. My friends and I created an act of our own for the concert. Our act was to remain a surprise until show.

But, little had we known, far below us on the city floor, someone was watching us.

The days began to fly by, and the concert neared closer and closer. My groups show was flawless, almost in complete perfection. But I had also prepared a solo of my own.

It was lunch, and the concert was two days away. I read over my music, trying to focus and read the notes correctly. My song was not fully prepared in my head.

Jesy tapped my shoulder, "If you're so worried about messing up on your song, just go practice in the band room."

Cory nodded. "Yeah. There's a piano in there to practice on. Mr. D also isn't in there."

My eyes went to the door of the band room. "I don't know. I really don't want to get in trouble."

Ella picked up my music, pulling me up. "Mr. Destler is not in there, and he won't be all of lunch. Just go and practice."

My mind fought the idea, but I decided to go with it. "Alright. I will see you all in geometry."

They waved, while I went to the band room.