One week later, Tim blindfolds Brenda to surprise her. He leads her by the hand outside to the driveway.  He removes the blindfold to reveal a brand new blue car. 

       "Is it mine?"  Brenda asks.

       "Yes, it is yours," Tim says. 

          Brenda hugs him, and he returns the hug.  She cannot believe he bought her such an expensive gift. 

         Tim is glad she likes the present he bought her.  He figures she might as well have her a car.  He appreciates all she does for him. 

        "Thanks, it is the best birthday present ever," Brenda says.

        Tim shakes his head in shame. He forgot it was her birthday. He feels embarrassed that he did not remember it. 

      "How does Chinese food sound?" Tim asks.

      "It sounds great,"  Brenda says.

        Brenda offers to drive in her new car to the restaurant. Tim nods his head in agreement. He might as well let her enjoy her new gift.  

       Tim and Brenda enjoy rice, sesame chicken, an eggroll, and a fortune cookie. Tim wonders what Brenda's fortune says. He does not ask about it though because he does not want to come across as nosy.  

      Brenda sees Tim blush when he reads his fortune. She thinks it must be something rather embarrassing then. 

     "Brenda, come on let us go back home," Tim says.

     "Sure thing," Brenda says. She does not argue with him about his payment for the meal. She is grateful he is so kind to her on her birthday. She thinks today's celebration was just right.

      A few days later, Brenda drives herself to work in her car and Tim follows along in his car.  This time when they arrive at work the others look on in surprise. They cannot believe their eyes when they see the nice shiny car Brenda has now. They wonder where she got it.

      After work, a co-worker tries to ask Brenda out on a date. She politely turns him down. Tim is secretly glad she did not accept the other guy's offer. He feels silly about the jealousy he has toward other men who glance her way.  He has no right to feel this way about her. He does not even date her.  

      The story continues in Chapter  10  Ask Already Will You?