Hugh had noticed Bernadine several years ago when they both had entered high school. They were never in the same class though, despite being in the only high school in the county. Quite intrigued by her, he took every opportunity he could to find out more about her; where she lived, were her locker was, what courses she was taking, who her friends were, what nationalities she was, and what her interests were. He had even learned that while everyone calls her Bernie, she preferred Nadine. Yes, you could say he was more than a bit obsessed. Bernadine on the other hand, wasn't totally oblivious to Hugh, she just didn't know he was that interested in her, and was quite busy attending to maintaining her grades and working at her new after school job at the local convenient store. She did know he played football, on occasion drove a car to school, and like her, was typically on the honor roll. Bernadine just wasn't obsessed with the boys as she too busy to devote time to dating or many other activities. One spring afternoon everything changed though, without having learned where it was Bernadine had been working, he wandered into the store to pick up a few things his parents had sent him out for. He walked up to the counter and there she was, and there stood Hugh; virtually speechless. Though he wanted to meet her for years, the momentary loss for words fleeted and he managed to say "Hi Nadine, I'm Hugh, we go to school together." Then it hit him, there's only one school in town, where else would he have gone. Nadine simply smiled and said, "I know, I've seen you there." She immediately followed it up with, "How do you know I like to be called Nadine? ...and you're blushing!" Hugh stood like a deer in the headlights of a big truck for a moment, then found the courage to tell her, "I've asked a few people about you over the years." "You have?" asked Bernadine, "Why is that?" Hugh simply stated the truth, "You caught my eye when we both got to high school, and I had been hoping to meet you at sometime." "Wish granted!" exclaimed Bernadine, with a big smile on her face. "Dare I ask if there is anything else on your wish list?" Hugh feeling brave since he managed to get this much out said, "Could I perhaps ask you to a movie, or if you don't have a date for the prom yet, would you be interested in going with me?" Bernadine responded with, "I'm not so sure about going to the prom, I honestly hadn't thought about going at all, but a movie sounds nice. But, I warn you, you'll have to meet my parents before they'll let me go anywhere with you." Hugh replied with, "I'd expect as much, and I guess if I can muster up the courage to talk to you like this now, I can muster the ability to meet your parents so I can take you to a movie." "By the way, I am out of here in about five minutes, if you're not in a hurry, I wouldn't mind talking a little more outside," said Bernadine. "I'm not in a rush either, I'm parked on the side over here," as Hugh motioned to the side of the building. "I'll see ya in a couple minutes then," said Bernadine with a warm smile on her face. Bernie met Hugh outside, and they talked for quite a while getting to know each other and discussing what movie it is they might go to see, but deciding it might be better to go for a burger since they can't talk to each other during a movie. With the introductions out of the way, it is now the time they both get to learn more about each other, their likes, dislikes, dreams and goals, and about their families. Time will tell where this goes.... Thanks for viewing and reading another long story tonight. It's much appreciated! Thank you!