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Without moving my head, my eyes cautiously scanned the area to make sure nobody had just seen that transpire. The fact that nobody was even looking at me was a good indicator. I sighed and proudly lifted my head again. I tightly held my offering of good spirits to Nora as I marched over to the group.

Nora was the first one to notice me. "Hey, Anthony!" she called out as she waved to me, causing the others to look over and greet me the same.

"Hey guys," I said as I stood before them.

"Nice rose," Frank remarked. "Who's it for? Your favorite teacher or something?" The other boys snickered.

"He has a secret girlfriend," Josh said. "I'm telling you."

"Actually," I replied as I held the rose out to Nora, "it's for you."

Nora took it and stared at it in disbelief for a couple moments. She then gazed up at me, her jaw hanging agape.

"Wha– seriously?" she sputtered.

"Yeah, seriously," I replied with a big grin. "I just wanted to give you something to help you feel better after what happened y