Love Story - Part Four

His name was Xander. She was becoming good friends with him. They sat next to one another at orientation. Most of their classes were the same. They found themselves spending immense amounts of time together, even if it was coincidental.

And for a while, she enjoyed his company. However, she was beginning to wonder if her socializing with one gentleman was hindering on her chances of finding her rich prince. It didn't matter. She liked him clearly as a friend. And spending time with him made this place less dismal. Adrianne never noticed the jeers coming from other people when he was with her. The whole world disappeared when he was by her side. He made her confident and vibrant and all the things she couldn't be without him.

So her plan to get herself a boyfriend seemed flawless. Adrianne would enlist the help of her new best friend in her plot to find a very wealthy, very intelligent significant other. After their freshman year had passed and again Xander and Adrianne found themselves unpacking their bags to return to school, she took the opportunity to explain her plan.

"Xander, you think everyone has a right to be happy?" she asked. Her tone was earnest.

He smiled at her. "Of course." His thick accent hardly seemed apparent to her. She was so used to it. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I've been thinking. We're sophomores now. We've had time to acclimate ourselves to our surroundings. We are permanent fixtures in the small community in which we exist. And I...well...um...I was wondering if you think it's too early for me to have a boyfriend?" She bit her lip nervously awaiting his answer.

Xander smiled inside and for a moment his heart leaped. He had been attracted to her since the first day he saw her. Although he didn't believe in love at first sight, she had been more than he could have dreamed. She was so down to Earth and honest. Most of all, he thought she was beautiful and intelligent. They had so much fun together. His heart skipped a beat and he hoped he wasn't blushing. He almost forgot her question. Then he regained his senses only long enough to answer.

"I don't see any problems with you deciding to have a boyfriend. If you want to get that serious with someone, I can see the benefits of it. I would love ....."

She was so excited, she cut him off mid-sentence. "So, you'll help me make Todd Sampson my boyfriend!!! You are truly the best friend I ever had!!!!"

Xander's hopes were crushed. Even though it pained him, he would truly do anything to make her happy. So he mustered up the energy to sound happy for her, but he didn't think he succeeded very well.

"Of course - we'll discuss the details later. I'm sure you have a plan. You always do." he replied.

She was so caught up in her excitement that she didn't notice the complete sadness in his eyes. Xander felt his heart ripped from his chest. Maybe he should have made a move in the "more than friends" direction when they were younger. All he knew now is that he had lost his chance.