*Eva*

Three days later there is a knock on the door. I open it and find a T-shirt and jeans-clad Kent.

He steps inside and then shifts from one foot to the other, something I observed he does when he is nervous or anxious. "You want to go out for ice cream?"

Don't know why he'll be nervous or anxious about that, but I don't question it. "Sure. That sounds good. I'm going to go tell Alexia."

"Um... I'd rather not."

I give him a long look. "Okay. Give me a minute, please."

I crack open Alexia's door. "Go. Enjoy," she assures me. Sometimes I forget how small our apartment is and that you could pretty much overhear everything unless you're practically whispering.

"Thanks."

"Let's go." I feel for my wallet as I follow Kent out.

As we walk along the path, I tell him, "I can't believe this will be one of my last visits to an earthen establishment. Time just went by so fast. In a couple of days, Alexia and I will be leaving back to Mars and life will be very different than what I got used to it being."

Kent sighs. "It's true. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm going to miss earth too."

It does make sense that he's leaving too. "When are you going back to Pluto?"

"I'm actually going back to Mars with you first. King Cingston invited me to Alexia's ball."

I almost forgot about that. I mentally facepalm. It's no doubt it's going to be a disaster.

Kent continues talking, "He understands I am friends with Alexia despite all of the tension, so in accordance with his kinder side, he extended an invitation to me. My father is going to go as well, and then I am to return to Pluto and to all my responsibilities there, with him."

"Things must be back to normal on your planet by now."

"Yeah. Everyone is at rest once more, including my father."

I turn my eyes downwards, the conversation over for now.

***

*Kent*

We reach the ice cream shop called Scoops and I take a deep breath as I open the door. I really hope they were clear on the instructions.

"Hello," the lady behind the counter greets us. Her yellow and pink apron matches the walls. "I'll be right with you," she informs us as she runs to the back.

"What looks good to you?" I ask Eva as we step closer to check out the flavors behind the misty glass.

"Hmm." She presses her lips together. "I think I'm going to go with a pistachio milkshake."

"Unique, but a good choice." The lady reappears. "And what can I get you?" she asks, turning to me.

"I'll take two scoops of mint chocolate chip, please."

"Coming right up." She smiles.

"I'm going to ring you up in the meantime," a man says.

"I'm going to pay for the milkshake," Eva reaches for her pocket.

"No, I am."

"Kent.."

"I insist."

She sighs. "Thank you."

After we pay, the lady hands us our stuff. She hands me a napkin and my ice cream. And then hands Eva her napkin and milkshake.

"You may want to take a look at that napkin," she advises Eva.

Eva does. "Will you go out with me?" She reads aloud. She then turns to me, "What's this about?"

I take hold of her free hand, "Eva," I say, "I...I like you. I really like you." I smile at her. "And I'm hoping you will go on a date with me."

I let go of her hand when she doesn't say anything.

She surprises me when she takes a step forward and wraps her arm around me in an embrace, "I would like to," she says, and I release the breath I've been holding. "Though I'm not sure when," she says into my shoulder.

"Then how about we consider this our first date?" I suggest.

She smiles brightly. "Works for me."

"So, do you want to sit or walk?" I ask Eva as I motion to a table.

"I'd rather walk."

"Great," I say as I open the door for her.

Feeling bold I take hold of her hand as we walk and I'm thankful that she goes with it.

I notice how well her hand fits into mine as I twine our fingers together, enjoying each other's company, and the ice cream, as we walk and talk.