"Let me help you with those," said Philip's Protector, making the books float a bit so it would feel lighter.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome, Philip. By the way, are you excited that your graduation's in two months?"

"Of course I am! A few years ago I was excited about going to college, but now I can't wait to get out of here."

The two laughed as they walked through the corridors. All the classes were done, allowing Philip more time to catch up with his studies. After placing his books, he pulled out his iPhone and started walking to the cafeteria.

"Don't text and walk," the ghost warned.

"I'm not texting," Philip defended himself, "I'm just viewing my notifications."

"Just put that phone down, it could wait. You might bump into someone."

"Ha! As if!" scoffed the young man. Just then, he bumped into a girl and dropped his phone. The girl picked it up for him, apologizing.

"I'm so sorry!" said the girl.

"It's okay, it's not your fault. There are no scratches, luckily," said Philip.

"I told you! Don't text and walk!" the soul teased Philip.

"Again, I wasn't texting! There's a difference between texting, updating and viewing notifications," Philip retorted.

"But what he meant was that you should put your phone down." said the girl, giggling. Philip was surprised; she could hear them? Curious, he asked her,

"You could hear us?"

"Yes. In fact, I've seen him before," said the girl, pointing at the man.

"Really? Where?" asked Philip.

"At Times Square when it was New Year's Eve. He was the man who got my family our tickets back. He was the ghost, rather," she said. The three of the exchanged looks.

"Wait, now I remember you. Your name is... Carolyn!" the soul recalled.

"Yes, it is. And Philip, that's your name, right?" Carolyn asked the young man. He nodded his head shyly.

"How did you know?"

"I sat behind you during Economics." Carolyn replied briefly.

"I'll let you two have a private discussion," the man said cheekily. He then disappeared, leaving the two to talk about whatever they wanted to.

"Do you have any plans for tomorrow?" asked Carolyn.

"No. Why?"

"I was thinking if we could go for a study date, just you and me. You could bring your friends along, too. I just needed a partner to help me catch up."

"Well, that sounds great! I'll see you at the library tomorrow at 18:30."

"Okay. See you tomorrow!"

"Bye!"

The two walked away from each other when the man reappeared, smiling cheekily.

"Looks like this little boy's all grown up!" the man chuckled.

"Of course I'm grown up, Ed. I'm twenty one years old!" Philip replied.

"Yeah, old enough to drink alcohol. But I don't want you to start drinking, okay?"

"Of course I won't get drunk! I'll just drink wine on special occasions, and that's it! Nothing else," Philip assured.

"Good, good. So, is Carolyn your girlfriend?" his Guardian asked.

"No, she's not!"

"If she's not, then it's good because I don't want you to rush things. But I have to say, she is very eligible. You know what I mean?"

"Can we please stop talking about this?" Philip asked.

"Fine," he grinned.

Later that day, they prepared all that they needed for their first study-date. The next day, the two met again at the library. They discussed and threw questions at each other. After an hour, they were done with studying.

"So, how long have you been with the ghost?" asked Carolyn.

"Me? Since I was about four years old. He's basically like my guardian."

"So he's your personal body-guard?"

"You could say that," Philip told her.

"That's interesting. So, this 'guardian' of yours, does he have a name?"

"Yes, but he only told me a week before I entered college."

"Why?"

"Not sure. He said that he didn't want to tell me because he feared that I might realize something, but he told me anyway."

"Hmm, I see. So, what's his name?"

"Edward. But sometimes I call him Ed, for short."

"That's a nice name! I don't understand why he doesn't want to tell you."

"I also don't understand, but I know that he always has a reason."

The grumpy librarian appeared out of the blue, telling them to keep quiet. The two stopped conversing and they agreed to meet at the library every Tuesday and Thursday. With every time they met, they grew closer and knew each other more. At the same time, their scored higher grades thanks to their study-dates. After the year-end examinations, which they aced, it was time for the seniors' prom and graduation.

On Prom Night, most people came in newly-bought gowns and suits. There were few who didn't buy or rent costumes, and Philip was one of them. Instead, he used his late father's tuxedo. He also wore his father's gold watch, a pair of golden cuff links and a red silk tie. An hour before he left for prom, he realized that he didn't have a date to prom. He went to Carolyn's dorm and knocked shyly on the door, feeling nervous.

"Yes?" Carolyn asked. She wore a silk, floor-length ballgown that was colored bright pastel. The dress hid her expensive, satin shoes and she wore a silver charm bracelet on her right wrist.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, anything. But could you please hurry, I have to go to prom night."

"That's what I was going to ask you about." Philip told her. He blushed heavily as he shyly asked her,

"Carolyn Sanders, will you be my date for tonight's prom? Please?" he asked sweetly yet desperately. She nodded her head.

"Yes," she spoke briefly.

They embraced each other before going to the event. When they arrived, they registered their names and explored the place first. The DJ played love songs; couples were dancing; friends were socializing; and the rest were more interested in the snacks and drinks that were provided. After awhile, the lights dimmed and the spotlights shone brightly on the couples. The MC encouraged everyone to start dancing before the DJ played slow love songs. The ones who weren't interested in dancing voted for Prom King and Prom Queen instead. Philip gazed into Carolyn's bright brown eyes, asking her if she would like to join him in dancing. She gladly accepted and the two joined the crowd. They glided and danced gracefully on the hardwood floors, their bodies in sync. When the music stopped playing, everyone stopped dancing and they rushed to the ballots to cast their votes. There were two other categories to win too- Best Dressed and Best Dancer - but the winners for those two categories would be decided by three judges.

It was the moment they've all been waiting for, the announcement of the winners of the year's prom night. After the judges announced the winners for Best Dressed and Best Dancer, the MC announced the Prom King and Prom Queen.

"And this year's Prom King and Prom Queen are, Philip Deering and Carolyn Sanders!" the MC announced. Everyone cheered as the two climbed up the stage to receive their sashes and mock crowns. The MC have the microphone to Philip. The Prom King then genuflected on his right knee and offered a red rose to the Prom Queen.

"I don't really know how to say this," the young man began, "but I have loved you since the day we first met. All I want to say to you is... will you be my girlfriend?"

The audience went wild and urged her to accept the proposal. Carolyn wiped a joyful year from her eye and accepted the proposal.

"Yes, I will become your girlfriend!" she replied emotionally. The crowd went wilder and demanded that the two kiss. The new couple then gave what they wanted: a short but passionate kiss on the lips. They cheered and congratulated them, wishing them a healthy relationship.

On Graduation Day, all the families gathered at the school auditorium for the ceremony. Philip and Carolyn were two of the seven honor graduates, receiving medals in addition to their diplomas. After the diplomas were given; photos taken; and speeches made, the proud graduates threw their hats high into the air and celebrated with their families. It was their educational milestone.

"Hey, big brother!" a familiar voice called out. Philip looked behind him and saw his mother and twin siblings. He ran to them and greeted them with a warm hug.

"Guys! I missed you so much!" Philip exclaimed.

"We missed you too! I'm so proud of you, son." his mother said tearfully.

The twins, Catherine and Aaron, only smiled and took pictures of the whole family. They were ready to go home and celebrate when the young man stopped. Philip introduced his mother and younger siblings to his girlfriend, Carolyn. In turn, she introduced Philip to her parents and her younger twin brothers. They conversed for awhile and exchanged contacts before returning to their respective homes.

"So mommy, do you approve of his girlfriend?" asked Catherine.

"Well yes! She's also an honor student and she seems very nice. I have to say, he made a good choice." their mother replied.

"How 'bout you tell us how many dates the two of you went for?" asked Aaron.

"We only went on three 'real' dates. The rest were just simple study-dates," Philip answered.

"That's nice to hear. Both of you used your time to be productive," said their mother.

And when they've arrived home, Philip was busy making his résumé. After he did, with the assistance of his mother, he went to his bedroom to sleep.

He was all grown up.