"Carter, thank you so much for this," repeated Stella for the trillionth time.

Carter smiled and was about to put his arm around Stella when he was interrupted by Emily and Adam.

"What's up guys?" Emily and Adam asked in unison, not in the least bit ashamed that they had intruded on Stella and Carter's private time.

"Nothing much," Carter replied, dragging his arm reluctantly to his side.

"Mind if we join you?" Adam asked, already sliding into a seat across from them.

"Not...really," Carter replied unsure.

Stella rolled her eyes and turned her head away from Carter, muttering something under her breath which suspiciously sounded like "idiots".

Carter sighed. You really blew it this time. He chided himself. It will take forever to get her to talk to me again. How do I always get myself into these messes?! Carter glared at Adam and Emily, who were giggling together. If only they hadn't shown up...

"Actually we should probably get going," Stella abruptly stood up and dragged Carter behind her, and he couldn't help but smile at her spirit.

Suddenly he got an idea and he took the lead. "Follow me! I got a fabulous place to show you!" He shouted behind his shoulder, sprinting ahead.

"Where are we going?" Stella inquired, looking around.

"You'll see," Carter replied confidently leading the way. Carter led Stella to a huge tree a little way in. Crouching down he cupped his hands as a booster for her foot. Stella nervously put her foot and he pushed up so she could easily reach the lowest branch and then she pulled him up. Together they slowly climbed up until they reached a platform. The view was breathtaking.

"How'd you find this place?" Stella asked in amazement, looking around at the beautiful greenery and the college in the distance, illuminated by the lights.

"I kind of got lost one day and I climbed up to find this. I come here occasionally to do work or just think," He said.

"It's beautiful," She whispered in awe. She turned to look at him with seriousness in her eyes "But we should probably be heading back so we don't get stuck after dark."

"Okay." Carter stretched and slowly the two of them made their way down and back.