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      The first droplets of rain plopped down big and slowly. Keri glanced up in time to see a dull flash of lightning and she heard a loud rumble of thunder. The storm was nearly upon the camp. Before she could sigh contentedly she heard the cafeteria doors open, and out stopped a few teachers, talking earnestly in hushed tones.

      Keri waited until their footsteps died away before leaping up from her place on the ground and making her way over to the mini waterfall displayed to the right of the stairs that led to the mess hall. She ran her hand underneath the cold rush of water and then headed back up the stairs. Just as she sat down again the rain pelted down on her. It was not sheets of rain; just droplets; but they fell hard and fast. She loved it.

      Sticking her tongue out to enjoy the refreshing weather even more, Keri did not notice someone exit the cafeteria doors and close them silently behind him, watching her with silent curiosity.

      Alex Hanger's brown eyes sparkled as he watched Keri sit there, still and quiet, until he could not take it any more.

      "Mind if I join?" he asked from the doorway, where he was leaning against the frame. Keri jerked her head up in surprise, her nearly-black eyes wide, but she allowed a small smile to slip onto her face and nodded her head.

       The rain started pouring down in small sheets as Alex sat down beside Keri; silence reigned for the better part of three minutes. Until finally Alex asked, "Why do you like it out here so much?"

      The question caught her off guard, and Keri could barely stifle a snort before demanding, "What do you mean?" Realizing how snide she had just sounded, she mumbled a quiet "I'm sorry" before returning to gaze at the pelts smacking the path.

      Now it was Alex's turn to take a moment of consideration as he sneaked a sideways look at her. "Well, this week you always came outside by yourself to enjoy the rain. And you have to admit that in the five years I've known you, you've been known do some pretty odd things when the weather changes to this." Before Keri could protest he continued, "I'm not saying that's bad or anything; I was just wondering why you find such peace in thunder storms. I mean, they're loud, cold, wet, and just annoying."

      Her eyes sparkled and this time Keri did not try and keep back her laughter. "That is kind of ironic, isn't it?" Then she said quietly, to herself but out loud, "How can one find something so loud so peaceful?" She could not think of an answer, and Alex did not press her. He knew she was a very thoughtful person and sometimes trailed off on her own thoughts.

      They had been sitting there getting wetter by the passing minutes when Alex got an idea. Suddenly jumping up he said, "Will you honor me with this dance, fair Kerina?" He smiled and offered her his hand.

      She laughed at his attempt to make her name longer than it really was, but complied. "But of course, dear Alexander." Now it was his turn to laugh, for Alexander was his real name.

      Sliding her hand in his, Keri could not help but notice how warm his was. They dashed through the slow torrents of rain, laughing and jumping, until finally Alex had apparently reached the place he wanted to. Still smiling but becoming a little more serious, he let go of their hand-hold, looked at her a minute, and then held out his arms.

      Unsure of what the expression on his face meant, Keri slipped her arms behind his back as he in turn put his arms around her waist. As they hugged and turned in circles, Keri's thoughts flashed back to the first time she and Alex had met. Their moms had both worked at the elementary school in town, and at the time Keri was twelve and Alex was thirteen. The school held a teacher party yearly for all the teachers at the school and their families, and after meeting for the first time Alex and Keri had just clicked off.     

      "What are you thinking?" Alex said into her hair.

      She smiled and took a second before answering. "I was thinking about when our moms worked back at School of Imagination Elementary and the first time you and I met."

      Alex laughed. "Wow, what a stupid name for a school." Keri laughed with him, but soon they lapsed into silence again; only the pattering of the rain on the brick made sound. "You know something, Keri?" Alex finally broke the quiet by saying.

      "Hmm?" She mumbled leaning her head against his arm.

      "This is the most fun; actually, the only fun; I've ever had in the rain." He chuckled, and Keri smiled. "It's been awesome getting to know you over the past five years..."

      What is he talking about? Keri thought, raising an eyebrow. What is he getting at? He's making it sound like he's about to die!

      "... and I just wanted to let you know, Keri."

      Before she could even wonder what he wanted to let her know, Alex pulled away and kissed her forehead. Keri closed her eyes, and still had them closed when he put his forehead against hers moments later.

      "I love you, Keri."

      She stared at him, drinking in all the details about him: his beautiful smile, lovely eyes, brown hair that needed a haircut. Finally she managed to get out, "Why?"

      He looked at her quizzically. "Why what?"

      "Why me? Why now? Why not when we're older?" All the questions came pouring out of her mouth before even she had time to think about them, which was her usual way of doing things. She was only seventeen; not even in college yet! Her parents would not allow her to date until she turned eighteen, and even then it would be more of a courtship than dating. "Why?"

      He stared at her a good long minute. "I'll answer each of your questions one at a time. I love you because of your quiet spirit, your gentle way of doing things, and the loving kindness you show towards other people whatever their ages or circumstances.

      "Now because I couldn't keep it in me any longer.

      "And as for your third question... I'll wait. As long as it takes; until we're both through college, until we're both sure of our jobs, until we're older. I just wanted you to know that I'm here for you now, and I always will be."

      His answers caught her off guard, like he usually did, but she found great comfort in them. He would wait until they were older and both through college, however long that would take. He loved her! Keri just couldn't get used to the idea. Suddenly another question popped into her head.

      "How long have you known?" she asked, curious.

      "Known what?"

      "How long have you known that you loved me? Known that you weren't just imagining it; known that it was real?"

      He answered patiently, still holding her in his arms, "Since last year when I saw you helping that old lady off the bus in D.C." Keri nodded, but so many questions still bounced around in her head that she could not think of any more to ask.

      She looked up into his soft brown eyes and said, "Thank you."

      He smiled, not sure what she was thanking him for, but she did not proceed to explain. Instead she ran her hand through his wet hair, spiking it. Grinning, she wrapped her arms around him again and hugged him tightly. He loved her. He would wait. That was all she wanted.