opened my locker and, to my surprise, there was a beautiful flower. I looked around to see who might have left it for me, but no one stood by waiting to take credit.
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I knew that Gerry, a guy in my history class, had a crush on me. Had he left it? As I stood wondering, my friend Tami walked by.
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''Nice flower," she said.
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"Yes, it is. It was left in my locker without a note, but I think I know who gave it to me," I said. "I'm just not interested in dating him, but how do I tell him without hurting his feelings?"
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Tami said, "Well, if you're not interested in going out with him, tell him I will. He's awesome!"
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"But Tami," I said, "you know that Gerry and I aren't anything alike. It would never work out."
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At that, Tami laughed and said, "Gerry didn't give you that flower. Bobby did."
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Earlier that morning, she had passed Bobby in the school's parking lot. Noticing the flower and unable to resist, she had asked him who it was for. His only reply had been that it was for someone special and meant to brighten their day.
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I was touched by Tami's story but was certain that the flower had been intended to be given anonymously.
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Later that morning, I carried the flower to class and set it on my desk. Bobby noticed it and said nonchalantly, "Nice flower."
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I smiled and said, "Yes, it's beautiful."
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Minutes later, while we stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, I leaned over to Bobby and whispered "Thank you," then proceeded to finish the pledge.
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As we were retaking our seats, Bobby said, "For what?"
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