After the weekend passed it was time to go back to school. When school ended that Monday, Lisa pulled Eva aside at the bell tower. "Remember, you promised." Lisa said. "I know, I know. I'll talk to Leo about it on the way home." Eva said. "Yay! Now, go on!" Lisa said hiding as Eva left the bell tower-not wanting to be seen by Leo.
As Eva headed towards the entrance, she saw Leo waiting for her as usual. "Hey Leo!" She said. "Hey Eva." "Leo, I was wondering. Do you-" "Eva, there's somewhere I'd like to take you." Leo said. "Huh? Where?" Eva asked. "To a beautiful park. I went there the other day and it was breath-taking." "Uh, sure!" Eva said.
As they were walking they made it to the park. "Oh, it- looks ordinary to me." Eva said a bit confused. "Let me take you to my new secret hiding place." Leo said, guiding Eva through a forest. They made it on the other side to discover an enchanting pasture. There were flowers everywhere and many butterflies were fluttering about. There were also several rolling hills beyond the pasture.
"Wow, it's so-beautiful!" Eva said looking around. Leo sat on the grass. "Come, sit next to me." He said. "Okay." Eva said. They both sat quietly, watching the birds fly from one branch to the other. "Ok, here's my chance!" Eva thought. "Leo?" "Yes?" Leo responded. "What do you think about romance?" "Why do you ask?" Leo replied. "Oh, I was just curious." Eva said.
"Well." Leo began. "I believe that love is far beyond an emotion. It's when all of your being is completely devoted to someone. And it's sacred. God gave each and every one of us a soul mate, who we will love for all eternity." Leo said looking at Eva. "Wow, he's so deep." Eva thought. "So are you into guys or girls?" Eva asked. "Well, I'm not into guys." Leo said. "That's great!" Eva said. "Because there's this friend that I have that really likes you." "Really?" Leo asked. "Yes, and I was wondering if you were willing to give her a chance." "No." Leo said looking up at the clouds. "But-why?" Eva asked. "Because I'm already in love with someone." "Really? With who?" Leo looked into her eyes. "You."
Eva's face turned red. "W-What do you mean?" "Eva, since the moment I first saw you my soul came to life. It was then that I knew that we were meant to be together. That you were the one that I would love." Leo said pulling her hair back. Eva sat quietly, utterly speechless.
"Leo, I think you're a great guy, but-" "But what?" "But I don't want to get married. I want to travel the world and be a rock star some day." Eva said looking away. "Is that really what you want in this one life? To be rich and famous?" Leo asked, concerned. "That's what I want." Eva replied. "Well, in case you change your mind I'll always be waiting for you." Leo said holding Eva's hand. "I-" Eva said blushing. "I don't think you should wait for me. I'm not going to change my mind." "Well, in that case, are you willing to be my very best friend?" Leo asked. "Of course." Eva said smiling.
"So, what do you think about God?" Leo asked. "I don't know. I believe in him but, I don't think about him very often." Eva said picking a flower, looking at it. "Why not? He created you, didn't he? Wouldn't you want to know who he is? Or where you will be after you die?" "Are you a Christian?" Eva asked. "No." Leo laughed. "But I do often think about reality." "I try not to complicate things. I believe we live, we die, and possibly go to Heaven in the end." Eva said. "But what if there is so much more to the story than that?" Leo asked. "If there is then I'm sure I'll find out some day." Eva said picking the petals off the flower. "You'll never know unless you first start to look." "You're right." Eva said smiling.
After spending a few hours at the park they decided to go home. "Well, thanks for showing me your secret hiding place. I'll have to bring the dogs here someday." "We should have a picnic next time!" Leo said. Eva just laughed. As they made it in front of Eva's house Bertha opened the door. "There you are, Eva! Where have you been?" "I'm sorry, Ms. Bertha. I took Eva to the park and we were there longer than I expected." Leo said. "Oh, that's alright, Son. I was just worried. Hey, it's dinner time! Would you like to join us?" Bertha asked. "I'd love to!" Leo replied. "Well, come on in! I made some Tortilla de Patata!" Bertha said as they walked inside.
As everyone sat down they all began to talk about their day. "What is this, Eva?" Leo asked as he took a bite. "It's tortilla! We ate it all the time in Spain. Isn't it good?" Eva asked. "Most definitely." Leo said as he began to finish his slice. "Everyone, we have an announcement to make!" Miguel said as he stood up. Everyone fell silent. "What is it, Son?" Craig asked. "Annabelle and I are getting married this year!" "Oh, congratulations honey!" Bertha said as they all applauded. "The wedding will be in Spain when we visit this summer." Annabelle added. "Sounds great! Just don't make it on the same day as my birthday!" Eva said jokingly.
Bertha smiled. "Leo?" She asked. "Yes, Ms. Bertha?" "Would you like to go to Spain with us?" "Oh, mom. I'm sure he already has plans, and-" "I'd love to come." Leo said smiling. "Really?" Eva asked. "I'd love to see your home-land." Leo said. "Splendid! It'll be fun!" Bertha said. "Well, I'm sure you'll love it there!" Eva said. "As long as you're there, I'm sure I will." Leo said taking a sip of his drink. "Leo." Eva said. After they finished dinner Leo said his goodbyes and left. "Seems like you guys are becoming good friends." Bertha said. "Yeah, best friends actually." Eva said smiling.
The next day Eva met up with Kiersten and Lisa at the bell tower. "So?!" Lisa said. "How did it go?" Kiersten asked. "Well." Eva began. "Leo said that he's not interested in being in a relationship right now." "What? No!" Lisa said bowing her head. "But it's okay! He said he'll let me know when he's ready and that you'll be the first one he asks out!" Eva said smiling. "That'll take forever!" Lisa said sobbing. "I can't tell them the truth." Eva thought. "Well, that's okay! I can hook you up with one of the bell tower kids!" Kiersten said patting Lisa's back. "Fine..." Lisa mumbled.