Nothing More Than Just Friends

Contents

C H A P T E R 1

THE ENCOUNTER

C H A P T E R 2

TIM’S PART TIME JOB

C H A P T E R 3

ANGELA’S SECRET

C H A P T E R 4

ANGELA’S PARTY

C H A P T E R 5

TIMyS HOMETOWN

C H A P T E R 6

THE VALENTINE’S DAY FLOWERS

C H A P T E R 7

AN ENGAGEMENT TO REMEMBER

C H A P T E R 8

WEDDING BELLS

C H A P T E R 9

A SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT

C H A P T E R 1 

THE ENCOUNTER 

Tim Jenkins was in his Italian class at the Nutmeg State University on a Monday morning, when he noticed a young woman seated next to him, on his left side, looking at him intently. He smiled casually at her. While Dr. Narucci, the professor, was writing on the chalkboard the conjugations of several irregular verbs, Tim was dazzled with her Mediterranean looks: deep brown eyes and thick black hair. They were attending college during the 1980’s.

The young woman was equally impressed that someone who did not look Italian would be interested in learning the language of her ancestors. At the end of the class, all the students got up from their desks and left the classroom. She stood outside in the hallway, waiting for Tim. She noticed that he had sandy blond hair, which he parted on his left side and the bluest eyes she has ever seen in her entire life.

Hello. She said as he came out of the classroom. I am delighted that you would take an interest in learning the language of my great- grandparents. They came from Milan. What is your name?

I am Tim Jenkins. This is my second year here.

My name is Angela Gagliardi, and I am a sophomore too here, She remarked, her face brightening with interest. They continued walking down the hallway in the class building. Is your next class beginning in a few minutes? She looked at her watch. I do not have another class until this afternoon.

Actually, I do not have another class until two. I am going to have lunch around noon. Would you like to join me, Angela?

I would like to have lunch with you. Let me go to back to my dorm, and then I will meet you in front of the dining hall.

I will be there. Tim said as he opened the heavy wooden door for her and she stepped outside. The early fall breeze greeted them, as it whistled among the trees planted along the university’s sidewalks.

They walked down the sidewalk until it divided, with one way leading to Angela’s dormitory building and the other going to Tim’s dormitory hall. Angela walked to hers. Named after Prudence Cran- dall, it was three stories high, and it was exclusively for women. After letting herself in through the front door, she climbed to the second floor, where her room was located. She shared itwith another sophomore, named Nancy Mulligan. She knew that Nancy was attending a class in psychology, and would not be in the room until in the afternoon. Angela put her textbooks on her desk before leaving the room to go to the bathroom, to freshen up. She wanted to apply some more makeup on her face before having lunch with Tim. After she was done, she brushed her long black hair, which cascaded all around her, while looking at herself in the mirror, and she was pleased with the reflection before her.

Angela then went back to her room and locked the door, placing her keys in her purse. Carrying her bookbag in one hand, she walked down the flight of stairs and through the front door. She continued walking until she was in front of the dining hall. Tim was waiting for her. He held his bookbag in one hand.

Ready for lunch, Angela? He said as he gently took her hand in his. She was amazed that he did not grip with all his might, like some of the other jerks she met in college.

Yes, I am, Tim. She replied as they climbed the steps leading to the dining hall. When they reached the top, Tim opened the door for her and she stepped inside. He followed her. They had to show their college ID to the front attendant in order to enter the dining room.

They got into the serving line, and Tim handed Angela a tray before he took one for himself. The line moved quickly, as they accepted or declined the various assortment oflunch items. Tim had a grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup and a slice of chocolate cake, while Angela preferred to have a tuna fish sandwich and a side of cottage cheese. They both had milk to drink.

They placed their trays on a table located by a window, which commanded a spectacular view of the university’s grounds. Tim pulled out a chair for her, and she sat in it before he pushed her chair into the table. Then he seated himself opposite her. I usually like to say grace before I eat. It is one of my family traditions. Angela said as she bowed her head and closed her eyes. Tim likewise did the same. She first crossed herself before praying. Blessed are we in these gifts, which we are about to receive from Christ Our Lord. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever and ever. Amen.

Amen. Tim said after he opened his eyes. He waited first for to her to start eating before he placed a spoon into his soup.

While eating, Angela discussed her background. My hometown is Winston, but my family moved to Connecticut from upstate New York when I was eleven years old. Where are you from, Tim?

I am from Portsmouth Falls, but my grandfather was born in upstate New York also. Tim finished eating his soup and then started devouring the grilled cheese sandwich with much delight. He especially liked how the melted cheddar tasted. His throat felt dry, so he drank his glass of milk in one huge gulp. Have you ever been there?

No, I never went that far north.

"It is really is beautiful in the summer. You can see the majestic falls cascading as the Portsmouth River merges into the Connecticut

River. We also have a covered bridge that connects Portsmouth Falls to the Constitution State Turnpike. Tim put his empty glass on the table. He then ate his chocolate cake, enjoying its richness. At Lookout Point, you can have a nice picnic while viewing the falls."

Angela began eating her tuna fish sandwich. What is your major? She picked up her glass of milk and drank it.

I am studying English. And you? Tim asked after he polished off his slice of cake, pushing back his tray away from him.

I am going to become a social worker. Angela replied after she finished her sandwich and started eating her cottage cheese. I am curious about why you are learning Italian, Tim. Do you have any Italian heritage in your family?

Tim replied, I took Spanish in high school. I did not want to learn French because of all the different accent marks. So, I decided on Italian. It only has one accent mark, like Spanish does. But I do not have any Italian relatives.

Angela nodded while listening to him. After he finished speaking, she said, It was nice having lunch with you. We should make this a tradition, Tim.

I had a nice time eating lunch with you, Angie.

She shook her head. I never liked that nickname. It is too American. Please call me Angela.

Angela it is. Tim said as they stood up from the table and pushed in their chairs. Tim removed both trays from the table, bringing them with him as they walked to the exit doors, where he deposited them on top of other ones.

So, we will meet here tomorrow afternoon for lunch at the same time? Angela asked.

Yes, because I am free then. Tim said as they continued walking out of the dining hall and down the steps.

See you then, Tim. Angela said when they reached the sidewalk at the end of the stairway. She waved goodbye to him as they went their separate ways, because they were now going their afternoon classes.

After the first week, during lunch, Angela asked Tim a daring question, because she was not sure if he would be upset with her. However, she wanted to know. I am a Catholic. I do not like attending the nondenominational services held here at the university. I go to All Saints’ Church on Main Street here in Millbury. Would you like to go with me?

It is ironic that you ask me. I am also a Catholic, and I was thinking of asking you the same question. I also attend Mass there, Angela.

So, that is a yes, Tim?

He nodded emphatically. I would like to go with you to Mass at All Saints’ Church. Then maybe we can eat afterwards.

"I usually go to Mass on Sunday mornings. Would that