The next two days passed quickly. Josh called on Wednesday and Donna
had told him truthfully what had happened. When she arrived home that
night, a huge bouquet of flowers were delivered from Josh. Thursday
passed quickly and Donna once again found herself in the classroom
waiting for the professor to give back their midterms. He gave a
lesson first, so Donna was on pins and needles throughout the class.
When he passed back the exam, Donna didn't even look at it. She
was too nervous now after having waited the whole class. She just stuffed
it in her bag and headed out into the night.
She rationalized that when, and if, she ever looked at it, if it was
horrible she could hide it from Josh or lie and say that the
professor hadn't handed them back.
She walked down the steps of the building and was surprised to see
Josh waiting at the bottom. He was smiling broadly at her and opened
his arms to her. She walked into them, glad to have him back home.
"I missed you," he whispered, kissing her temple.
"I missed you too," she said, turning her face up to receive
his kiss.
After a few minutes, Josh pulled back. "So?"
"So what?"
"The midterm. How'd you do?" he asked smiling.
"I don't know," Donna said sheepishly. "I didn't
look."
"You didn't look? Where is it?" Josh asked, taking her
backpack from her.
"It's in there on the top," she said, watching him dig
through the bag and pull the test out.
Donna studied the cracks on the steps, not willing to look at
Josh's face. She couldn't stand it if she'd done poorly.
She heard Josh take a quick breath.
"It's horrible, right?" she asked.
"Donnatella. You did really well."
"I did?" she asked, surprised. She looked up into Josh's
smiling face.
"Really, really well," he said, turning the test so she could
see the grade. It was an A minus.
"An A? I got an A on a math test?" she asked, feeling her
hands tremble as she reached for the paper.
"You got an A on a math test," said Josh, wiping the tears
that were coursing down Donna's face.
"Thank you. Thank you," Donna said flinging her arms
around Josh's neck.
"Hey, I hardly did anything. You're the one that did all the
work."
"But I couldn't have done it without you. This is the very
first A I've ever gotten on a math test," she said, studying the test.
"I think this calls for a celebration," said Josh, cupping
Donna's face in his hands brushing his lips against hers. "I'm so
proud of you Donnatella."
Donna's eyes filled with more tears. "Thank you Josh.
You have no idea what that means to me."
"I've always been proud of you, you know," he whispered,
kissing the tears that leaked from her eyes.
Donna just nodded, too overcome to speak.
"Are you hungry?"
Donna nodded again, brushing the tears from her eyes.
Josh kissed her lightly. "I also think there's a conversation
we were going to have…"
Donna blushed. "Yes," she said, putting her palm against
Josh's face. "Thank you Josh," she whispered.
"You're welcome," he said linking their hands and leading
her down the steps. "Let's get you some brain food and start studying
for your final."
Donna groaned and laughed, following him across the campus.
THE END