Powdered Sugar and Toronto Snowflakes

Epilogue

One Week Later…

Craig woke up in anticipation, a smile on his face from the moment he opened his eyes.

He glanced at the digital alarm clock on his nightstand, then jumped out of his bed, grabbed his clothes, and bolted into the bathroom he shared with Neal, his suitemate in the center.

Exactly 15 minutes later he emerged, fully clothed, the steam pouring out around him from the bathroom.

Neal, who had been putting on his shoes, looked up in surprise.

“Why’re you awake? You normally sleep until two or three on Visitor’s Day.”

“Good morning to you too,” Craig grinned, arching his eyebrow at the twenty-four year old. “I’m allowed to change my routine, aren’t I?”

Neal rolled his eyes and opened the door to the hallway. “You comin’ to breakfast? I’ve got some time before Mom and Pop show up.”

“Ah, visitors,” Craig sighed dreamily as he grabbed his acoustic guitar and his notebook and sauntered out the door.

“Man, what has gotten into you? You got some contraband in you?”

Craig laughed as they clambered down the flight of stairs to the lobby.

“Nah, man, I just have plans today.”

“What kind of plans-“ Neal started, but was interrupted by running smack into Craig, who was now staring at something near the receptionist’s desk, shell-shocked.

“Craig, dude, what the hell…” Neal spluttered, but trailed off once he got a look at what had suddenly transfixed Craig.

There stood a gorgeous brunette, her long curly hair pulled into a ponytail. She wore a Yellowcard band tee, jeans, and a pair of black Converse. A studded cuff bracelet adorned her wrist, and in the hand attached to that wrist was a black gift bag with red tissue paper.

Her dark-rimmed eyes sought out Craig’s, whose mouth was gaping open.

Behind her were a bald man and a young girl. In the girl’s hands was a plate full of chocolate chip cookies.

“Craig!” she squealed, smiling so wide that it stretched all the way to her ears.

The man smiled nervously.

“Hey, partner.”

“Joey- Angie- Ashley, how…” Craig stammered.

“Surprise,” the girl named Ashley said, as she continued to smile. She then motioned towards the common area door with a nod of her head.

Craig seemed to understand and visibly relaxed, and spoke to his suitemate as he walked to the desk to sign in the people who could only be assumed to be his family.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Neal.”