He popped his head out from a group of our classmates when he heard me call his name. When he realized it had been me and saw my tear-stained face, a mischievieous smile spread across his face.

"Why're you crying, birthday girl?"

I picked up the ribbon and let the light shine on its silver star.

"You don't like my present?" He pretended to look hurt, but I knew he knew I loved the gift.

"Alvin...!" I sobbed as I got up to push him.

Alvin pulled me into his arms and I tried to wriggle free. He still had on that smile of his as he laughed. Alvin stuck his right hand into his pocket and began searching for something in there. I stopped trying to break free of his embrace to see what he was going to pull out.

Alvin finally found what he was searching for and pulled out a silky black ribbon with a silver star. I just stood there staring at the ribbon he hald in his hand.

Alvin tied the black ribbon to his neck and smiled as he tied the white ribbon to mine.

Then, he pulled me close and whispered in my ear, "Happy birthday, Anne." Alvin kissed my cheek before pulling away.

Tears spilled from my eyes once again as I stared into his smiling face.

"Alvin..."

He heard me and opened his arms and I ran into them.