Alice feels herself blushing just a little at that. "Thank you," she tells him, looking up into his eyes. "You're a wonderful friend--"

And that's when she really notices just how handsome he really is. Oh, she's always known he was good-looking, it's just -- that smile really just lights up his face. Her heart flutters again, and this time, she can't ignore it. "Too," she finishes slowly.

After a few moments, she realizes she's staring and quickly looks away. "Er -- I should get back home," she says hastily, fiddling with her flowers. "Get these in water. . . ." She has no idea how she'll explain them to Aunt Susan, but she's sure she'll come up with something.