Cherry Summer:

Simone’s Notes:

The average duration of courtship varies considerably throughout the world. Furthermore, there is vast individual variation between couples. Courtship may be completely omitted, as in cases of some arranged marriages where the couple do not meet before the wedding. In the United Kingdom, a poll of 3,000 engaged or married couples resulted in an average duration between first meeting and accepted proposal of marriage of 2 years and 11 months, with the women feeling ready to accept at an average of 2 years and 7 months. Regarding duration between proposal and wedding, the UK poll above gave an average of 2 years and 3 months.

Izzie looked over her many skirts and tank tops. Today had to be a perfect eleven for this date. Falman got a day off and she was determined to make it worth their while. Should I go with red or yellow? Izzie took about five minutes looking. Her finger finally landed on the lacy red tank top. With a short frilly black skirt, the nurse was ready for a good time. Once she got dressed, she dialed up her boyfriend.

“Sweetie!” she said in a sing-songy voice. “I’m ready to go. We’re still meeting up at the same place, right? Great! I will be right there.” The nurse straightened up her clothes and headed out the door.

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Izzie met up with Vato just outside the apartment complex. The nurse raised an eyebrow at his attire.

“You’re wearing that today?” she asked as she looked up and down at his brown suit.

“I had to look nice,” he said. The nurse broke into giggling.

“Formal and uptight as usual,” Izzie said. She put her arms around his waist. “It wouldn’t kill you to loosen up a bit today.”

“I will remember that,” Falman said. The nurse kissed on him on the tip of his nose.

“Let’s get going.”

“Go where?”

“Does it matter?” Izzie took him by the hand and led up down the street.

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The couple ended up taking a carriage ride around the city. Falman turned to his girlfriend rather surprised.

“How did you manage to pull this off?” he asked. Izzie tapped the side of her nose, smiling.

“It’s a little secret of mine,” she said. The nurse turned to the driver. “Just take us around the city.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said. The couple climbed into the carriage and it took off. Izzie put her arm around her boyfriend.

“Vato, how long have we been together?” she asked. Falman did a quick count in his head.

“I think about… two years. Maybe?” he said. Izzie rested her head on his shoulder.

“I want to get married,” she said.

“What?”

“Not right now, of course. There are still a few things that I want to do first like go to Italy.”

“Italy?”

“With you, of course.” She giggled at the confused look on his face. “Don’t worry, dearest. All in due time, all in due time.”

“When did you decided all of this?” Falman asked.

“I’ve been thinking,” Izzie said. “Jaks is getting married and that surprised the hell out of us. I wonder which one of us is going to be next.” She took hold of his hand.

“What do you think of my plans?” the nurse asked. “You can be honest if you want.”

“I don’t really know what to think,” he said. “I mean; this is the first time I’ve heard about this. What do you want me to say?”

“Take all the time you need,” Izzie said. “We have plenty of time. Although…” The nurse rested his hand on his knee. “We could fool around for the time being.” Her boyfriend looked like a deer caught in a spotlight.

“Wait… here? Now?” he asked. Izzie chuckled as she climbed into his lap.

“Oh boy,” Falman said before she silenced him with a kiss. The nurse was spot on, though—they would have the whole carriage ride to fool around.