Khadijah’s first Valentines Day!

Peter's Bistro

Brandon had been tutoring Khadijah in chemistry for three

months. They met twice a week at the local coffee shop.

During their session, he had come to appreciate her intellect,

her grace and charm and her beauty. He looked forward to

the time spent with her and he would like more! Being new

the US, Khadijah is still learning the traditions.

Brandon asked Khadijah to lunch on Valentines Day week.

He asked out to one of his favorite places, Peter’s Bistro.

They took a seat and chatted while waiting to be served

He had brought her a present. He hoped to take their

relationship up a notch.... more than just friends.

Brandon: They have excellent cappuccino here. It is one

my favorite things to have here.

Khadijah: That’s good. The coffee at the shop near school

isn’t the best.

Brandon: Is that why you order the tea? He knew she

liked coffee.

Khadijah: Yes, but it isn’t too good either. They use bags.

I guess I am use to coffee and tea in the Middle East and the

Mediterranean. I can’t get use to instant!

He found himself drowning in her eyes!


He clutched the bag.

Brandon: If you don’t mind, I would like to order for you.

Khadijah: Oh no, go right ahead! She thought most American

men were so passive. It was nice to be with one who could

take charge.

Edwige came over to take their order. She noticed the bag on

the floor and smiled to herself. Amour! ...

Bonjour ! Bonjour Brandon. Edwige spoke in a Haitian Creole

that Brandon was able to follow. It was different than the French that

Khadijah spoke in North Africa but she could follow too.

He spoke in french and asked for two cappuccinos very

strong and two burgers. He notice that Khadihah had

acquired the taste for American burgers too.

Khadijah: I didn’t know you spoke French?

Brandon: It is not classic French. I am working on that. It

is the Creole we speak in Mississippi. Her French is a Creole

that they speak in Haiti. Together we manage! He smiled.

Khadijah could tell that Edwige thought highly of him.

Khadijah: This is really good coffee!

Edwige told them she would be back with the burgers

tut sweet.

Khadijah: How long have you lived here and what made

you move?

Brandon: I’ve been here six months and I came when my

dad was stationed here.

He is in the military. Brandon was pleased.

They were getting to know each other personally. They

were getting pass formulas to real chemistry.
Another costumer came in and Edwige seated her and took

her order as the couple chatted.

Khadijah: These are really great burgers!
Brandon: I noticed that you really like burgers!
Khadijah: What else do you notice? She said jokingly.

Brandon: I notice everything about you!

He stared at her intensely.

Khadijah looked down. She could feel herself blush. She ate her

burger until she felt controlled enough to look up. When she

looked up, she smiled. It was Brandon’s turn to blush. Brandon

thought that it was the time to give her the present.

I brought this for you. Happy Valentines day.

Khadijah : Oh how nice of you. I am sorry but I don’t have

a present for you. I didn’t know we should exchanges gifts.

Is that what the tutored do?

Brandon: No it is not. I think you are the smartest and

sweets person I have ever met. I want to be more than

that to you.

Khadijah: Brandon, You are the kindest and smartest man

and I like you too but...

for us to be more than friends, you will

have to speak to my father. We are still a little traditional


Brandon being a southern gentleman, he said:

No problem. I will speak to your father. It is the right

thing to do.

They sat and talked while waiting for the check.

It was a great first date.
It was Khadijah’s first Valentines Day.