So Xander stood and held her other hand, pulled her and made her face him. Xander looked deep into her eyes, holding both her hands. "I love you Althea."

          "Really you love me Xando?"

          "Yes I love you Althea. I love you! I love you!" Xander answered sincerely and aloud looking at her.

          "Really you love me Xando, really?"

          "I love you! I love you. I really do!" was Xander's fast and really loud answer.

          "Really," Althea enticingly uttered once again.

          "Yes, I said! You're so... How could you be so annoying and so lovable all at the same time…?"

          Althea burst into laughter looking at Xander's serious looking face. Her laughter rubbed off on Xander. Xander started laughing back. They both laughed and laughed holding each other’s hands and looking into each other’s faces. They laughed and laughed.