2 Candy Time

Two candy time. THAT AFTERNOON, THE WHOLE school gathered in the auditorium for an assembly. Zeke sat next to Harris and Roxy Martinez, who had been Harris's best friend since before kindergarten. Zeke and Roxy had become good friends, too, since Zeke's arrival on Earth.

Principal Perlman walked up to the microphone and addressed the students. "As you all know, Valentine's Day is coming soon," she said. "But, of course, even if you didn't know that before you came to school today, that fact is hard to miss once you enter the building."

A small wave of laughter spread through the auditorium. Zeke leaned over to Harris. "I missed it," he said, smiling. Principal Perlman continued. "You all did a wonderful job decorating the school and getting us into the spirit of the holiday. And so, to further the holiday cheer and also to help your fellow students, I'm announcing a fund-raiser.

"As many of you know, the Jefferson Elementary marching band is in need of new uniforms. And so, this year for Valentine's Day, students can buy candy-grams through the school to send chocolate to a special someone. A portion of the money from each purchase will go toward the uniforms." Principal Perlman held up a huge bar of chocolate as an example of a candy-gram.

An excited buzz of chatter spread through the room. "This is great!" Roxy whispered to Harris. "We both love chocolate!" Zeke looked at them both, confused. After the assembly ended, Harris, Zeke, and Roxy left the auditorium with the rest of the students. "I still don't see what's so special about all this," Zeke said as everyone got up and headed to their next class. "Can't I buy candy from the store anytime I like?"

"It's not completely about the candy," Roxy said, "as much as I do love chocolate. It's a way to let someone know that you like them. It just doesn't have to be chocolate. It can be a card or anything heart-themed, really." As she said this, Roxy placed her right hand over her heart.