STATE COLLEGE, PA-- Rachel Hilltop (Junior-Religious Studies) was overcome with emotion during her Valentine’s dinner at the Tavern last night when her boyfriend, Mark Rutherford (Senior-MSIS), finally asked Rachel “the question.”

             Rutherford, who had been planning this special night for about two days, said that he was extremely nervous. “I wanted everything to go perfectly.”

Tavern server Megan Durst resets the table where the important question was asked.

             After a thirty-minute limo ride through downtown State College, Rachael and Mark arrived at the Tavern for their 8:00 dinner reservation.

             “I knew this was going to be a special night from the beginning,” Rachel explained. “When Mark came to pick me up, he was wearing a tie, and Mark never wears a tie.”

             Rachel commented, “I could tell that Mark was really nervous too, as he barely touched his baked fresh filet of cod with sweet pepper and fennel sauce during the meal could almost sense it, almost feel that there was something Mark wanted to ask me.”

             During dessert, a chocolate mousse a la crème, romantically served with two spoons, Mark finally had the nerve to ask the big question.

             “He just looked at me, deep into my eyes with a boyish smile on his face,” Rachel stated, “I almost started to cry before he even asked me the question.”

             Mark began, “Rachel, we’ve been going out now for about seven months, and I care about you deeply.” “Rachel… dear… would you get an abortion for me?” After a tense three second silence Rutherford added sheepishly, “I’ll pay for it.”

             Rachel looked lovingly into her boyfriend’s eyes, and shouted emphatically, “Yes!”

             She stood up and gave Mark a hug which caused the other patrons of the restaurant to stand up and clap for the happy couple.

             “I love Mark, so I didn’t even have to think about it,” Rachel explained. “Plus, I didn’t really want the kid anyway, and he is going to pay for the abortion which costs maybe four or five hundred.”

             “Boy, I am relieved!” Rutherford stated, “The $110 for the dinner and the limo is the best money I ever spent.”

             The abortion is scheduled for February 21, 2001 at a local clinic. Only friends and family of the couple are invited.