FIFTEEN
Eric's jeep, Viola pulled up on the driveway of a local restaurant. His hand slid off the steering wheel as he turned towards Beth seated in the other chair.
"Is this supposed to be a date?" She teased as he averted his eyes briefly to hide the smile that etched up his lips. "Date?" He denied; "No. That's ridiculous."
"It's ridiculous to go on a date with me?" She uttered, finally causing him to look at her.
"I didn't say that." Eric said with a look of slight worry in his eyes.
"I know." Beth replied with a glint in her eyes. "Just wanted to taunt you." She added with a giggle that soon broke into soft laughter.
Eric held her gaze as she laughed– it was delightful to watch her light up with excitement like that. He smiled unconsciously and leaned back in his seat as if to take in a deep breath, then he reached for the door. "Let's go."
Just then, Beth stopped him and placed her little hand on his arm– the one that wasn't holding the car door. Eric stiffened a little and slowly turned towards her, not meaning to be dramatic about his movements. "Yeah?" He hummed, gaining composure.
"I'm going to miss you." She uttered, holding his gaze– but respectfully.
"Oh" he mouthed and a vacuum of silence followed. The silence got her. Beth felt stupid about her statement and especially his silence that followed.
"Me too." He noticed and finally broke the ice. "I'm going to miss you too, Beth. You've had a big effect on my life." He explained with a soft chuckle, looking down at the steering wheel.
"Effect?" Beth repeated.
"Yeah. Effect."
"Is it a ... good one?" She muttered.
"It's a great one."
"Is it a life ... changing one?" She asked again.
"It definitely is." He replied being bold enough to hold her gaze as they shared a serene smile.
"Is this a date ... Eric?" She asked again. His heart wrenched on hearing her question, but he was staring into her eyes– couldn't lie then ... so he nodded. Eric nodded, then smiled– a sincere one, no hiding this time.
Beth averted her eyes and opened her side of the door. "Let's go." She said with a jolt of excitement in her voice and movement.
●●
The suitcase hit the concrete with a loud thud as the young man pulled it off the doorstep and along the driveway. The wind picked up with dry leaves in the air, cold air whistling in the distant hills and sensing the chill, he'd taken some thick clothing with him for the long journey to Pinebridge.
His other luggage followed behind him– his old man pulled one with him and a small back pack rested across the shoulders of a petite little lady that slowly followed behind him as they headed for Viola.
"Easy there," his father advised as the young man loaded the luggage into the trunk. "Good." Eric dusted his palms and shut the trunk. Then his eyes landed on Beth who had been standing there, staring up at him. Then he saw them– tears.
"Are you crying?" He chuckled, teasing her small face with his fingers. She pushed his hand away, a little offended. "No," she hummed and flung her face to the side, averting her gaze.
"Look, I promise to call ... and visit." He held her dainty shoulder, looking down at her reddened face as he spoke.
But little did he know ... Beth wasn't crying, sad or worried about his absence. She was only worried for the presence he'd already created.
How could she tell him that she didn't want the promise he made; that she wanted ... another promise!- something more sentimental ... or deeper, perhaps. Beth didn't say anything to him, even if it would be the last time they would meet for a long while.
She quietly let him remove his back pack from her shoulder and fling it onto his. She held his gaze for longer, longer than she did when he smiled at her at fellowship... or on the grassy clay mound in the field. She wished he would do something– anything at all. Something! But he didn't.
When he got into the driver's seat and revved the engine, her heart sank. Would he really leave?– just like that? Annabeth composed herself or rather stiffened.
Then suddenly, something happened. He stopped the engine ... and got out of the car. "What's wrong, son?" Mr Coleman asked with a curiosity and worry in his tone.
"Uhh ... nothing sir. It's just that," Eric glanced at Beth but she didn't see. "I just realised the engine would need a little servicing before the trip."
"Hmm," his old man hummed thoughtfully. "Knock yourself out." He added and started walking into the house with a grin.
Eric walked closer to Beth and took her hand. "Come on." He said and softly pulled her as she followed with surprise and nervousness in her face.
He took her to the field and held her hand as they climbed upon the grassy clay mound and sat there. He beamed with excitement as he stared at her, her hands still in his.
"What are we doing here? You have a trip to make, silly." She softly teased and playfully beat his chest.
"I know." He replied and pursed his lips. He was still wearing the back pack. He took it off and retrieved something from it– a book. "What is this?" She asked and received it from him. "I ... uh. It's a book." He replied.
"I know that but what kind..." her voice trailed off as she opened it. It had detailed sketches in it's pages. "A picture book." She muttered; "Of me."
She closed it and looked at the title– Book Girl. Beth chuckled at the name and then looked up at him where their gaze locked in shared delight. "I love it." She remarked in childish glee and embraced him. "Thank you," she whispered into his ears and let go before the contact lingered.
"I love you, Beth." He uttered, not as if the words had slipped out by accident. It was intentional.
"As a sister. I know." She added, peering down at nothing. Eric reached for her shoulder ... then hesitated. Beth raised her head and met his wandering eyes, watching his lips mumble unsaid words like they were an abomination.
Nothing– he wanted to say something but it couldn't come out. "It's getting late. I should go." He muttered and stood on the clay mound, then took her hand and helped her stand. "Yeah," she agreed and followed his lead, slowly descending the little hill. She liked living like this ... with this. Beth didn't want it to end. It did anyway.
