in the country

Eric was right. She'd wore those cutoffs far too long this summer. She felt prettier in the white dress in her closet. She didn't even know where it came from. Eric, she was sure. It was with a full bodice with lots of ruffles.

Of course, she was going for comfort too. She slipped into her black flats and hurried downstairs.
They were actually going where they talked about going. Plattsmouth. It was a quaint little town with all sorts of old shops. It was a quiet drive. Eric even neglected to play any of his collection of tunes.

"So everything is all right?" Eric asked.

"I guess."

"Even with your mother?"

"That'll take work and time." She nodded.

"When will you be seeing your sister?"

"Soon." Ellie tried not to think about it. Besides, this was their day out. He drove a scenic route. For a moment, Ellie thought they might be lost. Funny, this had never bothered her about Eric til now, but he seemed to know the way after all, and she felt a little hesitant that she'd thought of him that way.

Finally they parked on the broad street and went into the vintage shops.

"I have no idea what to get you?" He said as they looked through all the odd and strange treasures.

'You've given me plenty," she said. "That's not why I want to be with you, you know."

"Oh really?" He smiled.

She gave him a nudge. He took her hand then and they walked across the street to the jewelry store. There was plenty of old jewelry to pick from. She found a simple silver ring. On the inside was a small inscription Our love 1908. She love it. If only she knew who's it had been. Even if it was 2008, she could only wish she could have something that sweet for so many years.

"Its quite simple," Eric said taking a look. "You're sure you want it?"

She nodded.

"All right."

It fit perfectly. Just an old wedding band. Ellie loved it. There was something unique about it. And it felt so comfortable to wear.

They strolled over to the Chocolate Moose. Leia was there and some of her friends from the library. At least Kyle hadn't shown his face. They had a very late lunch of something gourmet that Ellie was sure had cost a fortune. Of course, the delightful chocolate torte with raspberries was decadent. It was a small group but that made it all the more sweet. She supposed if Kyle had had anything to do with it, it would have ended up a beer bust with a camp out.

"This is so amazing," Ellie told Eric afterwards. She didn't want to tell him she'd imagined him finding them a room at a cheap motel. She was glad that hadn't happened. She really did want to be surrounded by friends. And even if she didn't really get the low-down from Leia. Ellie was sure she'd know soon enough.

At least Leia hadn't shown up to show off someone new. She was rather soft and calm and actually nice to the others. Even nice to Eric.

Ellie couldn't believe it. Everything was so much like she wanted her own family to be, but wasn't. She tried not to think about how miserable her mother really was, nor how happy her father thought he was.

She had to take a moment and appreciate what was around her. She squeezed Eric's hand hoping tomorrow would be like today.