the thought

Ellie still couldn't get it out of her head about what Kyle had said to her. What if he were right?

What about Eric?

She didn't want to think it. It was all a blur. She hadn't felt herself after their talk. Why was it like this? She hoped Lonnie hadn't noticed. What if he'd noticed too. It was good for him to get her mind off things, but then she heard a light tap on her door and it wasn't the cat. It was Eric.

"Hey, I tried to call. I texted," he said. "Are you all right?" He hugged her then. She guessed that made things better.

"Sure. I'm great." She frowned a little then. They sat on her bed and his fingers came across her cheek.

"Just grand, aye?" He smiled. "I don't think we've done anything for your birthday yet. I mean, you did get your learners permit. So we've got all the time in the world until school starts?"

"I guess," Ellie looked at him then. He smiled.

"We really should take that drive now, don't you think?"

"Maybe."

"Good." He gave her a kiss. "Get dressed and I'll meet you down stair in a bit. OK?"

"Sure." She nodded. "What am I suppose to wear?"

"You'll figure it out. Anything but that." He pointed to the cutoffs and her trusty Green Day shirt. "Shoes would help too."