its time

Ellie was a bit frustrated that Kyle didn't want to talk to her. She knew he was upset and now he was handling it as if nothing was the matter.

Of course, it didn't help matters when her Dad saw her leaving from Kyle's room. He had ran up the stairs to tell her that Ben and Lonnie were here. He just gave her a stern stare as if he'd discuss this with her later. She went to get her robe and went downstairs to see them.

She apologized for being so out of it. She was still tired. She hadn't slept much since the concert.

"Must have been some concert," Ben just smiled putting his arm around her. "How did you ever make it there in all this cold and ice?"

"Eric drove," She couldn't help but smile. "He loves slick roads, and he just keeps going." Ellie still wasn't sure how he whipped into that parking spot so fast. He'd backed in and parked almost in a snow drift.

"I'll have to take a ride with him," Lonnie teased. "I came here with Mr. Cautious. He didn't let me drive once."

"Well, maybe on the way back you'll get a chance if we keep having these ice storms," Ben said. "It was a real headache just getting here, but it was worth it. Glad we drove through the night."

Ellie gave Ben a hug and looked at Lonnie. There was something different about him. He seemed way too happy to have broken up with his girlfriend. About that time, his cell rang and he walked into the kitchen to take the call.

Ellie sat down with Ben then who had to tell her about his travels and how Kansas was a whole lot bigger than he thought it was. They talked about her mother then. They'd go over later to see her. It would be a good day. She hoped. Maybe she'd see Eric too.

Joan brought in her fudge and coffee. "Where's Kyle?" She looked at Ellie.

"I think he's sick. I guess he must have picked up something at the concert," Ellie nodded.

It wasn't long though that Kyle came running in with his prize possession. "I won. I won. I won." He was holding up his Guitar Hero drum set. Kyle had been opening his Christmas presents. He was looking for Lonnie. They were definitely going to be busy in his room.