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“Hmm?” She said, not opening her eyes.
“It’s ten o’clock babe,” I said, sliding my pocket watch back into my pocket.
“What?” Her eyes popped open.
“Yeah,” I laughed, “ten, at night.”
“Oops.”
“Yeah, I think we should get you back home so they don’t worry.”
“Grrrr.”
“We have to. I don’t want them to call Danny or anything.”
“Okaaaay.”
We hurriedly walked to my truck, tripping over roots and whipping ourselves in the head with leaves.
“Why didn’t I bring a flashlight? We need to just keep one in our bags. They’re kind of useful, especially since we do stupid things like this. I’ve decided, from now on, I will have not one but two flashlights on me at all times.”
“You’re cranky when you first wake.”
“I know,” I laughed.
It was a solemn ride to Jules’ house. I didn’t even know when Jules was leaving because I didn’t ask. It hurt too much to think about.
“I’m leaving tomorrow morning,” she said, riding my wavelength.
I wasn’t expecting that.
“What? Tomorrow?” I asked in disbelief.
“Yeah, my mom isn’t comfortable with me being here any longer and it’s affecting her. My Aunt Isabel is taking me home with Rocky and the rest will follow after New Year’s.”
“I don’t think that’s wise Jules, so many will be on the road tomorrow. It wouldn’t be safe.” She wasn’t buying it. “Besides, you can’t leave before New Year’s, it’s the only time you’ll let me kiss you in front of your family and I get a secret thrill from it.”
“Shut up,” she laughed.
“No, but seriously Jules, you can’t leave before New Year’s.”
“I don’t have a choice Elliott,” she choked.
The remainder of the trip was agonizing because I knew this would be the last time I would see her for days, weeks, maybe even months.
The uncertainty was as painful as the separation itself. I wanted to kick myself for falling asleep. I should have kissed her until my lips were bleeding to get my fill of her. I should have drunk in the greens of her eyes, re-memorized the lines of her face over and over and burned them into my memory even deeper than they already were. I wasted so much time. I could have been with her, instead we were unconscious and I felt a bubbling fear rise in my throat.
When I opened my door, instead of letting her wait for me to get hers I slid her over my seat and brought her out of my door. I shut the door and pinned her against it.
“You can’t go,” I pleaded. “If you want, I’ll get on my knees.”
“Elliott, all my family is in there,” she peeked over the hood.
“Oh who cares! They can’t hear us anyway they’re all having fun in there, you can tell by the rumbling. They know you’re safe with me, wherever they think you are. Please don’t do this. You know this is what they want right? They want us separating. The best thing we can do is to have you stay but stay at my house, with me.”
“Yeah, like my parents would go for that.”
“Okay, then stay at my Uncle Danny’s and Aunt Becky’s. They have a spare room. You’d love it there.”
