Nothing In This World (BWWM) ✅

Chapter Twelve

She couldn't wait to get him alone and tell him everything that happened two hours ago. She felt she could since he told her a few things that she's sure he didn't want getting out. If she could keep his secrets then why wouldn't he be able to keep hers?

"You girls sure should find some other girls to hang around. I know you're on your little mission to leave your old man as soon as possible. I think it's crazy your mother is agreeing with this behavior." He looked at Janis through his rear view mirror as she giggled and smiled. "You're my little girl just as much as Sarah and Gail. You don't mind just waiting this year do you? Planning a wedding and all this time around is expensive now."

Janis rolled her eyes. "Now daddy, you know I can't wait and do that. Just got a letter from Cara that says she's expecting. I won't be seeing any of my friends this school year. They'll all be at home starting their life."

"Oh, that's sad to hear. Cara is not the best looking." He grimaced at the thought of Janis's friend having a baby that would look like her. "Well, all I'm saying is that you still have a while before summer ends. Just try and wait it out." He parked the car right out front of The Skinner's entry gate. "You girls be safe now," he turned in his seat to look at Charlene in the eyes. "Janis? Remember that there is more than just you."

"Charlene will be fine!" She pushed Charlene a little to get her to open the door and get out. "Lance will take us home so tell mama!" He nodded once just before Janis shut the back door.

She then pulled Charlene to the gate and dragged her on their land once it was opened. "Is Lance expecting you?"

"Don't know. Don't care. He's got to get used to this, right? As his future wife, he's going to see me everyday so why not get some practice in."

She pounded on the wooden door that flew open a minute later. His mother answered the door with her brunette hair pinned back and crows feet looking heavier as if she just woke up. "Janis! Ain't it nice to see you again!" The two shared a hug before releasing each other and turning their attention to Charlene. "This is the help you was talking about the other day?"

"Yep! Charlene has been a friend of the family for so long I can't even count the years." Mrs. Skinner stepped out the way and let both of the girls inside. Charlene's heart started racing now that she was officially trapped with this woman again. "Lance ran to sell those eggs. He should be back any minute now. It doesn't take long."

"You got my letter about my party on the first?" Janis looked around for any opened mail before sitting down when she saw none.

Mrs. Skinner did a quick glance around too and sighed. "Lance is usually the one to check the mail before he starts his day. He brings me important stuff all the time. I don't see why he wouldn't give me that."

"Oh, maybe it hadn't made it yet. I sent it a week ago. The heat has been causing slow business."  Mrs. Skinner agreed with her. "So... does Lance talk about me?"

The woman's eyes jolted away from a shirt thrown across her couch and into Janis's eyes. "All the time. Yes he sure does. Can't even get him to... shut up. He says such good things."

"Like what?" She desperately leaned out of her seat. "Does he talk about my hair and us dating?"

"Dating?" Mrs. Skinner looked at Janis with wide eyes. "I wasn't... aware. He usually just says how such a good person you are. You know teenagers these days are always keeping secrets."

Charlene fumbled with her fingertips as the conversation took a turn for awkwardness. Before she could ask for a sip of water, the front door right behind them flew open and Lance came walking in with a fist full of money.