Mission: Derrick Wells ✔️

Plannings and Goodnights

(Elizabeth)

"What are you doing here? Why are you after me? You have your fiancé, so leave me alone!" I shouted at him, feeling fresh tears well in my eyes.

Derrick's eyes softened. "I'm sorry, and I was stupid for what I did, ok, but-"

"Get away from me!" I yelled, and suddenly Rufus, Josh, and Tim were barging in the room, looking ready to punch something.

"Derrick, wait until morning. Her and your mom just drove down the 5 hour route and are probably tired. She's not going to want to listen to a word you say." Josh tried.

"No, I need to tell her now..." he said, taking a step towards me.

Rufus came to my rescue, standing slightly in front of me, as well as to the side of me. "No another step forward, man. Just go to the guest house and don't come in my house unless she's ok with it." he said, then looked to me. "Are the other two ok?"

"Their good, you can let them in." I said, and felt Mrs. Wells wrap an arm around my shoulders in that Motherly way I missed.

"Everyone else, so far, is allowed in my home, but Derrick is strictly allowed in the guest house." Rufus clarified and looked directly to Derrick. "So everyone out of my room, and into your designated sleeping areas please."

"Eli, where are you staying?" Josh asked.

"She'll be staying in the guest room down the hall to prevent any incidents." Rufus said.

"But I thought you said-" Tim began, but Rufus cut him off.

"Jen wasn't the only one to lie." he smiled. "It was team work."

******

(Derrick)

"I don't like it." I spat, pacing my room.

"What's that?" Josh sighed, watching me and listening as I vented my anger and frustration.

"That... that Rufus guy!" I snapped. "Have you not been listening for the past hour?" I snapped again.

"Yes, yes, that's right. Sorry. You think Rufus is after Eli, and your threatened by it." he sighed for the hundredth time. "And like I said for the past hour, you deserve it for what you did." he said. "Can I go to bed now?"

"No! You have to help me come up with a plan!" I excalimed.

"Here's one, let her choose!" He said, then walked to the door, pausing before actually leaving. "You owe her at least that much." he added, then was gone.

I sighed, hating it when he's right...

"Stupid little brothers..."

*****

(Elizabeth)

Rufus set the bag down by the door, since he'd insisted on carrying it to my room. "And remember, if he tries anything, come tell me and he'll learn one way or another." He said, offering a small smile.

I laughed a little. "Ok Rufus, thank you." I said, and turned to prepare my bed.

"Goodnight, Eli." he said, pausing by the door, looking in at me with a soft smile.

"Goodnight, Rufus, and Thank you." I replied, a slightly bigger smile, thankful to Mrs. Wells for giving me a new ally and friend.

"Don't mention it. Breakfast will be ready at 9 sharp. Would you like me to wake you?" He asked.

"Sure, but if you could wake me early enough to help cook?" I asked.

He gave me a knowing look, "I'll think about it..." then disappeared.

I gave a soft laugh, and closed the door, got ready for bed, and climbed in. My eyelids fell over my eyes, too heavy to even think about lifting.

And then came the pebbles....