Superposition (Starting Position Sequel)

Chapter 10

Pulling into Elliot's driveway instantly transported me back to the summer, as I had done so many times over in the span of two and a half short months. Instead of sunshine illuminating the green lawn and trees, the overcast, grey sky created a hazy backdrop against the barren trees and frozen lawn. For a moment, I imagined stepping outside to be greeted by warmth, but the cold was quick to chase the notion away; I pulled my coat tighter as I walked up Elliot's porch stairs.

The door swung open after I knocked. Elliot smiled upon spotting me and grabbed my hand, pulling me inside.

"Hi," she greeted, elevating to her toes and planting a swift kiss on my mouth.

Diverting my attention from her glowing features, I shifted to the sound of footsteps coming from the kitchen.

"Hi, Ben," Phil, Elliot's dad, called just as he emerged into the living space. "It's good to see you." He approached and embraced me in a hug.

"You too, Mr. Mitchell."

"I thought we cleared that up already. It's Phil." He smiled warmly.

"Right, sorry," I said. "It's been a few months. I wasn't sure if that offer expired."

Phil chuckled merrily. "No, not at all." He slid his glance to his daughter. "Elliot's obviously been happy - eating well and staying healthy. I'm sure I've got you to thank for that. You can keep calling me Phil."

"Why does everyone feel the need to comment on how healthy I look and how I'm eating?" Elliot asked with narrowed eyes.

"Well, it's impressive for a diet full of burritos." I dodged one of her playful jabs.

"That joke is about to expire," she said sternly. "One more time - that's all you get. Better make it count." She tossed me a half smile.

After offering me a glass of water, Phil invited us both into the living room where Elliot and I took a seat on the couch. Phil sat in the chair opposite. I had spent much time here after Elliot and I started dating; Phil was very quick to invite me to stay for dinner whenever I was over. I remembered how nervous I was in the beginning and how quickly that changed; Phil was nice and welcoming, and in this moment, it seemed like we were all transported to the summer - except for the frozen scene outside.

"How have things been?" I asked Phil.

He looked bittersweetly at Elliot. "Quiet. But alright. Thanks for asking." He folded his hands into his lap. "It's been different with Elliot gone - hard to not see or hear her every day. I miss her."

"Dad," Elliot chided. "Don't get all mushy."

Phil grinned. "Mushy? I only said I missed you."

She locked her attention on him. "Well, I miss you too, but you do have Sarah to keep you company."

"Yes." Phil's grin persisted. "But it's an entirely different feeling to have your daughter leave the house. Not that I'd want it any other way, of course. I'm very happy you're away at school - I just miss you is all. It was just the two of us for a long time."

After granting Phil another smile, Elliot reached over and patted his hand. "I'll be home two weeks. I bet you'll be eager to get rid of me after all this newfound freedom you've had since I left."

"I doubt that," Phil stated, and then looked at me. "So, how have you been, Ben? How're classes?"

"Good, yeah." I fiddled with my ballcap. "Hard. I think I've started dreaming in math equations."

"Oh, yes." Phil agreed. "I remember all those late nights cramming for exams - textbooks full of equations. I had many nights when I would count equations before drifting off to sleep."