I've Been Here the Whole Time

Everything's Changed

Flashback: 3 years earlier

Eden couldn't help but notice that it was a perfect night to be out for a walk on the beach. The waves were gently lapping at the shore, the sun had set enough that it wasn't too bright on the eyes, and most people had packed up and gone home for the day. Spade was talking as they walked but Eden was only half paying attention. Spade eventually stopped walking, standing in front of her, causing her to stop as well. 

"So be honest with me, what do you think are my chances of you going out with me?"  

Eden didn't know what to say, she silently begged her brain and mouth to work together to string some words into a sentence but instead all that came out of her mouth was a soft 'oh'.

"I know that I'm being a little blunt but I don't want to make you uncomfortable if you're not interested."

"You seem like a really nice guy and it's not that I don't think you're attractive because you obviously are. It's just..." she trailed off.

"Ahhh I see. There's someone else. Well, what's stopping you from being with this mystery person?" he asked.

"It's pretty obvious that he is not interested in me."

"Yeah that'll do it. I'm sorry, that's a shitty situation to be in. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Nah that feels like a weird conversation to have with you," Eden laughed slightly. "I appreciate it though."

They started walking back towards the party but just as they were about to climb the steps of the deck, Spade stopped again. 

"Hey I just wanted to say, if you change your mind, or you realize this guy isn't worth it, just let me know. I think you're pretty cool and I'd like to get to know you better." 

With that he walked back into the party leaving Eden on the steps. 

Eden, suddenly not in the mood to be at a party anymore, started pushing through the crowd looking for Bob. On her approach she saw Bob standing in front of the BBQ, tongs in one hand, a beer in the other. She watched as he laughed and joked with one of the women Eden recognized as another Top Gun student. The woman reached out placing her hand on Bob's arm and leaned into him laughing at something he said. He seemed completely at ease with her and Eden couldn't help but feel upset watching the guy she liked with someone else. 

Shaking her head to try and get the image from being burned into her brain, she decided that it was useless to keep holding out hope that Bob would change his mind, and that she should take advantage of the attractive interested pilot who had fallen into her lap. 

Turning away and pushing through the crowd she found where Spade had gone to and marched up to him determined to get Bob out of her brain. He smiled as she walked up and Eden surprised him by kissing him full on the mouth. 

A couple other Top Gun students around them whooped and cheered at the display, and after a moment Eden pulled away embarrassed by her boldness. Spade had a big smile on his face as she looked up at him. 

"Want to duck inside and get away from the crowd?" 

"Sure," she said ducking her head down so that she wasn't making eye contact with the people around her.  

He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the dorm house. He led her to the kitchen where they could stand and talk out of the noise from the party.

"You changed you mind pretty quick. I hope I didn't pressure you or anything."

"No you definitely didn't I just figured I might as well take a chance." 

"Well I'm not complaining," he said taking a step towards her. He leaned down slowly, kissing her softly. The sound of a door opening echoed through the house but Eden took no notice, but the sound of a throat clearing did get Eden's attention. Stepping away from Spade she turned to see Bob standing in the entry to the kitchen unmoving. He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand and stood with his mouth open slightly as he thought through what to say. 

"Hey Bob," Spade said clearly not feeling the uncomfortable energy in the room. 

"Hey..." Bob said slowly, dragging the word out. "I was just coming to see if Eden wanted to play poker. We were just about to start a game."

"We'll join, hey Eden?" Spade said. 

"Actually I'm suddenly not feeling too well. I think I should head out." 

"Oh shit, I've had a bit too much to drink to be able to drive," Spade said turning to face Eden again. 

"Don't worry about it," Bob cut in, "I can still drive you home." 

Eden smiled at Bob and said goodbye to Spade, who kissed her on the cheek. 

The drive back to her house was quiet. Eden thought about breaking the silence but wasn't sure what she would say. 

"Are we still on for tomorrow?" Bob said finally. "Or if Spade is going with you now that's fine."

Her mother was redoing the landscaping in the back yard as something to do while her dad was away at work, and Eden had been roped into driving out to collect the supplies. Not wanting to drive out alone, and also worrying about having to do a bunch of heavy lifting she had asked Bob to join. 

"Oh well I hadn't asked him. If you're busy now that's fine I can manage by myself."

"No no, I'll come. Like I said, my momma always told be to help someone in need."

Bob pulled up to Eden's house slowing to a stop beside the driveway. She hopped out of the vehicle, waving in farewell as she walked to her door. 

"See you tomorrow Eddie," he called after her, and Eden couldn't help but smile happy that she at least got to have Bob as her friend.