The New Girl

Chapter 24

After everyone ate they took off on the beach to walk off their meal. Sugar and Koda lead everyone in the direction they wanted them to go, their silly antic's making everyone laugh. Andrea and Donner followed behind Lyric and Ethan, just enough distance between them so they could talk without being overheard. Donner really wanted to hold Andrea's hand as they walked but they hadn't talked to Lyric yet, hopefully they would soon. “I'm really glad you two came today.” Andrea laughed then said, “That's about the 5th time you said that.” Donner chuckled and replied, “Sorry but I am really glad.” They walked a few more feet before Donner asked, “So, when would you like to talk to Lyric? I'm not trying to rush you or anything. I'm just off this weekend.” “I understand and I think it would be good that we talked to her sooner rather then later. Is Ethan able to stay by his self for a few hours? I'm asking because I would rather it be just us and her.”

Donner nodded his head and said, “Oh yes, I understand completely. Ethan is really coming along great, he's really trying hard to improve himself and seems to be sincerely apologetic for his part in the fire. He really want's to rectify what he has done.” Andrea looked at Donner and said, “I know you hate this but I know.” Before she could say anything else Donner interrupted her, “I don't hate it anymore because now I understand it. Do I think it should be used to obtain information that might hurt someone, no. Do I think you would do that, no.” Andrea held silent for a few minutes then continued, “He is a good boy Johnathan and he really is trying. He thinks a lot of you and want's to make you proud and not regret helping him out.”

As Donner and Andrea talked, Lyric and Ethan were having their own conversation. Lyric and Ethan found that it was very easy to talk to each other and they had a lot in common. They both liked to workout and eat predominantly healthy foods, they both loved animals of all kinds and they both loved to read. Right now they were discussing their favorite author's. Ethan stated, “I love anything by James Patterson and Stephen King.” Lyric nodded and asked, “Have you read Dean Knootz? He is a fabulous writing. He can't write fast enough for me, I've read every one of his books. One of my favorites is Intensity.” Ethan acknowledged, “I think I've only read one of his but I'm not sure. Maybe you can loan me one. I take really good care of books so I won't return it to you messed up or anything.” Lyric replied, “Sure, later today we can run to my house and you can pick one out.” Ethan smiled at her and said, “Cool.”

Ethan bent down and retrieved a tennis ball that had been partially covered by sand, wiped it off and called to the dogs. When he had their attention he throw the ball and both took off running for it. Sugar let Koda play with it a minute then grabbed the ball and ran back to Ethan with it in her jaws. He took it from her, praised her then throw it again. The third time Koda came running back with it in her jaws, dropped it in front of Ethan and waited for him to throw it. “Well, I guess you can say that her momma taught her how to play fetch,” Ethan said and both he and Lyric laughed. Ethan and Lyric throw the ball a few more times until Sugar and Koda decided they had gotten bored with it and left it laying in the sand. Ethan picked it up and stuck it in his pocket.

They walked on chatting about nothing in particular, enjoying the warm day and each others company. Ethan asked, “Not that it's any of my business but are you and JaCoby boyfriend and girlfriend?” Lyric thought for a moment then answered, “Not really. I mean he took me out to eat once and we're friends but nothing has ever been said technically about us being together. I think he want's to be though.” Ethan replied, “Oh, I was just checking cause I don't want him thinking I'm hitting on his girlfriend or anything.” Lyric gave a small chuckle then said, “I think JaCoby is a really nice guy and everything but I don't really see him as a boyfriend. As my mother always says, it takes two to tango and I don't really feel the rhythm enough with him to dance.” Ethan chuckled and said, “Pretty nice analogy there, I've never heard it put that way. Lyric, I think your really awsome and I would really like for us to get to know each other, that is, if you want too?” Lyric stopped and bent down to pick up a seashell when she stood back up she said, “I think that would be really great. I think your pretty awsome too.” They both smiled at each other and continued walking.

They had walked a few hundred feet when Donner hollered out, “Hey you guys, you ready to head back and enjoy some of those home baked cookies Andrea made?” Ethan and Lyric turned around and started walking towards Andrea and Donner. When they got closer Andrea said, “Actually, Lyric made the cookies but there from an old family recipe.” Lyric added, “But I made them just like mom taught me so they should be just as good as her's.” They all smiled and Ethan said, “I've never had cranberry raisin oatmeal cookie's but I bet there great. Can't wait to try them.” Donner said, “Once you've had these you won't ever eat a plain old oatmeal cookie again.”

Lyric looked at him and asked, “When have you had these before? I've never seen them in the stores.” Donner looked at her trying to think fast then said, “Umm, they probably weren't just like yours but I've had cranberry oatmeal and they were really good.” Lyric smiled at him and said, “Oh.” They all walked towards Donner's house and when they were almost there Lyric asked, “Mom, Ethan wanted to borrow a Dean Knootz book. Would it be okay if we ran to the house and picked one up and then we'll be right back.” Andrea looked at Donner then at Lyric and said, “If that's okay with Johnathan but make sure you guys come right back.” Donner nodded his head that it was fine and Lyric and Ethan took off towards Lyric's house.

When they came back Ethan had three Dean Knootz books in his hands. They both set down at the table and went to grab them some cookies. They both looked inside the container and Lyric said, “Wow, I guess you do like them,” then giggled. Ethan grabbed a couple of cookies and said, “Sure glad we got back now, otherwise there might not have been any left.” Lyric had grabbed a can of soda from her house and now popped the tab and took a drink. Donner said, “Ya know that stuffs not good for you?” Lyric swallowed and replied, “Yup but it's my one vice I'm not willing to give up. I figure I don't have any other vices so this one can't be that bad. It's better then eating lots of sugar or smoking.” Donner laughed and said, “Well, I guess you have a point there.”

They all set on the deck enjoying the cookies and each others company. They watched the dogs and the ocean and people who were enjoying the beach and nice day. They all felt comfortable and at ease, like this was something they did every day. It was getting later in the afternoon so the warm weather from earlier was shedding it's heat and casting a light cool breeze in the air. Donner thought he could enjoy this weather and company every single day from here on out. Little did he know that Andrea was thinking the exact same thing. Lyric then glanced over at Donner and said, “You know you look really familiar.” Donner laughed and said, “Well, I am the guy that helped you save JaCoby a few weeks back.” Lyric smiled and said, “Very funny.”

When Lyric had looked away, Donner and Andrea both glanced at each other thinking the same thought. Tonight they would have to talk to her and tell her everything she needed to know. They both knew it was not going to be easy and both of them prayed that Lyric would not take things too hard. All they could do was pray and hope, after that, it was all up to Lyric. They all set and watched in the distance as a slight fog crept in from the north bringing with it a cooler breeze. Tonight they would have a cool breeze with heavy fog coming in off the ocean. Andrea broke the silence, “Well, it's getting late and I think we better head home.” Donner stood and said, “Okay but hang on a second. Ethan can you help me for a minute in the kitchen please?” Ethan answered yes and followed Donner into the house. When they got inside Donner said, “I'm going to walk them home and I might stay for a little and talk to Andrea. If you could I would really appreciate it if you would kind of clean the kitchen up.” Ethan said, “Sure no problem, just let me say goodbye to Andrea and Lyric first.” Donner nodded and they both walked back outside.

Ethan walk outside and said, “Hey, it was really nice meeting you Andrea and I had a really nice time today with all of you. Thanks Lyric for loaning me the books, I'm going to start on this one tonight,” he held up Intensity, then added, “Maybe we can go to the gym sometime soon Lyric. Anyway, thanks for coming and being great company.” Andrea and Lyric both said their goodbyes to Ethan, then he went inside the house with Sugar trailing close behind him. Donner said, “I'll walk you two home if you don't mind?” Andrea smiled at him and said, “Of course not. Your a true gentleman.” They then all started walking towards Andrea and Lyric's home with Koda bounding in front of them.