Last Chance

Chapter Three

Manny could be seen walking towards their little cabin house. Ellie waited anxiously for him to knock on the door. She wasn't sure how or when she was going to tell him. But it was going to happen. Nathan stood next to her, trying his best to support her silently.

"Good luck," He whispered.

"I'm going to need a lot of it," She replied.

He knocked. Their mother opened the door, her cheerful greeting entering the air. Manny walked in, his red hair glowing in the sunlight. His freckles were like the stars in the night sky. His green eyes were as happy as the day they met. Ellie smiled.

"Manny!"

She ran over hugging him tightly. He immediately hugged back, letting out a relieved sigh.

"I was afraid you weren't going to be able to see me."

"Like I would miss the last time I'll see you. It could be years till I speak to you face to face.

Chuckles as he ends the hug ruffling her hair.

"Yeah, you're right. That's just like you."

Nathan walked over hugging Manny as well. They both smiled happily. Like two brothers who hadn't seen each other in years. It made her happy to see him feel at home. It had always been like that. Ever since he became friends with her it was like he was just another part of the family.

"We having your famous soup Ms. Rogue?" Manny asked excitedly.

"Of course! It's still early morning so why don't you three go on a walk and catch up."

"Sounds like a great idea Mom," Nathan said. "Let's get going you two."

The three of them headed into the fire-colored forest. For a couple of minutes, they appreciated the beauty of it all. How the light crept through the cracks between the leaves. How the branches danced to the wind. The sound of the ground crunching at the pressure of their foot. It was the perfect moment to forget about the things that plagued their lives. The perfect moment to tell Manny.

"So, what have you two been up to since my last visit?" Manny asked.

"Nothing much," Nathan said, sighing." Just the usual chores, and working when I'm called in. Helping mom with bills and stuff."

"That sounds tiring. How about you Ellie?"

"Tell him tell him, tell him!"

"Nothing really, I've just been reading that book you suggested to me. The one about the pirate and the princess."

"No way! What do you think of it so far."

"It's an amazing book. I've really enjoyed it so far."

"Tell him already! What are you waiting for?"

"I knew you would. When I found it in the library I couldn't help but think how much you would like it. I can't wait till you finish it so we can talk about it in our letters."

They continued to talk. But every time a perfect moment to confess came. She couldn't do it. Fear had taken over her. Not allowing her to speak her mind. It was torture. This was her last chance, Yet she couldn't say a thing to seize the moment.

Soon Nathan left to go help their mother at the house. Leaving Ellie and Manny alone. This was it. This was the moment. No one else to bother them. They were surrounded by beautiful fall leaves and trees. It was peaceful. Truly the perfect moment.

"You scared to go to New York?" She asked, trying to go slow into the conversation not wanting to make him uncomfortable.

"A little," He mumbled. "But remember that girl I had a crush on my freshman year of high school. Lilian. She's going to the same college. We're going to meet and catch up. She's still really pretty actually."