Shades of Redemption

20

It was already dark when Elijah caught my eye from across the room. The soft murmur of post-Thanksgiving dinner chatter filled the living room, everyone still too full and cozy to do much besides sit around and talk. I was seated next to Emma, half-listening to her joke with Katie about baby names when I noticed Elijah standing by the window, looking like he was thinking about something. 

He must have felt my gaze because he turned toward me and smiled, motioning toward the door.

"Sophie," he said casually as he approached, "you up for a quick walk? I was thinking of grabbing some ice cream."

"Ice cream?" I raised my eyebrows. "After all the food we just ate?"

He laughed, and his smile was contagious. "Hey, there's always room for dessert, right? Plus, I know a place nearby."

I hesitated, glancing at my friends, but Emma nudged me with a playful grin. "Go, go! Have some fun, we'll be here."

Katie chimed in from her spot on the couch. "You two can take as long as you like. I've had my fill of desserts, and Elijah, you can take Sophie out for ice cream whenever you want."

I blushed, feeling all their eyes on me, but I played it cool. "Alright, fine. Ice cream sounds good."

Elijah beamed and grabbed his coat. "Let's go before they decide to come along and take all the fun."

I quickly pulled on my own coat, feeling the comforting weight of my keys in the pocket. As we headed for the door, Elijah gave a quick wave to the others. "We'll be back in a bit, just getting some ice cream."

"Take your time!" Emma called out, but it was Katie's playful shout of "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" that made me laugh as we stepped outside.

The cool November air hit us as soon as we closed the door behind us. I pulled my coat tighter around me, glad for the warmth. The streets were quiet, and the glow of streetlights reflected off the slight sheen of frost that had started to form on the sidewalk.

"So, ice cream in the cold?" I teased as we began walking. "Bold choice."

Elijah shrugged with a grin. "I've never let the weather stop me from enjoying good ice cream."

We walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, our footsteps syncing as we made our way to the ice cream shop he'd mentioned. The place was small but inviting, with twinkling fairy lights in the windows and a warm glow spilling out onto the sidewalk.

"Alright," Elijah said as we approached the counter. "What's your flavor?"

"Chocolate," I replied, not hesitating for a second.

He grinned, shaking his head. "Of course. The classic. Kinda basic, don't you think?"

I shot him a playful glare. "Excuse me, chocolate is timeless."

He chuckled, turning to the shop clerk. "I'll have coffee crumble."

"Coffee crumble?" I raised an eyebrow. "Now that's a bold choice."