Never Too Late

Chapter Forty One

"Are you still mad at Mom?" Luke asked worriedly, glancing over at his brother, who was sitting quietly across from him.

"No," he said flatly as he stared at his food.

"Then what's going on with you?" Luke questioned as he looked around the restaurant for a waitress. "Do you want something else?"

"I'm fine," he mumbled as he took a sip of water before staring out the window.

Luke thought bringing Johan to Shelly's would cheer him up but he seemed more distant. He sensed that whatever was up had more to do with just the fallout his brother had with their mother; however, knowing Johan, he would likely not say.

"You know, you're such an enigma." Luke sighed before taking a sip of his milkshake.

"How?" Johan asked, looking up at him, his annoyance evident.

"You never say what's on your mind and you always act all mysterious." Luke teased and Johan took a slow breath.

"I guess you're telling the truth so I might as well tell you now," Johan began.

"Tell me what?" Luke paused.

"I'm not going to college. I'm going to live with Liz for a while." Johan confessed and Luke looked at him incredulously.

"Huh?" He said, putting his meal aside to stare at his brother, hoping he was joking or he had heard him wrong.

"Liz and I are leaving town soon, but I'll keep in touch with you, Rachel, and our parents." Johan continued.

"Have you gone mad!?" Luke demanded once he realized Johan was serious, but his brother remained silent. "You got accepted to the college of your dreams and you're not even gonna go!? How will you support yourself?"

"I'll find a job and I haven't given up on college, just postponed it for a while. I can go in a year or two but right now Liz needs me." Johan told him firmly but his brother looked at him like he'd grown a third arm.

"Dad and Mom will never agree to that," Luke reasoned.

"That doesn't matter," Johan shrugged having already made up his mind.

"When are you two planning on leaving?" Luke asked defeated.

"Two days from now," he said finally taking a bite of his food.

"Two days!?" Luke repeated surprised. "Have you thought this through!?"

"Yeah, I have. I'll tell Mom and Dad soon." He said calmly before noticing that Luke's smile had faded.

"I guess we'll be saying goodbye to each other much sooner than I thought," Luke noted in a low voice.

He never realized that Luke was going to miss him because of how tough he always acted but now he seemed like a lost child. Johan considered teasing him but thought better of it. After all, he would miss his brother and family too.

"If that's the case, let's go to the fair together," Luke suggested.

"Which fair?" Johan questioned and Luke grinned.

"The summer fair comes here every year for a few months. Today is opening day." Luke explained.

"I've never been to a fair before, is it cool?" Johan asked skeptically.

"Of course it is! There's a bunch of rides, food, and prizes you could win!" Luke said lighting up.

"Alright, let's go then," Johan nodded in agreement.

"You should bring Liz with you, I'm bringing Ericka," Luke suggested.

"Sure, why not?" Johan agreed after a moment.

For the rest of the evening, Luke tried talking him out of leaving but Johan didn't change his mind. As night drew near, and they started getting ready for the fair Luke tried one last time.

"Do you really think this is the best idea?" Luke sighed.

Johan didn't respond but his silence was enough for Luke to understand that he was firm in his decision.

"I'm going to pick up Ericka, I'll meet you there soon," Luke said defeated.

"Alright, I'm going to get Liz," Johan responded before going ahead of his brother and taking off.

When he got to her place, she was waiting for him outside in a caramel colored turtleneck and skin-tight black jeans that accentuated her figure. She nearly ran into his arms when their eyes locked and they embraced warmly before getting into his car. As he drove off, he felt a mix of excitement and dread, knowing that in two days it would be the start of their new life together. He hoped his days with Liz would be worthwhile and that his family would find it in their hearts to someday forgive him.

"Johan, you look so cool!" Liz chuckled as they drove down the street. He was just wearing a black jacket and jeans but he knew Liz loved charming him. She leaned against him, letting the wind play with her hair and loosen a few strands from her bun, but she didn’t seem to mind. As he looked over at her, he noted how her eyes shone with an unfamiliar beauty resembling rare gemstones, and he realized his dread was dissolving into contentment.

He wanted to give her all the happiness he could because she accepted him when everyone else turned their backs on him. She long deserved love, and even if their relationship wasn't built on romance, he promised himself to treat her right, get her clean off drugs, and create a place where they would both belong.

When they arrived at the fair, they were surprised by the line of traffic but once inside, it was evident why. It was much bigger than Johan had imagined and the rides seemed spectacular. There was a huge Ferris wheel with glowing, changing lights slowly rotating and looming over the crowd ahead. Multiple cart rides and booths were set up everywhere and laughter filled the air. He felt childlike excitement grow inside him, and as Liz looked over at him, he could see it was the same for her.

"Johan, this place is so cool!" She cried happily and he nodded before taking her hand.

"My brother said we should meet him by the entrance so let's go!" They left the parking lot together and weaved through the crowd until they were at the meeting point where his brother and Ericka were already waiting.

"There you are!" Luke said with an impatient sigh. "I was wondering if you got lost."

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Johan apologized while glancing over at Ericka. "Hey, Ericka, this is Liz,"

"Nice to meet you," She said observing Ericka with wide eyes full of curiosity.

She was wearing a pale blue jumper with a white sweater adorned with little embroidered flowers. Her hair spilled down her shoulders like pressed obsidian, and she wore a clip-on bow, which gave her a youthful warmth and friendliness. In contrast, Liz exuded maturity and sensual playfulness.

"Nice to meet you too. Johan has mentioned you quite a bit." Liz smiled before looking over at Luke. "You look good, just like your brother."

"Thanks," He grinned. "However I'm the one Johan got his style from."

"If that were true, I'd rather walk around naked." Johan refuted and Luke scowled.

"Yeah, yeah, real funny. Anyways let's get going before the lines get any longer." Luke grumbled.