Worth the Wait

Part 8 - A Change of Plans

Part 8 - A Change of Plans

Steven’s POV

        I couldn’t believe she was actually leaving Monday morning. That was only four days away! We had been spending so much time together, that it seemed to fly faster than we realized. I can’t believe that I missed out on so many years without her. Just seeing her in her old room drawing, made my heart skip a beat. She was a fantastic artist, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. But, I couldn’t tell her that just yet. It wasn’t time. But, I’d have to tell her sooner than later because with her leaving on Monday, I don’t know when I’ll ever see her again.

        “So, Monday huh?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the road.

        I saw her nod out of the corner of my eye.  “Yeah,” she said quietly.  “It’s time for me to go home.”

        I so badly wanted to say that this was her home, but I couldn’t bring myself to. She was obviously happy in North Carolina, and I didn’t want to start arguing technicalities with her. “So, any big plans for the weekend?” I asked.

        She sighed. “No, not really. My parents aren’t going to be home most of the time. One of my dad’s cousins’ kid is getting married and they’re expected to make an appearance.”

        “Lucky them,” I said, chuckling softly. I turned to look at her then. She was grinning. “Something funny?” I asked.

        “I was just thinking about how miserable my dad is going to be. He hates this kind of stuff, especially when it’s for someone he’s never even met.”

        She started laughing then, and I couldn’t help but join in. Her smile and laugh was contagious. You couldn’t ever be in bad spirits around her.

        “So, what are your plans this weekend?” she asked after the laughter had ceased.

        “Well, Trevor, Billy and I had planned on going camping this weekend. Three days of the great outdoors, but they had to cancel. Billy has jury duty, and Trevor seems to be taking a liking to my little sister. I’m not too sure how I feel about it.”

        She smiled. “Don’t be overbearing. I know it’s your nature to be overprotective, but Trevor seems to be the kind of guy to not let Christine get hurt. Besides, she’s practically all grown up now. She can handle herself.”

        I tried to listen to her advice, but some part of me was still a little uneasy over the whole bit. Maybe because I knew deep down this would happen one day. Trevor always did act differently around Christine, but I hadn’t thought too much of it then. I guess it was inevitable. I had just always hoped it was later, rather than sooner.  

        Then an idea struck me. “Have you ever been camping Rose?” I asked.

        She shook her head. “Nope. Can’t say I have. Which is pretty sad considering where I live.”

        I smiled. “How ‘bout you join me for the weekend then?”

        She seemed a little uncomfortable then, and started shifting in her seat. “I don’t know Steven,” she said, looking out the window.

        By now, we had pulled up in front of her house. I leaned over and took her hand in mine. “You said you had nothing to do right?” She nodded slowly, I could see her hesitation clear as day. “Come on. It’ll be fun. Nothing like a few days out in the wild to really feel fulfilled in life.” I could still see her internal debate going on, and tried one more tactic. “Rose,” I said, leaning over to her, “What’s the matter?”

        She sighed shakily. “You’re gonna laugh,” she mumbled under her breath.

        “I promise I won’t,” I said proudly. I really hoped it wasn’t something horrible that I couldn’t counter-argue. I really wanted her to say yes. This was my last chance.

        “I-,” she started, then stopped to clear her throat. She looked me straight in the eye and said, “I’m afraid.”

        Laughing wasn’t even a consideration in my mind as I took in her words. “Afraid of what Rose?” I asked gently, not wanting to embarrass her.

        “Bears,” she mumbled again, looking down to her hands on her lap.

        “Bears huh?” I mused. She looked up at me with a glare, but I held my hands up in defense. “Now, wait a sec. I’m not laughing at you. I think it’s noble of you to admit your fear, but I’m gonna tell you this once hun,” I started, pulling her chin up as I said it, “I will never let anything happen to you. Ever.” I searched her features for any traces of fear left over. “Is that clear sweetheart?”

        A small smile crossed her lips before she nodded in agreement. “Okay,” she whispered. “I guess there’s a first for everything huh?”

        “Yup. Now go pack,” I said, ushering her out of the car. “Just grab a few sets of clothes, and a backpack. I’ll handle the rest.”  When she nodded in return, I shouted out the window, “We leave at 4!”

        I could see her start to shake with laughter, and she turned to wave back to me as I drove away down the street. Heading to my apartment, I made a mental list of everything I’d need to win her back this weekend. I couldn’t lose her again.

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Christine’s POV

        As I watched Steven drive away in his truck with Rose in tow, I sent out a little prayer hoping that all would go as planned. My brother may be a love-struck puppy right now, but he had no idea how to woo a girl. Before he left, I slipped a piece of paper into his bag with a few ideas on how to win Rose over. He may be in love, but everyone needs that little extra “push”.

        Trevor was taking me out tonight, to where, he wouldn’t say. He’s been acting very strange over the past week, and I can’t quite put my finger on the reason why. I know it’s killing him to keep this “relationship” from Steven, but I just didn’t want my big brother to know about it yet. I truly cared for Trevor, and I didn’t want Steven messing it up in any way. This was all new to me, and I was scared.

        Rose’s friend Beth and I have gotten really close over the past week and a half. She and I have a bet going on how long it’ll take for Steven and Rose to get together. I am betting on under a month, and she’s thinking it’ll take at least two. She invited me to even be in her wedding in the spring. Since winter is right around the corner, I’ll be flying down there in about a month to help out her and Rose with the planning. I’m really excited. Everything seems to be falling into place. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.