Always With Me

Part 25- Ellie Harmon

 My house was fully lit up when I got back from the baseball game. The sounds of people laughing were ringing in my ears as I opened the door. I heard my mom almost gasping for air as she laughed, and my dad was hitting the table. I heard a few familiar laughs as well as I walked into the dining room. My parents and two other couples from church were sitting at the table, telling stories as they ate dinner.

"Hey, Mom. I have plans with Sam, so I'll be home later," I told her. She nodded and told me to have fun and then continued on with her friends. I ran up to my room and changed clothes, waiting on Sam to come and pick me up. He had been at the game, so after Amory won, he came down to ask me to go to the movies with him tonight. I almost ran to Becca's car when I left my conversation with Sam. Dahlia went with me while Becca went over to tell Zack that he played a good game. I saw them embrace into a massive hug when I turned to leave. Brent tried to catch Dahlia's attention, but I honestly don't think that she noticed. She was already making a dart toward my car as well. I know that they are doing better, but she still didn't feel comfortable talking to him much anymore. I didn't blame her.

I was now wearing a long sweater and a pair of black skinny jeans with a pair of boots when I heard a knock on my door. It was my mom, smiling very big. Her corners of her mouth seemed to be touching her ears, and I could see the happiness that she was feeling reflecting in her eyes.

"Sam is here," she said, giggling.

"Alright," I said as I grabbed my purse from my bed. "Why are you so happy?"

"I like him, that's all. Have fun, Sweetie," she said as she pulled me into a hug. I wasn't sure of why she was so excited, but I felt it radiating into me as I walked out the door.

I got into the living room, but Sam wasn't in the living room. I heard more laughter and I walked into the dining room, and Sam was now sitting in the seat that my mom had just vacated. I walked over and he got out of the seat.

"Sam was just talking to all of us, but y'all go. Have fun," my dad said as he got up to give me a hug. He also seemed to be happy, but I was still convinced that something was going on.

"Okay, we will. Y'all have fun too!" I said as we walked out of the door.

"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon, for letting me take your daughter out tonight," Sam said into the doorway. My dad came and shook his hand.

"Be safe," he said.

We walked out to the car and he held the door open for me. He walked over to the other door and got into the car himself.

"So, what are we going to see?" I asked. He told me a few options, and I chose the movie that I knew he would enjoy, also.

"I am seriously ready for this weather to change. Fast. I miss short sleeves," Sam said as we pulled out of Amory. The drive to Tupelo had always been my favorite because I always loved driving. Because of the time of year, it was already very dark by the time we pulled out of my driveway. Now the sky was a dark blue black color. The stars were reflecting the moon as we drove.

"I love colder weather!" I laughed. "I have a much better winter wardrobe than summer."

"That's what's so crazy about girls' mindsets. Their favorite things are based off of their outfits," Sam laughed. I laughed as well, and our laughs seemed to combine in unison. I blushed after noticing that.

"Only some of my favorite things are based off of my wardrobe," I joked.

"Alright, alright. You look very pretty tonight, by the way. I don't think I told you that already." I felt my heart take a flip in my chest. I blushed even harder, but luckily that was masked by the darkness of the car.