“Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like him. But I worry about what Mother and Father will think. He’s nothing like the fellas back home.”
Clara sighed. “It’s funny. When I was your age, my mama and daddy wouldn’t let me talk to a boy without one of them being present.”
“That must have been awkward.”
“Yes, it was. But there was this one boy I was fond of, and he liked me too. He used to come by the house after everyone had gone to bed and throw rocks at my window. I must have been about seventeen at the time. In those days, your mother and I shared a room, so I’d have to get her to promise not to tell on me. Anyway, me and this boy would sneak out for a couple of hours and kiss in the woods behind the house. God, we felt so grown up. It was exciting doing something we knew was wrong.”
“Whatever happened to this boy? Did your parents find out?”
“Eventually. And they forbid me from seeing him.”
“What did you do?”
“The only thing I could do. I married him.”
“You mean the boy was Uncle Bill?”
“That’s right. When he found out what my parents had done, he got a ring and proposed the next day. I think he did it partially to snub his nose at them, but I also think he wanted to impress them, to show them he was serious about being with me. I’m telling you this because tonight I saw that same look in your eyes when you were caring for Jack. And in his eyes, I saw the same look your uncle used to give me. But your situation is different than mine,” Clara added as her expression became serious. “You and Jack come from two very different worlds with different expectations. Your uncle and I didn’t have those obstacles.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying you need to be careful. Jack Bennett is the kind of young man who would lay down his life for you and wouldn’t think twice about doing it. I mean, look at what happened tonight. That boy was twice Jack’s size, and things could have easily gone the other way. I just don’t want to see him get hurt, not just physically, but in here.” She put a hand to her heart. “Or you for that matter.”
Ellie turned and stared into the darkness.
“I know you don’t want to think about it right now, especially when you’re having so much fun, but summer will be over in a few weeks. Before you know it, you’ll be back in school, and Jack will still be here. Then what?”
Ellie shrugged without meeting Clara’s eyes. “We can write and talk over the phone, and…”
“Sure, sure.” Clara nodded along. “And how long will that last?”
For the first time since summer began, Ellie felt a pang of loneliness, as though everything she and Jack had worked to build was in vain.
“There’s always next summer and the summer after that.” Ellie was determined to remain optimistic. “And who knows? Maybe Jack could visit at Thanksgiving or Christmas or both.” But even as she said it, she had the sinking feeling she wasn’t being realistic, that her love for Jack Bennett, as strong as it was, might not be enough.
“I didn’t mean to upset you,” said Clara. “I wanted you to be aware, that’s all. When it comes to matters of the heart, you can’t be too careful.”
CHAPTERTWELVE
Stardust
One evening while drifting toward the dam, Jack watched Ellie twist her fingers together. “It won’t do any good to keep it bottled up inside.”
She looked up and grinned. “Sorry. I was just thinking.”
He switched off the motor and let the boat drift with the current.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”
Jack scooted closer and waited for her to continue, not sure he wanted to hear what he feared was coming.
“It’s just that summer will be over in a few weeks, and I was wondering what that means forus?”
“I don’t know,” he answered glumly. “I love you, Ellie, more than anything in the world, and I’d do anything to have you here with me all the time, but you’ve got your life to go back to. The only thing I know to do is write and talk over the phone.”
“What about a visit? You could come see me at school. Indiana isn’t that far away, and who knows, maybe I can make spending summers here a regular thing.”
“I’d love that,” said Jack, though he couldn’t trust her optimism. “But what happens when you meet someone new, someone better?”
