Chapter 2

Friday, August 7, 1987

Trixie was up early and headed to the stables. It was a rare weekday that neither she nor Honey had to work. Swimming lessons had ended yesterday for the summer. Honey would still have to lifeguard, but she would have more free time.

Trixie’s job at the library was going almost too well. They had accomplished more than they had planned with the computer conversion. The bulk of the work would be completed before Labor Day. She had found that she really enjoyed the work. It was tedious at times, but there were the odd times when she had to use her detective skills to make sure the book was coded in the proper way. Miss Conlin had told her earlier in the week that once this project was done there would be others for her to do. The grant they had received hadn’t been used up but the monies had to be used for improvements to the library.

As she walked up the hill, her mind went to other things. She expected to see Jim about dinner time. According to what Mart had told her, Jim and Dan had to see the campers off first thing this morning. Since that group had been out in the wilderness, there wouldn’t be much to clean up. Tom was going to leave at first light so he could get there with plenty of time to return.

She couldn’t believe that summer was almost over. It sure had been a busy one. With the exception of her run-ins with Fred Murphy and his cohorts, it had been one of the best. While she had missed Jim a lot, she also enjoyed having time to do other things. She had finally gotten together with Ruthie. They didn’t take karate but instead took up walking. While Trixie liked to run by herself, so she didn’t have to worry about keeping pace with someone else, she loved having someone to walk with. Ruthie’s summer job was in the town hall, so they met at lunch and usually walked a mile or so.

She had been surprised how much she had enjoyed Ruthie’s company. She and Lester had been dating most of the summer and it was like someone had lit a switch. She had really blossomed.

“Hey, Trixie,” Honey yelled. “Are you in there or have aliens invaded?”

“Oh, sorry, Honey, I was just thinking about Ruthie,” she said.

“And not Jim? Now I know aliens have invaded.”

They walked into the stables where Regan was feeding the horses. “Good morning, ladies. I hope you are here to ride. Susie and Lady need a good workout this morning.”

“That’s what we’re here for,” Trixie said. “We had the morning off and thought we’d come down and ride.”

They led their mounts out of their stalls and then began to saddle them up. While they worked they chatted with Regan. He asked about the play and how Mart and Brian were. The girls asked about the horse he had looked at earlier in the week.

As they led the horses out of the stables and got ready to mount them, Regan said, “Don’t run them too hard. It’s supposed to get hot today and I don’t want the horses overheated.”

They assured Regan that they wouldn’t overwork the horses. Then they headed into the preserve. They rode in silence for several minutes.

“So were you really surprised when Brian showed up yesterday?” Trixie asked.

“Yeah,” Honey replied unexcitedly.

“You sure don’t sound like it,” Trixie said. “If it had been Jim I think I’d be chattering non-stop.”

Honey giggled uncomfortably. “It’s a good thing that Mart wasn’t around to hear that. You’d never hear the end of it.”

“Well, I have to admit I’ve missed Jim more than I thought I would. That kind of scares me because it makes it sound like I’m not anybody if I’m not with Jim. Does that make sense?”

“It does, but I really think it’s just the opposite. You are actually more independent, but Jim is still important to you. You don’t need him to be complete but you want to share things with him. It was harder because communication was limited. When the guys are at school we can at least call them several times a week.”

“Thanks, Honey. I’m so afraid of screwing up again and something happening between Jim and me. I don’t want him to think I’m some immature high school student.”

“Jim wouldn’t think that, Trix. He’s so in love with you. I know our parents think we’re too young for true love but everyone sees that what you two have is special.”

Trixie blushed to the roots of her blonde curls. “Thanks,” she quietly said. “Now enough about me and Jim. How are things with you and Brian?”

Honey didn’t say anything for a minute. Then she quietly said, “Okay, I guess.”

Trixie reined Susie in and dismounted near a clearing. “Is something wrong?” she asked.

Honey followed suit. They let the horses rest a bit. “No,” she replied defensively.

“Are you sure? Did something happen between you and Brian? Ever since we went to visit the guys you’ve seemed off. I haven’t said anything because I figured if you wanted to talk you would,” Trixie explained. “I didn’t want to butt in.” The hurt in her voice could barely be heard.

“No,” she insisted. “Nothing is wrong. Just because I don’t gush about Brian doesn’t mean we’re having problems.”

Trixie sensed that Honey was lying. She also knew that if she was, something was seriously wrong. It hurt that Honey felt like she couldn’t talk to her about whatever it was. It took all of her will not to push. There would be times when she wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing things with Honey. It was tough growing up.

“Okay,” Trixie said slowly. “Well, we should get back.”

Once again they rode in silence. Unfortunately, it was uncomfortable silence. When they got back to the stables, they brushed and rubbed down the horses and cleaned the tack in more awkward silence. When she finished up Trixie headed out of the stables alone. She hadn’t gone ten steps when she heard Honey call to her.

She turned and Honey came running up to her. “Don’t be mad at me,” she pleaded. “I just can’t talk about it right now.”

Trixie took a deep breath. “I’m not mad. Part of me is sad that you don’t feel that you can share whatever is bothering you. That hurts. I also realize that as we grow up there are going to be times that we won’t be comfortable sharing things. I respect that.”

Honey wrapped her arms around her best friend. Tears started to well in her eyes. “Thanks for understanding.”

They walked together back to Manor House. “Do you want to come in for a late breakfast?” Honey asked.

Trixie was torn. She really wanted to get back home to get her chores done before Jim got back but she didn’t want Honey to think that she didn’t want to come in because she was mad.

“I’m going to pass,” she finally said. “I want to get my chores done early so I don’t have to worry about them today or tomorrow. Jim wants to spend the entire day together.”

The smile Honey gave reached her eyes for the first time in days. “Okay, I guess that’s a good enough excuse,” she teased. “What are you guys doing tonight? Maybe we can all get together tonight.”

“I think Mart and Dan are going to tonight’s performance. Jim said something about just relaxing. As hot as it’s supposed to get, maybe we could go for a late night swim.”

“That would be fun,” Honey said. “I think Jim and Brian would enjoy that. Even though they were at the same camp, they really didn’t spend a lot of time together this past session.”

They said their good-byes and Trixie raced down the hill. Brian was just finishing up the lawn and Mart was feeding the chickens and gathering eggs.

Trixie looked at Brian. He didn’t look much better than Honey. She resisted the urge to ask. She had learned her lesson this spring. If and when he wanted to share he would. She knew he would probably tell Jim but she wasn’t going to pump him for information either. Sticking her nose into her friends’ business when it didn’t involve her just caused her too much trouble. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder what was bothering the two of them.

She didn’t think it was that they were fighting. Honey usually would eventually tell her. Maybe it just was being apart for so long with limited contact.

She waved at Brian as she went into the house.

“I’m home, Moms,” she cried.

Her mother came out of the living room. “No need to yell. I’m not deaf, yet,” she said. “I’m so glad you’re home. I have to run Bobby into town and was wondering if you could get lunch ready. There’s sandwich meat and cheese in the fridge. I also made oatmeal raisin cookies. The ones for lunch are on the counter. I’m not telling where I hid the rest of them. Then you don’t have to worry about Mart trying to get it out of you.”

“Sure, Moms,” she said. “I’m planning on doing the dusting and vacuuming today so tomorrow I can spend most of it with Jim. He asked me to keep the day free.”

“That sounds good. Mart and Brian are going to hoe the garden and pick the ripe tomatoes and this afternoon Hallie and I are going to start making catsup.”

Trixie started to put out the food for lunch. “Yummy-yum. If I get the rest of my chores done I’ll help. Maybe I’ll be able distract myself from waiting for Jim.”

Moms grabbed the keys and yelled for Bobby. He ran down the stairs, grabbed three cookies off the plate and then headed out the door. “I guess I’d better get going.” Moms said.

Hallie came into the kitchen carrying a basket of laundry. “Hey, Trixie, how was the ride?”

“It was fun. I’m glad we didn’t wait. It’s supposed to get really hot today. I’m not sure how making catsup will go today.”

“Well, we can’t make any if someone doesn’t pick the tomatoes,” Hallie said. She headed up the stairs to put the laundry in the proper rooms.

Trixie continued to get the lunch ready. She sliced up a couple of tomatoes and put lettuce on a plate. She also found some coleslaw and a bowl of sliced fruit. When everything was ready she went outside to call Brian and Mart in.

“I thought you and Jim had made plans. Honey said something about doing something together either here or up at Manor House. Tomorrow Jim and I are going to go do something.”

Mart took a big bite out of his sandwich and then said, “You’re not going to go see the fair Diana tonight?”

“Sorry, Mart, we’re all going as a group on Sunday for the last show. I think Jim will be ready to just take it easy,” Brian said.

“What about Dan?” Hallie asked. “He’s going to the show tonight and he’s going to be as tired as Jim.”

“Well, I can’t help it if Dan wants to see the show. He hasn’t seen it yet. We have.” Trixie replied.

The four bantered back and forth while they ate. Trixie put the plate of cookies on the table and they were gone immediately.

“Moms asked that you guys go and pick the tomatoes so she can start catsup when she gets back,” Trixie said.

“Isn’t the garden one of your jobs?” Mart said.

“Not this summer,” she replied. “It’s everyone’s and today I’m doing the dusting and vacuuming so I can leave early tomorrow.” She filled the sink with water and began washing the dishes. Brian grabbed a towel and started to dry. Hallie went to put another load of laundry in the washing machine and Mart headed outside.

Even though she had decided to keep her nose out of his business, Trixie couldn’t help but ask, “How are things going?”

Brian quickly answered, “Just fine. Why wouldn’t they be?”

“Geez, Brian, no need to get testy. I was just trying to be friendly. We really haven’t had a lot of time to talk since you got home.”

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly. “I guess I’m just tired. Those campers sure can take up all of your energy.”

Trixie just nodded and forced herself not to say anymore.

She headed to the living room and began dusting. She took her time and really tried not to miss anything. She also did the family room and then got out the vacuum cleaner and did the floors. She was just finishing up when her mother and Bobby returned.

“Looks good, Trixie,” Moms said. “and you finished just in time. I happened to notice a certain Lincoln Town Car drive up the Manor House driveway.”

“Thanks, Moms,” Trixie said. She headed into the downstairs powder room and took one look in the mirror. “I guess Jim will have to wait a few minutes. I need a shower desperately. I think all of the dust ended up in my hair.”

She raced up the stairs and took a quick shower. Changing into denim shorts, a t-shirt, and her Reeboks, she ran out the door and up the hill. She slowed down when she started to think. Would Jim think she was impatient when she headed up the hill so soon from when he came home? Doubt slowed her down to a halt as she came out onto the lawn.

Regan was down at the stables unloading some hay that had been delivered. The new gardener was mowing the lawn. She started up again and headed to the door. She decided to go around to the kitchen door. She hadn’t even knocked when Miss Trask said, “Well, what do you have some sort of radar? Jim hasn’t been home for ten minutes.”

Trixie blushed. “Moms saw Tom pull into the driveway on her way home. I hope it’s okay I came up.”

“Trixie,” Miss Trask admonished. “You are always welcome here, even if Honey or Jim aren’t around. It’s like you’re one of the family.”

Trixie shook the hair out of her eyes and pulled on her t-shirt. She was about to ask if Jim was available when he came through the kitchen doors.

“I put my dirty clothes in the laundry for Gloria to do,” he said and then stopped in his tracks as he saw Trixie. He didn’t say another word but went over and gave her a tight hug. Miss Trask backed out of the room without a sound and the two didn’t notice.

“I missed you,” Trixie finally said between kisses.

“I missed you, too,” Jim replied. “I certainly didn’t think I’d see you so soon. In fact, I was just getting ready to call you.”

Trixie blushed a little. “Well, Moms saw Tom pull into the Manor House drive, so I decided to head up. I hope you don’t mind?”

“Of course not,” Jim said. “I’m glad you did.”

He led her out of the kitchen and into the library where he pulled her down next to him. For several minutes they didn’t say anything, communicating with their hands and their lips.

Finally, Jim said, “So what’s new with you?”

“Not much,” Trixie replied. “Work is going well and we’re ahead of schedule, so I took the day off. The chores are done for tomorrow. I’m all yours.”

“That sounds great. Do you have plans for tonight? Were you planning on going to see the play?”

“We went last night for opening night. Diana was so surprised that Mart was able to be there. We’re all planning on going on Sunday afternoon for the last show. I thought you’d want to take it easy tonight.”

Jim sighed. “A girl after my own heart. I do want to see Diana in the show, but I don’t think I’d appreciate it if I saw it tonight.”

“I think Hallie said Dan was going to go tonight and of course Mart will go to every performance. Honey thought maybe you’d like to do something with her and Brian.”

“That sounds great. I’ve hardly gotten to talk to Brian since you guys visited. He had the younger kids and then we went camping. Did you have any idea what you wanted to do?”

“Honey and I thought since it’s so hot today it might be nice to spend the evening at the lake.”

“I can see if Cook will put together some food and we can have a picnic, maybe take the Water Witch out.”

They had been talking for a few more minutes when Honey walked in. She had gone into town to pick up a few things.

“Jim!” she said as she went over to give him a hug. He stood up and returned it. “Did Trixie tell you about tonight?”

“She did and I think it sounds like a wonderful time. What did Brian think of the idea?”

Honey looked away. “I haven’t talked to him today. He was busy this morning and I had to run some errands.” She no sooner had the words out of her mouth when Miss Trask entered the library followed by Brian.

“What idea am I supposed to be thinking about?” he asked. Honey stayed rooted where she was even after Miss Trask left the room. Jim and Trixie exchanged puzzled glances. It was well known among the Bob-Whites that Brian and Honey were the most demonstrative in their affections.

“We were talking about having a night in. Well, I should say out, but not in town. It’s so hot we thought we could spend the evening at the lake, get Cook to make us a picnic lunch. Just the four of us,” Honey explained, still not moving from her place.

As if it suddenly occurred to him, Brian moved forward, awkwardly placed a kiss on her nose and then said, “It sounds like fun. I hate to break this up, but Moms asked me to come up. There were more tomatoes than she realized and she needs a few more hands to get the catsup going. Hallie has to leave in less than an hour and she hasn’t seen Dan yet.”

Trixie looked disappointed but didn’t complain. “We promised Moms we’d help can without complaint when she chaperoned our trip to see you guys. She was a great sport.” She stood up and started to leave. Jim stood and moved to go with her.

“I can help, too,” he said.

Trixie wrapped her arms around him and said. “That’s sweet of you to volunteer but you just got back home. I’m sure you have some unpacking and organizing to do. I know how you are about a neat room.” She winked at him and placed a kiss on his lips to halt any comments. “And I don’t want you fretting about it during our date tonight.”

To her surprise, Honey volunteered to join Trixie in helping Moms. “I think all four of us girls said we’d help your mom with canning. Hallie and Diana are busy. That just leaves us.” Honey ran upstairs to change her clothes.

“You guys will have to figure out the picnic dinner. It sounds like we’ll be up to our eyeballs in tomatoes for a few hours and won’t have time,” Trixie said.

They walked out of the library and toward the front door. “I’ll make sure we have something to eat. It doesn’t have to be fancy and since it’s just the four of us and Mart won’t be there, we shouldn’t need too much,” Jim volunteered.

Honey came bounding down the stairs. She quickly and uncomfortably gave Brian a peck on the cheek and the girls headed down to the farm.

Jim and Brian headed up to Jim’s room where he quickly put away the rest of his supplies. The dirty laundry had already been picked up. While he worked, the two talked about the last session of camp and some of the kids. As always, there were kids that could get on your nerves for whatever reason. Some of them were bullies, others were whiners, and then there the ones that wanted to be the “teacher’s pet”.

Jim knew that there was usually an underlying reason for their behavior. While he tried to show the kids that by changing their behavior they would get better results, he also tried to figure out what it was that was making the kids act the way they did. He really enjoyed solving that mystery and it further validated that starting his school was the right thing to do.

Finally, the room was in order. Jim was a little confused by Brian’s and Honey’s behavior toward each other. He was waging a war with himself about whether he should say something or not. After all, Trixie’s interference with their break-up last winter had been a good part of the reason they had broken up.

Brian was also his best friend. If the situation was different, and they weren’t dating each other’s sister, it would have been much easier to say something. Finally, after noticing how ragged Brian looked, Jim decided he would ask once. He wasn’t going to push but just offer an ear to listen.

Knowing that this conversation would be easier if they were doing something, instead of just hanging out in his bedroom, Jim said, “I wonder if Regan needs to have any of the horses exercised. It’s been such a long time since I’ve been on a horse.”

“Well, I know Honey and Trixie rode this morning, and I noticed Regan unloading hay today so I bet there are more to be exercised,” Brian replied.

Jim changed out of his shorts into jeans. There was a pair of Brian’s in Jim’s closet that he kept there for such an occasion. They headed down to the stables where Regan still had about thirty bales to unload. They didn’t say a word but just started unloading the hay. With their help, the wagon was unloaded and hay neatly stacked in no time at all.

When that task was done, Regan asked, “What brings you guys down here? I know it wasn’t just to unload hay.”

“We thought we’d go for a ride. Have all the horses been exercised today?” Jim asked.

“Trixie and Honey rode Susie and Lady this morning. I had time to exercise Strawberry before the hay arrived. If you could ride Jupiter and Starlight that would be great,” Regan said. “I was going to do it after dinner when it cooled off a bit. Just don’t ride them hard and it should be fine.”

They saddled the horses and made their way into the preserve. Jupiter was ready to ride hard and Jim spent the first few minutes trying to rein him in. Finally, the horse realized that he wasn’t going to get to run like he wanted to and settled for a walk. After riding in silence for a few more minutes, Jim finally asked the question that had been bothering him.

“What’s going on?” he asked, keeping Jupiter at an even pace, watching the path in front of him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Brian replied, his eyes boring into the back of Starlight’s mane. He didn’t dare to look at his good friend.

“Well, first of all, you look like crap,” Jim started. “I know those younger campers can be a handful, but they aren’t that bad. I thought you looked bad when you broke up with Honey this past winter. You guys didn’t break up again, did you?”

“No,” Brian said vehemently. “We’re doing great. I couldn’t imagine doing any better than we are.”

“I could almost believe you if Honey didn’t look almost as bad as you, dark circles under her eyes and looking like she might cry any minute,” Jim pushed.

Brian let out a big sigh. “Okay, there is something going on. I just don’t think I can share it with anyone right now.”

“As long as you don’t hurt Honey, I’m not going to push. Just know that I’m here and I’ll try not to judge,” Jim said.

They rode in silence for another ten minutes, each in their own thoughts. Finally, Brian halted Starlight. He waited for Jim to do the same with his mount. Then he dismounted.

“Jim, what I’m going to tell you, I’m trusting you with. I need to talk to someone and I think you’d be the most reasonable,” Brian started. “Just forget that Honey is your sister.”

“Okay,” Jim said slowly. “Honey is not my sister.”

“So, when the girls came up to visit us,” he started. “Well, let’s just say that Honey and I hit a homerun.”

“Yes?” Jim said slowly trying to keep his emotions in check.

“I’m not going to go into details. That’s between Honey and me, but something happened and I haven’t figured out how to deal with it,” Brian explained.

Jim didn’t say anything, knowing this couldn’t be easy for his friend. Finally, Brian said, “The condom broke.”

“Whoa,” Jim said. “Wasn’t expecting that.”

“Well, we weren’t either,” Brian said. “It’s too late to even think about wondering if we really need to be concerned.” He was having a hard time verbalizing the word pregnant.

“Whoa,” Jim said again.

“Yeah, you already said that,” Brian replied. “For the last three weeks, I’ve played every scenario in my mind. Of course, the first scenario is your dad taking a shotgun after me and chasing me off the property, followed by my father finishing off what your dad started.”

“You know our parents aren’t going to do that. If the worst happens, they’ll support you and try to come up with a solution that’s best for all of those involved,” Jim said.

“I guess I know that,” Brian said. “I just keep thinking about all of the plans we’ve made. I’m trying to think of a way to have it all. And before you say it, I wouldn’t have a problem with your parents helping with Honey’s education but I’d feel weird if they offered to pay for everything for us.”

Jim chose his words carefully. “It’s only been three weeks. I know about the birds and the bees, Brian. I wouldn’t invite trouble. There’s a good chance it will just be a big scare.”

“Easy for you to say,” Brian said. “We were careful, but I guess they’re right when they say if you aren’t prepared for the consequences you shouldn’t take the chance.”

“You can’t undo what’s happened,” Jim reiterated. “You need to at least do a better job of hiding your feelings. If she isn’t already, Trixie is going to be suspicious. She’ll try and stay out of it for as long as possible, but pretty soon she’s going to start asking questions, not because she’s being nosy, but because she cares.”

Jim remounted Jupiter and Brian followed. “I know. I’ll have to do better about hiding my feelings, especially if we’re going to spend the evening together. I want to talk to Honey though, so when we come up to the house tonight can you distract Trixie?”

Jim chuckled, “I think I can do that.”

They rode back to the stables in silence. This time however, it was a comfortable one.

Brian returned home to minor chaos. Hallie was getting ready to head to theater. She hadn’t seen Dan yet and hoped to see him before she left. Mart was rushing around as well. He had promised Diana he would take her into town tonight. Bobby was running around getting under everyone’s feet. Just a normal day at Crabapple Farm.

“Brian,” Moms said. “I’m glad you’re home. What are your plans for this evening?”

“I’m going up to Manor House. We’re going to have a picnic and spend some time at the lake with Jim and Trixie,” he replied.

“That’s good. We promised Bobby we’d take him, Larry and Terry miniature golfing. Now I won’t have to worry about making dinner.”

He went upstairs to clean up. As he showered, he thought about what Jim had said. He was right. There really wasn’t any sense in worrying too much until they knew for sure. Easier said than done. Tomorrow morning he would sit down and make a plan for whatever the outcome. Then he would try and forget about it until they knew for sure. One thing he did know, despite what happened he didn’t regret what he did. It wasn’t perfect but it sure felt good and more importantly it felt right, no matter what anyone said. He wasn’t going to apologize for his actions.

Whether they did it again anytime soon, he wasn’t sure. That was something he would have to decide with Honey. She may never want him to touch her that way ever again. He hoped not, but if that’s what she wanted he would honor her wishes. He wished he could just bury his head in the sand like an ostrich and pretend it would all go away.

By the time Brian had made his way back down to the kitchen, the chaos had subsided. Dan must have stopped by because there was no sign of Hallie. Mart was just leaving to pick up Diana. Bobby must have gone outside to play until they were ready to leave. It wasn’t long and Trixie was coming down the stairs as well.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked.

“I think so. I’ve got a swim suit in the boat house,” she said. She hadn’t changed but he could tell she had freshened up a bit.

As they made their way up the hill, Trixie tried to make small talk. “So what are your plans for the rest of the month?”

“Well, I’m going to tutor a couple of the kids I was working with earlier this summer. Get them ready for the beginning of the school year. Jim said something about wanting to go visit the Hershey School in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Apparently it’s set up similar to what he’s thinking about for his school.”

“He mentioned something about it earlier this year. I didn’t know if he still planned to go or not. I think it will depend on his dad’s schedule. He wanted to go along,” Trixie said. “He had thought maybe we could all go, but I know I’m kind of tapped out on funds right now. I’m putting away most of my paycheck for school and our trip last month kind of stretched my budget.”

“You guys should have let us help with the motel rooms,” Brian insisted. “We wanted to help out.”

“We didn’t mind,” she said. “We all know that you guys don’t do Victory camp for the money but for the experience and because they need good counselors. It was well worth it.”

They went to the kitchen door instead of the main entrance. Brian was about to knock when the door opened. Honey came out. While she didn’t look like herself, she looked better than she had in several days. She was carrying a picnic hamper.

Brian greeted her with a quick kiss on her lips and took the hamper from her. He grabbed her hand and led her down the stairs. Jim had followed Honey out of the house carrying another hamper. He followed Brian’s lead and kissed Trixie before grabbing her hand.

“You did tell Cook it was just the four of us, didn’t you?” Trixie asked. “It looks like we have enough food to feed an army.”

“I did,” Honey chuckled. “Cook keeps forgetting which Belden has the bottomless stomach. It’s really not all that much. The hamper Brian has is the one with the dessert in it. It’s lemon meringue pie and I think the meringue is about six inches high.”

“Do you think we could eat dessert first?” Trixie said. “We wouldn’t want that to stay out in the heat for too long. It might get bad.”

“Are you sure Mart hasn’t invaded your body?” Brian teased.

“Don’t even think of it,” she said. “But sometimes you have to just live on the edge.”

Honey remained silent as they walked. The other three talked about this and that.

When they got to the boat house, Trixie and Honey went inside to change while Jim and Brian started to unload the hampers. When they came out, Trixie and Honey finished up while the guys changed their clothes. In the end they decided to eat before cooling off in the water.

As they ate the sandwiches Cook had prepared along with veggies and dip and potato salad, they made plans for the rest of the summer.

“I’m done teaching,” Honey said, “but I still have to lifeguard. I won’t have to go into town so early and I won’t have as many hours either.”

“That’s not so bad,” Brian said. “We’ll have more time together. My tutoring schedule is mostly in the afternoon. We can go riding or running in the morning.”

“Unfortunately,” Trixie said, "I’ll probably be putting in extra hours until school starts. Several people are taking vacations so I won’t be doing as much with the electronic check out. That’s okay. I could use the change of pace.”

In the end they decided to have the pie later. Cook had put it on ice and they placed the hamper in the shade so it wouldn’t get overheated. Honey was the first person in the water. She dove off the dock where she knew the depth was at least ten feet deep. Trixie decided to wade in and Jim walked beside her.

“This feels so good,” she said. “I didn’t realize how hot it was until I got wet.”

Jim had a hard time keeping his hands off of Trixie. She was wearing the suit she had bought before they had come up to visit. While it was a very modest suit it still sent his senses into overdrive. What was even more attractive was that she didn’t even realize the effect she had on him.

For several minutes the four of them swam lazily. Trixie was floating on her back and Jim was treading water right next to her. Honey and Brian were closer to the raft and seemed to be deep in conversation.

Trixie rolled over and began to swim toward them. “Okay, you guys seem to be much too serious,” she said. “I think we should have a cannonball contest.”

They all climbed on the raft and spent the next half hour taking turns seeing who could make the biggest splash. In the end, it looked like Jim was the winner.

“You learned some new tricks,” Trixie accused him.

“Well, I have to admit several of the campers had some great techniques,” Jim said. “And Mart never saw it. I’m looking forward to beating him.” Mart was known around the Bob-Whites as the King of the Cannonball.

The four friends sat on the raft for several minutes watching the sunset. “I can’t believe the summer is almost over,” Honey said.

“Yes, and then we get to rule the school,” Trixie said. “I know it will go way too fast. Ruthie Kettner has already asked if I’d serve on the Homecoming planning committee. They’re starting to meet next week to determine a theme and get the major subcommittees set up.”

“That sounds like fun, Trix,” Jim said. “That’s a busy committee. Are you sure you won’t overextend yourself with your AP classes and work?”

“I don’t think so,” Trixie said. Last year she would have gotten frustrated with Jim’s concern. Now she knew it was just because he cared. “I’m only going to work about ten hours a week. I’ll be working all day every other Saturday, plus two nights a week. The scanning should be done by then so I’ll be working check out. During down times I’m allowed to work on my homework.”

“Do they need more people on the committee?” Honey asked. “I think it would be fun, too.”

“Actually, Ruthie asked if you and Diana would like to serve on the committee as well. Lester and Jerry Larson will be the other Senior representatives. I’m not sure who the Juniors will be.”

“I wonder if Hallie would like to help out,” Honey said. “It would be a good way for her to get to know more people from school.”

“That’s a great idea,” Brian said. “She’s been really great about switching schools, but she’s got to be nervous about starting at a new school.”

“Yeah,” Trixie said. “and Aunt Irene isn’t helping matters.”

“What do you mean?” Jim asked.

“Hallie hasn’t said anything to me directly, but every time she gets a letter or phone call from her mom, she’s always upset afterward. I think Aunt Irene wants her to use her friendships with Honey and Diana to get her invited to society events,” Trixie explained.

“I think you’re right,” Honey said. “Hallie mentioned a few things to me but I’m not telling you anything you didn’t know before that. All Hallie wants is to be liked for who she is. She could care less about climbing the social ladder.”

“That’s too bad,” Jim said. “Especially since Mother and Mrs. Lynch have never wanted that for you and Diana.”

“The latest thing is Aunt Irene wants Mrs. Wheeler to help plan a debut for Hallie. She thought it would be lovely for her to have hers at the same time as Diana and Honey. Of course, Aunt Irene barely knows I exist,” Trixie explained.

“I suppose I shouldn’t talk ill of your aunt,” Honey said, “but Mother saw right through her. If Hallie was interested in that type of thing, she would have gladly found events for her to attend.”

“I can’t see Hallie donning a white dress for a debut, can you?” Trixie asked.

“Hallie’s happy here in Sleepyside. She’s met lots of people from the play and through Dan. She’ll do fine,” Brian said.

When they had cleaned up the picnic and changed back into their shorts, the two couples went their separate ways. Jim was going to walk Trixie home and Brian would do the same with Honey.

As Jim and Trixie made their way down the path, they continued to talk about the next school year. “If I’m going to be on the Homecoming committee, I hope you’ll be able to come home for the dance. I’ll have to get permission for you to attend, but that shouldn’t be too difficult.”

Jim stopped once they were out of sight from Manor House and pulled Trixie into a kiss. “I’ve been wanting to do that all night,” he said.

“Then why didn’t you?” she asked.

“I don’t know. I guess even though it’s Brian and Honey, I don’t feel comfortable making out in front of them,” he explained. “It’s just weird.”

She reached up and placed several kisses on his lips. She ran her fingers through his hair. “I agree. It’s truly having big brother watching you.”

For several minutes they made out. “I’m going to just get used to this and then you’re going to be heading back to school,” she said. “For some reason, I think this year it’s going to be harder than before.”

“I agree. I think it’s because we each have so much going on. You’re going to be taking the ACT and applying to colleges and for scholarships. I have to take the GRE and start applying to graduate schools. Add in our classwork and other activities and we’ll both be busy,” Jim said.

“Are you trying to find a way to break up with me?” Trixie asked half-jokingly. She pulled his lips back to hers.

“Absolutely not,” he insisted. “I’m going to work extra hard to make this work.”

“I don’t think it will be work,” Trixie said. “We both will be busy and if we need to talk to one another we won’t wait, we’ll call.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to be single during your senior year?” he asked.

“I’m sure,” she said. “What do I have to do to show you that you’re stuck with me?”

He pulled her into a hug. “Well, you better not be sitting at home on the weekends and not doing things because I’m not here.”

“Jim, what has gotten into you? The only time I really sat home and moped was when we weren’t together last spring. It will be fine. New York isn’t that far away.”

They started walking back to Crabapple Farm. Just as they were climbing the steps to the kitchen door the Bob-White station wagon pulled into the driveway. Dan was bringing Hallie home.

The two couples chatted about the play and other things for a few minutes. After saying their goodnights, Hallie and Trixie went inside. Jim rode back to Manor House with Dan.

As soon as Jim and Trixie were out of sight, Brian and Honey headed back toward the lake. Brian pulled Honey into his arms and kissed her. He showered her face with kisses. Then he captured her lips with his. His tongue probed her mouth. Their tongues did a dance of lovers. His hands found the hem of her shirt and he started to caress her back.

Honey pulled back.

“Is something wrong?” Brian asked. “Did I say something to offend you?”

“Oh, no, Brian,” she said. “I’m just afraid. What happens if I’m pregnant?”

“It will be fine. No matter what happens we’ll work something out.”

Honey started to cry. “I’m so afraid.”

“You will be okay. You know you’d make a great mother,” he comforted.

“It’s not that. I’m afraid this is going to tear us apart. Are you going to start to resent me because you’ve decided to forgo medical school so you can do the honorable thing?” she explained. “If you have to change your career plans, I won’t be able to live with myself.”

Brian tried to put into words what he had been thinking. “I’m not going to shun my responsibilities, but I’m also not going to turn down any help. I know that if you are pregnant Moms and Dad will be very supportive. They’ll be disappointed in me, but they won’t abandon us. I don’t think your parents will either. I’ve thought a lot about this. We’ll make it work.”

“Will you just hold me for a few minutes?” she finally said with a sigh.

He rubbed her flaxen silky hair with one hand as he pulled her into a tight embrace. “I love you, Honey Wheeler,” he said. “Don’t you ever forget it.”

“I won’t,” she replied. “We’d better head back or Jim will be home before we get back. I don’t need him asking questions. He’s already suspicious.”

 

 

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