I love these two! Had to write in the romance that the book was missing, and so... This story came to be!
I own nothing, as I am not Harper Lee
"Charles Baker Harris!"
Dill brushed his light hair off his face and braced himself on his forearms. "What is it Aunt Rachel?" He asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"What is the meaning to this?" She held up a small velvet covered box.
"What do you think?" Dill asked.
Rachel placed her head in her palm. "Charles, I know you like Jean Louise... But isn't this taking it a bit far? You`re only 15!"
The boy stood up and shuffled across the room, grabbing the precious box. "No, I dare say it's not 'taking it a bit far!'" He said. "Aunty, I love her, try to understand that!" He pocketed the item and headed for the door.
"I do understand, all too well." The woman muttered.
...
Jem opened the door after Dill had knocked twice, "It's just Dill, Atticus!" He called back into the house. He turned to his friend, "Atticus is expectin' Arthur over."
The sound of creaking floorboards stopped and Scout slipped around her big brother. "Hey Dill!" She greeted the boy with a peck on the cheek. Jem made a childish gagging noise. "Why'd you come over so early?"
"I uh-"
"Good day Charles." Atticus was next to come over to the door, he waved his book at the boy.
Dill flushed and greeted the man, "G'day Mister Atticus, Sir." His face grew warm. "Jean? Can I talk to you?"
Scout cocked her head to the side. "Sure, Dill." She took a half step and was outside, her brother gave a little smile before closing the door on the two.
Dill took Scout's hand. "C'mon, let's go to the tree house."
...
"Why'd you call me Jean, Dill?" Scout asked when they reached the trunk of the tree house's tree.
Dill looked at the girl. "I dunno, I guess I don't really want to call you the same as everyone else."
"Atticus calls me Jean, so does Miss Maudie. Lots of people call me Jean."
"Ah, no... It's just I wanna call you by your first name since.." Dill couldn't seem to find the right words. He reached into his pocket and took out the box, the blue velvet was soft to the touch and shone in the mid morning light. He held it out to Scout.
"What's this?" She asked, taking the box from the bright red teen. She opened the lid and gasped. "It's really pretty..." She looked up, warmth reached her face as well. Scout giggled.
"Cost me a lot too."
"I bet it did."
...
Atticus pushed his glasses up. "It's a very nice bauble."
"Mighty good looking on you dear." Calpurnia added, taking the lunch plates from the table.
Scout smiled, "You think so?" She moved her hand on top of Dill's.
"Knew it would." Dill said sheepishly.
"What're you all talkin' about?" Jem asked, bustling loudly into the dining room, Miss Rachel not far behind.
"Your sister received a lovely present from Charles." Atticus explained, motioning towards his daughter.
Jem took a few steps closer and inspected his sister, to his surprise, there wasn't a ring on her finger. "A necklace?" He asked.
"Oh, good!" Miss Rachel exclaimed. "If it was a ring..."
Dill blushed madly. "Why would I give Jean a RING? I'm only 15!"
Jem smirked. "Jean?"
Scout smiled. "Yup! I'm gunna call him Charles too!" Dill tried to disappear into his chair. Scout put a hand around the silver heart shaped locket and smiled, opening the trinket where a picture of the from a few years back was framed, the word forever was inscribed beside the tiny image.