Chapter 10

Darcy followed Eli to his car and climbed in.

"I didn't expect you to drive an actual car. I thought that you would drive a truck." Darcy looked around the car and saw that everything was as tidy as his room.

"Well just because I live on a farm doesn't mean that I have to act like a farmboy. I want to leave this town after I graduate. My dad wants me to take over the farm but I don't want that." Eli cranked the car and navigated the drive and pulled out onto the highway.

"Head towards the school and then turn right at the light. Keep going until you see the mansions. Mine is the third on the left." Darcy said calmly and Eli glanced at her.

"Mansion?"

"Yeah, but Charlie and my brother live there too." Darcy said it like it was nothing because to her it wasn't. Eli just shook his head and followed Darcy's directions.

Darcy thought about bringing up a conversation but for once in her life she was shy. She was in a car with a guy that she actually liked. And what was more, he liked her back! This was such a new sensation and situation that Darcy was at a loss for words.

"You and your brother are close I take it?" Eli spoke into the silence.

"Yes, I am very protective of him. He is very innocent. Once a couple years back an older girl tried to take advantage of him." Darcy looked straight ahead.

"Did she get what she was looking for?" Eli asked gently. He could tell that this had upset Darcy.

"No. I had come home in time to hear her giggling and trying to convince George that it was ok. I opened the door to her showing George her body. I was so angry that I hit her. George was so frightened, I had never raised my voice in front of him before. After she left George came to my and cried. I held him till he drifted off to sleep." Darcy's voice had become quiet by the time she had finished her story.

"I'm sorry." Eli held out his hand towards Darcy and she hesitated a moment before placing hers in his.

"It has been two years, but I am still afraid that he will be taken advantage of again. He has been home schooled ever since that day. Actually, Molly kind of reminds me of that girl. Watch out for her, I don't get a very good feeling when I'm around her." Darcy shook her head.

"I will take care to watch out for her." Eli squeezed her hand. "This is the house right?"

Darcy hadn't even realized that they had made it home. "Yes, this is the place.

Darcy got out of the car and waited for Eli before walking in the door. Once inside Eli looked everywhere. The house was amazing, marble floors and golden fixtures adorned every room.

"Wow." Eli breathed.

"Do you like it?" Darcy actually sounded nervous that he wouldn't like it and it warmed his heart.

"This place is amazing. I can't even imagine living in a place like this." Eli followed Darcy into what must have been the living room.

"George? Where are you?" Darcy called out. After a moment they could hear a piano playing in another room. "Of course he is playing the piano. Come on." Darcy grabbed Eli's hand and pulled him into another room.

This room was full of musical instruments, but the most beautiful instrument was the grand piano in the center. Eli saw a young man sitting on the bench, his fingers flowing over the keys. He was taller than Darcy, but had the same colored hair as his older sister.

"George, I'm home." Darcy called out over the music.

"Darcy? I'm glad that you are home! I was getting lonely." George spoke and Eli saw his face for the first time. He was quite handsome and Eli could see why a girl would want to take advantage of him.

"George, this is Eli. He is a friend from school." Darcy introduced Eli. Eli held out his hand for a handshake but saw that George was looking Darcy's hand in his.

All of a sudden George threw his arms wide and snared Eli in a hug.

In his ear George whispered, "Thank goodness someone saw the good in her." George let go of Eli and smiled. "So how long have you two been dating?"

"Wait what?" Darcy's face reddened.

"Um, I actually haven't asked her out yet." Eli grinned and turned to Darcy. "Darcy Fitzwilliam, would you do me the honor of going out with me? And letting me take you to the prom?"

Darcy was speechless.