Chapter 10
Julia had a suitcase ready, she was wearing a casual outfit, but from the catalog and waited outside for Paton. Mrs. Kettle saw her waiting and came to chat. "Julia, is it not a time to be having tea inside?"
Julia smiled "usually yes, but I'm going away for a while."
"To where"
"With Paton"
"Oh, on one of his little journeys, it must be very interesting if he is taking you."
"Yes it is, I can't say where, but it will be interesting. "
"How are you getting there?"
"We are driving"
"Just the two of you…alone?"
"We can take care of ourselves thank you"
"I know that, but can you trust yourself?"
Julia didn't have any words. Just then Paton drove up. "Bye Julia, have fun!" Mrs. Kettle waved.
Julia got in the car and sat down in the front next to Paton. They drove for a half hour and were out of the city already. Paton realized something was bothering her. "Julia, you haven't said a word, I thought this would be exciting, what's wrong" She was angry you could hear it in her voice when she said "Nothing." Paton felt bad "Did I do something, dear, did you forget something?" Julia sighed. "No, it's just when two people go on a trip together and are the opposite gender; they can take care of themselves can't they?" Julia didn't know how else to explain it. Paton laughed "Of course, we are doing it right now, why would you ask such a thing? Is this bothering you, do you feel awkward?"
Julia shook her head "No, it's just; everyone thinks we are getting really serious, and they think we can't control ourselves." She said angrily. Paton hit the breaks when she said that, and pulled over, just in case. "Ok, Julia, this is serious, what is going on? Are people saying things about us?" Julia bit her lip. "Don't tell you don't think it too, how everyone thinks we are extremely serious with each other…in that way." Paton knew exact feeling, he nodded. "But we aren't, we aren't that serious, yet. We just aren't going that fast. Not if we don't want to." This made Paton and Julia feel very awkward. "You see Paton, someone told me that we may be careful with ourselves, but we don't trust ourselves. Do you feel that way?" Paton answered "I trust myself enough to take you on a trip alone with me, I don't completely trust myself because I do have feelings for you…I well…um…I love you Julia." Was what he blurted out? Julia starred at him as they got closer and she whispered "you don't know how long I waited for you to say that" and she kissed him. "I love you too"
It was a thrilling kiss, their first kiss. They separated and smiling Paton reset the gears and got back on the road. They continued driving until they reached a restraint and they got out to eat.