Chapter 12 – Calvin Dwarf

Nearly all I could think about all night was my planned walk with Julie the next day. So, here I am with bags under my eyes, but sleep not even nearly on my mind. "Calvin, Jay, go over to the starch cart and get us some flour and baking soda," Whitely instructed.

Jay smiled. "Alright Whitely," he said. Then, grabbing me by the arm, hauled me over to the starch cart.

"Calvin, what's going on with you? You've been staring in to space this entire time!" Jay cried out in exasperation.

"Sorry, I just-"

Jay searched his eyes, holding him stiffly by the shoulders. "Oh I see, it's this silly thing with Julie isn't it," he said, teasing now.

"I- err- No!" I shouted, finally processing the question.

"Oh my gosh. I didn't even know it was this bad! He shouted in feigned agony. "Oh the horror! You poor love struck fellow!" he said, putting a hand to his forehead, signifying a damsel in distress.

"Oh stuff a sock in it Jay," I growled. "I don't need the whole world knowing I'm simply going on a walk with Julie, just because you can't grasp the concept."

We finally bought the flour and baking powder, and crossed the street to where Lincoln and Whitely were waiting, Lincoln more on the impatient side. "Finally! What took so long?"

"Now Lincoln, have a little bit of patience," Whitely scolded.

Lincoln looked away bashfully. "Sorry," he said.

Whitely looked sad for the entire day. She moped as they walked, pasting on a cheerful face only when she looked at one of them. "Whitely," I called.

"Yes?"

"You don't have to fake it for us," I said, shaking my head. I felt her pain strongly at that moment. "We know you're sad."

At the words, a tear fell. "I'm sorry?" she asked, pretending not to understand.

"Whitely," I said, and I scolded her with my eyes.

Another tear. "You're right. I am sad, sad in more ways imaginable. I just wish… I just wish… I just wish he wasn't this way. I was instantly fooled. Instantly," she said, shaking her head in anger and frustration.

I nodded. "I'm sorry. I truly am. I should've told you how he was. I was just afraid that…" he trailed off.

"That I wouldn't believe you," she finished. I nodded in confirmation. "Yes."

"Well, I can't blame you for thinking that now can I Calvin?" Whitely asked mostly to herself. "I probably wouldn't have."

JJJJJ

That evening at precisely four forty five, I met Julie at the Hoyer household. Julie stepped out onto the porch ten minutes later. "Hello Calvin."

"Hi Julie. I brought some money, I was thinking…"

"Yes?" she asked, pushing me on.

"I was thinking we could go to Mr. Langer's Coffee shop and get some Hot Chocolate?" I didn't state it, I asked it as a question.

"Absolutely," Julie replied. I smiled. "We'll be back by Six forty five. Don't you worry," I said, assuring her.

She smiled. "Thank you Calvin. Thank you."