Chloe:
As July drew to a concrete close, Ernie was preparing to leave for his home.
His parents extended an invitation to me, but I declined, so I could help take care of the pregnant three.
I helped him pack his trunk.
"We can still write…" I reminded gently.
"Yes. I'm sure Ash will appreciate the exercise. My parents won't mind me borrowing Aquarius for exchanging letters."
"Well, we could use Ash only…maybe Bess will allow me to borrow Jack on occasion."
"She'll need the exercise, too…" Ernie agreed.
"Well…" I sighed as I closed the lid of his trunk.
"Bess, I don't want to go!" Ernie cried.
"I don't want you to go! But, you need to have some time with your parents, who will be here in five minutes," I grumbled while peeking at my watch.
"Chloe, I'm really hoping the rest of the summer will fly. If anything happens send Ash with news."
"I will. I don't see Padmé making it until September," I said.
"Okay."
The doorbell rang, and Daddy let in Ernie's parents.
"He'll ask them if they want to come in for tea, and either way offer them food."
"Hello, I'm Parr Ondra, Chloe's father! Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?"
"No thank you," a woman's voice said.
"How would you like some lunch? Rovera is resting, but I can make some sandwiches quick."
"We must some other time," a man's voice said.
"Yes…Ernie, your parents are here!" Daddy yelled up the stairs.
"He tried," Ernie sighed.
As he turned to leave to room, I grabbed his shoulder.
"If I don't do this, I'll regret it," I said, before I pulled him into a nice kiss.
After his initial shock wore off, he kissed me back.
When we broke apart, Ernie grabbed his trunk and trotted downstairs, his cheeks as red as Christmas.
I trotted down the stairs after Ernie, my heart pounding.
His parents were so happy to see him, and they seemed to like me well enough.
Now, all there was, was to wait until September arrived.