Welcome to The Big Easy Part 2
Bobby's mom plays with her short black hair, and then calls up the stairs. "Bobby honey, Sarah and her friend are going to be here soon, are you getting ready?" she asks. Bobby appears over the railing, shirtless and in a pair of worn-out blue jeans. "Not yet, I'll be ready before they get here."
Juli played with the strap on her bag. She was more nervous than she had been on her first assignment. That had been cake compared to this. she had been hoping to be able to watch from a distance. She never expected to be having dinner with his family. His family.. his father. what if he recognized her? Blamed her? She leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes. She called up an image of her beloved swamp. She could hear the birds.. see the water.. feel it against her bare skin. This was an image that had helped her a lot in times of stress or even loneliness. All too soon Sarah was parking the car and announcing that they were home. {Oh God no..well.. her goes nothin.} She hoisted the bag onto her shoulder and fingered her leather jacket to follow Sarah inside.
"Mom, were home!" Sarah announces as she walks through the front door, "Oh for the love of pete Bobby, put a shirt on, no one is impressed by you flexing your muscles." Bobby looked down in surprise. "What would you know sis? Maybe you friend will dig my smooth as a groove bod," he says with a grin.
Just then Juli walks in, obviously nervous and looks up only to lock eyes with Bobby. Bobby jaw drops to the floor as fast as his arms do, his face a mixture of shock and 'a deer in the headlights.' When he recovers moments later, he turns a deep shade of crimson and bolts down the upstairs hall. A door can be heard slamming moments later.
As Sarah laughed, and his mother tried not to, Juli also turned red and became very interested in making sure the straps on her bag were secure. The laughter of Sarah echoed in her ears. {I knew it would be bad but had hoped for better.} Sarah was finally able to speak between her giggles and tapped Juli's shoulder as she speaks to her mother. "Mom.. this is Juliana Daniels. She's gonna be workin with me on my current job. Juli.. this is my mother Madeline Drake.. and the little streaker you just saw was my brother Bobby."
Juli stood up and extended her hand. "Pleased t'meet you Madame Drake. You have a lovely home.. T'ank you for allowin me t' share dinner wit' you."
Madeline composes herself and gently shakes Juli's hand. "Oh my, you're her! The young lady Bobby was flirting with in New Orleans. It's so good to finally meet you." She escorts Juli into the kitchen. "Sarah tells me you're cooking dinner tonight. It's all right by me, and if you need any help let me know."
Bobby sits on his bed, his head in his hand. {Why did she pick just then to walk through the door?? I'm so embarrassed.} He looked up at the full length mirror on the back of his door. He flexes a little, and then digs through his dresser. {What a I complaining about, I did want to see her again, just not right then.} He pulls on a long-sleeve shirt, an intact pair of jeans, combs his unruly hair, and heads out of his room.
Juli was a little taken aback by Madeline's friendliness and allowed her to steer her to the kitchen. " Oui.. if dat ok wit you.. she offer me a place t'stay her..an I don want a free ride..so I offered ta cook. But don want t'be a bother."
Madeline showed Juli where everything was in the kitchen then left. Juli looked around the bright airy room and then pulled out the chicken and preheated the oven. She took out onions, some fresh peas and carrots and prepared them. She rooted around in the cabinet and found flour and cornstarch. Another inspection and she found the spices. She had her back to the door and was soon lost in preparations for dinner.
William sets down his novel and leaves his den, having heard all the commotion out in the main hall. Finding no one there he heads into the kitchen and is taken aback by what he sees; A young lady with long blonde hair, dressed in a loose white tank-top and a pair of obviously worn blue jeans. "And who are you?" he asks with a surprised tone with a touch of authority.
Juli turned around and tried not to shake. This was the man that had treated her like dirt when she returned his wallet. At first she was scared, then she became slightly angry as her own voice took on an air of near defiance. "I'm Juliana Daniels. I work for Sarah now.. she offered me a place ta stay here, an I offered ta make dinner in return. You wife showed me de kitchen an den left. I t'ink she wit you daughter in de othah room. You can ask dem if you don believe me"
He looks at her with a little shock, Juli being a lot more straight forward then when he first encountered her. He leaves the kitchen, but starts talking before he gets through the door. "Sarah, can your mother and I have a talk with you.."
Before the door shuts, Bobby darts in, and sees Juli standing there. He turns a deep shade of crimson again. "Um..hi..Juliana.."
Juli continued to work with the chicken. "Hey yourself. Guess I cause some excitement around here non?" she placed the chicken in the oven and turned to face him. "Jus realized. You know my name, but I have no idea who anyone's name is 'cept you sister." She turned back to the fridge and began to rummage through it.
The heat drains from Bobby's face as he plays with the cuffs of the green long-sleeve shirt he's wearing. "Yeah, but dad's good at making a big fuss," he says. "And my name is Bobby, and William and Madeline are my parent's names. Just call them Mr. and Mrs. Drake until they say otherwise or my dad will have a litter." he quips as he holds the fridge door open.
She laughs at the litter comment and backs out holding salad fixings. "Now dat I'd pay money ta see. Good thin I got experience birthin litters. Nice ta meet ya Bobby..an ya can call me Juli. I t'ink you pere gonna run inta opposition tryin ta argue wit you mere an sister. Sarah at least strike me..as outspoken an..well pushy. Wouldn't take me stayin anywhere else."
As she spoke, she began to tear the lettuce and slice veggies. "Dinner be ready in about 45 minutes."
Bobby checks the door, makes the announcement, and comes back in. "You guessed it, he's losing bad." He snickers and sits at the table and watches Juli with curiosity and something else Juli can't name. "Why did you come to Long Island anyway Juli?" Bobby asks, "Was it because you didn't want to be a thief anymore, or because you wanted to be closer to me?" His words are not boastful, but filled with genuine concern.
Juli grinned and hopped up to sit on the counter. "Confident one you are. What makes ya t'ink I wanna be near you...or I'm a thief? Ain t ya evah heard of Serendipity? Means 'fortunate discovery'. Dats all dis is. Maybe I jus wanted a change a pace. What makes you t'ink dis got anythin ta do wit you eh?"
He sat there in complete shock, she had not only had she blown him off, she rubs it in. His look sours and looks of hurt and betrayal. "I don't know. Wasn't it your "colleague" who stole my dad's wallet in New Orleans? Wasn't it you who was flirting with me after that? Isn't it interesting that days after you show up here? I was happy that I could see you again. Now? I don't think I should even tell you how I feel about you.." He turns the chair to face away from her, choking back a sob as he does.
Juli looked at bobby and realized that he was on the verge of crying. {What kind of person am I?} She softly walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder."I'm sorry. I didn't mean t'hurt you. You right..I came here t'see you..jus..didn't expect it so soon. An as for de flirtin homme.. we both guilty a dat. if you want me t'leave I will."
Bobby holds her hand on his shoulder while he wiped away his tears. "No. Don't you dare leave yet, it's bad manners." he quips with a strained grin. He stands up and turns to face her, pushing the chair under the table. He takes her hand in his and gently places it against his chest. "My heart isn't broken Juli, only chipped. You can heal it. You hold the key to my heart, and if you turn it, I will tell you truthfully how I feel." He holds her slender hand there, awaiting her answer.
Juli looked into his face and bit her lip. Then without warning she gently kissed him. Breaking the kiss she shyly asked "dat heal it? You right..I came here ta find you. well.. data n another reason.. but you de main one"
Bobby smiled and whispered, "yeah" He kissed her gently in return, pulling her close to him. He was happy as he's ever been now that he's with her. "Um..I know this'll kill the mood..But I think we should get dinner started. My dad's grumpy when he doesn't eat."
Juli grinned but didn't pull away. "Already done.. jus gotta actually cook. So we got time." she looked at her watch. "Got about a half hour before it done. An me.. no offense..but I get a feelin dat you dad gonna be grumpy for a while wit me here"
Bobby shrugs. "No different from me living here. I drive him nuts on a weekly basis." he says with a grin. "Has Sarah shown you where the guest room is? I'll be glad to show you. Besides, Sarah probably has her ear to the door," he snickers as he hears footsteps bolt from the direction of the door.
'Dat be a good idea. I got here an was bought inta de kitchen. But Bobby..I t'ink I drive him a lil more nuts den you.. I don have t'be here like you do..so he can throw me out. I t'ink you right about Sarah.. she nevah make a good t'ief.. too noisy. My bag is out in de hallway I t'ink.."
He takes her left hand in his right, entwining his fingers in hers. "He throws you out, I come with you." They walk out and Bobby snatches up her bag as they head up the stairs, Sarah cheering them on, and his parent's watching silently.
Juli glanced at bobby. {How different he is from Julien.. so nice..an polite. All julien wanted was t'show off. Not dis one.I feel..safe. Wit Julien I was always on guard. but no one understan. Jus..hope I can fit in here.}
Bobby took her to the guest room and Juli walked around trying to get over the niceness of the room. {All dis for a guest? Wonder what de rest of de rooms look like.} She looked out of the window and grinned. The forest was no substitute for her swamp, but she liked it. As long as she had nature, she was happy. She turned back to Bobby grinning . She opened her bag and started to put things in drawers. her clothes were simple.. T shirts, jeans, some shorts.. and then on the bottom were all her books that she read again and again. In the pockets of the bag were her shower things. The only personal affects that she had bought were a picture of her and her father which went on the nightstand as well as her earring box.
He peeked out the door to the guest room to make sure Sarah isn't following, and satisfied that she isn't, closes it. He watches her unpack and sits on the bed, swinging his legs slightly. He knows deep down he loves her, not just the physical, or her accent, but for who she is. "I take it you like your room," he says with a smile.
"Oui.. I cant complain." She said with a smile. "So tell me bout you eh? If I'm goin ta stay..I'd like ta know you a lil better. You know a little bit more about me den I know bout you."
He signals for her to sit next to him on the bed, and she sits next to him. He tells her about his name, about his older sister Sarah who he is in a 'prankster war' with, and the rude awakening her got that morning from Sarah. She tells him about being a girl in Thieve's Guild, what charmers Cajun boys are yet they're also smarmy and sly, and then she hears a noise and signals for Bobby to be quiet and not to move. She moves to the door and opens it, Sarah falling into the room. "Oof! Uh oh.." she says in surprise. "Bonjour Sarah." Juli says crouching down, "Were you comin' up ta say dinner ready, no?"
"Yup, dad sent me up." Sarah says. Bobby sighs. Juli gets up, holds out her hand to Bobby, and grins. "Well den.. Cajun food is best eaten warm." Bobby takes her hand and they head to the kitchen that way. Juli gets a little self-conscious and tells Bobby. He understands and suggests getting a shirt on before heading to dinner, and she does so. She returns and they head to dinner. All goes well much to Juli's relief and Bobby helps her clean-up. Bobby's parents head out to the den, and Sarah excuses herself to study for exams. She rinses the dishes and hands them to Bobby who loads them into the dishwasher. "What is Sarah studyin'?" she asks.
"No idea. All I know is she finished her exams two weeks ago." he says."Ah.. I never thought much about goin' t'college, just glad t'be outta high school." she makes a face at the thought of high school. "Your out of high school?" Bobby asks with surprise. Juli nods, "A year. I'm 19, been working since I got out.. not sure what I wanna do except I'm tired of being a t'ief. So I guess I'm not goin' inta politics den" she says with a grin.
Bobby closes the dishwasher. "Politicians never find true love anyways" he says with a grin.
"I'm tellin' ya..you a Cajun..somewhere." Juli grins, "Mabye while I'm up here I'll see about night classes." Bobby leans against the counter, "Nah just in love. And I think they're holding some at East Hills High School, I'm a sophomore there." "Uh oh..I dunno..never thought of me as a cradle robber" she says teasingly.
"Well, to rob the cradle, you have to catch the kid." He gives her a quick kiss and bolts out of the kitchen, Juli in hot pursuit. Juli clears the sofa in one leap and Bobby heads up the stairs laughing all the way. He barely makes it to the top step before Juli tackles him and sits on his legs. She laughs and tells him to never try and outrun a thief. He tackles her and kisses her. They are like that for moment and when he asks her if she loves him she pushes away and tells him he deserves some better than her. He says there isn't anyone better than her. She tells him about her 'brothers' in the Guild, one of which was the one that stole his dad's wallet. He tells her the time he rigged his dad's car so the seat would sink, and set the radio settings so they all played country, etc. The agree it way not be a good idea to be making out in the hallway either, so Juli suggests going out into the woods behind his house.
They head out into the woods, holding one another's hand, the brush crunching under their feet. They talk, laugh, and smile as they walk through the forest. A breeze brushes past their faces and Juli decides she's going to like it here. Bobby asks her if he can show her something, she says yes, and he climbs up the nearest tree and hangs there upside- down, his legs wrapped around the branch. She laughs, "Yer crazy.. ya know dat?" He grins his hair reaching for the ground, "What makes you say that?"
"Cause..ya are..navah met anyone like you" she says. Bobby smiles, "I've never met anyone like you either." He motions her to come closer and asks her to hold her arms out straight and close her eyes. She does this and he lifts her up by her arms and kisses her, sets her down. She opens her eyes and grins. He grins and dismounts the branch, lands on his feet and brushes his hair back with his hands.
Juli sits down against a tree and asks Bobby to sit with her. He does and wraps his arm around her when she leans her head against his shoulder. She gets more comfortable and slowing climbs into his embrace. "Jus thought.. you parents gonna care that I'm older?" she asks.
"Maybe, but I don't think it'll matter if we're in love."
She smiles, "yes.."
"yes what?"
"yes..I think I love you"
"think?"
She smiles up at him, "yes..I do..love you"
He smiles back, and she leans back against his chest as he holds her close. They watch the sunset together and she falls fast asleep, very comfortable and finally able to relax after all she's been through in the last 24 hours. He looks down and smiles warmly, lifting her into his arms, supporting her head on his shoulder. As he carries her into the house she snuggles deeper into his shoulder. He carries her up the stairs and to the guest room. She doesn't wake up as he sets her down on the bed, removes her shoes, and pulls the covers over her. He kisses her lightly on the cheek, and she smiles softly in her sleep. He takes on last look at her from the doorway, and quietly leaves the room.
Bobby's mom plays with her short black hair, and then calls up the stairs. "Bobby honey, Sarah and her friend are going to be here soon, are you getting ready?" she asks. Bobby appears over the railing, shirtless and in a pair of worn-out blue jeans. "Not yet, I'll be ready before they get here."
Juli played with the strap on her bag. She was more nervous than she had been on her first assignment. That had been cake compared to this. she had been hoping to be able to watch from a distance. She never expected to be having dinner with his family. His family.. his father. what if he recognized her? Blamed her? She leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes. She called up an image of her beloved swamp. She could hear the birds.. see the water.. feel it against her bare skin. This was an image that had helped her a lot in times of stress or even loneliness. All too soon Sarah was parking the car and announcing that they were home. {Oh God no..well.. her goes nothin.} She hoisted the bag onto her shoulder and fingered her leather jacket to follow Sarah inside.
"Mom, were home!" Sarah announces as she walks through the front door, "Oh for the love of pete Bobby, put a shirt on, no one is impressed by you flexing your muscles." Bobby looked down in surprise. "What would you know sis? Maybe you friend will dig my smooth as a groove bod," he says with a grin.
Just then Juli walks in, obviously nervous and looks up only to lock eyes with Bobby. Bobby jaw drops to the floor as fast as his arms do, his face a mixture of shock and 'a deer in the headlights.' When he recovers moments later, he turns a deep shade of crimson and bolts down the upstairs hall. A door can be heard slamming moments later.
As Sarah laughed, and his mother tried not to, Juli also turned red and became very interested in making sure the straps on her bag were secure. The laughter of Sarah echoed in her ears. {I knew it would be bad but had hoped for better.} Sarah was finally able to speak between her giggles and tapped Juli's shoulder as she speaks to her mother. "Mom.. this is Juliana Daniels. She's gonna be workin with me on my current job. Juli.. this is my mother Madeline Drake.. and the little streaker you just saw was my brother Bobby."
Juli stood up and extended her hand. "Pleased t'meet you Madame Drake. You have a lovely home.. T'ank you for allowin me t' share dinner wit' you."
Madeline composes herself and gently shakes Juli's hand. "Oh my, you're her! The young lady Bobby was flirting with in New Orleans. It's so good to finally meet you." She escorts Juli into the kitchen. "Sarah tells me you're cooking dinner tonight. It's all right by me, and if you need any help let me know."
Bobby sits on his bed, his head in his hand. {Why did she pick just then to walk through the door?? I'm so embarrassed.} He looked up at the full length mirror on the back of his door. He flexes a little, and then digs through his dresser. {What a I complaining about, I did want to see her again, just not right then.} He pulls on a long-sleeve shirt, an intact pair of jeans, combs his unruly hair, and heads out of his room.
Juli was a little taken aback by Madeline's friendliness and allowed her to steer her to the kitchen. " Oui.. if dat ok wit you.. she offer me a place t'stay her..an I don want a free ride..so I offered ta cook. But don want t'be a bother."
Madeline showed Juli where everything was in the kitchen then left. Juli looked around the bright airy room and then pulled out the chicken and preheated the oven. She took out onions, some fresh peas and carrots and prepared them. She rooted around in the cabinet and found flour and cornstarch. Another inspection and she found the spices. She had her back to the door and was soon lost in preparations for dinner.
William sets down his novel and leaves his den, having heard all the commotion out in the main hall. Finding no one there he heads into the kitchen and is taken aback by what he sees; A young lady with long blonde hair, dressed in a loose white tank-top and a pair of obviously worn blue jeans. "And who are you?" he asks with a surprised tone with a touch of authority.
Juli turned around and tried not to shake. This was the man that had treated her like dirt when she returned his wallet. At first she was scared, then she became slightly angry as her own voice took on an air of near defiance. "I'm Juliana Daniels. I work for Sarah now.. she offered me a place ta stay here, an I offered ta make dinner in return. You wife showed me de kitchen an den left. I t'ink she wit you daughter in de othah room. You can ask dem if you don believe me"
He looks at her with a little shock, Juli being a lot more straight forward then when he first encountered her. He leaves the kitchen, but starts talking before he gets through the door. "Sarah, can your mother and I have a talk with you.."
Before the door shuts, Bobby darts in, and sees Juli standing there. He turns a deep shade of crimson again. "Um..hi..Juliana.."
Juli continued to work with the chicken. "Hey yourself. Guess I cause some excitement around here non?" she placed the chicken in the oven and turned to face him. "Jus realized. You know my name, but I have no idea who anyone's name is 'cept you sister." She turned back to the fridge and began to rummage through it.
The heat drains from Bobby's face as he plays with the cuffs of the green long-sleeve shirt he's wearing. "Yeah, but dad's good at making a big fuss," he says. "And my name is Bobby, and William and Madeline are my parent's names. Just call them Mr. and Mrs. Drake until they say otherwise or my dad will have a litter." he quips as he holds the fridge door open.
She laughs at the litter comment and backs out holding salad fixings. "Now dat I'd pay money ta see. Good thin I got experience birthin litters. Nice ta meet ya Bobby..an ya can call me Juli. I t'ink you pere gonna run inta opposition tryin ta argue wit you mere an sister. Sarah at least strike me..as outspoken an..well pushy. Wouldn't take me stayin anywhere else."
As she spoke, she began to tear the lettuce and slice veggies. "Dinner be ready in about 45 minutes."
Bobby checks the door, makes the announcement, and comes back in. "You guessed it, he's losing bad." He snickers and sits at the table and watches Juli with curiosity and something else Juli can't name. "Why did you come to Long Island anyway Juli?" Bobby asks, "Was it because you didn't want to be a thief anymore, or because you wanted to be closer to me?" His words are not boastful, but filled with genuine concern.
Juli grinned and hopped up to sit on the counter. "Confident one you are. What makes ya t'ink I wanna be near you...or I'm a thief? Ain t ya evah heard of Serendipity? Means 'fortunate discovery'. Dats all dis is. Maybe I jus wanted a change a pace. What makes you t'ink dis got anythin ta do wit you eh?"
He sat there in complete shock, she had not only had she blown him off, she rubs it in. His look sours and looks of hurt and betrayal. "I don't know. Wasn't it your "colleague" who stole my dad's wallet in New Orleans? Wasn't it you who was flirting with me after that? Isn't it interesting that days after you show up here? I was happy that I could see you again. Now? I don't think I should even tell you how I feel about you.." He turns the chair to face away from her, choking back a sob as he does.
Juli looked at bobby and realized that he was on the verge of crying. {What kind of person am I?} She softly walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder."I'm sorry. I didn't mean t'hurt you. You right..I came here t'see you..jus..didn't expect it so soon. An as for de flirtin homme.. we both guilty a dat. if you want me t'leave I will."
Bobby holds her hand on his shoulder while he wiped away his tears. "No. Don't you dare leave yet, it's bad manners." he quips with a strained grin. He stands up and turns to face her, pushing the chair under the table. He takes her hand in his and gently places it against his chest. "My heart isn't broken Juli, only chipped. You can heal it. You hold the key to my heart, and if you turn it, I will tell you truthfully how I feel." He holds her slender hand there, awaiting her answer.
Juli looked into his face and bit her lip. Then without warning she gently kissed him. Breaking the kiss she shyly asked "dat heal it? You right..I came here ta find you. well.. data n another reason.. but you de main one"
Bobby smiled and whispered, "yeah" He kissed her gently in return, pulling her close to him. He was happy as he's ever been now that he's with her. "Um..I know this'll kill the mood..But I think we should get dinner started. My dad's grumpy when he doesn't eat."
Juli grinned but didn't pull away. "Already done.. jus gotta actually cook. So we got time." she looked at her watch. "Got about a half hour before it done. An me.. no offense..but I get a feelin dat you dad gonna be grumpy for a while wit me here"
Bobby shrugs. "No different from me living here. I drive him nuts on a weekly basis." he says with a grin. "Has Sarah shown you where the guest room is? I'll be glad to show you. Besides, Sarah probably has her ear to the door," he snickers as he hears footsteps bolt from the direction of the door.
'Dat be a good idea. I got here an was bought inta de kitchen. But Bobby..I t'ink I drive him a lil more nuts den you.. I don have t'be here like you do..so he can throw me out. I t'ink you right about Sarah.. she nevah make a good t'ief.. too noisy. My bag is out in de hallway I t'ink.."
He takes her left hand in his right, entwining his fingers in hers. "He throws you out, I come with you." They walk out and Bobby snatches up her bag as they head up the stairs, Sarah cheering them on, and his parent's watching silently.
Juli glanced at bobby. {How different he is from Julien.. so nice..an polite. All julien wanted was t'show off. Not dis one.I feel..safe. Wit Julien I was always on guard. but no one understan. Jus..hope I can fit in here.}
Bobby took her to the guest room and Juli walked around trying to get over the niceness of the room. {All dis for a guest? Wonder what de rest of de rooms look like.} She looked out of the window and grinned. The forest was no substitute for her swamp, but she liked it. As long as she had nature, she was happy. She turned back to Bobby grinning . She opened her bag and started to put things in drawers. her clothes were simple.. T shirts, jeans, some shorts.. and then on the bottom were all her books that she read again and again. In the pockets of the bag were her shower things. The only personal affects that she had bought were a picture of her and her father which went on the nightstand as well as her earring box.
He peeked out the door to the guest room to make sure Sarah isn't following, and satisfied that she isn't, closes it. He watches her unpack and sits on the bed, swinging his legs slightly. He knows deep down he loves her, not just the physical, or her accent, but for who she is. "I take it you like your room," he says with a smile.
"Oui.. I cant complain." She said with a smile. "So tell me bout you eh? If I'm goin ta stay..I'd like ta know you a lil better. You know a little bit more about me den I know bout you."
He signals for her to sit next to him on the bed, and she sits next to him. He tells her about his name, about his older sister Sarah who he is in a 'prankster war' with, and the rude awakening her got that morning from Sarah. She tells him about being a girl in Thieve's Guild, what charmers Cajun boys are yet they're also smarmy and sly, and then she hears a noise and signals for Bobby to be quiet and not to move. She moves to the door and opens it, Sarah falling into the room. "Oof! Uh oh.." she says in surprise. "Bonjour Sarah." Juli says crouching down, "Were you comin' up ta say dinner ready, no?"
"Yup, dad sent me up." Sarah says. Bobby sighs. Juli gets up, holds out her hand to Bobby, and grins. "Well den.. Cajun food is best eaten warm." Bobby takes her hand and they head to the kitchen that way. Juli gets a little self-conscious and tells Bobby. He understands and suggests getting a shirt on before heading to dinner, and she does so. She returns and they head to dinner. All goes well much to Juli's relief and Bobby helps her clean-up. Bobby's parents head out to the den, and Sarah excuses herself to study for exams. She rinses the dishes and hands them to Bobby who loads them into the dishwasher. "What is Sarah studyin'?" she asks.
"No idea. All I know is she finished her exams two weeks ago." he says."Ah.. I never thought much about goin' t'college, just glad t'be outta high school." she makes a face at the thought of high school. "Your out of high school?" Bobby asks with surprise. Juli nods, "A year. I'm 19, been working since I got out.. not sure what I wanna do except I'm tired of being a t'ief. So I guess I'm not goin' inta politics den" she says with a grin.
Bobby closes the dishwasher. "Politicians never find true love anyways" he says with a grin.
"I'm tellin' ya..you a Cajun..somewhere." Juli grins, "Mabye while I'm up here I'll see about night classes." Bobby leans against the counter, "Nah just in love. And I think they're holding some at East Hills High School, I'm a sophomore there." "Uh oh..I dunno..never thought of me as a cradle robber" she says teasingly.
"Well, to rob the cradle, you have to catch the kid." He gives her a quick kiss and bolts out of the kitchen, Juli in hot pursuit. Juli clears the sofa in one leap and Bobby heads up the stairs laughing all the way. He barely makes it to the top step before Juli tackles him and sits on his legs. She laughs and tells him to never try and outrun a thief. He tackles her and kisses her. They are like that for moment and when he asks her if she loves him she pushes away and tells him he deserves some better than her. He says there isn't anyone better than her. She tells him about her 'brothers' in the Guild, one of which was the one that stole his dad's wallet. He tells her the time he rigged his dad's car so the seat would sink, and set the radio settings so they all played country, etc. The agree it way not be a good idea to be making out in the hallway either, so Juli suggests going out into the woods behind his house.
They head out into the woods, holding one another's hand, the brush crunching under their feet. They talk, laugh, and smile as they walk through the forest. A breeze brushes past their faces and Juli decides she's going to like it here. Bobby asks her if he can show her something, she says yes, and he climbs up the nearest tree and hangs there upside- down, his legs wrapped around the branch. She laughs, "Yer crazy.. ya know dat?" He grins his hair reaching for the ground, "What makes you say that?"
"Cause..ya are..navah met anyone like you" she says. Bobby smiles, "I've never met anyone like you either." He motions her to come closer and asks her to hold her arms out straight and close her eyes. She does this and he lifts her up by her arms and kisses her, sets her down. She opens her eyes and grins. He grins and dismounts the branch, lands on his feet and brushes his hair back with his hands.
Juli sits down against a tree and asks Bobby to sit with her. He does and wraps his arm around her when she leans her head against his shoulder. She gets more comfortable and slowing climbs into his embrace. "Jus thought.. you parents gonna care that I'm older?" she asks.
"Maybe, but I don't think it'll matter if we're in love."
She smiles, "yes.."
"yes what?"
"yes..I think I love you"
"think?"
She smiles up at him, "yes..I do..love you"
He smiles back, and she leans back against his chest as he holds her close. They watch the sunset together and she falls fast asleep, very comfortable and finally able to relax after all she's been through in the last 24 hours. He looks down and smiles warmly, lifting her into his arms, supporting her head on his shoulder. As he carries her into the house she snuggles deeper into his shoulder. He carries her up the stairs and to the guest room. She doesn't wake up as he sets her down on the bed, removes her shoes, and pulls the covers over her. He kisses her lightly on the cheek, and she smiles softly in her sleep. He takes on last look at her from the doorway, and quietly leaves the room.