The Douglas Farm

Oliver made his way through his corn and tomato fields and finally ended up in the southern most part of his farm, where Eb's favorite spot was located. He went around some trees and finally spotted Eb, sitting on the boulders he only went to when he wanted to have some privacy. Oliver went up to him and tapped him lightly on the shoulder.

"Eb," Oliver said. Eb turned around to see who was behind him and jumped at the sight of Oliver standing right behind him.

"Mr. Douglas," Eb got up and wiped the tears away from his eyes, "what are you doing here?"

"I came here to tell you to come home. Mrs. Douglas is worried about you." Oliver said.

"No, Mr. Douglas, I can't go back. Ever! I hurt Mrs. Douglas. I set the barn on fire and put her in danger. I can't ever face her or you again!"

"Eb, that's ridiculous. Mrs. Douglas isn't mad at you and neither am I." Oliver tried to convince. "It was an accident. I realize that now." Oliver paused. "And I'm sorry for yelling at you before."

"Mr. Douglas, I didn't run away because you yelled at me, I ran away because I realized you were right. I was careless and it almost cost the life of someone I cared about."

"You were sick." Oliver said.

"That's still no excuse!" Eb cried. "It was still my fault. And I can't go back there with you and Mrs. Douglas knowing that I caused both of you so much pain." Eb turned away from Oliver so he wouldn't see the tears running down his cheeks.

Oliver looked at Eb sadly. "Eb, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying I'm leaving as soon as I can figure out where to go and how to get there." Eb said without turning around.

"Eb, you can't leave. It would break my wife's heart. She would miss you. I would miss you." Oliver admitted.

Eb turned around, not believing his ears. "Do you really mean that, Mr. Douglas?"

"Of course, Eb. Despite my best efforts, you have become part of the family." Oliver smiled.

"Gosh, Mr. Douglas, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me!"

"Well, I mean it." Oliver said sincerely. Eb walked over to Oliver and enveloped him in a hug. To his surprise, Oliver returned it. There was a momentary awkward silence that followed.

"Now will you please come back to the house? My wife must be frantic with worry." Oliver said in attempt to break the silence.

"Sure, dad." Eb smiled mischievously.

"Good boy, son." Oliver smiled back.

Eb looked at him in disbelief. "Did you just call me son?"

"Yeah, but don't get used to it. Once this close moment between us is over, we're going back to normal." Oliver said. Eb looked at Oliver, who smiled and winked at him.

"Let's go, I'm starving." Eb said.

"We'll you're not in much luck. Mrs. Douglas made hotcakes."

"Really?" Eb asked disappointed.

"Yep. And it gets worse. She burned them, too."

"Maybe I should have run away when I had the chance!"

Oliver laughed, and together they walked back to the house.

Back at the House

Lisa had been pacing around the room for a while now. She finally decided to sit on the couch again and tried to take her mind off of Eb by reading a magazine, when the door opened.

"Eb!" Lisa cried when she caught sight of him. She jumped up from her chair, ran over to Eb, and hugged him.

"Lisa, be careful. The doctor said you shouldn't get up too quickly." Oliver said reprimanding.

"It's all right, Dahling. I haven't been sitting down for long." Lisa explained. She turned back to Eb. "Eb, I vas so vorried about you! Is everything alright between you and my husband?"

"Yes, ma'am. Everything is hunky dory!" Eb said.

"Good, I'm glad. Now let's all go to the kitchen and eat some supper." At that, Lisa turned and headed to the kitchen. Eb and Oliver exchanged apprehensive glances, and then regretfully followed Lisa to eat her, what they called them, heartburns on a plate.

Awww, that was a sweet moment between Eb and Oliver! I knew Oliver really liked Eb! Well, that does it for the drama! Now comes the romance! We're on our way to the ball!