January 1988 – New beginnings

Apparently coincidental, admitted by both, yet regular library meetings mostly every other day from 8pm till midnight just weren't cutting it anymore. Elizabeth consumed every part of Henry's brain and, admittedly, she had already, undoubtedly, prominently marched her way into his aching heart. Elizabeth was – is – all he can think about. Just like this morning. Monday, January 4th. He got up early. A quick goodbye, hugs included for his mom and favourite siblings, and out the door. Headed straight back to where he longed to be. He had not seen nor heard Elizabeth for about two weeks. 13 days to be exact. 316 hours, to be even more exact. That's a rough 18,000 minutes. He'd done the math on his way back to UVA. He did have 5 hours to kill. That's 300 minutes. That's 18,000 seconds. Time was dragging.

Henry had spent the majority of his Christmas break with his raucous family in Pittsburgh. Sulking mostly because he missed her being. Her voice. Her fragrance. He missed her. This exquisite person; all alone for the holidays, 300 miles from him, in Charlottesville, Virginia. However strong he knew she was, his heart simply broke for her. His hopes were high that she would be in the library tonight. Just a couple more hours until he could see her. Hear her. Be with her. Mostly in silence, but the few minutes that they did take an actual break from their books, he cherished most. He'd made up his mind. He was going to see her. Study with her. And he was going to ask her out. And he so desperately hoped she would be on board. To go out with him.

He found her in her spot. Head bent down. Head in her books. Of course. Sometimes he wished he were a book. He was ready to open up to her. To put his feelings on the table in front of her. Like a math equation, waiting to be solved. The way she juggled with numbers and x's; the way she'd hold her pencil to create utter magic. At least to Henry it was magic. Her study group that once in a while interfered with his alone time with her, were, undeniably so unlike Elizabeth. She was a math major with movie star quality. Her peers were meant to take on jobs one day in the confines of the darkest places on earth or beyond even. "Merry Christmas, Elizabeth." He sighed. She looked up. He smiled. "And a happy new year."

She'd studied for most of her break. Hadn't left her dorm unless she'd run out of cereal. She hadn't seen Will even though they had agreed to spend Christmas Day together. She'd been reading that day and, to Henry, it didn't seem to bother her all that much. She admitted that today was the first time she'd actually put on anything other than pyjamas. Henry could only hope it was because she knew he'd be coming back today. He had hoped she would be there to study. But he hoped she was there to see him. She seemed to be in a good place. She seemed rested and calm. He enjoyed being here with her. Like this. No one else around. Just them. He watched her study. He watched her until closing time. Then he walked her out. And then.

"Hey, listen," he took one more breath to get a hold of his nerves. "How would you feel about having dinner with me tomorrow?"

She halted.

He stopped as well and turned to look at her.

"Why?" she asked. Her hands were twitching while clutched around her books.

"Well, A, because we all need to eat. B, because I don't think you've had anything else but pop corn, ice cream or cereal the last couple of weeks. C, because we could talk without any books taking up our attention. I could give you an entire alphabet of reasons." He waited.

"Please do."

He shrugged. Surprised by her reply. "O-kay," he inhaled. "D, because I would really enjoy the co-," he was interrupted.

"I was joking," she quipped.

His mouth froze with the final o-sound he was making. "Oh."

"I would really like that, Henry."

"Great," he made a barely noticeable jump while saying that.

"Shall I pick you up at 6?"

"Great," she imitated his exact hop.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Elizabeth."

"Good night. Thanks for walking me home."

She craved food. And she raged through her food. Her fries and burger had vanished in record time. Henry offered her more of his burger and his fries but she politely declined at first. During their conversation, however, she unwarily stole one here and there. It made Henry feel comfortable, knowing she was comfortable enough to take his food. She was at ease. She spoke, laughed, asked, and enjoyed herself. Even though she couldn't wait until he was done so they could start their game of bowling. As soon as her turn was over, she impatiently waited until Henry was done so she could throw another strike. This girl could eat, and bowl. And she looked absolutely exquisite in a loose jeans and a Peter Frampton sweater. And she was here with him. And he couldn't be happier about that.

"You, Adams, are a baller," he admitted after she'd defeated him.

"Well, my dad wanted a son and until Will was at the rightful age of 7 to catch and throw somewhat decently," she hesitated, "I was his number one player."

He sensed her wavering, wishing not to continue. She hadn't meant to bring up her father. And she swallowed hard.

"But then the accident happened?" Henry asked sympathetically as he glanced at her sideways.

The topic of losing both her parents at an early age had popped up once or twice before. Henry always gave her room to elaborate but she never did.

She simply nodded to answer his question.

Again, he offered her the opportunity to speak if she desired to discuss her parents but she didn't. He opened the door to the passenger's seat for her and she gave him a thankful smile.

"Whereto, miss?" he enquired as he started the engine.

Her head turned in a flash and she looked at him squarely.

"Home, I guess," she spoke softly, her head downwards as she said it.

Henry, gentleman from beginning until what was almost the end, parked his car near the East Gardens on campus. He opened his trunk and gathered a bag of popcorn and nudged her towards a bench. He wanted to tell her he'd had a fantastic time this evening. He wanted to look into her eyes and tell her how he felt, had felt about her for quite some time now. And he wanted to kiss her. And he wanted to be with her. But he couldn't scare her away. He opened the bag of popcorn and grabbed a handful before passing her the bag. He'd never get it back. He didn't want it back. It was hers. And one day he hoped she'd be his. One day. She shivered noticeably after some time. He stood and offered to walk her home.

"Elizabeth, I had a really great time tonight," Henry started when they were near the entrance of her building.

She blushed and again her head fell forward.

"I could give you an entire alphabet of reasons why."

He noticed she managed to smile.

"I really enjoyed being with you this evening."

She remained quiet. However, there was a hint of expectation in her eyes.

"And I would really like for us to do this again. Soon."

She looked up now and smiled wider.

"I would really like to …," he started.

"Me too," she said.

It was Henry who looked down, relieved she felt the same. He looked right back up though.

"Really," Elizabeth stated.

"Thanks, Henry. For tonight," she examined his lips.

He followed her eyes.

"Will you be in the library tomorrow?"

"You want to hear the 26 reasons?" he joked.

She leaned in closer and tilted her head a little.

As she placed the softest of kisses to the corner of his mouth, Henry closed his eyes to old ends and opened his heart to new beginnings.