DISCLAIMER: Characters of Veronica Mars, the canon events of their storylines, and recognizable dialogue belong to Rob Thomas.

A/N:

To the new readers who have recently joined me on this journey: Welcome!

To those who took the time to comment on the last chapter (or while re-reading the previous fics in this series): Thank you for your kind words. It means so much to me when I hear from you.

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Veronica is about to start her junior year … at yet another college. Although Hearst College is fictional, the University of Seville and Sweet Briar College both exist. SBC is a small private women's college in rural Virginia (about 3 hours southwest of Washington, D.C.). I take some time in this chapter to describe the SBC campus, but if you're curious about what it looks like, search YouTube for the video titled "Fall at Sweet Briar College."

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Chapter 6 occurs between August 2008 and December 2008 in my modified timeline. This chapter includes fall semester of her junior year and continues through her holiday break.

This chapter picks up on the same day as the ending of the previous chapter.


Chapter 6

Dad had traveled with me when I visited Sweet Briar College earlier in the summer. But he still insisted on accompanying me when I left for fall semester.

We arrived in Virginia the day before move-in day. Dad wanted to have time to shop locally for bedding, towels, toiletries, and school supplies—things I had not brought with me. I had decided to limit what I packed in my luggage: clothes, laptop, camera, photos of family and friends, my favorite mug, etc. Before we left, Dad had me pick out some winter clothes, which he would order and have shipped to me in a couple months.

It had been much easier going to college on the other side of town and continuing to live in our apartment. Plus … no need for winter clothes and boots.

Dad and I had taken a late-night flight from San Diego, California, to Charlotte, North Carolina. He was able to sleep most of the flight, but I kept waking up. From Charlotte, we took a smaller plane to the regional airport in Lynchburg, Virginia.

He drove our rental car north from Lynchburg toward Sweet Briar. After we checked into the hotel, we went out for dinner and then did some shopping.

"Seriously, Dad. You don't need to buy me everything in the store."

"I'm not. But the school is in the middle of nowhere, honey. It's not like you can walk to town or even take public transportation."

"If it turns out that I forgot something or realize I need something, I'm sure someone can give me a ride to the store."

When we got back to the hotel, I organized my purchases. I didn't want move-in to be any more chaotic than it had to be.

Then, I walked down to the pool so I could have some privacy to call Eli.

While we talked, I closed my eyes so I could focus on the sound of his voice. We didn't talk about anything important. He asked about my trip. And I told him about the shopping we had done.

When he got quiet, I asked, "Eli, you still there?"

"Yeah. Just lying here … and …" He sighed and then said, "My sheets still smell like you."

"Eli …"

"I know, Mia. It's just … I miss you. So. Damn. Much." He paused. "I'm sorry. I don't wanna make this more difficult than it already is."

"I told you not to apologize for telling me how you're feeling." When he didn't respond, I added, "I miss you too."

A few minutes later, we ended the call after telling each other, "I love you."

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Call me paranoid, but after what Piz went through on his first day at Hearst, I didn't want to leave any of my stuff in the rental car overnight. So we had taken everything up to our room for the night. That meant we had to allow time in the morning to pack up the car.

We were on campus first thing in the morning because Dad wanted to get me there as soon as the doors opened. I was the first one to step up to the check-in table. And wow, was I thankful for that.

A petite brunette wearing pink and green—the school's colors—greeted me with a smile and explained that they just found out that there was a single room available. She continued, "I don't know the details of why it's empty, but I was told to give it away on a first-come-first-served basis. So it's yours if you want it."

It seemed like a no-brainer, but I wanted to ask a few questions before committing. I had been placed in the newest dorm, but this single room was in one of the older dorms, which had been built in 1908. After pulling a few more pieces of info from her, it was clear that there were pros and cons to both options.

"Could I take a look at the single and then give you my answer?" I asked.

"Absolutely. Here's the key. Second floor. Take a right. It's at the end of the hall."

The room was equipped with the standard dresser, desk, and bed. There was also a closet. Sure, it was small, but I'd have my own little bubble to escape to.

I had never shared a room with anyone—other than on vacation or staying overnight with Eli. As an only child, I had my own room. Also during the FBI internship and my year abroad. If I was being honest with myself, I was a little nervous about the idea of sharing a room with someone. Although Mac and Wallace had liked their roommates, I had heard more than a few roommate horror stories from other people.

When I got back outside, I found Dad, who had moved my things away from the check-in line.

"So, what's it gonna be, kiddo?"

"I'm taking the single."

"Not surprised."

I got back in line to complete my check-in process.

Equipped with a campus map and several other papers, which included the hours of operation and contact info for the bookstore, dining hall, and anything else on campus I might need, Dad and I carried the first load of stuff up to my room.

After unloading everything, Dad moved the car while I started to unpack. The first thing I did was put my clothes in the dresser and closet.

I was sliding my suitcases under my bed when Dad returned. He immediately made himself useful, pulling school supplies out of shopping bags and handing them to me as I put them into desk drawers. Although I knew I would end up reorganizing later, I tried to put things away quickly without overthinking it.

Then, we went down to the bookstore. He had already bought me a sweatshirt and T-shirt, plus a few other items with the school name or crest. And, of course, one item with the school mascot: the Vixen, an adorable female fox. So, our intent when entering the store was just to buy the textbooks I needed for my classes. But Dad decided he needed the full array of "Sweet Briar dad" swag. He ended up with a T-shirt, car magnet, mug, keychain, and baseball hat. Plus, a few things for the Fennels.

"You sure you don't need one or two more things, Dad?"

"Right now, I'm at a reasonable level for any proud parent. At some point, it would spill into over-the-top territory."

"So, you do recognize that there is a line that should not be crossed?"

"Of course."

"Dad … that line? Yeah, look behind you."

As he handed his credit card to the woman at the register, he turned to me and said, "Apparently, we have a difference of opinion about the location of that line. A territorial dispute, if you will. Not gonna stop me from wearing and displaying my school pride."

"But it's not your school."

Pointing at the letters on the hat, he said, "Which is why I got the stuff clearly marked D-A-D."

I picked up a few shopping bags as I shook my head at him and prayed that he wouldn't say: Who's your daddy?

He walked me back up to my dorm, carrying the heavier bags that contained books. Then, we had a tearful goodbye before he headed to the rental car for the drive to the regional airport.

When Dad left, I took my bedding to the laundry room. The downside to packing light: I couldn't make my bed until I washed the new linens we bought.

While waiting for the washer to finish, I decided to decorate. First, I pulled out the photos of family and friends: my Dad and the Fennels, Eli and the Navarro family, Sean, Mac, Felix, the Velasco family, and last but not least, Backup.

In addition to some printed photos, I'd had a few posters made of my favorite shots from my year abroad. Plus, a beach sunset pic taken during my summer at home in Neptune. There wasn't much wall space left after I hung up all the photos and posters. But it made my heart happy to be surrounded by images of people I loved and places that held special meaning for me.

After getting another load of laundry started, I continued putting things away in my room. It didn't take long for me to notice that taking this single room had been a good choice, especially because of its location. Even with everyone moving in, very little noise traveled down to the end of the hall.

Although I had opted to rent a combination microwave-fridge, I was curious to see the kitchen on the lower level of Randolph Hall, my new home. So, I grabbed my travel mug, a tea bag, and a packet of sweetener, and then I headed downstairs. I said hello to a few people on my way down the hall and as I passed the common area on the main floor. In the kitchen, I found a wide selection of pots and pans, utensils, flatware, and more. If I decided to do any baking, I would only need to buy a few things to make that happen.

While hunting through the cabinets, I found the tea kettle. After I finished making my tea, I headed outside to walk around a bit. A couple weeks ago, I had spent some time looking at the campus map. But I wanted to get familiar with the location of a few key buildings in relation to my new dorm, which was not the one I had expected to be living in.

I started by exploring Upper Quad and then made my way down to Lower Quad, where the bookstore and dining hall were located. Then, back up to the chapel and along the road—past classroom buildings, the library, the fine arts building, and fields for soccer, lacrosse, and softball. There were two lakes. And a stable filled with horses.

I had taken my phone with me. So during my walk, Eli and I exchanged a few texts. I sent a few pictures of the campus and told him I ended up with a single room.

More than an hour later, I made my way back to my dorm. My mug was empty, and I was in need of a bathroom.

Just as I got back to my room, the RA dropped by to invite me to join everyone in the common room at 7:00 p.m.

She explained, "I've got popcorn and a selection of movies for the group to choose from."

I decided to go, and I had a surprisingly good time. I found that I had a few things in common with these young women, but I didn't exactly reveal everything about myself. After my experiences in D.C. and in Spain, I was more skilled at crafting a narrative that included only the information I wanted people to know about me. Given a little time, I might decide to let some of them know all about the real me. But starting out in another new place, stealth and caution were my watchwords.

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When I finalized my transfer, I had declared my major as psychology with a minor in Spanish. I was encouraged by my new advisor to take a class that would get me outdoors—she had strong feelings about wellness, both physical and mental.

No surprise, given the options at Sweet Briar … I registered for a course titled "Introduction to Horses and Riding." Dad had not yet bought me a pony, but at least I could learn how to ride and care for any horse I might have in the future. Because … some dreams never die.

And I had to agree with my advisor about getting outdoors when I was living in a place as beautiful as this. There were spectacular views in every direction.

I continued to use my daily run as a time to clear my head and think things through. There were plenty of routes and trails to explore without leaving the campus, which was approximately 3,000 acres. Anytime I looked across a meadow or went past the lakes, I couldn't help but think that Backup would really like it here.

During the first few weeks of the semester, I was given a crash course in Sweet Briar traditions—to prepare me for Founders' Day in mid-September. The March to Monument Hill was done in honor of the founders' daughter, Daisy, to whom the school was dedicated. The underclasswomen dressed in white; the seniors wore graduation gowns. Everyone laid daisies at the foot of the monument.

As we walked up the hill, I thought about everything I had been told about the history of the school, which had been established in 1901, and the many notable women who had attended, including Jackie Kennedy's mother.

The young women I met in the first few weeks of the semester ranged from people who I could see being lifelong friends of mine … all the way to the other end of the spectrum.

I had thought 09ers were intense. But many of the rich families in Neptune would be considered "new money." By comparison, most of these rich families were "old money."

Although it seemed that Hearst students flashed their "entitlement cards" any chance they got, Sweet Briar students were different. It was hard to explain, but they didn't seem to feel the need to assert their entitled status—at least not within the SBC campus bubble. But the attitude was there under the surface.

One night while using the kitchen in the basement of my dorm, I found a plastic cup that someone had written on with a black Sharpie. Above and below the seal of the school, the following words were handwritten: "If you haven't heard of us, you can't afford us."

There was a lot of truth in that statement. And I would not have been able to attend Sweet Briar if they hadn't offered me a full scholarship—which I would not have gotten without a recommendation from Selma Hearst Rose.

Access to power and privilege was directly related to the people you know. I've known that since I was a child.

Having spent my formative years hanging out on the fringes of the 09er world (and doing my best to get on Celeste's good side by doing things like using the right silverware at the right time), that experience was coming in handy now. Also, having spent a year abroad studying in Spain and traveling to a few other countries … that definitely helped me blend in when my classmates talked about their world travels.

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At some point, I finally met the girl who would have been my roommate. She was not insulted at all, since my choice to take a single meant that she had a room to herself too. If I had to guess by the way Tabitha Harrison dressed, I'd say she spent every weekend sailing. But in contrast to most of the rich and the beautiful living in the 90909 zip code, Tabby seemed genuinely nice.

One day at lunch, Tabby asked if my parents were coming for Families Weekend, another tradition on the school calendar during fall semester.

"My dad will be," I replied.

"Oh, good!" Tabby breathed a sigh of relief like some crisis had been averted. "My father will be so pleased to hear that."

"Why is that?" I just had to know why this was important to her. And her father, apparently.

"He used to be on the board. And he's still friends with most of them and the administration. When word got around that you were transferring, he immediately read your dad's book."

Wait … what?!

Thankfully, it was just the two of us at the table so I could ask her a few questions. "So … does everyone know?" I didn't spell out what it was that people might or might not know.

"Obviously, the board and administration. Probably some of the faculty. And some students like me … whose parents have the right connections and took an interest." She glanced at me and added, "Oh, don't worry. It's not like we've all been talking about you."

Okay. Assuming that she was telling the truth, the situation was not as bad as it could have been.

But how long would it take for that kind of news to spread? Because really, how many Sweet Briar students have been that closely associated with a scandal?

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The next week, Dad arrived for Families Weekend. And so did Eli, who had texted me at the last minute to let me know he'd be able to come.

I was thrilled to see them both. But I was also a bit nervous about how the weekend would go.

Having these two worlds collide was … interesting. Having Eli in D.C. and then in Spain had been strange, but not as strange as this.

Tabby and her parents, Fredrick and Elizabeth Harrison—who insisted that we call them Fritz and Bitsy—sought us out a few times during the weekend.

Fritz talked with my dad, asking for details about his true crime book. Then, Tabby's father changed his focus to my boyfriend: "Eli. Earlier, I heard you mention restoring a 1966 Mustang. I also have a '66 … though I keep it in storage most of the time, and I didn't do the restoration myself."

"Well, to be honest, I only did part of it myself," Eli said. "My uncle did the rest."

"What part did you do?"

"I rebuilt the engine and—"

"That's impressive," Fritz said.

"Actually, his specialty is motorcycles," I interjected into their conversation.

For the next half hour, the two of them talked about Eli's shop and how much the business had grown over the past two years.

While Eli and Fritz were engrossed in that discussion, Bitsy asked my dad what it was like living in a town filled with famous people. Dad did an admirable job looking like he cared as he answered her series of questions.

Tabby leaned over to whisper in my ear, "She doesn't like it to be widely known, but my mom reads the tabloids religiously."

I just nodded and replied, "Sounds that way."

When her parents were leaving on Sunday, her dad pulled me to the side. He said he was impressed with me and that I should get in touch with him if he could be of any help with internships, grad school, jobs, etc. Tabby had mentioned that he worked in the Department of Education. It looked like the decision to transfer to Sweet Briar would provide more connections and open doors than I could have imagined.

Saying goodbye to Dad was far from easy, but parting with Eli was incredibly difficult. It seemed that each goodbye was harder to say. Before they got in the car to leave, I sensed a shift in Eli's mood, but I tried not to read too much into that. It was probably nothing more than him wishing we'd had more time together.

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During lunch on Monday, I was sitting with Tabby and a few girls I had class with. Tabby commented that her father had been impressed with Eli, saying that he was surprisingly savvy for such a young business owner.

One of the other girls asked what she meant by that.

Tabby continued, "I think he was mainly talking about the contracts that Eli negotiated with the production companies."

Another girl responded, "Ooh! Really?! Does he know any movie stars?"

Tabby responded before I could. "Of course. So does Veronica."

"Well, tell us … who do you know?"

Obviously, I didn't want to bring up Aaron Echolls. But there were other names I could drop. "I've met Conner Larkin a couple times. Got to visit him on set. Played poker with him once. And actually, Eli was also at that poker game."

From there, the conversation shifted to my boyfriend. A couple of them commented that he was hot, and they asked how many tattoos he had. They didn't have anything bad to say about him. But there was an undercurrent in everything they said: They seemed surprised that I would be dating someone who hadn't gone to college.

Just as we were finishing lunch, one of the girls said, "I overheard something the other day. And well, I wanted to ask you directly … you know, not go behind your back."

"Go ahead." I appreciated her directness, but I was a little nervous about what she might ask.

"Earlier, when we were talking about celebrities in your hometown … you didn't mention Aaron Echolls." She paused. "Someone told me that … well, is it true?"

"Since I'm not sure what you were told, I can't tell you if it's true or not."

Tabby jumped in, "You could just read her dad's book. You're asking about the murder, right? All the details are in there, including Veronica's part in solving the case."

The other girls looked at me to verify what she had said. I just nodded and stayed quiet.

"She was your best friend, right? And you also went to school with his son?"

"Yep. And I dated her brother for a while." As I picked up my tray, I added, "I think that about covers it."

Fabulous. It would take about five minutes for that information to make its way through the less than 700 students enrolled at Sweet Briar.

Thank God the video of Piz and me had not surfaced. I mean, if I couldn't find it, I doubted any of them could.

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For the first several weeks of the semester, Eli and I had talked a couple times a week. And we had texted almost every day.

But after Families Weekend, that changed. It was more than a week until I was able to reach him by phone. He had texted, telling me that work was hectic. I was trying not to be paranoid, but it felt like he was avoiding me.

When we finally talked, I mentioned that Tabby's father had offered to help me with connections or recommendations for internships and grad school.

"Not surprised, V. Always told you it was just a matter of time before the world found out how amazing you are."

Before we ended the call, I asked him if everything was okay, saying that he'd been acting different at the end of Families Weekend—and since then.

He replied, "Everything's fine. Just been busy. And that weekend … we didn't get much one-on-one time."

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Dad had asked for a list of winter clothing items that I needed—and I added a few that I didn't exactly need but wanted. I was thankful that he had not forgotten to place the order because it started to get cold sooner than I had expected. And although some of the students did not consider the temperatures low enough to merit gloves, I was not used to seeing such low numbers in the forecast.

Something else I was glad I had taken care of ahead of time … requesting an absentee ballot. It was my first time voting in a presidential election. I asked Dad for info on the local Neptune races, but I had been following the presidential race since before I returned from Spain. And I had watched parts of both the Democratic and Republican conventions during summer.

As the election got closer, it became difficult to avoid political conversations. The campus population seemed to lean to the right. However, when I heard students voice their opinions, most of them seemed to be socially moderate while also expressing a fiscally conservative stance. In some cases, it was obvious who they would be voting for—but not always.

It seemed that everyone I knew planned to watch the results on election night. I was invited to watch with multiple groups of people—each watching a different network's coverage.

In the end, I chose to watch in the common room of my dorm. That way, if I needed to escape any interpersonal issues, all I had to do was walk up one flight of stairs and go to my room.

Thankfully, even those who had voted for different candidates made an effort to respect each other's choices and opinions.

When the networks declared the winner around 11 o'clock, the TV cameras panned the crowd in Chicago's Grant Park, showing their reaction to the news that Barack Obama had been elected the 44th president of the United States.

When Senator John McCain gave his concession speech, he made it clear that he respected the newly elected president and intended to work with him. And he encouraged his supporters to offer the president-elect their goodwill and to find ways to connect across the lines that divided the American people.

The bipartisan sentiment was also reflected in Obama's victory speech, which included the following words:

"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship

and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long …"

At the end of his speech, there was a passionate and prolonged period of applause. As Vice President-elect Joe Biden joined the president-elect on stage, I recognized the music being pumped through the sound system. It was the score from the movie Remember the Titans. That choice was both inspired and inspiring.

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After the election, the campus settled back into its normal rhythm for a few weeks. And then, just like that … it was time for Thanksgiving break.

Sean had mentioned to her parents that I had transferred to Sweet Briar, which was less than five hours from her parents' house. So, her mom called me and invited me to spend the holiday week with them.

When her mother picked me up the Friday before Thanksgiving, she suggested that we make a little stop on the way. Sean's mother was just as proud of her state as Sean was. And she felt it was important for me to see The Greenbrier, a luxury resort nestled in the mountains of West Virginia.

We were there long enough to eat a meal, have a look around the public areas of the hotel, and take a short walk around the grounds. The place was über-luxurious and made the Neptune Grand look like a budget hotel. As we walked, she talked about The Greenbrier's storied history, which included a formerly secret underground bunker that was built during the Cold War as an emergency shelter for Congress.

After spending a couple hours there, we got back in the car for the remainder of the drive. Apparently, I had missed the peak of fall colors by about a month, but still, scenery was beautiful.

My week at their house was delightful. It was exactly what I needed—rest, relaxation, and good food. I had known the moment I met Sean that I liked her, but at the time, I had no idea what a good friend she would become.

Dad was disappointed that I wouldn't be at the Fennel-Mars house for the feast. But he was glad that I would not be alone. We talked a couple of times that week, including an extended call on Thanksgiving Day when the phone got passed around until I had spoken with everyone.

The only downside to the week … I had hoped I'd get to talk to Eli more than once. And the one and only conversation we did have that week didn't go very well. We didn't exactly fight, but the phone call was filled with tension and awkwardness. After replaying it in my head for days, I still had no idea what had caused it.

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After Thanksgiving break, everyone was in the holiday spirit—decking their dorm rooms with decor both merry and bright, while they listened to their favorite holiday music. There was a tree lighting ceremony and a traditional Christmas service in the chapel, including lessons and carols. The service was followed by a party with sweet treats and hot drinks. There were additional events celebrating the holiday traditions of other faiths and cultures.

All the fun and reindeer games tried to pull my focus during the last days of class before finals. In the end, I decided to roll with it and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

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Then, in a twinkling, finals were over, and I was on a plane headed for California to spend the holiday break with my family.

Sweet Briar was quickly becoming my home away from home. It was more peaceful than Neptune—which was a truly lovely thing. The quality of the education was exceptional. And I was surrounded by women who encouraged me to be the best version of myself—and who I believed would have my back in most circumstances. I was pleasantly surprised by all of this.

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I had slept most of the flight and was still a little groggy as I made my way toward the baggage carousel. While I waited for my suitcase, I checked my text messages to see who was picking me up. I had hoped that Eli would meet me at the airport, but the message on my screen told me that Wallace was the one waiting outside in his car.

During the drive home, I chatted with my BFF for a few minutes before I started to nod off. Finally, I said, "I'm sorry, Wallace. Can we finish this conversation after I've slept for a few … um, days?"

"Yeah." He laughed and said, "Go to sleep. I'll wake you when we get home."

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I slept until 2:00 p.m. the next day. When I finally climbed out of bed, my mind no longer felt fuzzy.

After dinner, the Fennel-Mars family finished decorating the tree. Alicia and I made cookies—with a little help from Darrell, who was adorably happy that I was home.

Later that night, everyone else had gone to bed, but I was wide awake. I surfed through TV channels until I found the 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street—the original black and white, not the colorized version. During a commercial, I made some hot cocoa and put a few cookies on a napkin.

Backup had followed me to the kitchen and then back to the couch. Just after I curled up under a cozy blanket, my phone buzzed.

U awake? OK if I call?

Almost a week ago, I had texted Eli to let him know my flight info, and he had sent a quick "cya soon" but nothing since then.

There was about half an hour left of the movie. I'd seen it before—many times—but I had been looking forward the watching Natalie Wood find the cane next to the fireplace in her dream house.

I picked up the remote and turned the volume down. Then I called Eli.

"Hello, beautiful."

"Hey there ..."

He was quiet for a moment before asking, "How was your flight?"

"Uneventful."

"Glad to hear it."

The line was silent so long that I wondered if the call had dropped.

Finally, he spoke. "How was your day?"

"I slept in. Then we had family time this evening."

"Sounds nice."

"It was." Again, there was a long stretch of silence. After taking my mug to the kitchen sink, I asked, "Is everything okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"Just what I said … Is everything okay?" I settled in under the blanket again.

"Yeah … everything's fine."

We'd been here before. I couldn't make him talk. He would talk when he was ready. So, I dropped the subject and asked a different question. "What's your schedule like this week?"

"Booked up the next couple days. But then I can carve out some time."

"Well, I guess I can keep myself busy for a few days." After hearing him yawn again, I said, "Sounds like you need some sleep."

"Yeah, probably." He paused and then added, "I've got an early morning."

"Eli …"

"Yeah?"

"Do you mind me asking … you don't have to answer if you …" I wasn't sure how to ask the question. Or even if I should ask.

"Just ask the question, V."

"Have you been … Are you still going to therapy?"

He didn't answer right away. He sighed into the phone and then said, "Yes … but not as often as last year." When I didn't respond, he asked, "Something else you wanted to ask?"

"Is there … anything we need to talk about?"

The fact that he didn't answer immediately concerned me.

Finally, he said, "I'll see you soon, querida."

After we said our goodbyes, I sat there staring at my phone as the movie played softly in the background. Backup put his head in my lap and looked up at me with sad eyes.

Eli had been distant the past couple months. I thought it would resolve when I got home for the holidays. But that conversation told me it hadn't. And that he was in no hurry to see me.

When the movie ended, I made a mug of tea and got a few more cookies. Knowing that I would be awake for a while, I flipped through channels. Finding nothing, I put The Muppet Christmas Carol in the DVD player.

Backup kept me company for the entire movie. And when I went upstairs, he came with me. As I climbed into bed, he tilted his head as if to ask if he was allowed in bed with me.

"Come on," I said as I patted the space next to me.

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A couple days later, Eli and I had a date. When I was getting ready, Darrell watched as I put on makeup. Wallace came into my room to ask when Eli was picking me up.

Looking at my clock, I said, "In a few minutes."

Wallace turned to Darrell and said, "Mom wants you to set the table."

Darrell groaned and then headed downstairs. Wallace sat down on my bed. I expected him to say something, but he didn't.

"What's up?" I asked.

"I was about to ask you the same thing."

"Why?"

"You've been home for days. Seems weird that Eli hasn't made time to see you before now."

I shrugged. "Apparently, lots of people want their bikes running smoothly for the holidays."

"Everything okay?"

Unsure how to answer that, I said, "Far as I know."

The look on his face said: And what does that mean?

I turned back to the mirror.

A moment later, the doorbell rang.

Wallace stood up and gestured in the direction of the stairs. "You want me to have a little talk with him?"

"No." I made eye contact with his image in the mirror. "Please don't."

He nodded and said, "If you change your mind … you know where to find me." Then he stepped toward me to give me a hug.

I heard him walk down the stairs and open the door.

When I got down to the living room, they were talking. Eli didn't seem to notice that I was there. Finally, he turned to me and asked if I was ready to go.

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Eli didn't have much to say during the drive to the restaurant, which was near the B&B.

"It opened a couple months ago. Bri recommended it," Eli told me as we got out of the car.

The food was delicious, but the conversation was stilted.

After dinner, he drove to the B&B. He said a quick hello to his cousin, just to let her know that he had parked his car in one of their spots. Then, we went down to the beach for a walk.

It was a beautiful night—a light breeze, moderate temperature, and a clear sky. We sat on the deck for a while, watching and listening to the waves. His arm was around me as I leaned against him.

"I'm glad you're here," he said as he looked at the tattoo on my right hand.

"Yeah, me too."

He kissed the side of my head and whispered, "Do I need to get you home?"

As I looked at the time on my phone, I answered, "Unfortunately, yes. Dad has something planned for the morning. So, I should probably sleep in my own bed."

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In recent years, Eli and I had developed some Christmas traditions: We would spend Christmas Eve with his family and Christmas Day with my family. This year was no exception. It was nice to catch up with the Navarro family and to see how much the kids had grown. Christmas Day with my family included Jackie, her father, and her son. Thommie enjoyed following Darrell around. At first, Darrell liked the "big brother" role, but by the end of the day, he was tired of it.

The time we spent together with our families had been comfortable. We were only able to get a few minutes to ourselves. And although things were better between us, it still didn't feel normal.

When I asked him when he wanted to exchange gifts, he suggested waiting a few days because he had arranged for us to spend the weekend at the B&B.

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I spent the day after Christmas with Wallace and Mac. So far, my time at Sweet Briar had been great, but I had missed these friends. The three of us had been through so much together. Our bond was forged in the fires of the Neptune hellmouth. And that was an unbreakable bond.

While I was hanging out with them, Eli was at work since he would be taking time off to spend the weekend with me.

I looked forward to being alone with him at the B&B. It had always been a special place for us—a place to connect, a place to get away from Neptune. We had gone there for a beach picnic the day after Aaron Echolls was arrested. And, of course, it was where we'd had sex for the first time.

So many significant events in my life involved him. We had been together on and off for over three and a half years—more than a year of high school, plus two and a half years of college. Granted, about a year and a half of that had been long-distance. But the point was that we'd known each other a long time.

Although our relationship had hit another rough patch, having a shared history assured me that we could get through anything because we'd already survived so much.

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A/N:

Things I quoted or referred to:

* If you're interested in the speeches from election night 2008, there are transcripts on NPR's website.

* The score for the film Remember the Titans (2000) was composed by Trevor Rabin.

* If you're curious about The Greenbrier Resort, a Google search will turn up tons of info and photos.

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With current chapter divisions, this fic will be 12 chapters long. My plan is to post another chapter by the end of the year.

In this series, I have tried to give you a bit of a warning when the road is about to get bumpy. Consider yourself warned.

Until next time …

~Jen

3 October 2022