A/N: It is December 15! Today I have 2 chapters for you in order to squeeze them all in by Christmas! You guys are going to love this!
(Chapter Forty-Six)
Running an Errand
"Belinda, would you please run over to the Redwood's to return this?"
"Yes, ma'am," she obeyed politely as Elizabeth handed her a sugar bowl.
"Thank you, Belinda."
The girl smiled, and with a slight nod she ran out the door.
There was a knock on the Redwood's door. Jonathan rushed to answer it. The door opened widely and Jonathan stepped out.
"Hello," she greeted him with a smile. He nodded to her as a smirk escaped his lips. An awkward silence hung in the air between them.
"So – what brings you our way today?"
"Oh," she realized that she had been staring at him the whole time. "Oh, Mrs. Thornton wanted me to return this," she faltered as she surrendered the bowl of sugar with nervous hands.
"Oh, thank you, Belinda," he replied as he reached for the bowl, his fingers gently brushing against hers.
She wasn't sure if it was done on purpose or by accident. She looked up into his deep blue eyes and he was looking deeply into her brown ones. She feared that this visit might become more than just "returning the sugar bowl", so she made her move.
"You're welcome," she said through a tight throat to break up the moment.
"Jonathan, who's at the door?" his mother asked inquisitively as she rushed down the stairs and peeked around the corner. "Belinda! My dear, it is so good to see you again. What brings you out our way today?"
"Hello, Mrs. Redwood. Mrs. Thornton wanted me to bring you this," she replied as she grabbed the sugar bowl from Jonathan and handed it to the woman before her.
Her eyes were on Jonathan. Her hand had gently brushed Jonathan's when she grabbed the bowl. This time she knew for sure, she had done it on purpose.
Why? she asked herself. She may never know.
"Thank you, dear. Please thank her for me," Mrs. Redwood was speaking to her again.
"Yes ma'am."
"Goodbye," the woman's bubbly voice wished her a good day.
"Goodbye ma'am," she echoed the words she had just heard. Nothing was really registering in her mind at the moment. Belinda was deep in thought. Mrs. Redwood had gone back inside while Belinda was still busy with her thoughts. As she came back to the present, she realized that they were alone once again.
"Goodbye, Jonathan," she broke the awkward silence as she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"G – goodbye, Belinda," he stuttered, wanting her to stay a moment longer.
She turned from him and slowly walked away, smiling as she went. Her pace quickened as she realized that Mrs. Thornton was likely wondering why she was taking so long to return the sugar. But then again, maybe she already knew the answer.