A Year Passed, And More Changes Shall Soon Be Shown…
It was a beautiful evening. James and Ella were out walking through the town, leaving Jack and Holly home with the children. Hope was one, and moving her legs around, anxious to run around like her older brother, who was three and getting to everything. Right now, both were asleep in the loft, the hay softening any sounds. Holly's feet were tucked under her, and she was becoming more and more of a woman, now six-and ten. Jack was eight-and ten, soon to move out and into the bakery they had fixed up so many years ago. Holly's head rested on Jack's shoulder, both of them in front of the fire.
Jack kissed her, parting her lips with his tongue. It was something they hadn't done before, but Holly felt a jolt of lightening run through her when they kissed like they never had before. They went further and further, sneaking glances at the door to make sure that their parents weren't coming home. Jack picked Holly up bridal style, carrying her into his room, laying her down on the bed. A weird feeling began in her stomach.
What was he doing? He kissed her, his hands on her waist, spreading warmth through her hips, his deep kisses making her light-headed. But somehow, she knew something wasn't right about this. Her mind flashed back to two years ago, when she first learned where babies come from. And her and Jack were not trying to have a baby. Gently, she put her hands on his chest.
"Jack I think that's far enough for tonight."
But he kissed her again and took his hands in hers, finally letting her set up, both breathless.
"I'm sorry Holly, I went too far." She shook her head.
"It's fine," she put her head on his shoulder. "I'm going to miss you when you move out." He put an arm around her shoulder.
"I'll live five minutes away, and I'll visit every day. Do you think Ella and James will let you come with me?"
She shook her head, "No, they wouldn't think it was proper. I'm going to go to bed now, sweet dreams." He put a hand on her arm as she started to go.
"You can sleep in here tonight. It won't be as crowded as the loft, and I think it will be nice." She kissed him and smiled.
"Alright, just let me go and change."
And sure enough, when Ella and James came home that evening, they found the two in bed together, thankfully both with clothes on and looking sound asleep. Ella still tsked her tongue at them, closing the door. She didn't like this. She wasn't sure it if was because she didn't want them growing up or because if a feeling in the pit of her stomach. Either way, she didn't like it.
James put an arm around her that night in bed, and she snuggled into him, grateful for the warmth and comfort he always offered.
"Ella you have to let them grow up. As much as you don't want too, you have to. Jack is moving out soon. Maybe Holly will want to go with him."
She shot up in bed. "Holly will not be going with him anywhere. They absolutely cannot move in together. Do you know what the town would think?" She sighed. "And I know I have to let them grow up, but there are still physical relationship limits they must heed."
James gently took her shoulders, turning her to face him. "Honey, we moved in together a long time before we were married. And they know not to consummate the relationship; they're wise for their age."
She still shook her head. "I know they're wise, that they wouldn't do anything in too much haste. But Jack is eight-and ten, and you much remember what it was like when you were his age, how girls looked to you. And Holly is six- and ten, and I know what that feels like, to have a boy fancy you at that age."
He sighed and pulled her back into his arms, lying down. He kissed her softly as he fell asleep. She stayed awake longer, though. Her mind was swirling with thoughts about Jack and Holly, and she finally convinced herself that maybe, just maybe, it would be okay if they moved in together. Yes, there might be scandal involved, but the townsfolk would understand a woman needing to take care of a house, and then they could form their relationship at their own will. Perhaps this would break off into simple, sibling friendship, or perhaps this was true love, she didn't know; she just wanted them to be happy and content, now that she had come to a conclusion.
It was finally Jack's birthday, and he couldn't have been more thrilled. His father had been helping him with finishing his new home, and Ella was filling the place with food, furniture, and simple decorations to make the place a home.
Now, he had packed his bags and was ready to move out later in the afternoon. He sat at the table, sharing his last breakfast with them. Holly sat next to him, and she looked at Ella. She had been wearing down her mother, trying to let her move in with Jack. Ella cleared her throat and looked at them.
"You can go with him, Holly."
It was the one sentence she had wanted to desperately to hear and she lept from the table and hugged her mother, something she hadn't done in a long time. Her father and the three children laughed, and Jack, gently put his arms around her waist and kissed her on the cheek.
He helped her pack, and they both walked off into the woods together, beaming with smiles.
This is the end of the journey… so far. I plan to write a sequel, but I'm not sure. If you think I should, give me a review. Or, if you don't think I should, or you're not sure and just liked it, then review anyway. Reviews make me a happy author! :D