CHAPTER 3
Eleanor's Plan: Make things more obvious, a.k.a. do some of the things Brittany would do to flirt. Theodore and Eleanor are close. Their usual friendship playfulness may not be taken as flirting by Theo since it's normal for them. Therefore, go for some of the classics. This includes: laughing at all of his jokes, touching his arm, complimenting his looks, commenting about how she'd love to go to this or that if only she had someone to go with (cue pointed look after said comment). Not to mention, they are already touchy-feeling, being the two sweethearts they are, so Eleanor shall use that to her advantage. The more random touches—hand-holding, shoulder bumping, spontaneous hugging—the better.
Eleanor tries. She really, really tries. It's just, well…it's exhausting! In a good sort of way, she supposes.
She has been following the plan. Through and through, she's been trying to be more obviously flirty.
She started with the classics, like Brittany said, but she soon found that doesn't work because it's too closely aligned with what her and Theodore's relationship is normally. Happy, casual conversation with laughter mixed throughout and compliments willingly given, hanging out together nearly anytime they are at an event, class, or anywhere. It's like they gravitate towards one another. Never one without the other. So completely familiar with each other that it's like they are already dating.
Two weeks of very little, if any, progress.
Because of this, Eleanor tries to go with the second portion of the plan. More contact. She does what she can when they're together. She brushes their hands together any time Theodore passes her something. She saddles up close when they sit next to one another. She leans in more than necessary when she's showing him something, putting her hands on his shoulder, her face close to his. She uses any good thing as an excuse to hug him. She has even kissed him on the cheek a time or two!
She's trying so hard.
Two more weeks and nothing. Nothing! NOTHING. Not even a hint that it's working. No change in Theodore—action or words. He simply goes about life with the same happy-go-lucky attitude that she loves so much. Meanwhile, Eleanor is slowly losing her mind over her lack of progress.
"I just don't know what else I could possibly do," Eleanor laments her struggles. She is lying nearly face down on her bed, face smushed against the pillow.
"You're talking to the wrong sister if you're asking for advice." Jeanette spins the desk chair a few inches from side to side. She had followed Eleanor to her room after the youngest chipette came home and heaved the biggest sigh in the world before trudging upstairs. Since Jeanette is the only other one home at the moment, she feels the obligation to be the listening ear.
"I'm even kissing his cheek! How many friends do that, huh?!"
Jeanette blushes, knowing she has done that once or twice for Simon, only after something truly fantastical has happened—or he has done something extremely sweet for her she wasn't expecting. But that was out of friendship as well (despite the hope for more) which means Eleanor isn't too far off base.
Eleanor huffs. "It's probably my luck that he thinks it's just another advanced form of friendship." She once again buries her face fully in the pillow. She speaks again, and despite her words being muffled, they are heard clearly by her sister. "I hate this!"
Jeanette winces. "I know," she says softly.
Eleanor moves her face to once again breathe. This time, Jeanette sees tears in her eyes. "I just want to date him so badly. He's so great, you know?"
"I do know," Jeanette says with a smile. When she sees Ellie pick up her stuffed octopus and hug it tightly to her chest, she knows what's coming. She can see the stars in her sister's eyes.
"It's like he can't help but be a sweetheart at all times. When we are on walks after it rains, he moves me around puddles so I don't get my feet wet. He lets me lick the spoon while we're cooking and even lets me have the first bite when it's done! And it's strange, but he always seems to know when I've put extra work into my appearance because he always compliments me when I do." Eleanor sighs, happily this time. "I just know he's The One. I can feel it in my heart. Does that sound weird?"
Jeanette shakes her head. "Not at all." She can feel herself being carried away by her sister's words, dragging her further into a dreamy mood. This all reminds her so much of those silly teen romance novels that Jeanette picks up once and a while (and keeps hidden from Simon lest he finds out she reads something that isn't more thought provoking).
"Why doesn't he ask me out?" Eleanor asks. She doesn't even try to hide the sadness leaking into her voice. "It's been a month. I've done all I can think of."
"I don't know, Ellie," Jeanette says again. She hates that she can't give a better answer. "For all his wonderful qualities, Theodore isn't a 'go-getter'. He's probably extremely happy with what you are already giving him."
Eleanor gives a humorless laugh. "Maybe he's afraid I won't say yes."
Jeanette mirrors her sister's laugh. "Maybe he's waiting for you to make the first move."
"Ha. Maybe."
Suddenly, Eleanor's whole body seizes. She rises from lying down on the bed so she's sitting instead, eyes staring straight ahead at the far wall.
"Um, Ellie? Are you—?"
"Maybe he's waiting for me to make the first move."
"What?"
Eleanor springs from her bed. She holds her stuffed octopus aloft, like a prize she's worked hard to win. "Maybe he's waiting for me to make the first move!" she nearly shouts this. "That's it!"
"Eleanor, I don't know if—I was joking—"
"Jeanette," Eleanor moves quickly over to her sister. She leans her hands on either arm rest which makes the chair move back until it is pushed against the desk. "Don't you see? Brittany never officially said he had to ask me out, she just said for us to get dates before the end of the semester. I can ask him out. This is great!"
Eleanor stands up straight again and begins a little dance in the middle of her room, deftly maneuvering around the odds and ends cluttering her floor.
"Are—Are you sure, Eleanor?" Jeanette has to ask. She has to admit, it is a brilliant loophole her sister found, but… "Is that really what you want?"
"Oh, don't give me the Brittany lecture on this," Eleanor says. "Theodore and I are different from her and Alvin. I don't think he'd mind one bit if I was the one to make the first move. In fact, I'll go so far as to say I know so."
"If you're sure," Jeanette says.
"Oh, I'm sure. Super sure," Eleanor says. "I just have to start planning. If I'm going to make this happen, I want to do it my way—our way. Theodore and me."
Despite her trepidations, Jeanette is pleased to see her sister's complete change in attitude. She wants this for her.
Perhaps her sister can read minds now because Eleanor turns her head to gaze at Jeanette with a look on her face that has her older sister squirming in her seat.
"And you can help me," she says cryptically.
Jeanette stands at the stoop of the Seville residence two days later. She and Eleanor have everything planned. The last thing is a request which falls on Jeanette's shoulders to ask.
She takes a deep breath and knocks on the door. She isn't sure but she thinks she sees someone peer out from behind the curtain, but when she looks there isn't anyone there. However, she does hear a lot of scrambling and hushed, harsh voices from behind the door. It takes almost too long for someone to answer. Jeanette has her hand raised to knock once more when the door finally opens.
Simone is standing there with a too-big smile on his face. He seems slightly out of breath when he greets her. "Hello, Jeanette, what—what can I do for you?"
"Hi, Simon," she smiles at him. "Can I—? I was wondering if, um…could I come in a minute? I'd like to discuss something with you."
"Yes, yes of course. Come in." Simon moves to the side and Jeanette enters.
Past the entryway and to the right, Alvin and Theodore sit on the couch. Both have books open with papers stuffed underneath them. She notes that Alvin's book is upside down.
"Hi, guys," Jeanette greets.
"Hey, Jeanette." Alvin gives her a small wave.
"We're studying!" Theodore says rather loudly. He shrinks a little when both brothers shoot him a look.
"Sorry for interrupting," Jeanette says, deciding to ignore the odd atmosphere. She turns to Simon. "I was wondering if I could have your help, if that's alright. I, um—there are a couple of questions on the physics homework I haven't been able to fully grasp."
Simon nods. "Absolutely. Here, we can go over it in my room." He leads her upstairs. When they enter, it is Jeanette who closes the door behind her. If Simon finds this odd, he doesn't say.
"It's problems four, five, and eight. Do you happen to have your homework?"
Simon heads for his desk at the far end of the room. He is just reaching for his backpack which leans against his chair when Jeanette appears beside him and puts her hand on his forearm to keep him from actually getting said homework.
"I'm not actually here for homework," she whispers. "I need your help."
"Help?" Simon feels himself go on high alert. "What's wrong? Are you ok?"
"No, I'm fine. Everything's fine. But I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?" Simon finds himself whispering with her.
Jeanette's eyes dart to the closed bedroom door. She knows her time is limited. There never seems to be privacy for long in the Seville household. "Actually, it has to do with Theodore. You see, Eleanor has a surprise for him, just for him, and she wants him to be at our house on Friday at six. She will give him the invitation tomorrow."
"Friday, ok." Two days from now. Simon catalogues the information. "What's the surprise?"
"I can't tell you," Jeanette says. She quickens her words. "I'm not even supposed to tell you this much—Eleanor wanted me to make up a lie, but I trust you to keep a secret."
Simon experiences a dash of pride at her words. He appreciates the trust Jeanette places in him. He will make sure her trust is not misplaced. "Of course I'll keep the secret. But what do you need from me?"
"I need you to keep Alvin from coming over. I'll make sure Brittany is out of the house. If Alvin does try to make his way over, please somehow let him know she won't be there, that there's no reason for him to be there."
Simon can't help it; he feels his face twist into a wry grin. "Ah, so you're giving me a challenge."
Jeanette's hand, which is still on his forearm, gives him a gentle squeeze. "I know you are more than capable of handling your brother."
Simon sighs. "That I do. Alright, I'll do my best."
"Really? Oh, thank you, Simon!" Jeanette throws her arms around Simon in a quick hug.
There are few people in this world Jeanette is so open with physical affection. Her two sisters and Miss Miller are the obvious top of the list. However, Simon has climbed up beside them on the list as well. Despite her tendency to be embarrassed, she quickly got over said embarrassment when it came to Simon. Likely because he has always been completely void of judgment whenever she's been uncertain. It's like he fully accepts her for who she is—klutzy awkwardness and all. She will always be grateful to him for that.
(Oh, how she wishes he would ask her out!)
Much like Jeanette worried about, someone gives a gentle knock on Simon's door and starts to open it. Jeanette quickly distances herself from Simon.
Dave peers his head inside. "Hi, Jeanette. Theodore and Alvin mentioned you were here."
"Hi, Dave." Jeanette smiles at him, pretending like she wasn't just conspiring. "I was just—Simon helped me with my physics homework."
"That's right, Simon mentioned you two made it into the advanced class a year early. Must be tough if you need help."
Jeanette lets out a breath. "It is."
"Would some ice cream help? The container of Rocky Road is just begging to be opened."
"She can't!"
Jeanette and Dave both turn to look at Simon who looks rather uncomfortable. "She—you mentioned you're working on something tonight." Simon looks pointedly at Jeanette. "I figured you would be too busy to stay."
Jeanette shrugs off the hurt at having the offer turned down for her. He's right. Eleanor is still in Panic Mode, and they have a whole list of things to buy yet. Double checking it wouldn't hurt.
"That's—That's right." Jeanette hugs her books closer to her chest. "Maybe next time, Dave. But thank you!"
"Anytime, Jeanette."
As Jeanette makes her way downstairs, she hears that same frantic shuffling she did before, and when she reaches the living room, she sees Alvin lying on top of several papers strewn about. He smiles innocently at her. Theodore has papers hugged tightly to his chest, appearing rather twitchy.
Jeanette internally cringes. Why would anyone want to wrinkle their homework like that?
"Goodnight, Alvin. Theodore," Jeanette says. Both boys give short partings. She turns and gives a full smile to Simon. "Have a good night, Simon."
"You too, Jeanette."
And with that, Jeanette heads out, the door closing quietly behind her.
Silence.
Then—
"Is she gone?"
Theodore moves to the window. He peers out much like he did when she first arrived, moving just a teensy bit of the curtain out of the way to check. He watches until Jeanette turns the corner at the end of the block.
"All clear!" Theodore calls.
Alvin sighs and rolls off the papers strewn about the floor. "We had almost gotten them organized," he grumbles. "Now we gotta start over!"
Theodore looks at the bent paperwork in his hands. "Simon? A little help? I can't remember if balloons were a part of your plan or mine."
"Neither," Simon corrects. "It's part of Alvin's plan."
"That's right!" Alvin says, snatching the papers from Theodore's hand. In return, he gives Theodore a different sheet. "Flowers were part of yours."
"We all have flowers as a part of our plan," Simon says, taking the paper from Theodore, whose hands are now empty.
Theodore sighs and flops down once again on the floor. "Are we sure we need all this planning? What's wrong with having one big plan—asking them all at once?"
"Because each of the chipettes are very different and want different things," Simon says.
"Think about it," Alvin continues Simon's explanation, "Why would Brittany want books in her promposal? That nerdiness is all Jeanette."
Because Alvin's concentration is back on the papers, he misses Simon's glare. Simon flicks a paper Alvin's way.
"Yes, and I'm sure Brittany will love the football theming all throughout her promposal," Simon says through the side of his mouth.
"Hey! She's a cheerleader," Alvin emphasizes. "She'll love it!"
Theodore sighs again. He gets up from the floor and heads for the kitchen. "Anyone want ice cream?"
He hears his brothers call their confirmation as he opens the freezer. Dave is already at the kitchen table. He moves to get four bowls. When he hands them to Theodore, he notices his youngest son's mood.
"You alright there, Theodore?"
"I'm fine."
"You sure?"
Theodore opens the container of Rocky Road, looking down at the chocolatey swirls, he already starts to feel a bit better. "Nothing ice cream can't fix."
But ice cream can only fix so much. Throughout the night, Theodore can't shake the feeling that if he simply asks Eleanor, she would say yes without needing all the dramatics. The plans of his older brothers seem to get more elaborate as they go, almost as if they're outdoing one another rather than fixating on the person they're asking.
Theodore is thinking about what Eleanor wants. Sure, she likes kind gestures, but she has never been one for the overdramatic (like Brittany) or the overly romantic (like Jeanette). Eleanor is a girl of simple elegance. She always looks good, smells good, acts good, dresses good…
Yes, she deserves the best, but the best for her is a different definition than what it would be for other girls.
Maybe Theodore shouldn't have agreed to this. Yes to asking her to prom but no to the excessive planning. All it's doing is making him nervous. Nervous like he was before almost kissing her at New Years.
Theodore and Eleanor are walking into their study hall the next day when he gets the invitation from her.
"Are you able to make it?" Eleanor asks, taking her seat, scooting the chair rather close to his own.
The happiness Theodore gets from the invitation warms his insides all over. "I'd love to." Eleanor singling him out is nothing new, but it always brings Theodore joy, makes him feel like he's always her first choice.
"Great! Now, again, my house tomorrow, six o'clock. Got it?"
"I got it." Theodore pauses. "That's around dinnertime. Do you want me to bring anything?"
Eleanor shakes her head. "Don't bring anything besides your adorable self." She leans a little bit further into his personal space—which he most certainly doesn't mind. Theodore feels his cheeks warm as he smiles at her. He fiddles with the pencil in his hands.
Eleanor has been saying things like that a lot more often lately. It makes Theodore all the more certain she will say yes to going to prom with him.
If he's being honest, he'd rather just ask her out now. Even right this minute! But Alvin and Simon would give him a hard time after throwing away all their thorough planning. Maybe they're right. Putting in so much effort into asking her will show how much he appreciates her. If it's truly necessary, then he can wait.
"Theodore, are you ok?"
"Great! Doing great!" he squeaks out. Theodore is grateful that in that moment the teacher tells them to quiet down and begin their work. He tries very hard to ignore Eleanor's curious glances.
It's quarter to six when Theodore decides to head over to the Miller household.
"I'm leaving!" Theodore calls to the general house. He already told Dave of the invitation yesterday. He never mentioned it to his brothers, didn't think it was necessary. They head over to the Miller household randomly enough that it's never strange when one of them makes that announcement.
"Where are you off to?" Alvin asks with half his attention. The other half is on the video game he is currently playing.
"I'm going to see Eleanor. She invited me over."
The musical ditty letting the player know they died sounds off. It accompanies Alvin's groan of frustration. He pops up, arms resting on the back of the couch. Theodore now has his full attention. "Is she feeding you?"
Theodore shrugs. "I don't know. Probably. She invited me over at suppertime."
"Cool! Mind if I tag along?" Alvin is already off the couch, moving to grab his coat. "I hardly saw Brittany at all today. I've been meaning to pick her brain for a few things—promposal and all that."
Theodore feels himself deflate. He'd rather not have Alvin around for what he assumed was time solely for him and Eleanor. He tries to deter his older brother. "But—won't she be suspicious? You shouldn't be asking prom questions if you want it to be a surprise."
Alvin pops his collar and cocks an eyebrow. "Please, I'm so good, she won't even know what I'm asking the questions for. I'll play them into the conversation effortlessly."
"But—"
"It would be a waste, Alvin." Simon exits the kitchen and joins his brothers in the entryway. "I talked with Jeanette earlier. I was going to invite her over here, but she mentioned she and Brittany were doing a mall run tonight. You won't find her at home."
Alvin's shoulders slump. "Can I at least go and get Eleanor's food?"
Simon raises an eyebrow at his brother. "And tell Dave he slaved over frozen pizza for nothing? I don't think so."
"Aw, come on!"
Simon swoops in, slinging an arm around Alvin's shoulders, he begins leading him towards the kitchen. He leans in a little. "Don't you think we should let Theo and Ellie have a little time by themselves?" Simon says quietly—conspiratorially.
"Huh?"
"You know, it might help give him courage later on when he has to ask her out. The two of them. Alone. It might give the hint to Eleanor that he's interested. She can start thinking about him that way."
Alvin's eyes widen in realization. "Ah. I gotcha, I gotcha." He turns around and smiles broadly at his little brother who has his hand on the doorknob, looking at his brothers with a hope to escape that quickly deflates with the look Alvin is giving him. Alvin swoops in and throws an arm around Theodore.
"You go and have fun, bro. And hey, while you're there, might wanna work your charm a little."
"My charm?"
"You know, give a wink, a dashing smile. Make her feel special."
"Ooookay," Theodore draws out the vowel. "Can I go now?"
Alvin straightens his brother's jacket, gives his cheeks a light pat, and slicks his hair back. "There! Perfect. Go get 'em, tiger."
Theodore escapes while he can, slamming the door behind him.
Jeanette tries to keep her knees from buckling under the weight of the clothing Brittany deposited into her arms. Her sister is currently sifting through the discount rack to find "hidden gems" as she puts it. This store, and then they will meet up with Miss Miller in the food court, who has been sitting there since arriving, reading a book, and drinking a smoothie. Then, more shopping. Brittany has only hit two stores so far, nowhere near her record.
With a bit of twisting and balancing, Jeanette manages to glance at her watch. Five minutes to six.
She sends a silent prayer for the night to go well. She's certainly nervous enough without it being her night, so to speak. She can't imagine what Eleanor is feeling right now.
Eleanor shifts the flowers in the vase. It's not even on the table, not a focal point—no that's the food, but she can't help but want it all to be perfect. She goes from fussing with the flowers, to fussing with her skirt. Then her hair.
Everything is done. Everything is perfect. She shouldn't be nervous.
But she is. She most definitely is.
Then the doorbell sounds, and Eleanor is sure her heart nearly exploded there. She glances at the clock. One minute to six. Perfect.
Eleanor plasters on her best smile and opens the door. Sure enough, there is Theodore, a smile of his own donning his face.
"Hi, Ellie!" he says in his usual happy tone.
"Hi, Theo," Eleanor greets.
Theodore tilts his head slightly. "You look nice tonight. Did you do something different?"
Oh Theo, Eleanor thinks, you always know, don't you? "I did! New skirt. Do you like it?"
"Uh-huh!" Theodore nods.
"Please come in." Eleanor moves back and gestures for him to enter which he does.
When he steps inside and the door closes, Theodore takes a big breath. "Wow, Eleanor, something smells amazing!"
"Why, thank you! I hope it's as good as it smells."
"What's on the menu?" Theodore asks. He takes off his jacket and hangs it up.
Eleanor places her hands behind her back and twirls her skirt ever-so-slightly. "A surprise!"
"A surprise? I love surprises!"
"I know," Eleanor giggles. "Now come on into the kitchen. Everything's ready."
Then Theodore enters, he stops short. Eleanor really went all out. The best dishware is laid out overtop a pristine tablecloth. Flowers are set to the side as an accent to the glittering table. Several different dishes sit there waiting to be dug into. In the background, light piano music plays.
"Wow," Theodore says as he steps up to the table. "Eleanor, this is—I mean, this is amazing! What…why did you do all this?"
Eleanor shrugs. She goes to grab a few serving spoons and waves one of them around in a casual manner. "I felt like making something special, and I wanted to share it with you—just you. You are, after all, one of the few people who appreciates a truly good meal. And I wanted to try a new recipe. You're my favorite excuse to make something."
"I'll happily be your excuse any time you want," Theodore says excitedly. "Do you need help with anything else?"
"Everything is done but thank you. Won't you have a seat?"
With that, the meal begins. Eleanor dishes out green beans cooked in butter with salt, pepper, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Then there's diced golden potatoes roasted low in the oven until perfectly tender and seasoned with a pinch of salt. Finally, chicken is served. This chicken is smothered in a white cream sauce containing sun dried tomatoes, parmesan, and multiple spices that brings it together perfectly.
Theodore is an excellent dinner guest. He eagerly eats everything on his plate, then eats all of the seconds he is offered. As the two of them dine, their conversation is easy and pleasant. Their friendship is so familiar, chatting with one another is like slipping into a favorite, comfortable, worn-in pair of shoes. They know each other so well and are content to chat about anything and everything.
Theodore heaves a happy sigh after finishing the final bite on his plate. "Ellie, could you please, please, please give me that chicken recipe? I don't think I'll be able to live without it now."
"Of course, Theodore! I'm glad you like it."
"Any chance for more? Is there any left?" Theodore holds up his plate for thirds.
Eleanor laughs and keeps the bowl away from him. "Sorry, no more for you. You might not have room for dessert."
"You made dessert?" Theodore perks up in his seat.
"I'm not crazy. Of course I made dessert!" Eleanor collects his plate and puts it in the sink. She heads for the fridge. "How does a three-layer triple chocolate fudge cake with buttercream icing sound?" With that, she pulls out an expertly frosted cake out of the fridge. It has dollops of whipped cream on top. Each dollop is topped with a cherry. It looks like something that came straight from a bakery window and Theodore stares at it with the amount of reverence it deserves. Eleanor can't help but laugh at his speechlessness.
"Eleanor, that…looks…incredible. You're amazing!" Theodore can already feel his mouth watering.
Eleanor blushes. "Why thank you, Theodore." She brings the cake to the countertop and cuts out a couple pieces.
"What did I do to deserve this?" Theodore says with a laugh.
Eleanor knows it's not a serious question, but she sees it for what it is. An opening.
"Now that you mention it," Eleanor says, then clears her throat. She takes a plate in either hand and sets one in front of Theodore and one before herself. Theodore picks up his fork but waits until Ellie finishes voicing her thought. "I did do all of this for a reason. For you for a reason."
"Oh?" Theodore tilts his head. He's picking up…something in her tone, but he can't identify it. She doesn't seem sad or happy or anything definable. It's an oddly neutral expression, but she keeps avoiding eye contact with him. Theo unconsciously twirls his fork as he grows slightly nervous about what it is she's trying to say.
"W-Well," Eleanor feels herself blush as she keeps her eyes on the cake slice before her. "I've been thinking."
"About what?"
"About…us." Eleanor forces out the words then forces herself to look at Theodore. On his face is a slight frown, a confused one.
"Us?" he repeats.
"Yes. I was—actually, I had been thinking about how much fun we always have together. We always get along great, and we have so much in common. I think you're really sweet, and amazing in so many ways. The more we hang out, the more I want to keep hanging out with you."
Theodore's features melted into relief upon hearing this. "I want to keep hanging out with you too. Like I told you, you're one of my best friends. Being with you is the best."
Eleanor winces. She can't help it. "That makes me super happy to hear, Theodore, but…"
Theodore's face falls. He feels his mouth go dry. But?
"I was kind of hoping we could…" Eleanor closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, then opens her eyes, looks directly at Theodore, and says, "I was hoping we could be more than friends."
"…more? More than…" Theodore balks. His eyes go wide, and his whole face seems to reflect the shock he feels as the meaning of her words finally sinks in.
Eleanor tries to push through that unencouraging reaction. "I really, really like you, Theodore. I have for a while. You're the one who makes me feel special and happy, and I want to try and make you happy too because you are special. Special to me. I was hoping we could be official. Exclusive…why are you looking at me like that?"
Theodore still has that look on his face. He appears frozen in place.
Eleanor waves a hand in front of his face. "Theodore?"
No response.
Eleanor can feel her heart starting to crack. "I-If you don't want to, we don't—"
"Will you go to prom with me?!"
The words are spoken suddenly and with such force that Eleanor drops her fork. It clatters onto the plate. "What?"
"Prom!" Theodore exclaims. He looks less confused and more panicked. "I was going to ask you to prom later, but I'm asking you now. Now works! Prom? With me?"
Eleanor takes a moment to process the jumble of words. As she does, a smile spreads across her face. "You want to go to prom with me?"
"I wanted to go to all of the dances with you!" Theodore says, still in that slightly-too-loud voice. "I—Alvin and Simon said prom is different. We won't just automatically go together. I would have to officially ask, so I was going to. I want you as my date for it—for everything! Will you?"
Then Eleanor laughs. It's small at first before growing into a happy, carefree sound as she gets up from her seat and throws her arms around Theodore. "I'd love to! Oh, Theodore, I would love to go to prom with you."
"And will you be my girlfriend?" Theodore asks. His words are a rush, like he needs to get them out now. However, his voice has finally lost some of the earlier urgency.
Eleanor pulls back. In her overwhelming happiness, she decides to be bold and places herself on Theodore's lap. She can see his blush. She's blushing too, but she's too happy to care. "Yes, Theodore. I'll be your girlfriend." And, with her continued overwhelming happiness, she leans in and kisses his cheek. When she pulls back, she knows her face matches Theodore dopey grin mixed with slight awe.
"You will?"
"Absolutely!"
Then Theodore's laughing too, and he surges forward to wrap his arms around his new girlfriend. They're both a giggling, giddy mess which feeds off one another furthering their goofiness.
Eventually, Eleanor removes herself from Theodore's lap. However, when she retakes her seat, she scooches the chair closer so they can hold hands while each enjoy their piece of cake. As they do, they once again start to talk with the same ease they had before. Now they have new and exciting things to discuss.
Theodore finds himself telling Eleanor of the New Years Eve plan he and his brothers had and how Alvin chickened out.
"You're kidding!" Eleanor laughs. "I never would have thought Alvin be the one to lose his nerve. Brittany would have gladly kissed him. It's no secret she's crazy about him."
"He's more afraid of being rejected than he likes to admit," Theodore says. He's nearly finished with his cake. Only the top dollop of whipped cream with a tiny bit of cake is left. He takes the accompanying cherry and places on his girlfriend's plate, who gives him a grateful smile. "But I'll admit, I was nervous too."
"You did look a bit like you were going to be sick," Eleanor says. "I would have kissed you back! But you know that now."
Theodore grins. "I do know that now. It all worked out. Now I don't have to do the big promposal plan."
"What was your plan?" Eleanor asks.
Theodore quickly finishes the last of the whipped cream. Then he holds out his hands, creating a frame with his fingers. "Picture this. The two of us on a walk in the park. I hand you wildflowers I pick along the path. Then we sit on a bench near the river. I put my arm around the back of the bench and lean in close. I tell you how great you are, and that's when I ask you."
"That's a wonderful plan, Theodore," Eleanor sighs. "Wonderfully romantic. Can we still have a date in the park?"
"Anything you want," Theodore says.
"Just for that, I'm sending home the rest of the cake with you."
"Aw, you don't have to do that. At least save yourself a piece."
"I'll save myself one piece, thank you." Eleanor makes a reluctant glance towards the clock. Sure enough, it's close to the limit of how long Jeanette said she could keep Brittany and Miss Miller away. She sighs and gets up from her seat. "The others will be home soon."
Theodore gets up too and goes to help Eleanor pack up the cake. "Could you do me a favor?"
"What is it?"
"Could you not tell Brittany and Jeanette about the New Years plan my brothers and I had? I don't think they'll be as happy to have that out in the open. And they still plan on asking the girls to prom in their own way. They want it to be a surprise."
"I promise not to say a word to them."
The two of them drag their feet towards the front door. They linger there a moment, neither willing to let the night end.
Theodore is first to break the quiet between them. "Eleanor?"
"Yes, Theodore?"
"Can I, um…can I kiss you goodnight?"
Eleanor's answering smile is a brilliant one. She nods, and sure, Theodore feels nervous as he leans in, but in a way, it's secondary to the complete feeling of Right that has a hold of all of him. He isn't nervous that this is his first kiss because this is his first kiss with Eleanor, the girl he adores and trusts and…well, loves. He loves her.
He will definitely tell her that. Soon. For now, they can bask in the glow of what's new.
They pull away, and Eleanor is a giggling, blushing mess, and all around adorable.
Theodore can't seem to stop himself from smiling. He nearly drops the cake as he reaches blindly for the doorknob. Just as he reaches it, the door opens, and he is pulled away. The next instant, he is on the ground, staring up at a surprised Jeanette, Brittany, and Miss Miller. The cake, safely tucked in a container, is thankfully unharmed.
"Theodore? What are you doing on the floor?" Brittany asks.
"Oh, you know…I tripped." Theodore shrugs, which is quite funny as he tries to do so while still lying on his back on the front step.
Jeanette smiles at him. "I thought that was my specialty. Do you need help up?"
"I got it." Theodore scrambles to his feet.
"What's that you have there, dear?" Miss Miller asks. "Is that the cake? Our little Ellie spent so long on it. I hope it was worth the effort."
"It was!" Theodore exclaims. He checks his volume, and smiles at Eleanor who smiles back in that secretive way. "It really was."
Miss Miller nods. "You enjoy it. And have a good night, Theodore."
The chipettes also chorus their goodnights. Theodore does manage to give one more wave specifically to Eleanor before the door closes, and Theodore starts down the front walkway. It's when he closes the front gate that he hears high pitched shrieking coming from the house. He would be worried if he hadn't spent so much time with the chipettes. That specific shriek is a happy one, not one of anger or worry. It makes Theodore grin to himself knowing that Eleanor is relaying the happy news to her sisters.
He walks a little faster, eager to tell his brothers all that happened tonight.
A/N: Your daily dose of sugary fluff for your sweet tooth today. There's really no other way to write these two.
Definitely falling into the rhythm of this story now. Looking forward to writing more for you all! Enjoy!