Текст книги "Perfectly Hopeless"

Автор книги: Holly Hood

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Текущая страница: 7 (всего у книги 11 страниц)

UNSURE

BURSTS OF SUNRAYS spilled through the sheer curtains of Maven’s bedroom, making a large spotlight of warmth at the end of her bed.

She was perched in that exact spot. Her phone beside her, filing down her nails, trying to prepare for the day.

Summer wasn’t exactly how she would have wanted it to go. It had been a couple days since she saw Henri in person and a couple since she kissed Jake Summit for the last time.

Today was the Hop, the big dance the entire town of Portwood looked forward to attending. She glanced at her dress hanging on the hook by her dresser. She wasn’t that excited anymore.

Before she could ponder it any further her phone chirped.

Hey beautiful. Henri said via text message.

 

Maven rested her file on the bed delicately lifting the phone.

Hi, Henri. How are you? She missed him.

 

It only took a couple seconds before he replied back.

Good. My family came for a visit. My dad is even here. How weird is that?

Maven stood up, walking across her bedroom floor, staring at his response. She was afraid to ask why the sudden surge of relatives. She also knew how Henri felt about his father. They weren’t close after he left his mother.

 

Pretty weird. She texted back, opening her closet. She plucked a white dress from its hanger and slipped it on, sitting down on the stool of her vanity to slip her sandals on her feet.

I could use an escape. You want to take a walk or something?

 

Maven smiled. She couldn’t see how a walk could get them into any trouble with Jake. It would be pleasant and give her a moment to see Henri and explain herself to him. She knew she owed it to Henri to explain why she had been acting so strange lately.

I will be ready in five minutes. See you soon.

Henri pocketed his phone as another round of laughter shook the kitchen. His parents and family all gathered around the table eating an enormous assortment of breakfast foods. Everyone was on cloud nine after the news of Henri’s upcoming surgery, but even with good news, Henri didn’t have an appetite. He poked at the pancakes and hash browns on his plate making sure to keep a grin plastered on his face at all times.

Henri stood up. Everyone’s eyes fell on him, their conversations ending quickly. Every move he made seemed to invoke some sort of hushed silence in the house.

“Where you heading off to?” Flynn asked. “Are you meeting up with blondie?”

Henri sighed. His mother perked up even more at the utterance of a female in Henri’s life.

“Blondie?” She looked between Flynn and Henri.

Henri’s father leaned back in his seat a pleased grin on his face. “Thatta boy.”

“Why would you say that?” His mom asked. She glued her callous stare on his father. Henri knew what was coming next. “Have a little decency, Doug.”

“He’s a grown man, what would you rather me be doing, scolding him and sending him to his room for liking a girl?” They both stared at one another, daring each other to say anything else. His parents were like those knights back in the old days, jousting each other from horses at a high rate of speed.

“Her name is Maven. And that’s all I care to discuss with anyone. I’m sure Aunt Janet would be willing to fill you in.” He pulled his chirping phone from his pocket. “That’s her now and I’m late.”

His father stood. “Invite her over. We want to meet her.”

His mother sat back in her chair. She lifted her orange juice, refusing to agree with her ex-husband although she felt the same way.

Henri shook his head, looking down at his phone.

 

I’m outside your house, and you’re in trouble.

He winced at the sound of the doorbell. His father was already heading to the door to see what girl was willing to pay him attention.

Henri groaned.

Maven was a bit surprised to see an unfamiliar man answering the door to Henri’s house. But she knew the minute she looked at him that he was Henri’s father. It was the smile. The same big smile that was a tad crooked and reached his eyes and made them turn into little slits—just as attractive as his son.

He waved a hand, and then accepted hers. His skin warm and his nails perfectly manicured.

“I’m Doug Levitt.” He opened the door wider letting her in. “Henri was just telling us about you.”

Maven pushed some hair behind her ear. “Really?”

He nodded dramatically. “Oh yeah, but he left out the part about just how beautiful you were.”

Henri rounded the corner in time to see his father’s pathetic flattery pan out. He wasn’t one of those creepy older men, he just was too complimentary.

“Hey,” he said to Maven, running a hand through his hair. “I would have got out of here sooner, but as you can see...” He nodded toward his dad.

“Are you hungry, Maven?” His father asked, ignoring Henri’s attempt at taking off.

“No, I already ate, but thank you for asking.” She smiled warmly.

“Darn.” His dad looked between the two of them. “So what are the plans for the day?”

Henri grabbed Maven by the arm before she could answer and practically shoved her up the stairs. She looked back at Henri’s father and gave an apologetic wave. He waved back, shaking his head as he went back into the kitchen with the rest of the family.

“Henri what was that?” Maven asked as soon as he closed his bedroom door.

He tried to hide behind a smile. Coming close and wrapping his arms around her waist.

“I missed you. And I wanted to see you. Not here with my family, just the two of us.” He pushed her bangs from her eyes. “My dad likes to talk. It would have taken forever to have a moment alone.”

Maven scanned his eyes. She wasn’t sure what was happening. But she felt a bit awkward.

“I missed you too.” She moved away, her feet clicking soundly across Henri’s floor. She took a seat. “I wanted to apologize for the way that I’ve been acting.”

Henri waved his hand dismissing the attempt. “No need.”

“I feel like there is, Henri.”

He sat down across from her in the window seat. Drawing up his legs, the only reason he swept Maven away so fast was because he didn’t want his father or anyone hearing about the Hop later on that night. Not to hear any kind of explanation for her feelings towards another guy. Good or bad, he didn’t want to talk about it.

“I could think of better things to talk about than Jake Summit.” He told her. “Like the Hop.”

Maven looked away. “About the Hop. I was thinking since you were never too keen on the idea that we just do something else.”

Henri squeezed the bridge of his nose in frustration. “You’re bailing. Why are you bailing?”

“I feel so bad for the other day. I acted like an idiot. You don’t deserve to be treated that way. You deserve answers and to not feel like I like someone else.” She moved closer, taking Henri’s hand. He thought for certain she was about to break the news, that she and Jake found their way back to each other.

“Maven—” he said, trying to object.

“Henri. I don’t have feelings for Jake Summit. It was never about Jake. I have feelings for someone else.” She smiled artfully. Henri was relieved.

“I knew it.” He dropped his head dramatically. “John at the Barber shop. You have a thing for old men with knee-high socks don’t you?”

Maven laughed. “Absolutely, the older the better, I really dig false teeth.”

They both stopped laughing and grew serious. Henri’s expression remained frozen as he waited for Maven to hand over a real answer.

“He’s charming. And sweet. Thoughtful. Caring. Cute as a button. He makes me laugh, a lot.” She moved closer. “He has brown hair and matching brown eyes. The best smile I have ever seen. And when he kisses me…my heart beats so fast I think it’s going to come right out of my chest.” She looked at Henri. He was smiling.

“Does this guy have a name because I am starting to get the feeling I know him.” His fingers traced the length of her face. Her eyes softened at his touch, as he looked at her.

“Don’t be foolish. It’s you.” She leaned in, placing a kiss on his cheek. “I was afraid to tell you this.”

“Why?”

Maven rested her head on his shoulder so she wouldn’t have to look at him. She touched his chest with her hand. “Because you have to deal with something that I can’t even begin to imagine and I didn’t want to burden you with my feelings.”

“Because I’m going to die.” His words hit her like a ton of bricks, but Henri didn’t allow her to pull away. “I would rather deal with a beautiful girl having feelings for me than just sitting around waiting on death, Maven.”

“I didn’t know that. I didn’t know what was right or wrong. I was starting to feel bad all the time because I like you and the more I like you the worse I feel. And I hate to admit that.”

Henri pursed his lips. Maven sat up, looking into his eyes. He hadn’t said anything back.

“You think I’m awful.” She stood up. “I am so sorry.”

“Maven.” Henri jumped up. “I don’t. Calm down. I think you’re normal. You’re not the first person in my life to freak out about the thought of me dying. Why do you think I keep to myself? My family treats me like a fragile piece of china every day because of it. I can handle it.”

“Ok.” Was all she could push out.

Henri could see the alarm on her face. “You’re the only person who treats me normal.”

She shook her head, tears nipping at her eyes. “But I don’t. I just go around acting like it’s not there.”

“I like that.” He smiled. “I don’t want you to be afraid of me. I’m still Henri, I’m just…dying.” Henri walked across the room, pulling her in for a hug. “It’s okay to admit that, because even after I say it, I realize I’m still me.”

Maven held tight, her fingers squeezing his t-shirt, holding on for dear life. It was a relief to hear him say something about it.

“I don’t want to go to the Hop because it wasn’t something you wanted to do.”

Henri shook his head. “I want to go.”

“No, you’re going because I want to go.” She argued.

“Just forget about everything that has you upset and let’s have a good night.” He pulled away waiting for her to agree. “I have a lot planned for us. So don’t ditch me on my night.”

Maven laughed. “Oh, so now it’s your night.”

“It’s got to be someone’s.” He smirked. He knew tonight was going to be something special. It was going to be the night he told her that there was hope for him. That he was about to have a second chance at life, and that he wanted her in it.

“Okay. So we will go.” She kissed his cheek. “I feel better.”

“I’m glad.” They were both still, finally their mouths met up for a soft kiss. Henri pulled her closer. She could feel the heat from his skin through the light material of her dress. She kissed his neck, not worrying anymore that things were happening too fast. Henri squeezed her arm, enjoying her lips. He pulled away, and took a seat on his bed. Maven followed. They both fell backward. Maven kissed him again, pressing herself against him, running her hands up his arms, down his chest. He slid a hand through her hair, down the back of her legs, his kisses growing stronger. She trailed her fingers down his chest. Henri pressed his forehead against hers ending their connection.

“Don’t you have to be getting ready for tonight?” He smiled as she pressed her lips into his once more, giggling at the realization that if they didn’t pull it together they probably would miss the Hop.

“I.” She kissed him. “Do.” She kissed him again. “But…I’d rather lay here with you.”

“I promise tonight we can do whatever you want.” He kissed her cheek, staring into her eyes.

“Even lay down by the water under the willow?” It was her favorite place to be with Henri.

“Even there.” He sat up. “I’ll bring a blanket.”

“Fine. I will go home and get ready.”

Henri felt a twinge of panic setting into his system. “Didn’t you say your parents go to this thing too?”

Maven fixed her hair, smoothing her dress. “Yeah. But my mother said something came up with work so she won’t be going. She said she has to be up early. She will probably be in bed before this evening if I know her.”

“What about your dad?”

Maven gave Henri a strange look. “He’s working a long shift at the hospital for Mr. Summit. He rarely goes to the Hop. And Maggie refuses ever since my mother told her she couldn’t wear Converse with a dress.”

Henri felt a little relieved. As soon as Maven was safely on her way home, Henri searched for Flynn. He found him outside about to mow the lawn.

“Flynn. Hey can I talk to you for a second?” He looked around for any sign of his parents.

Flynn slung his shirt over his shoulder, beads of sweat already collecting along his brow. “What can I do for ya?”

Henri raised an eyebrow. He was already feeling guilty and he hadn’t even asked Flynn to help him out.

“If you’re wondering where your parents are they are with mine. They all went up to check out the yogurt hut and do a little window shopping. So what’s got you looking two shades of gray?” Flynn took a seat on the porch steps. He left a hand on the lawnmower waiting for Henri to cough it up.

“I need your help getting out of the house tonight.” Right away he could sense Flynn’s hesitation. “Just listen before you flip out.”

Flynn raised a single eyebrow. His golden brown hair fluttering in the breeze, he rolled his eyes. “You are being admitted in the hospital bright and early tomorrow morning. Super early, I think mom said five in the morning early.”

“That’s why it’s perfect. I can be back in no time.”

Flynn chuckled, shaking his head. “Do you really think the clones are going to allow you to walk out of this house tonight when you’re this close?” He held up two fingers, demonstrating the closeness. “You’re crazy, it’s not possible.”

Henri sat down beside Flynn. “You used to say anything was possible back when we were younger. We used to sneak out all the time. I thought you had balls, Flynn.”

Flynn shoved Henri playfully, nearly knocking him off the porch steps. “Oh, I have balls. And I also like you, and am thrilled by the news.”

Henri nodded. He was sure Flynn was. He knew he had a hard time dealing with the thought of losing him. “So you’re in?”

Flynn sighed and then nodded. “Sure, fine. Tori and I will be there anyways in case something happens.”

Henri grinned. “So what’s the plan?”

They started discussing different options for getting Henri safely out of the house without anyone knowing that he was gone. They both knew it would not be happening if anyone found out. Flynn’s mother, and Henri’s, would never let Henri leave the house knowing he was close to dying, knowing that his body was slowly fading away as everyone sat and waited for a miracle.

 

WHAT-IFS

HENRI TOOK A NAP before the Hop. Upon waking he lay in his bed, the room was dark. He stared up at his ceiling. He had had an awful dream, so much so he wrote it down.

He was in that stupid hospital gown again lying in a hospital bed, but nobody was there. And there was such a horrible presence in the room that it scared him. That was the part that woke him out of his sleep. He was surprised he hadn’t aroused suspicion that something was not right and had his entire family in his room. Or maybe the scream was part of the dream too. He wasn’t sure.

He remembered the hospital staff coming into his room. They weren’t ordinary staff. They all wore dark cloaks all the way to the floor. Henri couldn’t see their feet. They just looked to be floating all around him.

And no matter what he said, nobody would listen. He worried this was his mind’s idea of death. And for some reason even after he was awake it soured his feelings about the surgery.

What if things didn’t turn out the way they thought they would? What if he didn’t make it?

He sat up. Taking his phone from his nightstand, he started the video camera and turned it to face him. He ran his hand down his face and then through his hair trying to look halfway decent on film.

“I really have no idea what to say. But I figured I would say something.” He dropped his feet to the floor. Staring across his room trying to bring the right words to the rather eerie calm that was all around him, finally he looked at the camera again. “I’m Henri Levitt. And if these are my last days on earth…well, I say goodbye to everyone I cared about. And I say hello to the unknown.” He stood up, crossing the floor to get to his window. He took a seat. “I just hope there is something else.” He made a face. “Who am I kidding? The only way you find out is by dying, the part that sucks about that, I can’t come back and tell anyone if the theory was right or not.” He smirked. “To all of you who worried about me…thanks for that, but if I’m gone now please stop and just be happy for once.” He scribbled a little note on a scrap of paper telling his Aunt Janet or Flynn—whoever went through his room first, that he left them a message on his phone. It wasn’t a lot, he didn’t know how to say goodbye, but at least it would give them some kind of peace if by some horrible turn of events he didn’t make it out of the surgery.

He sighed. Opening his closet and taking out his black dress shirt.

It was now or never. He had to get going or he would never make it out of the house. Just as he was about to head for the shower Flynn came bustling into the room. He sanded his hands together. A big grin pinned on his face. “This is kind of exciting.”

Henri raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Yeah, maybe a little.” Flynn tossed him the dark gray dress slacks that were in his hand. “Picked these up for you.”

“Thanks.”

Flynn plopped down on Henri’s bed. He was already decked out head to toe in black dress pants and a dark red dress shirt. The first couple buttons open exposing his bare chest.

“I’m going to grab a shower,” Henri informed Flynn. “I’ll leave the clothes in here so nobody notices I’m about to head anywhere.”

Flynn nodded in agreement. “Sandra and April already left with their dates.” He told him.

“Great.” Henri rubbed the back of his neck. He was nervous.

Flynn could tell. “Just relax. I won’t let anything happen to you. You want this to be an amazing night then it will be. That’s what I’m here for.” Flynn reached into his pocket pulling something out. He waved his hand.

Henri studied him closely, a look of embarrassment revealing itself on his face. “Flynn. I have my own condoms.”

Flynn shrugged, pocketing them. “It’s been awhile I wasn’t sure. Do you need any tips?”

Henri shook his head. “I’m not thinking about sex right now. I am more worried about sneaking out of the house.” Besides if that happened, he wanted it to be spontaneous and impulsive.

Flynn ignored him and decided to throw him a few pointers. “Make sure you make it about her if you know what I’m saying. Girls these days hate guys that rush to the finish line.”

Henri didn’t have a rap sheet as long as Flynn’s arm, but he knew enough to know better than that.

“And don’t get too creative. Girls don’t like being turned into pretzels.” Flynn wiped the scuff from the toe of his dress shoe. “And be careful. You’re the only person I know who could die while making love to a girl. Your mother would kill me.” Flynn stood, worried. “Maybe sex should wait. Or you let her do all the work or something.”

Henri laughed. “Don’t worry about my sexual endeavors. No matter what happens I’ll be fine. I’m not an idiot.”

Henri left to shower while Flynn fashioned a ladder out of bed sheets to stealthily sneak Henri from the house. They had it all set up perfectly. After Henri showered he would tell them all goodnight. Say he was going to get some much needed rest for the big day tomorrow and more or less tell them all to back off for the night because he needed to get in the zone. As long as his mother and Flynn’s bought into it he was pretty sure he could manage a night out with Maven without anyone noticing he was gone. And he could be back by morning.

***

Maven anxiously spritzed herself with one finishing puff of perfume. She turned her head in the mirror, admiring her black earrings. They swayed with every movement she made.

Nick tapped on her door. He was already decked out in all black. Black dress slacks and a black dress shirt and tie. His hair perfectly styled, looking nothing less than messy and like he just rolled out of bed into a bunch of hair product.

“Could you do us a favor?” Nick said. He handed over a camera before Maven agreed to any favors. April appeared in the doorway. She was wearing a pencil dress with a shiny white belt around her tiny waist. Her hair swept up in soft waves, fashioning into a messy bun at the back of her head.

“Let me guess. A picture?” Maven waited for them to pose themselves. April looked Maven up and down, admiring her turquoise dress and soft makeup. She was a little concerned why Maven was going when Henri wasn’t going to be there, but before she could say anything she was blinded by the flash of the camera. She straightened up. Slipping one hand behind Nick’s back, pressing her cheek against his. In her heels she was the same height as him.

“One more,” Nick instructed. Maven pushed the button on the camera again and then handed it back to her brother.

“Nice dress,” April said, quietly slipping out of Maven’s room before Maven could offer her the same kind words. Nick lingered for a moment.

“What?” Maven asked, he was acting strange.

Nick shrugged. “Nothing, I just wanted to say you look beautiful, Maven.” He headed down the stairs.

Maven raised an eyebrow. She fluffed her shiny waves, eyeing her makeup. She was trying for natural yet chic. She wanted Henri to smile at the sight of her.

Her phone chirped. It was Henri.

Fifteen minutes.

 

She couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. The dance had started twenty minutes ago and Henri and Flynn were just showing up. She stood on the porch, hands on hips wondering what the holdup was. But all that was just as soon forgotten when she saw Henri.

Her mouth fell open. Flynn grinned. He shoved Henri forward. He apprehensively stared at the ground, looking a bit shy yet pleased to be on her porch step she thought.

“A bow tie.” She touched his neck a big smile filling her face. “Henri you look really great.”

“I’ve always wanted to try a bowtie,” Henri said, causing everyone to laugh. He was wearing a black dress shirt, with a dark gray bow tie and matching gray slacks. At the compliment he smiled, but quickly pushed it aside to compliment her now.

“Not as great as you.” He lifted her hand, kissing the top of it ever so gently, a small grin creeping up on his face. Formal events made him a bit silly.

Flynn cleared his throat, slinging a hand around Tori, his girlfriend. “I think it’s safe to say we all look amazing.”

They introduced the girls before heading to the Hop.

Walking through town, through a swarm of fellow townspeople, Henri had to admit he was nervous. His parents and Flynn’s weren’t there of course, but that didn’t mean someone else wouldn’t recognize him being there. Flynn had to keep reassuring him that anyone who saw him wouldn’t break the news until the weekday once business resumed. It took a lot of reminders from Flynn for Henri to believe it and just enjoy the night.

As the four of them approached, it was very obvious a gathering was happening. A lively trumpet medley sounded, flowing through the streets. Kids and adults of all sizes and shapes laughed and danced, everyone was full of summer bliss. It always reminded Maven of a time, long before any of the kids her age were around, when people danced to songs with no words, songs fueled by instruments and nothing more and just had plain old fun. Maybe that was why everyone enjoyed it so much—it was simple and easy.

Just as Miss. Lisa had promised, tiny twinkle lights hung from the willows, making a beautiful canopy of lighting overhead. Candles perched in windows, turquoise and black balloons swayed in the breeze as they got closer. It was perfect.

Henri stole Maven’s hand as they slipped into the crowd. It wasn’t hard to see that soon they were an insignificant part of the community. There were too many people to pick Henri out. And the only thing that mattered to anyone was the music.

“Do you want to dance?” Maven said in his ear, talking louder than usual so he could hear her.

“Let’s get it over with.” Henri joked, taking hold of her waist. He kept telling himself not to step on her toes. He smiled, watching Maven smile back, showing him just how to enjoy himself as they began dancing, she held on to his neck as they circled the floor—which was a task with so many people in the way.

“See...fun right?” Maven asked him. She poked his bowtie. “You’re light on your feet, Henri.”

Henri smirked. “I might know a thing or two about the art of slow dancing. Just don’t ask me to break dance.” He took her hand, securing his other hand on her back and dipped her. Maven giggled, her hair spilling down across her shoulders when he set her on two legs again.

They spun in a circle, a little too fast and a little too playful, but neither of them cared. It wasn’t about the music it was about the moment and they both were in this one together.

As the song ended and another one began, Maven noticed this one had lyrics. She raised an eyebrow. Henri smiled even bigger than he was already smiling at her. “Sound familiar?” he said.

Maven kissed his cheek. “How did you…?”

Henri nodded. “If you look to the left you will see my cousin. He is responsible for the song choice.” Henri guided Maven in the direction of Flynn. Flynn waved.

Days after knowing Henri, he told her about the song. How it spoke to him. How for weeks on end, he played it on repeat. It meant a lot to him, more than she understood she was sure. And because it meant so much to Henri it meant a lot to her too.

“Good choice,” Maven said, Henri dipped her once more and as soon as she gained her footing he raised her hand, twirling her in a circle. The night and the lights made her more adorable than she already was to him as he stared into her eyes.

“I’m glad we’re here together,” he said in her ear, holding her close. He was tired and a little too hot, but being part of the night, being with Maven, it kept him going.

Flynn watched Henri and Maven dancing the night away, a big grin on his face. It was great to see Henri enjoy himself for once.

Tori, his girlfriend, elbowed him in the side. She hoped he didn’t think she hadn’t noticed his sudden disappearing act. “Where did you run off to? I was standing with the old people. I looked like an idiot, Flynn.”

Flynn took Tori’s hand. “Don’t be mad at me. I was doing good things.”

Tori sighed. “What kind of good things?” But she was only met with a child-like smirk.

Flynn pushed through the crowd. Tori coming up the rear, he was hot and growing a bit concerned that the high temperature and all the dancing was going to take its toll on Henri.

“Henri, my man,” Flynn said once he located him in the crowd.

Henri and Maven slowed their dancing. “What’s up?”  Maven’s golden hair stuck to the side of her face, her cheeks flushed with color. Henri was just as flushed, but more spent than any of them.

“Have you had your fill of the Hop?” Flynn asked, touching Henri’s forehead. His eyes filled with concern. “You’re tired. You got to know when to quit. Maven knows when to quit.” He shot a look at Maven giving her the opening to bail Henri out of his commitment of dancing the night away.

“Of course.” Maven’s eyes were filled with distress, she shook her head. She cursed herself for not noticing how tired Henri was. “We can go right now. It’s not a problem.”

Flynn smiled, pleased there was no argument. But as soon as they escaped the throng of dancers Henri put on the brakes.

“I promised Maven we would sit by the water.” Henri told them. Maven waved a hand trying to object. “Sitting is a good thing. I promise I’ll be home in no time.”

Flynn sighed. “Tori and I will hang out for a little while longer, Henri. You give me a call when you’re ready to go.” Flynn squeezed Henri tightly as if he was a proud father sending his son to school for the first time.

“What was that all about?” Henri asked as they broke apart, he looked skeptically at Flynn who offered no reason behind his weird disposition.

Flynn blew him off. “Nothing. Just make some memories you old stud you.” He slapped his back and left Henri to it.

“I left a blanket by the tree.” Henri told her as they walked down the hill to the water below. A moth swooped past his face as they hurried to their secret place.

Maven squeezed his hand. “Did you have a good time?”

“Of course.”

“Promise?” She looked at him, hoping he was being honest because for her it was the best time she had ever had at the Hop.

Henri shook his head, tracing a finger across his chest as a form of a promise.

Maven gasped, bringing her hands to her face in shock at the sight in front of her. “Henri!”

Henri was shocked himself. “Flynn.” He said under his breath. All along the grass were candles in protective glass lanterns. A radio sat nestled in the grass playing soft music. Maven dropped to her knees.

“This is beautiful.” She kissed his cheek. “Henri this is amazing.” She looked back and forth between the candles to the picnic basket. Flynn had snuck away without a word and set the entire thing up. Henri had no idea, but it meant a lot, and it answered the question of why Flynn was acting so odd.

He opened the picnic basket. “Water or soda?”

“Water,” Maven said, accepting the bottle.

He took a swig of his own and then set it down next to him. It was time to tell her why the night meant so much to him. He took her hand, she scooted closer. Searching his eyes, she suddenly felt nervous. She laid down, staring through the willows at the star lit sky. Henri laid down beside her, their hands blindly finding one another all over again.

“I have something to tell you.” Her grip tightened on his. He wondered if she was thinking the worst.

Maven squeezed her eyes shut. She knew it, he was about to tell her that he had gotten worse. She held her breath—waiting.

Henri turned over, stroking her hair. It was now or never. “What would you say if I told you they found a way to fix me?”

Maven sat up. She was confused, his words didn’t make sense. So she just looked at him.

Henri stayed where he was taking in the stars. “I found out yesterday that they think they can fix me. Your mother told us all about it at my last appointment. Tomorrow morning I will be admitted to start the procedure.”