* all ages
For AprilW who wanted their first date and for Treanna who wanted more snogging.
Summer Beginnings
by Niki
The plan following the senior class’ graduation, the Bob-Whites, the Lynches, Wheelers, Mr. Maypenny, and Regan were going to gather at the Belden’s for a celebration. In addition to the several pies Mrs. Belden had baked the previous day, the Wheelers cook was going to be supplying ham and turkey for the group.
As Trixie watched her brother cross the stage to accept his diploma, she smiled at the thought of the coming festivities.
The sun glared down on the group and Trixie moved to take her blue sweater off her shoulders. Jim, sitting next to her, reached up to help her. She smiled at his touch. Every time he touched her she seemed to feel a shock, and she loved that feeling.
Dan walked across the stage and gave a wave to the audience. Trixie raised an eyebrow when she realized how many girls had cheered him on. “Something to tease him about later,” she thought.
Soon afterward the Bob-Whites and their family members headed to Crabapple farm to enjoy some post-graduation celebration.
Looking at Trixie, Mrs. Wheeler asked her what her plans for the summer were.
Having just discussed her plans with her father that morning, Trixie took a quick look at her dad before beginning. “Actually, I’ve discovered that with my G.P.A. I’m allowed to take up to 6 credit hours at Sleepyside Community College. So I’m thinking of taking an English class or something.”
Honey’s face showed her surprise. “What, you didn’t tell me that!”
“I...I” Trixie looked quickly between Honey and her parents. “I just found out on Friday and simply hadn’t had a chance to tell you about it.”
Honey’s response was a weak smile.
Wanting to calm things down, Diana took control. “That’s wonderful Trixie. You’ll be way ahead of us when we start college. Good for you.” In a teasing mood, she continued with a grin, “Think of all the college boys.”
Mart elbowed her gently while Trixie blushed.
“What about you, Diana?” Mrs. Wheeler said turning her focus towards the brunette.
“I’m working back stage at the Sleepyside Little Theater. Hopefully, I can try out for a play too.”
That’s my talented girl.” Mr. Lynch said as he patted Diana’s hand. Meanwhile Mart’s hand was placed on her knee, where he gave a gentle squeeze.
“Why don’t you kids go for a swim?” Mrs. Belden suggested as she collected the dishes.
Watching the men gather by the TV. for Sunday football, Mart exclaimed “Fantastic idea Moms.” He jumped up taking Di’s hand as he went into the house to change. “Our first swim of the summer.”
Trixie watched as the rest of the Bob-Whites went inside to change. While Jim had gotten up with the group, he sat down next to Trixie when he realized she wasn’t moving.
“Everything ok?” Jim asked.
“Jim, why do you never acknowledge my achievements in school?”
He blinked, “huh?”
“Well, just now when I told you about my summer plans, you didn’t say anything. When you were here for my birthday and found out about my grades you didn’t say anything then either.”
“Trix, I think you’re overreacting...”
“Overreacting!” she interrupted him angrily. “You think this is overreacting?”
Jim took a deep breath. He had forgotten her temper but he knew that his was twice as bad. “Trixie, I’m very proud of you. I never doubted that you could do anything once you put your mind to it. That includes your schoolwork.” Seeing that she had calmed down he continued, “Why are you so in a hurry to start college?”
Trying to control her temper, Trixie said quietly. “Well, I figure I need a college degree to do anything in life and since I know exactly what I want to be I might as well get started on it.” No need to add that while lying in bed last night she also figured it would bring her that much closer to starting her life with Jim.
Jim’s left arm was gently rubbing Trixie’s back. He reached over and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Trixie, as long as you’re happy, I’m happy. And I am very proud of you.” She responded with a smile. “Now, while I have you here alone.” He said looking from side to side. “How about going on a date with me tomorrow night?”
Trixie’s smile brightened. “You mean a REAL date. Where you pick me up at my door, just you, and we go out to dinner and there is only the two of us? No brothers, sisters, or best friends?”
He laughed, “Yes, and I guarantee that it WILL be just you and me.” He placed another kiss on her forehead.
“Ok, but you have to promise that the night won’t end with a kiss on the forehead.” She grinned.
Jim leaned into her ear and whispered, “Promise.”
Honey and Di returned from changing and announced they were headed down to the lake. As they turned down the path, Trixie yelled that she would be following them soon.
Trixie left Jim and went to her room to change. Although she had grown taller and was now a respectable 5’6” she was somewhat curvy when compared to Honey. This had made her rather self-conscious and she had taken up running to try and help even out the curves. As she stood in the mirror she was unable to see any change in her appearance. She had recently bought a new one-piece but had branched out from her traditional blue into a red. Somewhat nervous about Jim seeing her, she mumbled, “He saw me in a bikini at 13, this can’t be any worse.” She threw a shirt over the swimsuit and headed downstairs.
Jim was flipping through a magazine when she walked into the family room.
“You waited for me?” she asked.
He stood up. “Of course.” He took her hand and held it as they left the farmhouse.
As the door closed behind them, Mrs. Wheeler sighed. “Thank goodness those two finally got together.”
Handing her a glass of wine, Mrs. Belden agreed.
By the time Jim and Trixie arrived at the lake, everyone was in the water.
“About time you got here!” Diana called out, just as Mart dunked her in the water.
“Glad to see you waited for us.” Jim said with a laugh. He dropped his towel on the ground, stripped off his shirt and headed for the water. “Coming?” he asked Trixie and held out his hand for her.
Trixie smiled nervously as she took off her shirt and headed towards Jim. She stopped when she noticed the look on his face. “What?”
“You’re so beautiful!” he said as he walked toward her. He cupped her face with his hand, looked into her blue eyes and repeated, “So beautiful.” He then bent down and gently kissed her. Leaning his forehead onto hers, he continued, “I can’t believe you are mine.”
Trixie took the opportunity to kiss his nose as she reached to hug him. “Always.”
With his arms now around her waist he swung her around enjoying her laughter.
By that point the gang in the water was either cheering (the girls) or making rude disgusting noises (the boys). Jim placed Trixie back on land and tried to give a stern look to the group. The look failed when he saw the look of happiness in his sister’s eyes.
“Yeah, yeah. End of show people.” Just before he dove into the water, Trixie heard him mumble something about never being alone.
Trixie giggled as she slowly entered the water and swam towards Honey and Di.
“I love that swimsuit,” Di said. “The color is perfect on you. I know you prefer blue and you look good in it, but red is your color. You look so grown up in it!”
“Thanks Di. You’re so sweet...”
Mart took that moment to grab Trixie’s legs and pull her underneath.
When she came up for air, she made a dive for Mart, missed and ended back in the water. “Can I get some help here?” she asked of the group.
“Actually, I think you’re doing just fine,” Brain teased. Honey responded by trying to push him in the water. She failed and like Trixie was gasping for breath a second later.
The rest of the afternoon was spent dunking various Bob-Whites in the water and after a long game of Marco Polo, Di was the first to point out that ‘the prune look was not in this year.’
By the time everyone finally made it out of the water and was in the process of drying off. Twilight was approaching.
“Any plans tonight?” Dan asked
“Nope,” Jim responded. “Anyone else?”
As the rest of the group shook their head, Mart suggested they return home for leftovers.
“Sounds like a plan,” Honey said. “Want to go riding tomorrow?”
“I can’t. Mummy and I are going to the city tomorrow,” Di said.
Honey looped her arm through Di’s, “Then we’ll have to do it again when you’re free.”
Diana smiled at Honey and then took Trixie by the other arm so the three girls were walking side by side.
The boys lagged behind, discussing summer plans and a camping trip they hoped to take together before summer ended.
Mrs. Belden held the kitchen door open as the group walked up the pathway. “Did you guys have fun?”
“Oh Moms, it was wonderful,” Trixie said as she gave her mother a kiss on the cheek.
“And now, we’ve come back for more of your delicious food,” Mart said as he made his way into the house.
“I’m surprised you stayed out so long,” Mrs. Belden said as she pulled out plates from the icebox. “Help yourselves.”
"Thanks, Mrs. B,” Dan said as he reached for a plate.
Trixie stood looking in her closet. If anyone had walked by, they would have seen that she hadn’t moved in 15 minutes. She was hoping that something perfect would magically appear. This was her first real date with Jim and while she wanted to look nice, she more importantly wanted to look sophisticated.
“Impossible,” she mumbled.
“Nothing is impossible, Trixie,” her mother said, standing in the doorway. “May I?” she asked, taking a step inside her daughter’s room.
Trixie nodded her head. “Moms, I have no idea what to wear.” She held up her hand. “Before you say it, yes, I know Jim will like me in anything I wear.” Trixie sighed.
Trixie’s mom smiled at her daughter. “True, but I do understand why you want to look nice tonight. I’m sure we can find something for you to wear.”
Trixie thanked her mom with a hug.
“Let’s see,” her mother said. “I heard that Jim liked you in your red swimsuit. How about your new red linen dress?”
“What new red linen dress?” Trixie peering again into her closet.
“The one I bought this morning while shopping in White Plains. It’s hanging in my closet.”
Trixie gave her mother another hug, “Moms, you’re the greatest!” She then ran to her mothers closet.
“You can borrow my red sandals if you want,” her mother called out.
Trixie returned to her room smiling. “Thank you. It’s perfect.” She tried on the wrap-around dress, and quickly realized how comfortable it was. “Wow, I’d wear more dresses if they all felt like this,” she said to her mom.
Trixie’s mother helped her with her hair and makeup and before long the doorbell rang causing Trixie to jump.
Giving her daughter a wink, Mrs. Belden headed down stairs to join the rest of the family.
Meanwhile, Jim walked into the family room. He had never felt uncomfortable in the Belden household, and was surprised when he realized he couldn’t wait to get out of there. He had to fall for a girl, not only with a father, but also with three brothers. He could have sworn Reddy was watching him too. As Jim moved to the couch, he could feel all ten eyes on him. He was glad they couldn’t read his thoughts, especially when he remembered his thoughts while getting dressed. Just as he sat down, Mrs. Belden came down the stairs. He had never been happier in his life than when she came in to the family room.
“Hello Jim, she’ll be right down,” Mrs. Belden said.
“Thanks,” he replied.
As Trixie made her way down the stairs, she let out a sigh of relief when she made it to the bottom without tripping.
Jim saw Trixie as she turned from the staircase. He got up and walked to her, handing her a bouquet of wild flowers.
“Thank you,” she said, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She handed the flowers to her mother and led Jim to the door. “See you later,” she called out to her parents and brothers as they left the Belden home.
Outside she glanced at Jim who looked a little shocked. “Jim, is everything okay?”
He smiled and laughed. “If you only realized...anyway.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “You look beautiful!”
“Thank you. I can’t believe we’re going out all by ourselves.”
“Yes, it is kind of amazing, isn’t it?” he said as he opened the car door for her. She climbed in, careful of her dress, and he shut the door. He then went around to his own door and climbed in.
“So, Mr. Frayne, where to?” Trixie asked.
“Well, Miss Belden, I made a reservation at an Italian restaurant in White Plains. Is that okay or would you rather go some place else?”
“Mmm, Italian sounds perfectly perfect.”
“So tell me, what did you do today?” he asked as they turned onto the freeway.
“Well, I registered for an Algebra class today.”
“Math?” Jim said, surprised. “I though you were going to take an English course?”
“I thought about it, and figured, since math is my weakest subject and since it’s all still fresh on my mind, it would be easy to take it now, as oppose to later when I have several classes to juggle.”
Jim thought about it. “Guess that makes sense. Anything else?”
“I’m also going to take a photography course. Something fun to balance out the hard class.”
“You’ve really taken to photography. Maybe that should be your calling.”
Trixie felt uneasy and frowned. She knew Jim wasn’t 100 percent for her being a private detective and hoped it wasn’t going to affect their relationship. “I think photography will be a useful tool in my career as a detective.”
Jim glanced over at her, saw her frown and realized his mistake. “Trix, I didn’t mean anything by it. I think you’ll make a wonderful detective. I like seeing you excited about something and only want to encourage it.” He took his right had from the steering wheel and gently touched her cheek. “Please smile.”
Trixie looked over at him and gave a warm smile.
Jim put on his turn signal and made his way to the restaurant. As he pulled up to valet parking, one man in uniform opened Trixie’s door, while another took the car keys from Jim.
Trixie waited for Jim to make his way to her side of the car and then stretched out her hand for his.
Together they walked inside where Jim gave his name to the maitre’d who directed them to a table on the patio.
“Oh Jim, this is lovely!” Trixie exclaimed as she looked around the patio.
They were quiet for a few minutes while they looked over the menu. After placing their orders, Jim lifted his glass of water for a toast. Trixie giggled and followed. As the glasses tapped Jim said, “Here’s to being the only two Bob-Whites at the table.”
“I agree.” She paused. “Jim, can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“I’m a little nervous about taking college classes. I’m not really a senior yet, will it be ok?”
“Trixie, how old are you?”
“Seventeen, you know that!”
“And how old was I when I went away to school?”
“Oh, I see your point. It’s just...”
“Trixie, you are going to be fine. If anyone can handle the situation, it’s you. If you decide that you’re not ready, you can always drop the class.” He looked at her, knowing she would never admit defeat and drop the class. “Besides, if math gets tough, you have me this summer, and I’ll be happy to help.” Seeing her smile, he continued, “I’ll be happy to be around even if you don’t need my help.”
“I’ll always need you,” she responded and smiled when he reached across the table and took her hand.
Their salads were brought to the table and the rest of dinner was spent with Jim telling Trixie what she might expect at college. He tried hard not to lecture, but when her eyes started to glaze over, Jim realized he was heading that way.
Changing the topic seemed like a good idea, “Trixie, besides school is there anything you’d like to do this summer?”
Trixie tilted her head. “Spend as much time as possible with you, before you abandon me to go back to school.”
“Well, that’s a cheery attitude,” he said sarcastically.
“I’m sorry, lost my head for a moment.” She smiled. To Jim, everything was forgotten when Trixie smiled. Trixie saw the look in his emerald eyes and she could have sworn her heart skipped a beat. Her smile deepened and she continued, “Now that I have you, I do want to spend as much time as possible with you.” She deepened her smile. “Jim, I...”
Before she could continue, the waiter brought their main dishes and they started eating.
“Delicious,” Trixie said between mouthfuls.
Before long, the evening was finished and Jim asked for the check. Trixie couldn’t resist peaking at the bill and was stunned when she saw the total. “I’m sorry, Jim.”
“What for?” he asked, surprised.
“The bill,” she whispered.
“Trixie, you are adorable!” Jim said with a laugh. He signed the credit card receipt and helped Trixie with her chair. “Come on, shamus,” he said taking her hand.
Trixie was surprised at how quickly time passed as they drove home and was a little disappointed when Jim pulled into the Belden driveway.
“Wait here,” Jim said as he got out of the car. He then walked to the passenger side and opened Trixie’s door. He took her hand and helped her out of the car. As she swung her legs to the ground, the wrap of her dress opened, showing a lot of her leg.
“Sorry,” she mumbled as gathered her dress together.
Jim had raised an eyebrow, and because he enjoyed the view, grinned mischievously.
Trixie saw Jim’s face not sure she should be embarrassed or flattered. She chose the latter.
She stood up and gave him a kiss on the check. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”
He closed the car door and while continuing to hold her hand, walked her up the porch to the kitchen door.
“You’re welcome,” he finally said. “Thank you, for agreeing to go out with me and only me.”
Trixie giggled. “Can we do it again?”
“Of course.” He kissed her gently at first, then more thoroughly. As he wrapped his arms around her, the porch light came on causing Trixie to giggle. Jim smiled and tugged at a stray curl. “Goodnight. See you tomorrow, Trix.” He couldn’t help himself and kissed her forehead.
Trixie smiled and opened the kitchen door, “Goodnight, Jim.”
Jim watched her go inside and then headed to his car, where he waited.
Trixie said goodnight to Brian, who had waited up for her and been the one to turn on the light. She then made her way to her room. She turned on the light and went to the window. She looked down and saw Jim standing beside his car.
He looked up, smiled, and gave a wave.
Trixie placed her hand on the window in response and watched Jim get in his car and head home. She followed the path of the car lights as long as she could, then left the window to get ready for bed.
As Trixie snuggled into her bed, her thoughts drifted to Jim and she fell into a very restful slumber.
The End
Thank you to Ali for editing and her kind words and thank you to Rhona for editing and not being brutal-you help so much!