Elliot’s face was neutral. I couldn’t tell what he was feeling, but I knew I was excited. It was our first day of our honeymoon. Last night we sleep in separate rooms in a little hotel. I suppose I’ve gotten used to the superbe quality of the mattresses at home, for I had the most fitful sleep. However, I can’t blame it all on the mattress: last night I had an awful dream. In it, we were at the hotel, the one we stayed at last night. I went to wake Elliot up. When I opened his door, I saw another woman in his bed.

My face paled again recalling the dream. Yes it never happened, but I know it could. A warm hand was placed on my arm. I looked up, Elliot was staring at me.

“Are you well?” His voice betrayed no emotion, but I thought I saw something in his eyes, something other than indifference. I nodded my head, not making the effort to prouder the words.

He removed his hand and looked back out the window, leaving my arm and my heart aching for the warmth.

The carriage slowed to a halt. I immediately looked up and all around. I had no idea where we were; it was a surprise Elliot said. I could see plants vibrantly colored: reds and oranges and yellows.

The door to the carriage was opened by the footman. Elliot got out first, and then held his hand out for me. Our hand connected, and I felt a spark of electricity shot through me. His hand squeezed mine quickly before he let go. My eyes shot open in surprise, but I fixed them for the footman gave my an odd look.

My cheeks were flushed as the carriage dove off. I was so distracted I didn’t notice it was preparing to leave until after it was gone. I also didn’t notice the basket Elliot had in his hand.

We were left alone together. We’d never been alone together ever. I didn’t quite know what to do with myself, so I just completely avoided Elliot’s gaze, though I could feel it hotly on my cheek.

The scenery wasn’t lacking however, so I had enough to occupy me for a spell. There was a rough looking mountain in front of us, and a tall forest behind us. It made me feel a strange sense of contentment, knowing we were closed off from the rest of the world.

Below is was a little pond. It was a beautiful green color. The leaves of the plants reflected in it gave it some variation.

“This is a very beautiful spot Elliot. Thank you for taking me here.” I still wouldn’t look at him.

“Yes, I thought so.” He began walking again. It was now I noticed the basket, and my mind raced thinking of its content. Would Elliot of all people think of something so romantic as a picnic at this picturesque spot?

Sure enough he opened the basket and pulled out a blanket. When it was speed over the rocks he called me over. He had to lift me down, off of the steep ledge. I didn’t miss the faint blush on his cheeks when his thumb brushed higher than it was supposed to.

I sat on the blanket, trying to make myself look as fetching as possible. The dynamic had shifted: I felt as though I had more power of the situation as possible. Oh, how I wished I had an umbrella to drape over my shoulder at that moment!

If I did it surely would have drooped, for, when Elliot looked back, I saw his nonchalant expression that absolutely quenched my spirt. It was all so frustrating! Why should I sit there and be awkward all afternoon on this silly picnic?

Elliot placed an array of food out on the blanket, but what really caught my eye was the plate of watermelon. I had mentioned before to Elliot that watermelon was my favorite fruit. Was it’s appearance here planned, or just a coincidence? I assumed the latter.

He passed a plate to me, and statutes to put food on his own. I followed his lead, and then began to eat. I was fully prepared to eat in silence, but Elliot did something totally out of character: he talked!

“Do you like the watermelon? I remembered you said you were partial to it.”

As he revealed this I was taking a bite of said watermelon.