The doctor said that the scar would be fine. Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. The doctor made a little incision to drain the puss, and Elizabeth drew in a sharp breath, squeezing Jonathon’s hand. Fortunately, the doctor had believed Jonathon’s really lame story about her falling on a sharp rock and sliding. After the doctor was done he said, “It’s a good thing that you came in when you did. These things can get nasty.”

            Elizabeth wouldn’t look Jonathon as she thanked the doctor. 

            They sat silently in the car on the way back to Jonathon’s apartment. Jonathon glanced over at Elizabeth. She was looking out his truck window. “Thanks for taking me, Jonathon. It feels better already,” she said faking a smile.   
            Jonathon pulled over onto the shoulder and faced her. He reached out and touched her arm, and she turned towards him. His breath and words caught in his throat. She’s so beautiful, he thought as the sunset bounced off of her brown hair. “Lizzie,” he said his voice husky. He fingered a strand of her hair in his fingers as he tried to find the words. “You don’t have to pretend around me and you can’t. I know you to well,” he said smiling faintly as his emotions raged through him.

            She stared into his eyes and sighed. He’s right. He can read me like a picture book. Maybe this is good, Lizzie. Maybe he’ll want to be your friend…why? I don’t even want to be my friend. What would he gain? Friendship isn’t about gaining things; it’s about having someone be there through the bright and dark times. He’d be good for y-“Lizzie?”Jonathon asked full of concern, breaking into her thoughts. 

            “Sorry, Jonathon. I was thinking…”

            “You want to talk about it?” he asked gently.

            Lizzie blushed. “N-No, it was stupid...”

            “…enough to make you blush?” he finished. “Come on, Lizzie…Tell me.”

            “I-I was wondering…do you want to be friends?” Lizzie held her breath as she waited for his answer.

♠

            Can you be friends with her? Jonathon asked himself. Jonathon looked into Elizabeth’s eyes. Yes, yes. I have to. “Yeah, Lizzie. We’ll be mejor amigos,” Jonathon teased.  

            “Gracias, señor,” Lizzie said mocking him.

            “De nada,” he said smiling. “But no more of this ‘Jonathon’ nonsense. I feel like I’m in trouble. You never called me anything but J.T. It feels right, since we’re gonna be amigos.”

            “OK…” she paused. “J.T.” For once in three years, Elizabeth felt right. Like this was where she belonged, right beside this man.