Audrey sat out in her Mom's backyard, soaking up the sun in a lawn chair. Bare feet brushing through the grass rhythmically, a slight breeze ruffling through her loose, curly hair and orange sundress. It was a lovely day.

She was also making an attempt at reading. When she had told Eli she was thinking about reading, Eli had enthusiastically gone through his extensive library, even though all of it was still in boxes in his new little apartment. She settled on his big book of poetry, as that was the first thing he ever read to her.

Eli was off visiting his Mom. Lately, Audrey had been encouraging him to go by himself and eventually he took to it. He only stayed for a little bit, but it was better than nothing. Whenever Audrey saw Karen now, she seemed happier. Whether that was because her son was with her or because Mitch wasn't, she didn't know.

The fact was, Eli never did any of what he did for Mitch. He didn't particularly want him in jail, and hadn't even asked about the status of the case since he left that courtroom. Audrey could see something heavy had been lifted, though. As soon as they left that courthouse, something heavy had been lifted off of all of them.

Audrey flicked through the pages, trying to find a good place to start. She decided to stop at Virginia Woolf, the first poet Eli had introduced her to.

"I see you everywhere, in the stars, in the river, to me you're everything that exists; the reality of everything." Audrey whispered it to herself and smiled. Maybe Eli had found Virginia Woolf relatable in more than just one way. Indeed, people are more than one thing. Sorrow and love often go hand in hand.

"Audrey!"

But not always.

Audrey turned her head to see Eli running out from the back door toward her. She giggled at his excited voice and frantic actions. "Aud!" He exclaimed.

"What?" She asked with an adoring smile, standing up and placing the book down.

"Uh," He shook his head and ran his hands through his hair. Audrey watched him intently. "Someone wants to publish my book." He breathed out incredulously. Audrey stood frozen for a second, before letting out a little laugh. "Really?" She inquired softly. Eli nodded. 

Audrey broke the shocked silence with a squeal. She started jumping up and down, and Eli laughed as she bounced right into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck. He squeezed her back tightly. 

After some time she pulled away, hands on his shoulders as she studied his face, hazel eyes melting into his, "You aren't kidding, right?"

"No. But thanks for the vote of confidence." Eli chuckled, and Audrey shut his smart mouth up with a fierce kiss. "I knew you could do it." She assured between kisses. "I love you." Eli kissed her back, arms still around her, pulling her as close as possible. "I know. I love you too." 

****

"So, who is it?" Audrey asked as she sipped on a celebratory smoothie that her Mom had made them. They were still in the backyard, on Audrey's old blanket they'd sat on many times before. Eli opened his eyes, as he'd been having a relaxing time daydreaming; recalling all the memories the blanket forever held. 

"A little company. I sent out copies all over the place. They said it needs extensive editing, but it has potential." He explained. 

Audrey grinned even wider, eyes sparkling as she watched him talk. "I'm so proud of you." She said sincerely, and put her milkshake down to stroke her hand through his feathery, smooth hair. His coal black eyes burned into her as she did so. "Me too." He admitted. It was an odd, new feeling. Being happy with something he'd done. 

She settled down and rested her head comfortably on him. Before she could start to draw circles on his chest, he wrapped an arm under her and pulled her securely against him. He began to stroke circles around Audrey's back and her stomach exploded with fireworks. 

It was like she was eighteen again as she was pressed against him. Surely the fireworks should have calmed by now, but no matter how comfortable she got with Eli, they didn't stop erupting. She had started to believe that they'd never stop, and she was right. They wouldn't. Not for the rest of her life. 

(('There was a star riding through the clouds one night, and I said to the star, "Consume me."' - Virginia Woolf. 

Thanks.))