he doesn't understand love

December 2024 - Richie Gaunt and Ellie Cornwall are 17, Jan Gaunt is 44, George Gaunt is 46.

Richie meets Ellie at the ice skating rink, just as they have since they were six.

Of course now they have other things to do there besides just skate.

Richie doesn't actually know what he and Ellie are; they're best friends of course, but they've never had the relationship talk. But then he isn't seeing any other girls, and he knows she isn't seeing any other boys. Perhaps when you've been friends as long as they have, going steady doesn't mean anything. They already know they'll always be together.

They run into his mother at the ice skating rink. It surprises him, but it really shouldn't. After the divorce she only moved a few blocks away. The real surprise is that he hasn't seen her walking around Aradia more often.

He doesn't know what to say to her, but the awkwardness isn't because of the divorce. Or rather, it isn't just beause of the divorce. It has more to do with the last time he saw her.

She had been in the living room when he arrived home from school. "Mom," he said, surprised, "what are you doing here?"

"Oh hello darling." She kissed him on the cheek. "I just came over to say hello."

"I appreciate that, but I could have come to your apartment." He felt guilty, realizing that he still hadn't been over there. He knew his mother was seeing several men, and he wasn't ready to face that.

"Oh that's not necessary," she replied. "I don't mind coming over here."

"Well it's great to see you, Mom. Dad won't be home for a few hours, so we could get a cup of coffee or take a walk."

"Actually," she said slowly, "I'm here to see your father as well." She let that sink in for a moment before hurrying forward. "We've been in contact for a while, just talking, and he invited me to come over for a visit."

His parents had never seemed like friends. Most days they hardly spoke to one another. His father had always put his work first, leaving his wife alone with the children and the house. Neither Richie or Edward had been surprised when they're parents divorced. But seeing his father return home and greet his ex-wife with a kiss leaves Richie completely speechless.

Richie had mentioned it to Edward, but he hadn't wanted to hear about it.

"It has nothing to do with us," he had said. "Just forget about it."

But Richie can't help but think about it, especially when he runs into his mother. He thought being with Ellie had taught him about love, but it turns out he doesn't understand it at all.



*****
George and Jan have me very confused! Even though they both considered their divorce to be a good memory, they both wanted to fall in love with each other again. Maybe they'll find some way to reconcile? It's very unexpected, but it's fun letting them control the story.