Lessons in Chemistry

Author’s Note:  Trixie Belden® is the registered trademark of Random House. This story is not for profit. 

“I’m not sure what to do,” Honey told Di, absently twisting the telephone cord between her fingers.

“You could just ask him,” Di suggested.

“I couldn’t do that,” Honey protested.  She had asked Di for advice because it just didn’t seem right to ask Trixie. 

Di giggled.  She, too, found it hard to imagine Honey asking Brian to be her boyfriend. 

“Well, I guess your only option is to do to him what he did to you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Make him jealous,” Di said simply.  “That’s what made you realise you wanted to be more than just friends with him.”

“But how am I supposed to do that?” Honey asked.  “I don’t have a lab partner or even know anyone that would make Brian jealous if I were with him.”

“What about Dan?” Di asked as she doodled absently on the post-it notes on her desk.

“Dan?” Honey stammered.  “I – I couldn’t.  He’s a friend.”

“But don’t you think he’s kinda sexy?” Di sighed.

“Diana!” Honey exclaimed.  “How can you say that?  What about Mart?”

“I’m just looking,” Di defended herself.  “Anyway, he’s your only option besides Mart and no one’s going to buy that.”

“But I can’t pretend to fall in love with Dan,” Honey protested. 

“You don’t have to,” Di explained.  “Brian didn’t fall in love with Loyola, that’s not what made you jealous.  It was just the amount of time they were spending together that made you realise.  All you need to do is make an effort to spend more time with Dan, especially when Brian’s around.”

“Oh…” Honey replied thoughtfully.  “You mean like asking Dan for help with my homework?”

“Exactly,” Di cried.  “It’s a sure fire plan.”

“Well, I’ll try it,” Honey said doubtfully.  “Just promise you won’t tell Trixie we talked about this.  I don’t think she’d understand.”

“Sure,” Di grinned, glad that Honey couldn’t see her face.  Di had had her fair share of conversations with Trixie about Jim for exactly the same reason: Trixie felt uncomfortable talking to Honey about her brother.  It was the same reason Di spoke to Honey about Mart and not Trixie.  “Good luck!”

At the end of the next day, the Bobwhites clambered onto the noisy bus and made their way to their seats at the back of the bus. 

“I’ve got so much homework tonight,” Trixie wailed.  “I don’t know how I’m going to get it all done and all my chores as well.  I’ll never get it done before Thanksgiving.”

“If you refrain from procrastination, the solution is self-evident,” Mart told her as he slipped into the seat in front of her with Di.

“I’m not pro… procran… I’m not doing anything of the sort,” Trixie flared at him.

“Do you need a hand with your algebra, Trix?” Jim asked, his soft tone immediately soothing her and she smiled back gratefully.

“I sure could do with a hand on my chemistry assignment,” Honey announced and Brian looked over at her.  “Dan, would you mind giving me a hand with it tonight?”

“Me?” Dan asked in surprise as Brian’s jaw gaped.  He had been about to offer his help.

“You’re so good at chemistry and you had the same teacher,” Honey told him sweetly.  “Would you mind?  I’d really appreciate it.”

“Yeah, okay,” Dan mumbled, red-faced.  He could feel Brian’s eyes boring into the back of his head.  “I’ve got to patrol the game preserve first though.”

“I’ll come with you if you like,” Honey offered quickly.  “I promised Regan I’d exercise Lady tonight, so  we’ll be helping each other.”

“Sure,” Dan agreed.  “Come by after you get changed.”

“Do you need any more of us to help Dan?” Jim asked.   “I promised Regan we’d exercise the horses this afternoon.”

“Oh, I’m sure Honey and Dan will get it done in no time,” Di interjected quickly.  “Don’t you think so Dan?”

“Well, yeah,” Dan answered.  “I normally manage fine by myself, but it will be nice to have some company.”

“And you’ve got Honey,” Di added.  “So where are the rest of us going riding today?”

Honey breathed a sigh of relief as the rest of the Bobwhites discussed their riding route.  She shot a quick glance at Brian, who didn’t appear to be taking part in the discussion, and she saw the bewilderment in his eyes as their gaze met.  Honey’s heart panged and she gave him a warm smile before he returned his attention to the group.

“This is our stop Sis,” Jim told Honey as the bus pulled to a stop.

“I’ll see you in twenty minutes Dan,” Honey told him as she passed him and Dan nodded.

Honey didn’t miss Di’s encouraging smile as she got off the bus and walked slowly with Jim up the long drive way.

“Since when do you have problems with chemistry?” Jim asked suspiciously.

“Since this semester,” Honey replied defensively. 

“You know you could have asked Brian or I for help.”

“Well, you had just offered to help Trixie and Brian’s still trying to catch up after missing out on school while he was sick,” Honey answered.  “Dan’s pretty smart you know, and he had the same chemistry teacher as me.”

“Okay, okay,” Jim grinned.  “I hope he can help you.”

“So do I,” Honey muttered under her breath.

“How long has Honey been having problems with chemistry?” Brian asked Trixie quietly as they walked towards Crabapple Farm.

“I’m not sure,” Trixie replied.  “We’re in different classes.”

“Does it bug you that she asked Dan for help and not you?” Mart teased.

“Would it bother you if Di asked Dan for help on an English assignment and not you?” Brian asked in reply.  Mart opened his mouth, but a look from Brian silenced him.

“But Mart and Di are a couple,” Trixie commented.  “You and Honey aren’t.”

“Thanks for pointing that out,” Brian muttered and increased his pace, leaving a bewildered Trixie and a smirking Mart behind.

“So finally the truth is revealed,” Mart cried gleefully.

“The truth?”  Trixie asked.  “What truth?”

“Are you kidding me?” Mart asked.  “Brian just as good as admitted he’s got a thing for Honey and that he’s jealous of her and Dan.”

“What?” Trixie cried.  “How did you get all of that out of that short conversation?”

“For a detective, you sure are clueless sometimes Beatrix,” Mart chortled.  “No wonder you and Jim…”

Mart caught sight of the look of fury on Trixie’s face and ran for house.

“Has Honey already left?” Brian asked casually as he entered the stables. 

“A few minutes ago,” Regan told him as he handed him the reins of Starlight.  “Since when does Dan need help patrolling the game reserve?”

“That’s what I’d like to know,” Brian muttered.

“I think she just went to keep him company,” Jim explained.  “Dan’s helping her with her chemistry assignment tonight.”

“Really?” Regan asked in surprise.  “I’m glad he’s doing well enough to be able to help Honey out.”

Regan smiled proudly as he went back into the stables to bring out Susie and Strawberry.

“Well, at least someone’s happy about Honey and Dan’s arrangement,” Mart kidded to Trixie and shoved the last of one of Moms’ blueberry muffins in his mouth.

Trixie frowned at him.  She didn’t like what Mart had been implying.  Surely, Honey and Brian couldn’t be interested in each other.  Their relationship wasn’t anything like her and Jim’s.  Brian had never given Honey an identity bracelet with his name on it, but he did take her to school dances and they usually sat together when the Bobwhites went to the movies.  But surely they were just friends?

Trixie took Susie’s reins from Regan, adjusted the stirrups and mounted, deep in thought. 

First Di and Mart get together, and now it looks like Brian and Honey like each other, Trixie thought in frustration.  What about Jim and I?  He told me I’m his special girl, but he doesn’t act like I am anymore.

Trixie frowned and looked over at Jim.

“Here comes Di,” Jim told them, not noticing Trixie’s gaze.  “Let’s get going.  We’ve all got a lot of study to do tonight.”

Honey and Dan had not returned by the time the rest of the Bobwhites made it back to the stables.  Brian had been unusually quiet on the ride and Jim, sensing he wanted to talk, sent Mart and Trixie home. 

“Brian and I will clean up here,” Jim announced.  “Go on home and get started on your chores and homework.”

Mart smiled in thanks and headed off, but Trixie hesitated.

“Call me tonight if you need help with your algebra Trix,” Jim added softly and she grinned back at him.  Their eyes locked for a second and she felt a small thrill go through her.

Her face reddened and she turned quickly, following Mart down the driveway.  Jim stared after her for a second.

“Now that you’ve doubled our workload, aren’t you going to help me?” Brian demanded.

“Sure,” Jim replied quickly, pulling his eyes away from Trixie.  He busied himself cleaning the tack while Brian groomed and fed the horses.

“Is everything okay?” Jim asked, after they had worked in silence for a while.

“I’ve just got a lot on my mind,” Brian told him.  He wasn’t sure he could discuss his feelings about Honey with Jim.

“I was a bit surprised Honey asked Dan to help her with her chem assignment and not you,” Jim said carefully.

Brian remained silent.

“I don’t think there’s anything to it,” Jim added.

“Have I done something to upset her?” Brian finally asked.

“Not that I know of,” Jim replied.  “But then again, how am I supposed to know?”

“She’s your sister,” Brian pointed out.

“She’s also a woman,” Jim grinned.  “I have enough problems trying to work out what’s going on in your sister’s head.”

Brian stopped short and looked at Jim.  Was he admitting that he had a thing for Trixie?  Brian had always felt that there was something between them, but Jim had never discussed her with him.

“I guess I shouldn’t be asking you for advice then,” Brian joked.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jim asked, with a slight frown.

Brian just grinned as he led the horses away to their stables.  Jim turned on the hose to wash down the cement floor and puzzled over Brian’s statement.  His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter as Dan and Honey approached on horseback.

“Sounds like you guys had fun,” Jim called to them.

“It was a wonderful afternoon for a ride,” Honey smiled as she dismounted and Dan took Lady’s reins from her.

“It was great to have some company,” Dan admitted.  “Some days I like to be on my own out there, but it can get pretty lonely sometimes.”

“Any time you want some company, just let me know,” Honey smiled up at him.  “I had a great time.”

“I’d better get going,” Brian said as he walked out of the stables.

“Brian!” Honey cried.  “I didn’t know you were still here.”

“I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” Brian mumbled and began to walk off.

“Brian, wait up,” Dan called.

“Sorry Dan, I’m already late,” Brian called back.  “We’ll talk tomorrow.”

The three of them stared after Brian as he hurried down the driveway.  Honey flushed guiltily.  She had no idea Brian would react so strongly.  She felt bad about it, but could only hope that it meant he felt something for her.

Jim slapped Dan on the back and they headed into the stables.

“So Dan, my boy,” Regan began.  “I hear you’re a chemistry whiz.”

“Something like that,” Dan mumbled, his face reddening.  “I’m just giving Honey a hand.”

“Well, you go in and get started,” Regan told them.  “I’ll take care of Lady and give Spartan a rub down for you.”

“Thanks Regan,” Honey cried.  “That’s really great of you.”

“I notice he didn’t come out to help Brian and I with four horses,” Jim grumbled good-naturedly as they walked up to the house.  “He’s really proud of you Dan.”

“I’m not that good at chemistry,” Dan protested and the three of them laughed.

“You were awfully quiet at dinner son,” Peter Belden observed, standing in the doorway of Brian’s room.  “Is everything okay?  Are you feeling alright?”

“I feel fine Dad,” Brian sighed.  “I’ve just got some stuff on my mind..”

“Can I help with anything?”

Brian hesitated.  Maybe his father was the only person he could talk to about Honey.

“Am I too young to have a girlfriend?”

“Well, son,” Peter began carefully.  “You’ve just turned seventeen.  I don’t think you’re too young to have a girlfriend as long as it doesn’t interfere with your study.”

“What if the girl isn’t quite fifteen yet?”

Peter hesitated and looked closely at Brian.  He could see the longing in his eyes and knew that his son was yearning to take the next step in his friendship with Honey.

“I would think it was okay as long as you took things slow,” Peter advised.

“Oh, of course I would,” Brian assured him.  “If only I was sure she felt the same way.”

“You’re not sure?” Peter asked, hiding a smile.

“I think she might like someone else,” Brian replied miserably.

“Well, there’s only one way to find out,” Peter told him.  “Ask her.”

“Gee, I don’t know if I could do that Dad,” Brian flushed.

“Son, I almost lost your mother because I was afraid to tell her how I felt,” Peter smiled.  “She had guys swarming around her and I was sure she liked them better than me.”

“What did you do?”

“She got sick of waiting for me to ask her out and started seeing someone else,” Peter grinned wryly.  “I got so jealous.  I waited to get her alone, blurted out that I was in love with her and she kissed me.  We’ve been inseparable ever since.”

“So you think that’s what I should do?” Brian asked.

“Don’t let it come to that,” Peter advised him with a laugh.  “And I’m sure you can do it with a lot more style than I did.”

“Thanks Dad,” Brian smiled gratefully.  “I appreciate it.”

“No problems son,” Peter replied.  “Good luck.”

“Honey, you’re better at chemistry than I am!” Dan exclaimed.  “I don’t why you thought you needed help.”

“You explain it much better than Mr Cooper,” Honey told him.  “I didn’t get it until just now.”

“I wish all tutoring was this easy,” Dan smiled and took a swallow of his coke.  “However, I get the feeling that I’m not just here to help you with your chem assignment.  Why didn’t you ask Brian for help?”

“He’s got a lot to catch up on,” Honey mumbled.  “I didn’t want to put him out.”

“I think he was ready to kill me when I accepted,” Dan told her.  “He’d do anything for you, you know that don’t you?”

“Come on Dan,” Honey flushed.  “He’s not interested in me.  I’m too young for him.”

“He is interested in you Honey,” Dan insisted.  “Why do you think he was so moody this afternoon?”

“So I really made him jealous?” Honey breathed.  “I can’t believe it.”

“So that’s what this was all about,” Dan grinned.  “You girls sure like to play games, don’t you?”

“I’m sorry Dan,” Honey apologised quickly.  “It was Di’s idea.”

“I should have known, she specialises in games,” Dan laughed.  “But you’ve got me in hot water with Brian.  I hope you get me back in his good books when you two sort things out.”

“I promise I will,” Honey assured him.  “Come on, I’ll walk you out.”

Honey walked Dan out to the stables, enjoying the crisp twilight air.  Dan saddled Spartan and bid Honey goodnight.

“Good luck Honey,” Dan told.  “I hope everything works out with you and Brian.”

Honey hugged Dan goodbye.

“Thanks for everything Dan.  I’m glad you’re not mad at me.”

She watched as Spartan plodded off along the path and walked slowly towards the house.  She saw a figure disappear down the driveway and she stared after it.

“Brian?” Honey called.  “Brian, is that you?”

Honey ran down the driveway until she caught up with Brian.

“Why didn’t you stop?” She asked breathlessly.  “I was calling you.”

“I shouldn’t have come,” Brian muttered.

“Why did you come?” Honey asked.

“I’m too late,” Brian told her.  “I saw you with Dan.  I thought maybe we…  Oh, it doesn’t matter.”

“Brian, there’s nothing going on between Dan and I,” Honey cried.  “I’m not interested in him, I like you.”

“You like me?” Brian stammered and Honey nodded shyly.

“Oh, Honey,” Brian breathed and he took her hand in his.  “I was so scared that you wanted Dan and not me.”

“That was my fault,” Honey confessed, blushing.  “I thought if I made you jealous, you might tell me you liked me.  Dan had nothing to do with it.”

“Well, I guess it worked,” Brian told her sheepishly.  “Honey, I’ve always liked you.  But just lately I’ve realised I want to be more than just your friend.”

Honey’s hazel eyes gazed into Brian’s dark ones, shining with happiness.

“I want that too,” Honey cried.  “I want to be more than just your friend.”

“Will you be my girl, Honey?” Brian whispered, lowering his head so his face almost touched his.  “Will you be my Honey girl?”

“I like the sound of that,” Honey murmured.  “I want to be your Honey girl.”

Brian gently brushed his lips against hers and his heart thrilled at the soft touch of her beautiful lips.  He wrapped his arms around her and drew her to him.  They kissed again, their lips lingering.

“I want to give you something,” Brian told her.  He released her gently, pulled off his class ring and placed it in the palm of Honey’s hand.  “Now you are my Honey girl.”

“Brian, I’m so happy,” Honey cried.  “I’ll put it in a chain and wear it around my neck.”

Brian kissed her again, overwhelmed by the feeling of having her in his arms and pressed up against him.  This time Honey’s tongue flicked over his lips and they gasped as the electricity ran through them.

“Honey!  Honey, it that you?”

Jim’s voice shattered the moment and they quickly pulled away from each other.

“I’d better go,” Honey murmured regretfully. 

Brian nodded and turned to leave, but quickly turned back for one final kiss before he fled into the cool night air.

“Goodnight my Honey girl.”

Honey walked dreamily back to the house.

“Was that Brian?” Jim asked.  “What were you two doing out here so late?”

“It turned out only Brian could help me with my chemistry,” Honey replied coyly and slipped into the house.

Jim stared after her.  Why did he suddenly get the feeling that his sister was now a grown woman and he was just a little boy?

The End