What Am I Supposed To Do With You? “Can’t You See Nothing Can Ever Happen Between Us?” snapped Victoria. “I keep telling you the same thing every single day: you’re like a child.”

Elizabeth, wait. The girl turned at the sound of the voice. She knew Thomas was waiting for her outside the house once again.

You again? Havent you tired of this by now? Youve been here forever! Elizabeth said. Thomas shyly handed her a bouquet of daisies.

I only wanted to see you, he murmured.

Elizabeth took the flowers with reluctance and let out a weary sigh. What am I to do with you? she said. You must understand, there can never be anything between us! Her voice carried a note of frustration. I tell you this each and every day. Youre just like a boychildish, really.

I cant help it, Thomas replied quietly. Perhaps one day it will pass.

It will never pass so long as you keep chasing after me. Ive told you this hundreds of times! You mean nothing to me!

He offered her a fond smile. Dont be cross, love. It doesnt suit you. Sweet dreams, he said gently.

And I am not your sweetheart! Elizabeth called back.

Thomas had fallen for Elizabeth straight away. Shed joined their school in the second form, and from that day shed always sat at the same desk as he. Elizabeth had liked Thomas, too, and once theyd been inseparable, always seen together. But now, since theyd left school, Elizabeth had changed so much. Thomas scarcely recognised her, and she certainly no longer looked for him by her side.

How could this have happened? Thomas would wonder. Now, hed seen other young men walking Elizabeth home, and it hurt him terribly to watch. Each time, he swore to himself hed never go running after her again. Yet by the next evening, his feet led him right back to her door.

Elizabeth knew all too well that Thomas would be perched on the bench near the gate. She even hoped one day hed see her with another man and finally leave her be.

Why do you linger here every night? Waiting for someone? A voice interrupted his brooding. Thomas looked up. A new girl stood before him, hair as fiery as the evening sun, cheeks dusted with freckles, and when she smiled, she was almost dazzling. Beside her trotted a spaniel of the same ginger hue. Thomas thought her a mischievous sort with her red-coated dog. He returned her smile.

Im waiting for happiness, Thomas said. But it isnt here…

Perhaps youre looking in the wrong place, she replied. Maybe you should wander and seek it out? My dog Max and I stroll here each day. Would you care to join us? The three of us might just find a bit of luck together.

Thomas let his eyes stray to Elizabeths window, then stood up and answered with conviction:

You know what? I think I will.

That night, for the first time, Elizabeth did not find Thomas on the bench. A slight pang of surprise caught her. She slowed her step, looking for him as usual, but the bench was empty. Elizabeth sighed and strolled over, staring at the spot where Thomas always waited.

Its empty, she thought.

Just then, a distant bark caught her ear. She glanced up and spotted two figures at the edge of the green. From afar, she could make out Thomas beside a girl.

A pang of jealousy twisted inside Elizabeth. It was the first time Thomas had not come to meet her. An emptiness crept into her chest as she watched the stranger lead Thomas awayaway from her.