After a twenty minute drive through flat, green farmland she had arrived at the small gas station at Stephenson's Corner. The sight of Dan's silver pickup parked next to the store caught her attention. She quickly parked and got out of her truck, glancing around in search of Dan. She spotted him standing just outside the entrance, he was smartly dressed in his favorite bomber jacket matched with a new pair of jeans, the blue still vibrant without the wear of many washes. A smile stretched across his face as their eyes met.
"How did you discover this place?" Becky asked, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.
Dan paused, contemplating whether to disclose the truth behind his knowledge. But as the memory of his earlier chastisement of Mike flashed in his mind, he realized the importance of honesty in their friendship. Taking a deep breath, he decided to share the whole story.
"Lisa told me about this place," Dan began, his voice tinged with a touch of nostalgia, "We used to come here together quite often. Actually, Lisa and I dated for about a year, but we've since split up." He glanced at Becky, his eyes filled with sincerity, "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. You and I weren't really talking at the time, and I didn't know the right way to bring it up."
"Actually, Mary told me about Lisa the other day when I caught up with her for coffee." Becky said quietly, "Dan, I just want you to be happy." she expressed with a little strain, "I genuinely hope you're okay after the breakup with Lisa. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you."
Dan couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Becky's support. Her words, spoken with care, reminded him of the deep bond they had shared since their early years. But he also sensed that there was more on her mind, a desire to understand where they stood in their relationship after years of distance and separation.
He offered a grateful nod, ushering her into the store. Walking closely behind, Becky's mind wandered back to their high school years, a time where she and Dan had experienced their first loves. She recalled their mutual support during those relationships, finding solace in their enduring friendship that weathered the storms of their different romantic interests. However, as life pulled them in diverging directions, their bond had begun to fray under the pressure of their individual pursuits.
With her move to Minneapolis and later Southern California, Becky had thrown herself into organizing her school transfer, settling into a new environment, and building a new life where study was the only focus. The busyness and stress left little room for maintaining their close friendship. And she understood the ambivalence Dan had harbored toward her departure, knowing how much it may have affected him.
Dan, deeply rooted in the routines and familiarity of Sommerfield, struggled to comprehend a life beyond their hometown. The thought of losing Becky, his closest friend, to her future endeavors weighed heavily on his heart. And witnessing other friends and classmates leave Sommerfield amplified his attachment and made him cling even tighter to the place he called home.
Yet, an apparently inconsequential incident at the school festival had sparked a realization within Becky—that happiness might exist beyond her friendship with Dan. Though her sentiments for Mike didn't run as deeply as those for Dan, it acted as a catalyst, reminding her that she had invested too much of her happiness solely in their friendship.
Upon her journey to Minneapolis and eventually California, Becky grappled with the imminent rewriting of her social life. Initially fraught with apprehension at the prospect of forging connections in unfamiliar territories, she was resolute in her determination to not just adapt but to flourish in these new environments.
–
Becky had invested every ounce of her being into earning a spot at the university, the fruit of relentless effort and resolve. On a serene spring morning at her aunt Gracie's residence in Minneapolis, the acceptance letter arrived, flooding her with an indescribable joy. It was a moment she yearned to share with Dan, to whom she felt immensely connected.
"Oh, that's great, Becky. Congratulations. So you're really going to California." Came his unemotional response.
"Thanks, Dan! I'm going to university! Can you believe it?" Becky said, her voice trembling with excitement.
"Yeah, that's really something. Good for you."
"It's been my dream for so long." She could feel the weight of carrying the conversation.
"Well, I wish you all the best. Good luck with everything, Becky."
"Thank you, Dan."
"It's a long way from home, take care."
"Thanks Dan."
With those final words, their conversation had come to an abrupt end, leaving Becky feeling a profound sense of loss. She had hoped that their friendship could withstand the distance and changes that life inevitably brought. But as she packed her bags and prepared to leave for California, she made the painful decision not to ask Dan to visit her in Minneapolis. The excitement that once filled her heart was replaced by a solemn acceptance of the growing divide between them.
The years that followed were marked by silence, their lives unfolding in parallel yet separate trajectories. Becky immersed herself in the vibrant atmosphere of her university, forging new friendships and exploring the vast opportunities that lay before her. She had grown accustomed to the absence of Dan's presence in her life, though his memory remained etched in her heart, a series of unanswered letters from Becky deepened the sense of loss, leaving behind a poignant regret.
Meanwhile, Dan found solace in the familiar embrace of Sommerfield, the town that held his cherished memories and the comfort of routine. As he watched his friends and classmates move on, he had steeled himself for Becky's inevitable departure many years earlier. His time with Lisa served as a spark of happiness that made his life worth living.
—
Within the gas station store, the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee blended with the tantalizing scent of cinnamon donuts. Dan's eyes were drawn to the display of donuts as he made his way to the food bar, his finger eagerly gesturing toward the glass cabinet showcasing the delicious treats. The innocent delight shining on his face, paired with his enthusiastic gesture, mirrored a profound sense of pure joy. Witnessing this, Becky couldn't suppress her own rush of delight. It stirred memories of their childhood adventures, particularly the moment in the woods when they spotted their first fawn and doe together.
With a pair of tongs in hand, Dan carefully bagged eight cinnamon donuts, his enthusiasm never taking a pause.
"Eight donuts? That's too much, Dan!"
"Trust me, these donuts are so good, you'll want more than one. Guaranteed." Dan replied with a grin.
As Dan made his way to the counter to pay, the clerk recognized him, and they exchanged pleasantries. Becky seized the moment to intervene, stopping Dan in his tracks.
"I'll pay for the donuts," she insisted, a determined look in her eyes.
A brief but spirited battle ensued, each vying for the privilege of covering the cost. In the end, Dan emerged victorious, adamant that he would treat Becky.
Becky chuckled, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Since returning to Sommerfield, the Fenton family has been incredibly generous to me. First, your parents graciously hosted me for dinner, then Mary treated me to coffee at the bookshop, and now you're spoiling me with these donuts. I might have to make a habit of visiting more often to bask in this red-carpet hospitality."
"Don't get used to being treated like a princess. Maybe you can buy us some coffee." Dan playfully retorted.
Becky looked at him earnestly, ready to fulfill his request, and attempted to pay the store clerk for two cups of coffee.
"I was just kidding. I can't believe you took me seriously. I'll pay for the coffee as well. Princess."
Becky, determined not to be seen as a freeloader, asserted, "I'm not a princess! and I'm not trying to take advantage of you or your family's generosity."
The clerk, observing their playful banter, couldn't help but be entertained. With a solution in mind, he interjected.
"I have an idea. The coffee is on the house. Neither of you need to pay for it."
Becky, feeling a sense of obligation, protested, "You don't have to do that. I insist on paying."
Pointing to a small sign next to the cash register, the clerk explained.
"No argument needed. Coffees are free for every four donuts purchased."
Becky turned to Dan, her cheeks puffed out in mock anger, her eyes accusing him.
"Danny Fenton! You knew didn't you?" she playfully accused.
Dan, unable to contain his laughter, paid for the donuts and led the way to the coffee machine, where they poured themselves two steaming cups of freshly brewed coffee.
Settling down at a small table in the cafeteria area, their hands cradling the warm cups, they took their first bites of the cinnamon donuts.
Becky's eyes widened, and she mumbled through a mouthful of sweetness.
"These might just be the best donuts I've ever had in my life."
Dan, savoring the moment, explained.
"They make them fresh in-store. It's a tradition from way back when the gas station was competing against more convenient gas stations just off the interstate. Now they probably sell more donuts than gas."
Becky and Dan were cocooned in the cozy ambiance of the gas station's cafeteria, relishing their cinnamon donuts amidst laughter and effortless conversation. The years melted away, replaced by an unmistakable familiarity and ease that only genuine friendship could evoke. Reflecting on how they had let their bond wane, Becky pondered the naivety of their past perspectives. The idea of returning to Sommerfield one day now held a special allure—a place tethered to her parents, cherished friends, and the natural beauty that awaited just beyond its borders. It became a comforting thought—a place she may call home again.
As they shared stories and caught up on each other's lives, Becky couldn't contain her excitement about her day yesterday minding the grocery store.
"Guess who I saw yesterday?" she exclaimed, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"Let me guess. Mike?"
"What? How did you know?" Becky pouted playfully, a touch disappointed that her attempt at surprising Dan had been foiled, "Mike came to the grocery store to buy some beer for your catch-up today. Are you heading over to his house later?"
Dan paused for a moment, contemplating his response. In the spirit of transparency and with a tinge of regret, he decided to share what had transpired between him and Mike earlier that day.
"Yeah, I've actually been to Mike's already," Dan confessed, a hint of tension threading through his voice. "We, uh, got into this stupid argument. I left his place early because I didn't want things to escalate. It had me pretty worked up."
"That's not like you at all," she remarked, her tone laced with genuine concern. "You're usually so patient with Mike. That's one of the things that makes you such a good friend."
"I'm not happy with the way I acted." Dan admitted with a sigh. "Mike's dad walked in just as we were arguing, completely unaware of the situation. I rudely brushed him off and left the house. I need to apologize to him later. He even offered to buy us pizza for lunch, and I just... I let my frustration get the best of me."
"What did you argue about?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Dan hesitated for a moment, a mix of embarrassment and frustration washing over him.
"It's really stupid, actually," he confessed. "We started arguing over nothing, and then...I brought up that incident between you and Mike at the festival years ago."
Becky burst into laughter, not in a mocking way but rather in a lighthearted manner that suggested Dan should know better.
"That silly hug?" she chuckled. "Oh Dan, you're above getting hung up on that."
Dan couldn't help but smile, grateful for Becky's ability to ease his self-criticism. He nodded in agreement, a sense of relief washing over him.
Becky playfully swiped a morsel of the donut from Dan's hand, a mischievous sparkle danced in her eyes. Trying to alleviate the tension that lingered, she cut off his protest with a teasing smile.
"Speaking of unspoken jealousy..." she began, her voice soft and inviting. "Tell me about you and Lisa. It's been too long since we've shared our experiences with each other."
Becky leaned in slightly, her gaze fixed on Dan with gentle understanding. She wanted him to feel comfortable opening up, to know that she was genuinely interested in hearing his story.
Dan took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Becky's in a moment of vulnerability. "Lisa... well, she was another reason for the argument with Mike today," he admitted with a hint of regret. "He was pressing me to tell him what happened between me and Lisa, why we had broken up. I let my frustration get the best of me."
Shaking his head at his own behavior, Dan sighed.
"I really regret lashing out at Mike. I know he genuinely cares about me, even if he struggles to express it sometimes. He has a way of saying the wrong things at the wrong time."
Noticing Becky engrossed on her phone typing something, Dan's annoyance flickered across his face.
"Are people constantly distracted by their phones in California?" he asked, his voice tinged with a touch of exasperation.
Apologizing profusely, Becky quickly set her phone face down on the table, her captivating smile reemerging. She urged Dan to continue, assuring him of her undivided attention.
"Lisa... she had this incredible sensitivity," Dan reminisced, "That's what drew me to her. She had this knack for connecting with people on such a profound level because she could sense every emotion others experienced. It made it seem like she could effortlessly befriend anyone, almost magically."
Becky couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as she observed Dan's smile. Lisa had a way of eliciting that genuine, heartfelt excitement from him—an excitement that she longed to see directed towards her in some capacity.
"You know, Lisa has really made a home for herself here in Sommerfield," he continued. "She's so dedicated and committed to this town. She landed a job at the granary office, she's endeared herself to the entire office, she's completely in her element there. Plus you probably know already, she got Mary a part-time gig there too. The way that Lisa found a sense of belonging in Sommerfield," Dan explained, admiration evident in his voice. "It's something that I want, too. I could envision a future with her, growing old together in this town."
Taking a sip of coffee and placing the donut down on a napkin, Dan's gaze wandered out of the window, his eyes fixating on the flat hills in the distance and the solitary steeple of a church.
"During one of our dates," Dan continued, his voice tinged with sentimentality, "we visited the old church by the Eastwood River. Whilst Lisa was most interested in standing at the door of the church and picturing us surrounded by friends and family on our wedding day, my eyes were drawn to the headstones of an elderly couple buried next to each other in the cemetery just beside the church. I know it's a little somber, but I could only think about that entire lifetime spent together. A life filled with love and adventure, even if it's spent living in this tiny little town."
Becky stared at Dan as his words washed over her. She was overcome with a feeling of deep longing and an acute awareness of the poignant beauty that was not her own but one that she had missed nonetheless.
Dan picked up the last morsel of the donut, savoring its sweetness in his mouth before swallowing it down. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, signaling the weight of the memories he was about to share.
"It's a bit depressing to think about those things now," Dan admitted, "The feeling of severe heartache still comes back whenever I think about the good times I shared with Lisa."
Becky reached out from across the table, her hand finding his, offering comfort. She sensed the difficulty he faced in continuing the conversation, torn between wanting to hear his story and not wanting to delve further into the painful recesses of his past.
Dan looked at Becky, his eyes filled with gratitude for her presence in that moment. She was precisely the person he wanted to share his experiences with, realizing just how much he had missed her.
Dan gently placed his other hand atop Becky's, feeling the coolness of her skin against the warmth of his.
"From the start, my dad had serious issues with me dating Lisa," Dan explained. "It got to a point where being at home was just unbearable. He'd never miss an opportunity to belittle her, insinuating that she was lazy and only cared about superficial things. It felt like a constant downpour of criticism."
Becky could see the tension mounting on Dan's face—a blend of anger and indignation. She squeezed his hand tighter, offering her support. Dan appeared agitated, his heavy breaths punctuating his frustration. He removed his top hand from Becky's, running them through his hair in apparent exasperation. The recollection of the arguments with his father was causing great distress.
"Once when I got back from work," Dan recounted, shaking his head, "I heard voices raised in an argument between Mary and my dad. I hurried to the kitchen and found Mary in tears. She was still in her work clothes, having just returned from her part-time job at the granary. As soon as my dad noticed me, he shifted his focus to me, his voice dripping with anger."
The memories weighed heavily on Dan's shoulders, and he let out another heavy breath.
"He had told Mary that she should no longer work at the granary. He blamed me for introducing Lisa into Mary's life. My dad kept calling Lisa increasingly worse things, criticizing the way she dressed, her eternal casual attitude, labeling her a terrible role model and influence for Mary. I had never seen so much anger in my dad's eyes," Dan recounted, his voice tinged with both fear and defiance. "I defended Lisa, telling my dad how she helped Mary get her first job, teaching her about work discipline and the importance of making and saving money for herself."
Dan withdrew further into his shell, his posture sinking against the back of the chair, burdened by the weight of the past. His hand trembling within Becky's hand, his eyes flickering with unsteadiness.
"My dad shouted angrily that he'd be long dead before he sees Mary become anything like Lisa," Dan recounted, his voice carrying the weight of the painful memory. "Mary was so upset at that moment that she rushed out of the kitchen and ran up to her room."
The turmoil within Dan seemed to intensify, and Becky could see the struggle in his eyes.
"I did something I'm not proud of," Dan admitted, his voice laden with remorse. "I lost my temper and let out a barrage of my deepest feelings about my dad. I said some incredibly harsh things—things that were really serious and very mean."
Dan looked up at Becky, tears welling up in his eyes. His voice trembled as he continued.
"My dad stood there in silence, taken aback by my revelation of how much I resented him. He placed a hand on my shoulder. Looking back, I think he was trying to connect with me, some sort of peace offering. But in the heat of the moment, I mistook it for him trying to push me," Dan reflected.
Confusion clouded Dan's expression as he tried to make sense of the intense moment he was recalling to Becky.
"I grabbed his collar and landed a punch across his chest," Dan confessed, his voice trembling under the weight of his actions. "I can still feel the blind rage that consumed me then. My only regret at that moment was not landing a direct hit on his face. I was consumed by anger and completely out of control."
Becky's brow furrowed deeper, her heart burdened by the revelation of Dan's unbridled fury. A tear trailed down her cheek as she pictured Dan confronting his father. In that instant, she sensed a profound gap, as if she didn't recognize the person Dan had become since her departure from Sommerfield. A fear lingered of what might have changed in him. More than anything, she longed to have been there for him, wondering if her presence could have averted the incident.
Dan sat back up, straightening his posture, Becky could clearly see the strain in his eyes.
"I caught myself before I really hurt my dad," Dan said, his voice softer now. "I stormed out of the house, regretting not going to see Mary first to comfort her. I keep thinking back to what happened that day. After that argument, there was no way I could go back home. I crashed at Lisa's place for a while, coming up with a plan on what I wanted to do. Sommerfield became a curse to me. I quit the job I had at the time, eventually I moved to Millerton, far enough from Sommerfield for a bit of headspace but close enough to feel familiar. I found work in Millerton at the deli doing deliveries. I was able to rent the small apartment above the deli from the owners."
Becky remained silent, her heart heavy with a mix of empathy and sadness for the tumultuous path Dan had traveled. It was a side of him she hadn't seen before, and she wondered how it had shaped him into the person he was today. Once again she lamented that she was not there to support him right there and then and could only share in its tragic aftermath.
As the weight of their conversation settled between Becky and Dan, the silence was broken by the sudden vibration of Becky's phone. She released Dan's hand and reached for her phone, flipping it over to read the message. Her eyes quickly scanned the words, and she placed the phone back down on the table, using a napkin to wipe away the remaining tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Dan, I regret doing it now," Becky said, her voice filled with remorse. "I messaged Mike earlier and asked him to come to the gas station. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for us to catch up and for you two to move on from your argument earlier today."
Dan looked at Becky, initially unsure of how ready he was to face another conflict that had remained unresolved. His recount of the incident with his father was difficult, but with the burden shared with Becky, he felt an unexpected lightness that freed him from that mistake of the past.
The glint of hope and the promise of support that spoke silently but strongly within her eyes gave him the confidence to press ahead. Dan's eyes filled with gratitude and tenderness. Becky's genuine concern and thoughtful gesture had eased his troubled heart and soothed his fear and anger. Taking a napkin, he wiped his own eyes and face.
"You know what? I am actually grateful that you invited Mike. I don't think I would be strong enough to do that," Dan said with an honest vulnerability. "I did feel like an idiot for the way I behaved at his place, so I shouldn't refuse the chance to make amends with him."
Becky's smile brightened at Dan's positive response, once again seeing the gracious and repentant person she knew him to be. She glanced outside and spotted Mike's bright red pickup parked nearby. Turning back to Dan, excitement filled her voice.
"I see his pickup outside. Should I go get Mike?" Becky asked, her eagerness evident.
Dan nodded, a grateful smile adorning his face, he watched as Becky walked outside to greet Mike. He quickly stole a glance at his reflection in the glass window, ensuring he didn't look too worn from his recent crying.
The doors of the shop swung open once again as Becky and Mike entered together. Mike caught sight of Dan sitting at the table and he quickly glanced at Becky, his expression tinged with apprehension. Becky smiled reassuringly, placing a comforting hand on his back. Returning the smile, Mike made his way over to Dan. Dan turned around swiftly, catching sight of Mike's approach in the window's reflection.
Mike wore his signature roguish smile, his eyes beaming with earnest conciliation.
"Hey, brother!" Mike called out to Dan, his voice filled with confident reconciliation.
Dan locked eyes with Mike, a whirlwind of emotions brewing within him. After a brief moment of uncertainty, he rose from his seat and closed the gap between them, pulling Mike into a tight embrace.
"Brother." Dan returned the greeting, his voice reflecting the depth of their unbreakable bond.