As the summer drew to a close and the time approached for Leo and Elaine to return to the Arcanum Collegium, the peaceful days in Elden's Reach were tinged with the reluctance of departure. Leo's parents, having grown fond of Elaine and appreciative of her positive influence on their son, prepared a farewell gift, leading to a humorous yet touching misunderstanding.
On the morning of their departure, as Leo and Elaine were packing their belongings, Sarah called out to Leo from the kitchen, where she was wrapping a small package.
"Leo, could you come here for a moment?" she asked. When Leo entered, Sarah handed him a neatly wrapped parcel. "Please give this to your girlfriend before you leave," she said with a knowing smile.
Leo, who was taking the package, paused mid-motion, his cheeks flushing a deep red. "Mom, Elaine isn't my girlfriend," he stammered, the words rushing out in a mix of embarrassment and surprise.
Sarah looked at him, slightly taken aback. "Oh, I'm sorry, dear. I just thought—well, with how much time you two spend together, and she's such a lovely girl," she explained, her own cheeks coloring with a hint of embarrassment.
Leo, realizing the innocent mistake, smiled to ease his mother's discomfort. "It's alright, Mom. Elaine is a great friend, really important to me. But we're not together like that."
Chuckling to herself and shaking her head, Sarah hugged Leo tightly. "Well, friend or more, make sure you give her the gift. I made it especially for her, to remember her summer here."
Leo nodded, accepting the package. "I will, Mom. And thank you. She'll love it."
Later, as Leo and Elaine loaded their bags into the carriage that would take them back to the Collegium, Leo handed Elaine the package. "My mom wanted you to have this, as a memory of your time here," he said, his tone light but his eyes avoiding hers slightly.
Elaine took the package, her eyes lighting up. "That's so sweet of her. I'll cherish whatever it is," she said, eager to see what Sarah had prepared. Unwrapping it, she found a beautifully handmade scarf, the colors reminiscent of the Elden's Reach sunsets.
"It's beautiful," Elaine exclaimed, genuinely touched. "Please thank your mom for me again. This summer has been unforgettable."
As the carriage rolled away from Elden's Reach, Leo and Elaine settled into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts about the summer and the upcoming term. Elaine wrapped the scarf around her shoulders, feeling a warmth that wasn't just from the soft yarn.
"Leo," Elaine said after a moment, her voice tentative, "your mom thought we were... more than friends?"
Leo laughed softly, his earlier embarrassment faded. "Yeah, she did. I corrected her, though. I hope that's okay."
Elaine nodded, her smile gentle. "It's okay, Leo. Who knows what the future holds, right? But whatever happens, I'm really glad we're friends."
"Me too, Elaine. Me too," Leo agreed, looking out at the road ahead, feeling a deep sense of contentment about the bonds formed and the paths yet to be traveled.
As they neared the academy, both felt refreshed and ready to face the challenges ahead, fortified by their shared experiences and the clear, deep understanding between them. The summer at Elden's Reach had not only strengthened their friendship but also clarified their feelings, setting a foundation for whatever complexities the future might bring.