103 103. Date or avoid?

"Will you come and visit when you go back?"

This question from Elaine left Hayford's lips parting in surprise. And, was he tripping or was he actually seeing tears in her eyes?

He took slow steps towards her.

"Elaine..." He drawled, "I am not even sure yet. I'll still be here."

"I know. I just..." Elaine paused to swallow that stubborn hard lump in her throat. Her eyes were rapidly burning with tears that she couldn't even hide. "I want to know if I'd ever see you again once you leave."

Elaine had turned herself to face him fully, with both hands wrapped tightly around the handle of the basket in front of her. The cool breeze was slowly wafting through her brown hair which was left lose at the base and the upper half was tied into a lose pony tail.

Hayford became helpless with a woman for the first time. This was one reason he didn't do relationships. Women were just too whiny. He was not even going and here she was, crying?