Years Without You

Ch.1: One Picture, Many Memories

Ow. Dammit!

I cussed out the devil as I held my banged thumb.

Stupid hammer.

Within minutes, I quickly got back to work, I hammered the plank of wood over the broken gap where the old plank worn down to thin and collapsed. I nailed in one more nail and heaved in pride as I looked at the fixed chicken coop.

"Aye," said a voice. I turned and saw Tyler, my eldest brother walking to me. "Not bad brother"

He gave me an affectionate pat on the back, he wore his worn down loose t-shirt and a pair of his old trousers that were held up by the straps on his shoulders. I nodded.

"Hey Tommy and I are headed to town want to come?" he asked me.

"Are you two going to drink yourselves to death again?" I asked in a joking tone. He rolled his eyes.

"Nah," he said. "Only half to death"

I let out a chuckle.

"No thanks" I replied. "I just want to rest"

He nodded. He gave me another pat and headed over to Tommy. The sun was about to set as I headed inside. I tugged on the screen door and walked in, letting the door slam shut with a loud bang. I quickly got myself a quick drink of water and walked up to my room. I sat down on my bed, I put my head in my hands, rubbing it, groaning exhaustion. I lifted my head and let my arms rest on my knees. I turned to where my nightstand was. I couldn't help but look at a picture framed on top of my small table. I reached over to grab it and I pulled my arm back to me. I stared at the picture. It was my-once-loved one.

"So what?" I asked. "You don't love me anymore?"

"Aang no," she pleaded. "I just think we need a break from each other"

"Fine," I replied with a huff. "I'll git out of your way"

"Aang I don't mean it like th-"

"Go date someone else"

"Aang no!"

I only walked away that was the last time I saw her.

"I'm such an idiot" I muttered to myself. I looked at the picture. "No way you can forgive me, can you?"

"You alright?" asked a voice. I quicky looked up, seeing Tommy in the doorway.

"Hey Tommy" I said as I sat the picture frame back on the nightstand.

"Look lad," Tommy told me as he leaned on the door frame, his hands stuffed in his pockets. "I know you are still broken by what she said"

"Nah," I told him. "I'm over it"

"You ain't" he tells me and boy, is he right. I heaved a deep sigh. He walked into my room.

"You think I was right?" I asked him.

"Depends do you?"

"No"

He nodded.

"Sometimes I just wish I could go back in time," I said. I stopped. "Who am I kidding? No matter what I do, she'll never forgive me"

"Aang," Tommy said as he lays a hand on my shoulder. "I know she has the heart to forgive you"

"Dammit Tommy" I tell him. "I left her, without…without a good-bye"

My voice went to sorrow.

"I'm such an idiot" I repeated.

"No you ain't boy" Tommy fought. "You ain't no idiot, you just did a regretful thing, believe me that happens to best of us"

"Thanks Tommy" I say in a sarcastic tone. He just gives me a smile.

"Go find her lad" he said. "I'm sure she's just as heartbroken as you are"

"It's been three years Tommy" I reminded him. "For all we know, she could be married. She is of marrying age"

"Maybe she is," he said. "Maybe she ain't, but all I'm sayin' you won't know until you try"

"But what about the farm?" I asked him. "Don't you and Tyler need my help to keep it?"

"We'll take care of it while yer gone lad," Tommy assured me. "Go and find her. Tell her the truth"

I managed to give him a nod, not a sad nod but a stern nod that Tommy read 'Yes I will go'

"I'll leave in the morn" I said. He nodded. I give him a smile. "Thanks lad"

He grinned and gave me a hug. I hugged him back. When we let go of each other, I looked at him.

"Git yer arse to town boy," I tell him. "Beer's waitin' for ye"

He laughed as he ran out the room.

"Promise you won't drink the night away!" I shouted at him.

"No promises!"

I laughed.

"Fine die on the stool!" I called after him. He gave out another hearty laugh.

To be continued.