The New Farm Hand

Miley's POV

I get up and see it's about 5:30.

Not bad. The rooster isn't late today. I get into my plaid shirt and work overalls and I head downstairs. I turn on the stove to start making breakfast. I crack a few of yesterday's eggs into a frying pan and I cut some slices of homemade bread. I boil the water for tea and I get back to flipping the eggs.

"Morning Miley, up early I see." Dad says.

"Not really. I'm usually up at this time milking the cows or churning the butter or feeding the animals." I tell him.

"You know that it's almost impossible for me to run this farm without you. Your Mom use to do all the cooking and cleaning and stuff." He says as I put breakfast on the table.

"Now Miley, you know that I'm getting older and there are things I can't do on the farm anymore right?" He says.

"Well yes." I say to him.

"So I decided to hire someone to help me out. He is a boy from the city. I figure the best way to teach em right is for them to know nothing about it. His Father told me that he would be sending him out sometime today."Dad says.

Oh great! The last intern didn't last too long. He quit on us the same week he got here. He called farm work "Too hard and said that we were fucking country hicks." Personally, I like the farm. It's the only place I can be totally relaxed. The town part is a bit too loud and crowded.

"Miles, can you milk the cows please." Dad asks.

"Sure Dad. I just have to do the dishes." I tell him as he goes outside.

I finished up the dishes and I go outside. I go into the cow barn to start milking the cows.

"You know Betsey, I always wondered what that thing people call school is like. They say you learn how to read and write. It is silly for a girl to dream about going to school isn't it Betsey?" I tell her.

She replies with the same answer I always get.

"MOOOOOOOOOOO!" She belts.

I get the cows milked and the chickens fed.

"Now it's time to move onto the horses." I think out loud.

I feed the horses and I start to brush out my horse's hair. Her name is Southern Belle. I raised her since she was a foal.

"Dad, I'm going to take Southern Belle for a ride. I got to train her for the horse show." I tell him.

"Alright, just make sure you fix lunch before 1." He says as I put the saddle on her.

"Hey beautiful." I say as I get on her.

We get on to the little course I built. We practice jumps and jumping over puddles of water.

"Good girl." I state as I give her a pat.

Nick's POV

Dad is convinced I'm going to work this summer. Fat chance on that. He told me I had a job last year but then he sent me to Florida as a vacation. I hope he is sending me to Europe this year. I start text some friends.

"Nicholas! I have been trying to get your attention for 10 minutes, get off your phone!" Dad yells.

I go down the stairs, still texting.

"Alright Nick, you are leaving today. Please tell me you packed." He says rolling his eyes.

"No. I didn't bother packing. I can buy clothes when I get there." I state.

"Oh trust me buddy, you have to pack. Where you are going, there aren't many stores. In fact I don't know if there is a mall at all." Dad says.

"Wait! No mall! Where the hell are you sending me? Fucking Alaska?" I protest.

"I can't tell you Nick. The man who is taking you in says that you can't know until you get there." Dad says.

I go upstairs and I pack a few clothes and some other stuff.

"Nick! Let's get going! You'll miss your plane." Dad yells.

"Shut up Dad! I'll be right down." I yell.

I hug my Mom goodbye before I get into the car destined for the airport to get on a plane for somewhere. I get through security and I sit on the bench with my laptop. I start watching a movie while I wait for the plane. I get on the first plane that is going to Virginia. I look at my ticket and see that it's not my last destination. I get on a plane destined for Nashville, Tennessee. What the hell is in Tennessee other then Shitty Country Music? Please tell me I'm not going to live with a bunch of country hicks. That would totally be hell. I get into the plane and see a bunch of people with cowboy hats and boots. Oh please! Tell me Dad is joking.

Miley's POV

I put my horse back in the barn and I go to make lunch.

"Miley, I have to take a ride into town to get the new farm hand. Howard is driving him into the general store and I'm driving him here. I'll eat lunch at the diner, you make something for yourself. Just make sure that you feed the hogs and you can start getting supper started. Potatoes are ready in the fields and the green beans are ready. Carrots are ready and make some bread. Meat is in the icebox." He says as he grabs his coat, gives me a kiss and a hug, and leaves.

I go into the garden and start making supper.

"Hey Miles, your Dad went out, can I come in?" Lilly asks with a big smile.

"Sure as long as you help me with making supper. Dad's got a new farm hand coming in." I tell her.

"Alright. I'll start peeling the potatoes." Lily volunteers.