8

Jesse swallowed nervously as he entered his mother's room again. Suddenly he wasn't so sure that he wanted to explain everything to Winnie right away. Maybe it would be better if he explained things on the way rather than telling her now.

Winnie turned expectantly as he entered the room. "Well?"

"We need to go back to Tree Gap." Jesse explained shakily, still unsure of how much more he wanted to say.

"Why?"

Jesse cleared his throat uncomfortably, "To, ah, help, dad."

"With what?" Winnie asked curiously.

"We just need to bring some water back from the spring. Miles won't tell me exactly what for, except that dad needs it for something."

"Okay, then let's go."

"Really? Just like that? You don't mind?"

Winnie grabbed Jesse's arm and pulled herself close to him, I don't care where we are as long as I'm with you. We have forever and I want to make the most of it."

"Uh, right." Jesse thought a little uncomfortable of the information he was keeping from Winnie. It didn't feel right to keep a secret from her, especially something like this, but he didn't know what else he could do. I'm doing the right thing right?

A few hours later they were driving once more. Winnie was curled up against Jesse's side still clinging to his arm. She seemed on the verge of falling asleep which seemed a good thing to Jesse. He wanted to drive for as long as possible before they stopped for the night, and if she was sleeping it wouldn't matter as much how long he drove.

Jesse turned the radio on softly, letting the music fill the strange silence. Jesse felt as if the secret were some great weight between them and the music helped to ease that feeling. I'll tell you soon Winnie. I promise. Jesse thought and drove into the night.