AUTHOR'S NOTE: *Sets aside giant bowl of instant ramen to type* Hey guys! Thanks for the feedback on the last update! The college semester started again but I'm working on drafts and updates for various fics at the moment (between homework assignments). Had this update half done for a bit when I decided to work on it last night. Made some lunch and decided to touch up on it again today while eating. Was surprised to find myself finishing it. Soooooooooo, ta-dah! Here you go!
Thanks for reading! Always appreciated.
Xxxxx
I didn't see much of Luke the days following the Flea Market. Suddenly it was like he just didn't exist anymore. I knew all too well I'd had a crush on him. But, when faced with the reality he had a girlfriend... a beautiful and mean-spirited one at that, the little crush no longer felt so little as it squeezed my heart.
My hopes hadn't been set anywhere concrete because I knew better than that. But Luke had also had great potential to be a great friend. Now that didn't seem possible at all, either. Not with his girlfriend around. It wasn't worth it. What a headache.
I wasn't depressed from the ordeal, but it did leave its effect on me. Keeping to myself, I didn't see much change in scenery from the perimeter of my land, no change outside the usual visits from Chloe and Owen. For the child's sake alone I had to hold my chin up and not let it show I was bothered. She didn't need any negativity. That, and I didn't want Owen or anyone to know I'd let something so stupid and predictable get to me.
While there was plenty of part time work to be done for extra income that week, I didn't stick my nose around town as much as I should have. I spent my extra time working on my fishing and foraging for berries and herbs. Slowly it lined my pockets as everything I'd managed to get my hands on went in the shipping bin, aside from a few fish and berries here and there to eat myself.
It wasn't filling or satisfying, but Owen was kind enough to tie up loose ends. I'd sat at his dinner table with Chloe a few more times. I spent a lot of time with them that week, actually. More than I had before. Chloe was always eager to play and come see me, and her big brother was extremely grateful for that. He'd never seen her so happy. It was rewarding to me, seeing her find so much enjoyment in the farm. Even if it was just a lackluster field as I trudged through my first season there. Someone had to enjoy it.
Beside spending much time with the siblings, there were still plenty of people I'd yet to actually interact with. Various shops and building I hadn't looked in to yet, mostly because they served me no purpose at the time. The Tailor shop was one place in particular I never thought about exploring any time soon until Owen asked me to tag along with him one late afternoon shy of the Animal Festival coming up.
"The Animal Festival is tomorrow, Angela!" Chloe chimed, skipping between Owen and I on the walk to the shop. "Big Brother's friend Kathy has a horse up there. And, and, and she does pony rides!"
"Oh, does she?"
"Yeah! It's so awesome!"
Running ahead, Chloe began hopping over cracks in the path and spinning around with each shift and turn in direction. A whirlwind, she was. Spinning about so much it almost made me dizzy just watching her. Maybe I should have had her pull the weeds. She would have gotten it done in the blink of an eye, probably.
"I take it you like horses, Hun?"
"Horses are the best! I want a pony but Owen says I can't have one. It's so mean."
Owen chimed in, amused at his little sister's disapproving tone.
"Well, where are we supposed to put it?"
"In my room."
"Your room can't fit a horse."
"Then we'll put it in your room!"
I snorted. Owen gave me a side long peek of the eyes, brow raised at my poorly contained laughter. My cheeks hurt as I tried not laughing. It was impossible though, Chloe was just too cute. I broke out in full out laughter and Owen grinned. Chloe stopped her hyper exploration of the path we were walking and ran over to Owen, latching on to his leg.
"It's not funny, Angela! I really want a horse!" She whined, tugging at Owen's pant leg with sad eyes. "Big Brother, please?"
"Chloe, we can't have a horse in the house."
"Kathy keeps her horse at Brownie Ranch. We'll put it there."
Owen kept walking as Chloe clung to his leg as if the weight didn't faze him at all. He was huge, her little body probably didn't faze him. He touched her head softly and sighed.
"I work, Kiddo. You're too little to handle taking care of a big animal like that. It cost money and takes a lot of time to maintain a horse. It's not something we can do right now." He explained. " I can't ask Kathy to take care of it, either. She has a job and her own horse. Grownups, Chloe. Grownups are busy, remember?"
"I know..."
After Chloe went quiet I cleared my throat.
"So, what are you going to the Tailor shop for?"
"Summer is around the corner and Chloe here needs a new pair of sneakers."
A look down and I saw that Chloe's little sneakers were worn and looking close to being outgrown. Growing up was hard work, those shoes had seen much better days.
"I'd normally just wait until fall to buy her a new pair but since she's going to be running around your farm this Summer I think now is the right time."
"She enjoys running around the grass, and the paths around my farm are a little rough. Probably a good idea to get her new sneakers."
A little old woman ran the shop counter when we arrived. She greeted us and I admired her pink bandana. The little old woman introduced herself to me. Her name was Shelly and incredibly sweet. She dressed quite similar to my own grandmother, I observed silently to myself. It took me back for a moment.
Owen coaxed Chloe off his leg to start exploring the sneakers with her. As they looked for possible choices, I idlily browsed around. I was interested in the bandanas set out in various colors, noticing them quickly. I didn't really need one, but I wanted one. I debated whether it was worth it. I'd shipped the crops and had some funds to line my pockets, but with very little to show for my new land and home I didn't feel right spending. I didn't have any buildings, livestock, adequate appliances or so much as an upgraded tool to my name yet.
With what I'd paid for the bandana, I could use that money to buy an extra meal down the line if I needed it. I looked at the red one when my attention was drawn to the white momentarily. I touched the edge gently, remembering the one my grandma used to wear as she cooked in the kitchen.
"Bandanas aren't very flashy but you're a farmer, aren't you? You'd pull it off just fine."
Someone spoke from behind me, scaring me. I jumped and turned to see a pink haired young lady. Large blue eyes that nearly took up her entire face and body dressed head to toe in trendy fashion, this young woman was quite attractive. She has voluminous hair that caught the light with a lavender glow to the pink strands and I found myself jealous of the beautiful color. This woman picked up a red bandana off the display and held it up to my arm.
"Red isn't your color but on a bandana, it screams 'farmer'… yeah, that's not a good thing. We'll try a bright pink."
"Um, that's okay...no thank you."
"I'm the head designer here, you should probably take some advice. You need it. "
This apparent employee looked over my outfit with distaste and shook her head with pursed lips. Ones that were carefully lined and polished with lip gloss that caught the light just as her pretty, powdered eyes did.
"I'm going to assume these are your work clothes. Did you just finish weeding or something? It takes two seconds to change clothes, you know."
"Luna, that's no way to treat our customers."
"Grandma, it's not my fault she has no clue she's a walking eyesore. This is what I'm here for."
Shelly clicked her tongue, hands on her hips. Luna rolled her eyes and sighed, relenting to her grandmother.
"Oh, fine. I'll leave you be. But please, if you ever have the sense please let me dress you correctly. I can only imagine how much suffering your wardrobe-"
"Luna!"
Luna adhered to her grandmother's scolding and left me on my own to sort through the merchandise. I felt my cheeks warm in embarrassment. I knew I dressed plainly but I didn't quite think it merited such criticism... It seemed I just couldn't catch a break.
As Luna disappeared towards the sewing room of the shop I heard her dismiss someone.
"Candance, you're only defending her because you both dress like old ladies. The truth is the truth. I was just trying to help her."
At the remark both I and Shelly bristled. I looked up and saw Luna had strolled past a blue haired young woman peering out from the sewing room. Apparently this woman, Candance, had quietly defended me. From a glance she wasn't much flashier than I was, hair kept tamed in two long, simple braids that matched her blue skirt sweater and plaid skirt. She reminded me of a librarian and I meant that kindly, of course. It was a charming look, I couldn't pull it off.
"Luna, if you haven't a thing nice to say it's best to keep the silence." Shelly lightly scolded her. "And you be nice to your sister. Candance dresses just fine. As does Angela. Hush, you."
Luna announced she'd be returning to her designs and Shelly apologized for her granddaughter.
"She means well, truly. But I can't say her approach is the most effective." The elderly woman explained apologetically. "Why don't you go ahead and pick out one of those bandanas to take home? It'll be on the house this time."
"That's alright. Thank you though."
"Angela, I insist. This is not how I'd like you to remember this shop. Again, I am so sorry. Luna is passionate, is all. I can assure you she did not mean to offend you."
I relented to Shelly's plea and chose the red bandana, folding it up and taking it to the counter where she placed it in a small bag for me. Owen emerged from the other side of the shop with Chloe, a box with red sneakers in hand.
"Angela, I don't think you dress like an old lady!" Chloe assured me, revealing she'd heard the commotion. "We both chose something red! See? You're not old."
"Thanks, Chloe."
With bags in hand, Owen and I left the shop with Chloe. The child resumed her happy skipping around as we strolled past the Inn to head towards my farm. Chloe looked at the Inn, then pointed. I half expected her to ask Owen to go eat. That wasn't what she was after, turned out.
"Can we go visit Kathy?"
"I don't see why not."
When entering the Inn, evening was creeping close. It was almost Six O'clock but bright out due to Summer being so close. I hadn't expected much to be going on inside the Inn, but when entering music was playing... and it sounded almost sensual.
Thinking maybe I was misinterpreting what I was hearing, I cocked my head while walking in. When I made it past the Inn doors, I was then faced with Luke's girlfriend dancing along a small stage in the bar. To my near horror, I hadn't been wrong at all in my interpretation of the music.
When she moved her clothes weren't any more modest than they had been to begin with. The hem of her exotic pants threatened to slip the precious inch separating her flat abdomen from her panty line. Her large, swollen breasts were pressed in to cleavage you could see from miles away, long red hair tied up beautifully as she moved her shapely figure around for the male patrons... including Luke.
Chloe was ushered away from the display immediately but her attention had already been diverted. Kathy emerged from the bar kitchen and Chloe made a dash for her. Since the tall, blonde woman had no tray in hand she held her arms out for Chloe. And Chloe ran right in to them.
"Hi there, Pumpkin!" She gushed to her, kissing Chloe's gingery strawberry blonde hair. "Growin' quick like the harvest, ain't you?"
"Owen makes me drink milk."
Running in to Kathy's arms, Chloe thankfully didn't see the sensual caress of her own body Selena gave on stage. Neither did Owen because he hadn't so much as gave the stage a second glance since walking in. Meanwhile, every male patron couldn't keep their eyes off her. I must have made a face because Owen was looking at me, offering me an explanation as to what was taking place.
"She's a performer here during bar hours every so often." He explained to me, disinterested. "I didn't realize she was dancing tonight."
"Everyone else seemed to get the memo."
" Wish I had known. I would have had Kathy step outside for a minute. Chloe doesn't need to see that behavior."
As a conversation about Kathy's horse came up in regards to the Animal Festival taking place the next day came up, Owen's attention was drawn to it. Yet, my eyes flickered back to Selena. She was shapely and curvaceous, filled out in the right places. I'd always been average at best without much remarkable about me.
My hair was short and plain, the same boring brown that my eyes were. My clothes were simple and my body was just...average. My legs were fairly long but nothing like Selena's whose thighs fleshed out in to such wide hips and voluptuous thighs. My waist wasn't impressively feminine, either. I didn't have the wide hips and large breasts like Selena and Kathy. Or striking features. As Luke and the rest of the men drooled over Selena, and Owen received a friendly peck on the cheek from Kathy, I felt as if suddenly the walls were closing in on me.
"Taking right after your brother, Chloe? Growing like a weed. I don't think Owen ever stops growin'." Kathy remarked, pinching Owen's bulging bicep. "Careful now."
Curling my fingers around my shopping bag, I swallowed despite my throat being so dry. Selena made eye contact with me and smirked, moving off the stage in a series of flirtatious steps. She moved in towards Luke and swung her hips around for him, thick thighs making the embroilment of her exotic wear jingle with the movement. Luke's golden eyes were in a trance as he touched one hand to her waist.
Nausea struck me heavily.
Selena's satisfied smirk seeped malice. It was hurtful and took a large toll to my self-esteem, shamefully enough. I'd already dealt with Anissa's mean spirit for weeks...then Luna criticized my appearance. To top it off Selena had to rear her ugly personality again. I prepared myself to tell Owen I was going to leave but he was talking with Kathy. Another look to how beautiful she was and I'd lost my nerve. Catching Chloe's attention briefly, I waved goodbye to her and went to make my exit. Except, she sabotaged me without meaning to.
"Angela, why are you leaving? We just got here."
Owen, Kathy and Chloe's attention were all on me. The two adults paused their conversation to see what Chloe was talking about. They saw I was in fact going to leave. I managed to force out a goodbye before leaving as casually as I could. Maybe Mom had been right for years, maybe I was too plain.
Xxxxx
I went home after leaving the bar, dropping the shopping bag on the bed. I rummaged through my suitcase, looking for the more appealing clothing my mother had bought me years prior. Clothes I never wore. They still had price tags on them and since I hadn't filled in much since when they'd been purchased it was almost guaranteed they'd still fit me.
With a small pair of white shorts in hand I looked them over, debating whether I wanted to try them on or not. I remembered vividly my mother pleading with me to just try them on so she could see how I looked with something nice on...see me dressed like a confident, pretty young woman. I wished I had taken her advice. I had meant to have her return the outfits at the time but that didn't happen.
It was an awful feeling consuming me, the insecurity. Mom didn't raise me like that and I doubted she'd approve. Granted, she hadn't raised me to be so plain either. I placed the white shorts back in the suitcase. A tear slipped through my lashes and I wiped at it as there was a knock on my door. Reluctantly I went to answer the door, not surprised to see it was Owen. His little shadow was missing.
"Hey there."
"Hey... did you need something?"
"Just need to know if you're okay."
"Of course, I am, why wouldn't I be?"
Owen didn't respond at first. When he did, it was well thought over.
"We've got some nice people here but with that comes those who aren't so nice. It takes all kinds to make up this world and I'd hate to see you become discouraged."
"… I don't know what to say to that."
"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Just keep what I said in mind."
Nodding, I swiped some of my short, choppy hair back behind my ear. I anticipated Owen leaving but he didn't. He stood in my doorway, taking up the whole passage with his large build.
"Where's Chloe?" I asked after a moment. "Did she stay with Kathy?"
"She's at home, actually. Just sent her there a minute ago. She was hoping to have dinner with you but you ran off on us before she could pester you about it. "
His remark lightened my mood a bit and I smiled against my will. Chloe, bless her heart.
"I don't find that pestering. I know she's your little sister but she's not really all that bothersome. "
"Would you find it bothersome to keep me company while I get something cooking?" He asked me. "Chloe's been down since our grandfather's been sick... she lights up with you. I wouldn't mind seeing her happy a little longer today."
"She lights up with Kathy too, I noticed."
Walking back to the Blacksmith's Owen told me about his friendship with Kathy. How they went back years in to their childhood. I was almost jealous how close they were. I'd never had such a close friend the way he did.
"Kathy and I have been friends since childhood, she's practically Chloe's Aunt now. "
"You've been friends that long? Wow."
"Yeah, wouldn't trade Kathy for anyone."
"Didn't think you would. She seems super nice."
Inside the house Chloe was waiting downstairs, seated in the kitchen. When Owen walked in the door with me she cheered. Owen jokingly took a bow, presenting me. After the playful display he went in to kitchen and tugged Chloe's pony tail gently.
"So, you going to eat whatever I make or are you going to be fussy as usual?"
"I am not fussy, Owen!"
"You'll eat whatever I choose to make then?"
"But I want pizza!"
Owen was unsurprised and went to the cabinets, pulling out a bag of flour and some yeast.
"Of course." He remarked, looking back and forth between the fridge and the flour for a moment. "I should make the dough first so I can rest it while I chop the veggies. Lots to do."
"I can help." I offered. "You know, that way you don't have to do everything."
Getting some eggs from the fridge for the dough, Owen accepted my offer. He passed me some tomatoes, onions and peppers for the pizza before rummaging again for the olives and mushrooms. I took the ingredients from him and set them on the counter. Before I could ask where the cutting boards were, Chloe announced she was going to go watch T.V. She had spotted the wall clock and urgently ran off, realizing she'd almost missed her cartoons.
"Back to business, shall we?"
"Where do you keep your cutting boards?"
"Right in that lower cabinet there."
I bent down to get it and once I found it I reached up to place it on the counter. I bumped Owen by accident on the way back up while standing and he brushed off any apology. He preheated the oven and began making the dough.
"I hope I'm not intruding here, by the way." I mentioned. "I know Chloe likes the company but I feel bad eating here when we've almost just met. You've bought dinner already too and I just can't help but feel bad."
"Don't feel bad. I enjoy your company too. Personally, I don't consider the entire season of Spring as just meeting by the way."
He had a point. A whole season had gone by. It felt like the blink of an eye.
"I can't believe Spring ends today."
"It'll be back next year."
Owen finished prepping the dough while I worked at chopping the veggies, the onions being my hold up. It was a good one, the vapors burning my eyes. I brought my arm up to wipe away the forming tears but it didn't work. I had been trying to let it pass when the knife in my hand was taken away.
"You poor thing, your eyes hurt?"
"A little. It'll pass. Just give me a second."
Owen opened a drawer as I was trying to blink away the tears being my hands were covered in onion juice and touching them would only make it worse. I couldn't see, my eye lids shut as they stung. Fingers took my chin in grasp gingerly without warning, then soft cloth was dabbing my eyes.
"Owen?"
"Don't worry, it's clean." he assured me as he blotted my tears away with small dish towel. "Stay still."
Carefully he blotted my eyes until I could flutter them open again. I chuckled, glancing at the onion I'd been half way done chopping.
"That one is ripe..."
"Sure is. Sorry about that. What you've got done should be enough, don't fuss over it any more. Don't need you crying over small stuff."
With the same towel Owen wiped the wet peaks of my cheeks bones where tears had gathered and began sliding down my cheeks. The damned onion. Embarrassed, I washed my hands as Owen took what I had chopped and set it all aside for when the dough was ready.
Sitting at the table as Owen cleaned the counter of any leftover flour, the house was quiet. I could hear Chloe's T.V faintly in the background. My eyes still stung and Owen worried over it as he looked over his shoulder.
"You alright? Do you need to wash your eyes out?"
"I'm okay, don't worry about me. It was just an onion." I assured him. "Do you need help with anything else? Is the cheese already shredded?"
"I'll take care of it now, you can stay there. The dough has to rest, anyways."
As Owen finished preparations for Dinner, I wondered just how many times the poor guy must have had to make pizza. I'd only seen Chloe eat mac and cheese the times I'd stayed for dinner but from the sounds of it Chloe really liked her pizza, too... Owen had it all mapped out.
"You've got this down to a science." I observed.
"Well this is Chloe's dinner of choice. That and boxed mac and cheese."
"...it's funny how one requires you make it from scratch and the other comes in a box practically ready to eat. "
"You're telling me? Psh. I either get it easy or I don't. It's always a surprise."
Two pizzas were prepared, one veggie and one plain cheese. Both pizzas went in the oven and Owen set the timer. Not that I said it, but I was excited for pizza. I'd seen it at the Inn but the menu price was just not worth it.
"The pizza isn't so bad since I make it and know what goes in it, but I wish she liked more foods. She's picky."
"She's just a little kid, it comes with the territory. Give her a few years and she'll grow out of it a little."
"Time will tell. And speaking of time, fresh pizza doesn't take long to cook so we'll have to summon Miss Chloe soon."
Chloe came flying down the stairs when it came time to eat not long after. A fresh, cheesy slice of pizza on her plate and we didn't hear much out of her. I figured it was a matter of being impossible to talk with the cheese so melty and sticky. She loved it though. Two slices down and she was done, going upstairs to bathe as instructed by Owen. As the bath ran he and I continued eating. I was on my third slice while Owen finished his fifth.
"I usually try sticking with two slices of pizza but it's so good." I explained, feeling self-conscious for eating a third helping. "I feel like I'm starving at the end of the day."
"It's because you're working with your body. Manual labor burns off calories."
Looking over Owen, it was clear he burned off some major calories.
"You must burn off food quicker than you can eat it."
"Sounds about right." He agreed, aware of where I'd been going. "When you build heavy muscles it takes a lot of calories to maintain them. I'm working manually all day and lugging ore up from the mines. I couldn't eat lightly even if I wanted to. I'm always hungry."
"Maybe you should run a farm then. You could grow your own food supply."
Owen finished off a piece of crust and took a piece of cheese Pizza since he and I had gone through the veggie one. Before staring the slice he nudged the cheese pizza pan towards me, wordlessly insisting I help myself if I'm still hungry.
"Nah, you can just share your crops with me." he joked. "I'll trade you some materials for any fresh corn you grow this Summer seeing as you're so scared of the mines. I'm also a fan of rice if you're feeling generous this Fall."
"Don't get my hopes up."
"I'm serious. I'd help you for some fresh produce. I'd help you out anyways... but I'd be awful sad if I missed out on some corn next week."
Owen got up to get a drink refill and I chewed at my crust thinking about what he'd said.
"I take it you like corn dishes?"
"Boiled on its own is just fine to me, honestly. I love Summer. Nothin' like some good barbeque food." Owen told me, shutting the fridge as he came back to the table. "Not to say I can't appreciate corn in actual cooking."
"Yeah, I hear you. I've always liked corn bread. My mom used to make a good one when I was kid. Every once in a while I make it. It's really good with soup, stew and chili...ect."
The mention of corn bread left a spark of interest in his eyes.
"Now that is something I'd like to try at some point, if I were to be so lucky. I love corn bread." He revealed. " A shame I don't have any corn flour on hand right now. The ranch sells some awesome stew at the Animal Festival each year. Could have had some with that."
After taking a drink, Owen pointed a finger at me. He was eager and excited.
"You've got to have some. The rancher's wife really knows how to make a stew. If you want some wholesome comfort food, Hannah's the one to see."
"I love stew but it's more of a Winter food..."
"I told her she should sell it year-round but she never takes me up on it. It's a shame, I tell you. Either way, you've got to try it."
Upstairs the bathroom door opened, signaling Chloe had finished her bath. Owen finished his slice before he started putting away the left overs and clearing the table, knowing soon Chloe would be wanting her story before bed. I was invited to join as I frequently found myself being. I thought that maybe I shouldn't get too used to being around for Chloe's bedtime stories, but It was something I really enjoyed.
As awkward as I felt at times being so openly welcome by Owen and Chloe, it was so much nicer than being home alone. And it felt safer. As Owen read her a story I almost dreaded having to go home. Living on my own wasn't all it was chalked up to be. To my relief, Owen did walk me home after. He didn't feel right letting me walk home in the dark. But once I locked the door behind myself, I couldn't wait until morning.
Xxxxx
The last day of Spring was the perfect day for a festival. It was sunny and warm with a nice breeze blowing in, signaling Summer was right around the corner. Owen and Chloe weren't in sight as I walked around, I assumed this was because I'd gotten there right around when the festival started. I felt like such a newbie, showing up bright and early. I almost wished I had knocked on Owen and Chloe's door and gone with them, walking by the Reynold's farm by myself sucked. And now I was by myself to wander the ranch.
My biggest concern was that although I hadn't been dressed particularly revealing, my shorts were shorter than what I was used to. I wound up putting on the white shorts my mother had gotten me, wearing them with a plain black T-shirt. It wasn't anything flashy or very fashionable, but the shorts themselves were a big change from the old denim shorts I usually wore. Whereas the denim would have come down closer to my knee though, the white shorts ended about half way down my thighs. So, I wearily hastened my step and kept an eye out for Craig in case he showed up.
There were contests scheduled for later in the day, animals set out in pens to graze and laze about beforehand. I wasn't sure if it was allowed to pet them, but I really wanted to. They were technically property, weren't they? Looking over my shoulder with intent to be subtle, I returned my attention to a cow staring at me through a wooden pen.
"Hi buddy..." I whispered to the docile animal. "You're so cute."
Reaching a hand out, I lightly touched the cow's head where a tuft of fur stuck up. The cow swished its whippy tail side to side, looking at me with beady eyes. I loved animals and I wanted to start raising some of my own soon. I needed a barn though... just my luck that wouldn't come for a while. So, to appease my broken heart, I continued patting the cow.
"What are you doing?"
Being caught in the act of patting the cow, I stood up straight and prepared to come clean. Only, there wasn't some angry rancher waiting to interrogate me. It was just Kathy. She smiled at the cow I'd been patting and reached in to pat him too.
"You making new friends?" She asked the cow. "You're awfully good at that, aren't you? Angela just came right over to you, didn't she?"
Kathy cooed to the cow and reached inside the enclosure to hand feed it some nearby fodder. She told me I was welcome to do the same, the Cains raised friendly animals.
"You'd think they had a petting zoo here these guys are so friendly." she commented. "I love comin' up here to see them all. No one breeds live stock like good Mr. Cain does."
"Owen says you have a horse here, don't you come up here for that too?"
"Well sure I do. I'll introduce you, c'mon Honey."
Resting inside the barn the Cain family owned, Kathy's horse drank from some water that must have been freshly poured. It was very clean and clear, the horse generously helping himself. Kathy placed her hand on the horse's flank and rubbed, introducing me.
"Biscuit, this here is Angela. Angela, this here is Biscuit. I reckon you'll get along just fine."
Asking permission to pat Biscuit resulted in Kathy giving a hearty laugh.
"Oh, you go right on ahead. Biscuit will love you till the day he rides his last trail if you do."
True to her word, Biscuit loved being pat. He whinnied when I stopped touching him, clopping his hooves on the barn floor in protest. Chortling, Kathy hushed the silly stead and told him a tantrum would get him nothing but some time to think in the corner.
"Somehow, I don't think putting a horse in timeout would be effective."
"Owen, what do you know?" Kathy rebutted as said redhead entered, Chloe in tow. "Biscuit here is smart. He'd learn."
"Timeout is for children, Kathy."
Chloe came over, presumably to pat Biscuit. But, to my surprise, she wrapped her arms around my legs first. She hugged me and greeted me first before moving on to Kathy and then giving Biscuit his much-needed attention. The horse ate up the attention and Kathy clucked her tongue.
"Biscuit, you're 'bout as bad as a ham."
"Biscuit's got it pretty good."
"He does, indeed."
Chloe asked Kathy when the pony rides would start, eager to ride biscuit.
"I was gon' take Biscuit out shortly, Darlin'. But, if you'd like to go now we can head on outside."
"Yay! Pony ride!"
"Angela, will you be taking Biscuit out for a ride, too?"
Looking at Biscuit, I did want to ride him. Problem was, I had no clue how. I didn't want to admit it in front of a practiced horse rider but I went ahead and did it.
"I've never ridden a horse before..."
"...this world done placed a travesty upon you. We'll go on and fix that right now."
Outside the barn I awkwardly tried following Kathy's instructions on how to mount the horse. I couldn't pull myself up on the saddle, as hard as I tried. Even with my foot properly placed it proved impossible for me on various tries. Chloe giggled as I tried again and again until I stopped to take a breath.
"Big Brother just picks me up and puts me up there because I'm too little to do it on my own." Chloe said as I breathed. "He could put you up on the horse too."
"That's okay, Hun. I'll get it eventually."
I tried again a few more time and finally I managed to get a hold on Biscuit. As I tried raising my leg over his back I lost my grip on the reigns and slipped. Thankfully, Owen had been right there and caught me.
"Woah, there."
He hefted me up in to his arms and placed me close to Biscuit's saddle. With his help I swung my leg over and finally mounted the horse. Chloe and Kathy clapped. As soon as I was settled Chloe was urging Owen to pick her up too. He hoisted her up and sat her on the saddle with me. Seated closely behind me, Chloe held on to me as Kathy led Biscuit out to the pasture.
"I suppose today wouldn't be the day to show you how to ride, but we can work on that whenever you've got some time to set aside and see me." Kathy told me, guiding Biscuit around a fenced off pasture. "Today Biscuit will do all the work. C'mon, Biscuit."
Standing by the pasture's fence, Owen watched as Chloe and I rode along. He waved to us as Chloe laughed and hugged me, incredibly content to be riding Kathy's trusty horse. As Chloe and I went around, some more townspeople began showing up. The blue haired girl I recognized from the Tailor shop came in with an eccentrically dressed man whom I almost mistook for a woman at first glance.
With various highlights streaked through his long hair and a beautiful trench coat hanging down over his vibrant pants it was easy to see the man was a fashionista... the outfit and silver heart shaped hoops hanging from his ears were awfully feminine, however. Not that it made any difference to me, I just found it interesting as this man leant his head down and kissed Candance's head. They were a couple, one you wouldn't suspect.
The ride on Biscuit concluded and Kathy stopped the horse by Owen. Chloe was lifted off Biscuit by Kathy. When it came time to get me off the horse I was apprehensive. Kathy instructed me how to do it but I hesitated, scared of falling.
"Need help?" Owen offered.
"Yeah..."
Hopping the fence he came over and held me, lifting me off. I noticed some eyes on me, specifically Luke's. He stood by not far from the pasture, briefly making eye contact with me. He waved. I didn't wave back, I scanned for Selena. When my feet touched the ground, Luke was still looking at me. I avoided eye contact.
I acted like I hadn't seen him, talking to Owen who mentioned Hannah would be selling food soon. It was idle chit chat, him explaining that there would be an animal contest we could watch later on too if we stuck around for it. It was calm and casual enough until Chloe suddenly spoke up loud and clear with the bluntness only a child could have.
"It's not nice to stare like that!"
Turned out Craig had been close by. To my disgust, he'd been staring at me. At my legs, specifically. Craig hadn't expected to be caught or called out on his actions. He crossed his arms and played off Chloe's remark.
"Angela here used to work for me. Just noticing her legs ain't looking so scrawny these days." he commented. "That why you parading around in little shorts? You finally putting the real work in? "
"Would your wife appreciate you keeping tabs on other womens' bodies, Craig?"
The rebuttal had come from Owen who stood up straight and placed himself closer to me, standing in a way that almost looked defensive. His arm had come out and he carefully, but firmly, pulled for me to step behind him. In the movement I'd grabbed Owen's arm, startled from it. Craig scoffed and walked off, grumbling about 'people needing to mind their own business.'
"Practice what you preach." Owen advised him.
Owen made sure Craig had walked off before turning to look over his shoulder at me.
"You okay?"
"I'm fine..."
"You're holding pretty tight."
"…?"
I realized my fingers were squeezing his arm pretty hard and I let go, apologizing. My heart was going fast and I felt grossed out. Craig was such a creep.
"Maybe you should stay close. That man does not sit right with me. You sure everything's alright?"
"Mmhm...I'm sure I'd be fine but I'll stick by. Chloe won't let me wander too far anyways..."
At the mention of his little sister, Owen looked around for her. She was standing by the fence, patting a sheep that had wandered over to her. Owen offered to gather some fodder to feed it and Chloe accepted. To calm myself down I helped her feed the animal, wishing a certain family hadn't shown up to the festival. Craig ran a crop farm, why was he interested in animals?
Having deciding to myself I'd leave early was sabotaged when I saw Craig walked off the Cain's property hours later. I was going to let Owen now I was leaving, the intent being that I'd go while everyone could see where Craig was so I'd feel safe. But, Craig left early and even if I was walked home, unless someone stayed with me, I'd be alone. And everyone else in town would be at the Festival, still.
"What is it, Angela?"
"Nothing, never mind."
Since Craig wasn't around I no longer felt the need to stick so close to Owen, but I felt safer doing so. Not wanting to seem clingy I began putting space between us and Owen soon noticed, asking why I was lagging behind suddenly.
"If you lag behind you'll get lost, Angela." Chloe advised me, pointing out to the grassy hills far back of Brownie Ranch's land. "Then when it gets dark the monsters will get you! They'll creep out and snatch you up! The boogey man!"
"… I think my little sister has taken some story books far too much to heart."
Chloe huffed, insisting it was true. Owen brushed it off and offered to grab some food before the animal contest began. As Owen told me before, Hannah had made her special stew for the occasion. Her daughter, Renee, ran the stand.
"Hey you guys, can I get you anything?" She offered us sweetly. "Are you going to want your usual, Owen?"
"Yup. We'll take an order of pancakes for Chloe here and two large bowls of stew."
"Two? You don't usually buy the second bowl until you leave. Are you going home?"
"No, just Angela here has gotta eat too."
Renee's short bobbed chestnut hair swished as she moved about the stand looking for containers to place Owen's order in. I held a hand out to get Renee's attention as she ladled some pancake batter on a griddle.
"I'll be paying for my stew, by the way. It's not with his order."
"Yes, it is." Owen corrected. "I'm paying for it."
Returning to what she was doing, Renee then began flipping the pancakes on the griddle. I poked Owen, worry overtaking my features.
"Hey... you don't have to pay for my food. I can afford it."
"Never said you couldn't."
"...seriously, though. What are people going to think if you keep paying for my food?"
"What do you think they'll think?"
I was going to answer him but found myself torn. Behind me Renee had Chloe's pancakes ready in a disposable container and placed it on the counter next to some other food. There was a ding of a bell and I looked up, seeing it'd been Renee calling out an order of an omelet and yogurt. Luke and Selena came over.
"Omelet huh, good choice. " Owen commented. "Not sure I can say the same for the yogurt."
"Well I do have a figure to watch." Selena responded, pointedly looking at me when she saw two large bowls being filled with stew by Renee.
One bowl was covered with plastic lid then slid over towards me and the other was in the process of being capped. Selena was unimpressed.
"A big meal like that wouldn't do me much good. I suppose if one needed to fill out it'd be the perfect choice..."
"Considering Angela actually works every day for a living I'd say she needs some actual food. I'm no doctor but she'd pass out before breakfast if she lived off of plain yogurt and fruit. " Owen defended rather slyly, the burn well disguised as well-intentioned advice but with a known edge. "Enjoy your snack. You won't need much else."
Selena frowned and looked at Luke as if he was supposed to say something in her defense. Luke didn't see the cue. Instead, he agreed with Owen.
"I can't see Angie eating like a bird how you do. I mean, you don't actually work hard or nothin' so-"
"Hm."
"...what did I do?"
With her yogurt, Selena left Luke behind to hopelessly try to figure out what he did wrong. He gave up, asking if he could tag along with us instead. Last thing I wanted was for him to linger around me. Selena hated me as is
"Maybe you should go sit with your girlfriend." Owen suggested. "She's mad at you."
"She's always mad at me."
"Play stupid games win stupid prizes. That's what my grandfather likes to say."
Luke took his omelet and went after Selena. Renee announced all our food was ready and Owen paid for it. There were picnic tables around Brownie Ranch's outskirts so we sat at one, the farthest one away from Selena and Luke. It was uncomfortable to watch him and his absolutely frigid girlfriend. I couldn't help but notice how although he was supposed to be winning back his girlfriend's good side, if that's what it was called, that Luke's eyes were drawn to me.
I made eye contact with him and looked away. I didn't know what Luke's deal was, but I didn't care to find out. Whatever he had going on with his girlfriend was a mess bigger than he could even begin to clean up. I didn't need to wet my feet in that. It wasn't worth it at all.
They finished their food before we did and left the picnic area. We finished a bit after, Owen going with Chloe to find a trash barrel. As they walked away I decided to follow them. Something caught my eye in the grass just then, however. Bending down to pick it up, I saw it was silver ring. Immediately I looked out over the crowd of people in the distance and wondered if someone had dropped it. The only other woman I'd seen in the picnic area was Selena, and she only wore gold.
How long had that ring been there?"
Xxxxx
The first day of Summer I didn't have any seeds to plant and I dreaded having to go get some. My field was all tilled and ready... but I wasn't. Passing by the Carpenter's Bo waved to me as he moved piles of supplies around. He was shy and quiet but I always made it a point to say to him when I bumped in to him. He grew a little friendlier towards because of it, even if we didn't actually interact much.
"New Season! Make it count!" He encouraged me, returning to his work.
Since Bo was out early working I quickened my pace in worry Luke would emerge from the shop too. And as my gut had forewarned me of, he did. He was all smiles without Selena around, calling out for me to hold up. When he pranced over to me I fiddled with my bag uncomfortably. So close!
"Hey, Angie."
"How are you Luke?"
"I'm great now!"
I smiled to be polite and Luke asked me what I was doing out so early in the morning. I shrugged my shoulders, wishing I could just leave.
"I was going to go buy some seeds. It's the start of a new season and all... need to get on it early. "
"Right, right. Could I come with you?"
"You really don't have to. You have to work to do, anyways."
Luke insisted he could make the time to come with me. In the midst of his insistence, Luke paused. He waved to Owen who had exited the Blacksmith shop. He made his way over to us, greeting both Luke and I respectively.
"So, we heading to the seed shop?"
"Actually, I was going to ask Owen to go with me."
"Oh, you were?"
Turning to Owen I hoped he would go along with it. As subtly as I could manage, I looked Owen in the eyes and smiled stiffly around the cheeks.
"So, uh...Owen. Would you go with me to the seed shop? Please?"
"Of course." He responded. "I have no problem with that."
"See, Luke? You can go back to work."
As if on cue, Dale stepped out of the carpentry shop and looked around for Luke. Bo was doing the work on his own and Dale was not happy about it. So, he called out for Luke to get his ass back to work. Luke reluctantly went. Owen begin walking me towards the seed shop.
"Thanks for playing along but you don't actually have to go with me."
"I'd feel better going with you." He clarified. "Good timing on my part, it would seem. I came out just in time."
"Don't you have to work too, though?"
Owen shook his head, us walking past the mines coincidently enough.
"Today is my day off. I'd actually been on my way to see if you wanted to try out the hot springs today. I was going to go and rest up later on. It's good for the working body. Figured you'd be tired after preparing the new harvest and want to relax a little."
"The hot springs? I don't know. Won't it be too hot out to be sitting in hot water?"
"Not if you go at night."
I thought about it, feeling the tension between my shoulder blades, neck and the awful aching consuming my lower back and sore limbs. A hot spring was basically a hot tub, just not man made. I agreed to give it try, already knowing I was going to need it after the seeds were planted and watered.
"Today is probably going to be the best day for a trip to the hot springs now that I think about it." I thought aloud. "My body hurts and today isn't even over yet. Then there's all the watering I have to do this week...I'm definitely in."
"Awesome. You won't regret it."
Having a general idea of what I wanted, I entered the seed shop ready to get what I needed from Ruth and leave. But my plan was thwarted as I saw there was a much larger selection of summer seeds than I'd expected. Before going I knew how much space I had in my field, calculating how many bags of seeds I'd need. But when faced with a large variety to choose from, I had to recalculate.
"There's watermelon and honeydew? I need those, I love melon."
"How many bags shall I grab for you?"
Thinking over my budget carefully I listed off the seeds I wanted. Ruth went to the back to fetch some flowers seeds, offering to show me those also. I wasn't sure if I wanted to grow flowers but she told me flowers sometimes produced honey. And the flowers could be used to make perfumes.
"They're also good dyeing agents, not that you'll be producing any wool or silk soon. Just something to keep in mind for the future. If you don't have a mixer I'm sure a friend would let you use theirs, or you could come see me. " She advised me. "Here you are. Two bags each of tomatoes, onions, watermelon and honeydew seeds. Then four bags of corn seeds. Should I wrap up any of these flower seeds for you?"
"You know what... sure. I'll take the sunflowers and pinkcat seeds. Doesn't hurt to try them out. "
Ruth bagged up my order and began ringing it up on the cash register when Craig came out from the house with his old, ancient artifact perched over one shoulder. His hoe had seen better days. He spotted me and made eye contact. In turn I handed over my money to Ruth. Craig noticed the silver ring I had on my finger.
"...Where did you get that?"
"Excuse me?"
"Don't play stupid. The ring, slacker. Where did you get that?"
Playing stupid because I didn't have to explain myself to him, I didn't tell him.
"You never wore an ounce of jewelry when working here and suddenly you've got a ring?"
"Craig Reynolds, you leave this girl alone. The nerve of you." Ruth scolded him. "What she wears, what difference does it make to you? Unless it's your ring shut up and go plow the fields you lousy jack ass."
Craig gave my ring finger one last look and left. He walked past Owen as Ruth handed me my change.
"He works with crops, not cattle. Yet, you'd think he lives in a barn. Here you are, Angela. I wish you well this harvest."
"Thank you, Ruth."
Outside the shop, Owen brought up the ring issue.
"So, the ring. That is pretty new."
"Yeah. I wasn't going to tell Craig that. It's not his business."
"Right you are."
I spent a couple of hours seeding and watering the field, Owen having stuck around to keep me company. Chloe hadn't shown up and I asked Owen why. According to him she had a cartoon marathon on T.V and she chose to stay home for it.
"I used to love those as a kid."
"Me too." He agreed. "Preferred being outside and playing sports, though. Cartoon marathons were good for cold days with crappy weather. Or Holidays."
"The holiday marathons were the absolute best."
Owen reminisced with me About his favorite cartoons before asking me about my childhood. I paused, not knowing where to start. My life wasn't very interesting.
"Start anywhere. What did you like to do, growing up?"
"I liked things like animals and art... I didn't get along well with other girls. While they were painting their nails I was home actually painting. Or drawing. I had some pets, usually dogs for the most part."
" Dogs? I love dogs."
"I had a dog pass away recently... before I moved here. I was going to take her here with me but she didn't make to moving day."
Looking contrite, Owen frowned sympathetically.
"What was their name?"
"Her name was Missy but I called her 'Missy Love bug'." I revealed, clearing my throat at the silly name for my old dog. "...She was a good dog. I miss her."
"Nothing like a good dog. But you're an artist, huh? That's great too."
"I'm not spectacular or anything. Just a hobby."
Owen, who'd been sitting in the grass, offered to help me water the fields. I declined, insisting I could do it myself. I had to build up experience and get used to it. Otherwise I'd be struggling to get used to it until Fall. I wound up taking a break though, holding the watering can protectively once Owen tried to take it.
"Just let me see it." He urged. "I promise not to water the field for you."
I handed it over and he inspected the old tool. There was some rust on it and it was kind of beat. Owen whistled lowly and turned the tool in his hands. He tapped his knuckles on the surface, the hollow sound coming from the center.
"This is horrible."
"I can see that for myself."
"You need a new one."
I agreed, telling him I would save up for a new one soon. Accepting it for what it was during the time being, I took the watering can back and began picking up where I had left off. Once it was all finished I went and put the watering can back in storage.
"Work up an appetite? I've got some boiled eggs sitting in the fridge at home. I could whip up some egg salad sandwiches."
"You sound confident."
"I make the best egg salad, blow your socks right off."
"Let me shower first and get some fresh socks for you to blow off."
Owen went home and made some sandwiches while I showered away the sweat from working. It was only the first day of Summer but my little house was so hot. I had to crack the windows up to get some air in. The breeze fluttered the shades and curtains as I showered. When I got out I stepped in the room with a towel on, hurrying to close the curtains. The shades were drawn but it was just to be safe. The last thing I needed was for Owen to come back while I was indecent.
I redressed in fresh clothes and waited for Owen to show back up. I expected him to have Chloe in tow this time but he showed up without her. He told me she was at home still in front of the television, now with her peanut butter and jelly.
"She's so cute." I praised, following Owen outside. "She really makes me wish I had a sibling."
"Consider her a stand in. She loves you to pieces."
"That's so sweet. I love her too."
The food Owen packed was in a basket and I asked him if we were having a picnic. He said we were. Humorously enough we had a picnic right on my land. I liked it just fine. It was too hot to eat inside. At least my house was too hot, I had no air conditioning. Being Summer had a long way to go, I knew it was only going to get worse. But, just like Owen had promised, it cooled off a bit later that night. After a day spent with me fishing, we trekked to the hot spring.
"On the real bad days it won't be as comfortable as it is tonight. Take your blessings where you can, though."
"Don't have to tell me twice."
Swimsuits in hand, Owen and I walked the path to the river. He led me up the stone steps past the waterfall and to the secluded hot springs he'd told me about. There was a bamboo screen for people to change behind. Owen let me go first and I emerged in the two piece I'd worn before. As Owen changed I got in to the water, relaxing against the stone edge.
I could see his shadow as he changed. His shirt came off and his pants followed. His muscles were visible even through shadow. I could see where his chiseled arms met bulging, wide shoulders. And how thick his thighs were. As he removed his underwear I felt my face get hot, realizing I'd been watching closely. I briefly worried if he'd done the same thing. But there was no way. I was nothing to be curious over.
When Owen emerged from behind the screen I played off my warm face, chalking it up to the water temperature. He joined me, slipping in to the water and sitting across from me. Owen stretched his arms out to rest along the sides of the spring, asking me how I liked it.
"It's great. My body still hurts but the water helps tremendously." I explained. "This is so nice. People must come here often."
"Not as much as they used to. It's busier here towards the Winter, otherwise it's just some of us manual laborers who visit."
"I'll be sure to come here often."
I rolled my shoulders, trying to loosen the stiffness I had between them. It hurt slightly to raise my arms. I winced and Owen asked if I was okay. I nodded but it wasn't very convincing at all.
"Do you need a back rub? When my back is acting up I either use a heating pad or have Chloe walk around my back for a bit."
"You have her walk on your back?"
"People pay top dollar to have their backs walked on for an hour at spas. A butterscotch candy and Chloe will do it all day."
"Remind me to buy some candy."
Owen got a good laugh and instructed me to come closer so he could take care of the ache for me. I moved in closer, turning my back to him. I didn't know what to do beyond that so I crouched in the water. It would have been easier to sit in his lap but that was not an option.
Owen asked before he put his hands on me, making sure I was ready. Once given permission he slowly began rubbing circles in to my back, loosening up the muscles I had there. We didn't talk at first, but Owen broke the silence and asked what I was doing that had me so knotted up.
"I think it's the lifting and bending over... I'm not reeling in any particularly large fish so it's just the watering can."
"If you had one finished with a better-quality metal it'd be lighter." He advised me. "I mean, it'll still be heavy at first from the water itself but it would have the added weight of clunky iron."
"When I get around to exploring the mines maybe I can dig up some stuff to have you work on it."
The touch on my back grew softer, Owen moving outwards to my shoulders.
"You keep saying you'll go with me but I think you're just blowing smoke up my ass."
"Hey! That's not true! I'm just scared."
"You don't need to be scared with me. I'd take good care of you."
The tone of voice... there was more implied behind his words. Telling myself I imagined it, I didn't respond. My shoulders were gripped gently and Owen carefully moved his head in closer to me. I held my breath.
"I mean it. Angela. I would."
"I'm sure you'd take great care of me in the mines..."
"Angela."
I was pulled in and turned around, now facing Owen with just my knees to keep me from being placed in his lap. I held myself up with my hands on his chest, now up close and personal with Owen's blue eyes. His beautiful blue eyes that stood out so fiercely with such masculine, handsome features.
"I came on too strong." He apologized. "I mean it though...I'm not normally drawn to anyone like this. There's something about you and it's been driving me crazy."
"I don't know what to say. I really don't..."
"Tell me anything, just please don't tell me 'no'…"
There was nothing undesirable about Owen. He was so sweet, such a protective big brother. He'd stepped in and helped me in more ways than one and fed me out of pure kindness. I appreciated his company, and I adored his little sister. It turned out I guess that they both adored me.
Looking Owen directly in the eyes I tried to speak, but I just couldn't conjure anything to say. Possibly the most attractive man I'd ever met in my life was looking at me with such determination, like he wanted me more than anything else. Owen was the type of guy I never so much as dreamt about having because usually I was over looked for others... the pretty girls. Girls like Anissa, Selena, Luna and Kathy.
"Are you sure you don't like Kathy?"
Blue eyes blinked as if I'd just blown smoke in them. Owen chuckled once, it was a low and just shy of a scoff. He placed one hand on my lower back and the other cradled the back of my head so gently. His very large hand.
"If I were to be so bold..." He murmured to me, pulling me in to his lap. "I'd like to show you I'm sure. Come closer."
I braced myself for Owen to kiss me. It wasn't like I was dreading it...but I was too stunned to be excited. I couldn't even process that it was real. For a split second before his lips were going to touch mine I accepted what was happening and shut my eyes.
"Cuz you're hot and you're cold. You're yes then you're no. You're in then you're out, you're up then you're down~"
My eyes flew open upon hearing someone singing in the distance as they came up the path. I put space between Owen and I in record time. To both our inconvenience, it was Luke coming up the path. He was plenty happy to see both of us.
" I keep running in to you guys!"
"You sure do..." Owen trailed off, taking a calming breath through his nose and letting it go. "What brings you here at this hour?"
"Needed some time to chill, know what I'm saying? Selena's been harping my ear off like a badger."
Luke went behind the screen to change, still talking. Owen looked at me and jabbed his thumb over his shoulders, mouthing silently if I wanted to leave. I nodded and Owen held a finger up, signaling that I wait and follow his lead.
"She kept going on about how I need to grow up and blah blah blah." Luke recounted from behind the screen. "It was the same old crap as every other time. I don't know what she wants from me, Dude."
"I can only wonder what she possibly wants...You two are still at that?" Owen questioned, tone implying he knew the answer. "Really?"
Luke came out in his swim trunks and stretched his arms up high with a satisfying pop of his joins. He confidently got in the water, body seated along the wall between us. He shook his head tiredly, his long hair freed of his usual bandana and lying flat along his tanned shoulders.
"When aren't we?" Luke sighed. "Goddess, it's like I can't even breathe on her anymore. Everything I do pisses her off and she's extra pissed at me lately. It's insane."
"You know what they say about insanity."
"What's that?"
"It's expecting different results when you're doing the same thing."
Owen's word puzzled Luke. He really thought it over.
"...would that make me or Selena insane?"
"You decide. Angela and I will leave you to ponder it. Night Luke."
"You guys are leaving?"
"We've had enough sitting in hot water for one night. But you enjoy."
Owen and I gathered up our clothes and shoes making our exit. Before we could leave Luke called out me.
"Angie, I've got a day off coming up soon. I was thinking we could hang out, maybe. Think you'll be free?"
"...I doubt it." I called back, rolling my eyes in pure frustration. "I have a feeling I'm going to be busy."
"That's too bad. Make sure you left me know if that changes."
As we left with bodies wet and clothes in hand I asked Owen why we hadn't dried off first. It then dawned on us we left our towels. Right away Owen offered to go get them and left me to stand by the waterfall.
"Got 'em. Let's go."
He came jogging back moments later and we made our way back towards my farm. It was dark out and I asked Owen if he needed to go home and feed Chloe and tuck her in for bed. A guilty smile crept over his features.
"I may or may not have actually had Chloe spend the day with Kathy so I could have you to myself today."
"Is she still with Kathy?"
"Yeah. She's currently with her at the Inn. Kathy lives there."
While walking I stepped on a sharp pebble, being barefoot leaving me susceptible to the awful sensation of a rock trying to burrow itself in the heel of my tender foot. I yelped and shook the pebble away, Owen nudging me to walk in the grass.
"Should we go get her?"
"She's actually sleeping over. Chloe isn't coming back tonight. I didn't know what time I'd be home so I figured a babysitter was best. I didn't want Chloe waiting up for me, or having to rush my time with you."
"Luke sabotaged that last part, didn't he?"
Owen didn't hesitate to answer at all.
"Yup." He confirmed. "But I still want to spend time with you. Would you care coming back to my house?"
"That's fine, I guess... as long as I get to actually stop and dry off."
Since it was night time no one was around to see Owen and I walking along half naked in the dark. Granted we were wearing bathing suits but it just felt strange, regardless. When we got in we dried off enough as to not leave wet trails along the floors. I couldn't help but notice his house had the marvelous luxury of air conditioning.
"It's not blistering out or anything but that feels good."
" I appreciate it more as the Summer goes on."
"I bet. It must be nice."
Owen offered me his room to change in and he'd take the bathroom. I told him I'd take the bathroom but he shut his bedroom door with me in it. I relented and changed out of my bathing suit and back in to my dry clothes. I sat on Owen's bed as I slipped my socks back on when there was a knock on the door.
"I'm decent."
He came in and set his towel aside to dry. His trunks had been left in the bathroom and I got up to hang up mine too. I came back slower than I left, feeling awkward once I realized I'd going back to his room to talk over what had taken place in the hot spring.
Pushing myself forward I returned to Owen and sat next to him. Owen reached to touch my face but saw my uncertainty. His hand redirected to move a piece of my hair and he returned his hand back down by his side.
"Ahem..." He cleared his throat. "Sorry."
"No, it's fine. It's me being awkward. You're not at fault...it's me. I'm being weird, so I'm the one who should be sorry."
Choosing to try again, Owen took me by the face. He rested his thumbs by my temples and leaned down to touch his lips upon mine. Such a gentle giant he was to me, careful with his actions. He kissed me softly with a chaste peck. A few closed mouth kisses soon turned to Owen's lips parting on mine. I tried following his lead but froze before I could reciprocate the action.
"I uh... I don't really know what I'm doing, Owen." I whispered under my breath.
"You don't need to. It's alright." He assured me, whispering back. "Come here."
I opened my mouth for him, letting him kiss me wetly. His fingers found their way in to my hair and I cautiously placed my hands on his biceps, holding on to him as we kissed. It was an almost foggy, unreal feeling. I was twenty-one years old and being kissed for the first time. Now, I wasn't an innocent virgin-minded one... but I'd never been touched or kissed by another person.
The kiss went on for a few minutes before Owen pulled away. His hands didn't budge from my hair and mine kept acquainted with the rise of his defined arms. Drumming my fingers being I was unsure of what to say or do, I waited for him to say something.
"You have such big brown eyes." He told me, smiling. "I have a soft spot for big brown eyes."
"Oh, stop it. You don't have to butter me up."
"I mean it. You're so cute."
Owen's kind words sent me on the defense. I frowned a bit and his eyes widened with alarm.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"I'm not cute. It's okay... you don't have to try and convince me otherwise."
"Whoever told you you're not cute?"
"Why does it matter?"
"Because I need to know whose ass I'm kicking."
I rolled my eyes playfully, having difficulty not finding Owen's comment cute or funny. He tugged me in to his arms, engulfing me in his brood chest. He kissed the side of my head and chuckled, falling back in to the bed with me in his arms still.
"I was told growing up that one day I'd find someone who just slips in to my life like a puzzle piece in the right place." He told me. "I never quite believed it until you came along because I don't spend much time socializing. Not trying to scare you off or anything, don't take this weirdly. Having you around just feels natural...sorry, I'm not good with words."
I thought over what Owen had said and thought it was sweet... I could see what I meant. Finding people who just fit in your life is hard for those on their own, let alone those with pre-existing responsibilities. Somehow, we crossed paths and it just fit. Like finding a friend when you least expected it.
"I can appreciate the sentiment."
"I really didn't plan on showing my interest this soon... I was going to think it over and wait but I got tired of this Luke nonsense."
"I thought you and Luke were friends."
My stomach dropped at the mention of Luke and Owen felt how my body stiffened.
"Yeah, and I know about your short-lived crush on him."
"Look, about that..."
"It's fine. He's an airhead at best some days and his girlfriend wouldn't know empathy if it hit her in the shape of a brick."
Caught taken back by the comment, I lifted my head off Owen's chest to look at him. He sat up a little to clarify what he meant.
"They've had problems since the day they met eyes. It's together one day and broken up the next with them... I didn't want to leave you floating in that. Otherwise, I would have waited to tell you how I felt." He told me, looking away for a moment. "Thinking about it, I sprung this on you fast. I'm sorry for that... but I don't regret it. I want you to know how I feel."
I nodded to show I was listening. Owen sat up fully against the headboard and leaned down to kiss me. He just barely put space between our mouths before smiling wide and coming in again.
"You'll give this a chance, won't you?"
xxxxx