Chapter 10

"That's nice that you and Hunter found a place of your own."

Rebecca held the phone close to her ear as she listened to Stephanie on the other end, talking about the new house and schools for the children. She noticed Shawn coming around the corner and sitting down at the kitchen table.

"Oh, we're fine. Shawn just had a bad dream last night."

"Rebecca." Shawn whispered.

Rebecca mouthed 'what' to Shawn, but Shawn said or did nothing. Instead, he put his head on top of his arms and sighed.

"Yes, I'm proud of you. I really am. Of course, we could all meet somewhere sometime."

"I'm gonna work on the ranch." Shawn began to say, getting up from the chair.

"Oh, okay, honey," Rebecca smiled at Shawn. "Now, from what Shawn tells me, the house must be beautiful."

Shawn sighed deeply and walked towards the front door, grabbing his shovel and cowboy hat. He went out the front door, slamming it from behind.

"What was that?"

"Oh, Shawn went outside. Working on the ranch. He's always working," Rebecca shot a glance at the front door. "It's the only thing that helps the memories."

"Speaking of which...how are things going nowadays?"

"Fine, I guess. Shawn works on the ranch most of the time and I'm stuck helping Cheyenne with her homework most nights and we-"

"No, Rebecca. What I meant to say was how are things now? After...you know?"

Rebecca's jaw tightened. "It's a mess. Shawn has nightmares at least twice a month. I know it's been years since the incident, but...I have nightmares, too. Day-mares, really. I keep thinking of the horrible things they all went through that day. Cheyenne hasn't talked about it since it happened, and Shawn can't let go. I've tried to let go, but...it just...comes to me, you know?"

"I understand, Rebecca. I wish it didn't have to happen."

Rebecca wiped away the tears on her face. "I-I have to go, Steph. My daughter just got off the bus."

"Okay, bye."

"Bye."

Rebecca quickly hung up the phone and placed it back on the wall. She wiped away the remaining tears as Cheyenne entered the kitchen with a sigh, quickly turning the corner towards the refrigerator.

"How was school, honey?" Rebecca looked at the floor.

"Fine." Cheyenne grabbed the jug of milk and placed it on the counter. Rebecca decided to look over at her daughter and walked over to her, hugging her. But Cheyenne shoved her away gently, walking past her.

"What's wrong with you?" She asked.

Rebecca grabbed Cheyenne's arm and swiftly turned her around to face her. "How could you say that to-"

Rebecca paused a second when she saw the purple and slightly swollen bruise on Cheyenne's face. She opened her mouth to speak, but Cheyenne walked out of the kitchen and raced towards the stairs.

"Cheyenne, wait!" Rebecca called.

Once Rebecca got to Cheyenne, she was midway up the staircase. Cheyenne turned around and looked at her Mom, angered that she was getting bothered my her own family.

"What happened to you?" Rebecca asked.

"Nothing." Cheyenne said, rolling her eyes.

"Cheyenne?"

"What?"

"How did you get that bruise?"

Cheyenne looked at the stairs before answering. "I was hit with a volleyball. There. You happy now?"

Cheyenne turned and walked quickly up the stairs, leaving Rebecca where she was. Rebecca stood there, shocked, and couldn't move. She felt something come up behind her and she turned around to see Shawn.

"Hey, honey, do we still have that screwdriver?"

"Shawn," Rebecca choked. "I think Cheyenne's keeping secrets from us."