Chapter 10

Tyra nestled into Tim's chest as he lay on his back, hands propping up his dishevelled head, staring up at the clear night sky. They lay together on the grass around the back of Tim's caravan. The night was so clear that it seemed like you could almost reach out and grab the stars, they glistened so brightly.

"I want to stay here forever, Tim," Tyra paused smiled up at him. His expression was vacant as though he was far away, "Don't you?"

"No, Tyra. There's no way I want to stay here forever"

Tyra pushed herself up slightly to raise her face to his. "What do you mean, Tim? You used to be the first one to say 'Texas forever' at all those stupid barbeques we used to have. Now you want to leave?"

"Yeah, that's right" Tim blinked slowly, looking past Tyra into the openness of the night sky. All of that space bothered him. It was like a big joke. All of that open space and nowhere to go.

"Tim. Listen to me," Tyra was sitting up now. "What's going on with you? I can't figure you out lately. I have to admit we're spending more time together than ever but it's like you're not really there. Is something bothering you?"

Tim sighed. "Tyra, I was stupid when I used to say that stuff. I'm still stupid but now it's obvious. I'm turning into Billy"

Tyra's top lip curled in disgust. "Ew, Tim. Don't say that," Then she thought better of herself and said "What's so bad about Billy anyway? He's got a job now. He hasn't got you thrown in jail recently. I mean, you couldn't ask for more than that, right?"

Tim looked at her now. His sardonic smile said it all.

"Tim, you weren't cut out for college. You know that"

"Thanks, Tyra"

She nestled back into his chest and put her arms around him, oblivious to the sarcasm and content in her knowledge that she had the answer to all of the world's problems. The world as far as it extended around Dillon at least.

"Do you know what Lyla's doing now?" Tim's gaze had returned to the stars.

"No. Why? You know I never liked her"

Tim chuckled softly. "Yeah, I know. Well, she's in college and she found herself a new guy."

"No!" Tyra slapped his chest.

"Yeah. Big-shot quarterback like Jace was. Buddy says he's gunna get drafted"

"That slut" Tyra said absently.

"Oh, come on, Tyra. Don't tell me you wouldn't take that ticket out of here if you got the chance. I remember when everything was good you were all over Jace"

"That was just to make you jealous"

"Did it work?"

"Nothing ever works on you, Tim. You're too big a dumbass"

"I see it worked out for you in the end though" Tim chuckled.

"Sure did. Joke's on me I guess"

"Guess we make a good couple" He looked down at her now and saw that she was staring off into the distance, playing with her hair.

He pulled her up towards him and she put her head next to his.

"You know, it's not so bad here, Tim" Tyra smiled, her blue eyes catching the orange flicker of the fire.

Tim hesitated and managed a half smile back at her before they kissed. He closed his eyes and took himself far, far away.