Why Can't I Be Happy?
Chapter 11
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Brock awaited a response. Reba looked at him surprised, but then turned her glare into a look of disgust and anger. Reba was at a lost for words. It was like her voice had escaped her body. Gathering her strength to talk, Reba walked over to the front door and opened it.
"Get out." she said in a soft, cold like tone. Brock couldn't help being hurt by the rejection. He thought she would have at least yelled at him, but all she gave him was a simple request.
"Reba…" he was cut off.
"GET OUT!" Reba practically yelled. She looked intensely into his eyes. When Brock looked at her, Reba's eyes were red, and filled with tears. He was use to her being mad at him, but this was different. For the first time, she looked as if she honestly hated him. Her face was red, she gritted her jaw as a way to keep from saying something crazy to Brock. He noticed that she was definitely in no mood to argue, so he nodded his head and honored her request for him to leave. He was just about to turn around to say something when all of a sudden the door slammed, right in his face. His heart broke into a thousand pieces. He knew now that he had made a big mistake telling Reba about his true feelings.
Reba leaned her body against the door. She stared into space, allowing the tears from her eyes to flow freely. Her heart now ached. She was mad beyond belief. What made Reba the most upset was Brock's flagrant disregard for her feelings. He knew she was trying to move on and he would do anything to keep her from loving and being in the arms of another man. This was the last straw, Reba was going to prove to herself and Brock that she would finally move forward. Reba could feel her blood-pressure rising, so she made her way upstairs to her bedroom. She needed to lie down before she passed out from all the intensity she felt.
A few hours had passed since Reba went to her room for a nap. When she awoke the moon shined brightly in her face. Reba was slightly surprised at how late she had slept. Even though her bad mood hadn't subsided, she felt a little better. She knew that she'd feel even better when Brad called. He always made her forget about the negative things that may have afflicted her. Reba heard the kids downstairs. She figured they were probably starving to death and forced herself to get up so she could make them dinner.
To her surprise the kids and Sam were all on the couch watching television.
"Hey guys sorry I didn't have dinner ready. I'll go make something."
"Don't worry about it mom, we ordered pizza." Cheyenne said while looking to her mother.
"Oh really. Well that's certainly surprising. Usually if I don't have dinner made, Van is chewing on the furniture."
"Well when we came home and noticed dinner wasn't ready I figured you were maybe sick. So I went to your room to check on you and you were sleeping. You looked peaceful so I didn't bother you. We just thought it be better to get pizza, besides I have a ton of coupons."
"Thank you Cheyenne. That certainly takes a load off."
"No problem. We left you some pizza." Reba was headed towards the kitchen to eat her pizza, but when she noticed Sam it reminded her of Brad being back in town.
"Oh you guys, before I forget. Brad is back and he'll be picking Sam up in the morning." Van and Jake groaned at the statement.
"Wait a minute he can't leave yet, we were going to have a camp out tomorrow night." Van said with sadness in his eyes. Reba just shook her head. She couldn't believe how attached they all were. She ignored his comment and proceeded back to the kitchen.
After a few hours the Hart family slowly made their way into their prospective rooms. Once Reba took a nice, hot shower and got into comfortable pajamas, she slowly became more relaxed. Her anger at Brock subsided a little bit, she just kept telling herself that he wasn't worth getting all worked up over. As she settled nicely in her bed, her cell phone rang just in time. She smiled slightly and answered the phone.
"Hey, I've been waiting to hear your voice." she said suggestively.
"Oh really, and why is that?" he asked, playing along.
"Because when I hear your voice all my troubles go away. And all the things that bothered me seem like that of a distant memory." After hearing her comment, Brad became curious.
"Reba are you troubled about something?"
"A lot of things. But it doesn't matter anymore. I just wish I could get away for a while, so I can get my mind together in peace." Brad heard the slight distress in her voice. He then had an idea.
"Reba, I have an idea. I have this log cabin that's in the middle of Silent Hills National Park. I go there whenever I need to get away from the stresses of everyday life." Reba knew where he was getting at but didn't want to take his thunder.
"I bet it's beautiful."
"Yeah it is, especially this time of the year. But anyway if it's okay I'd love to take you there. I mean it's a really great place to relax and get away from your troubles." Reba wanted to jump up and down. But she kept her cool.
"That sounds nice. I'd love to go. When do you want to leave?" Reba asked trying not to sound too excited.
"Well this weekend if that's okay with you." Reba's mouth dropped. Her heart beat a million times a minute. She didn't know what to say. On one hand Reba wanted to go so she can see the beautiful environment, relieve stress, and be with Brad. But on the other hand she was nervous about spending a whole weekend with Brad at his cabin. Reba then realized the oath she made to herself earlier after getting upset with Brock. It was time to prove that she was moving on, and now was her opportunity to prove just that. A little hesitant at first, Reba gave him her answer.
"Yes Brad. I would be glad to go with you this weekend." Reba smiled when she heard him jumping up and down in excitement. He didn't even try to hide it.
"Alright it's settled. When I come over to pick up Sam tomorrow, we can discuss it more."
"Wow I'm excited. I've never been in a log cabin before. I absolutely love the outdoors. The scenery is a sign of how peaceful the world can be." They talked for a while longer. Once they started to yawn, they knew it was time to hit the sheets.
"Brad thanks for calling me. But I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open. I think I might have to call it a night."
"Likewise. I thought I was the only one. I'll talk to you tomorrow. I will come over at about twelve noon."
"Sounds great. Have a great night." Before Brad could respond, Reba quickly added to her comment.
"I love you." Brad was surprised that she actually said it first. Especially after the conversation they had earlier at her house. It made him happy because he now knew that she was beginning to trust him.
"I love you too baby." He blew a kiss into the phone before hanging up. Reba smiled as she put her cell phone away. For the first time in a long time she felt safe. It scared her too, because she knew that she was taking a risk by allowing herself to put her faith in another man, who could easily break her heart just like Brock had. But Reba agreed that she wouldn't allow her fears to outweigh her anticipation and excitement. She would give this relationship an honest chance. Reba slept at ease that night. She was excited about her weekend to come with Brad.
The next morning Reba had totally forgotten about her anger towards Brock. She anticipated talking more about the weekend she'd spend with Brad. When she heard him knocking at the door, she practically ran.
"Hey come on in." she gave him a hug and quick kiss, before leading him into the kitchen. As they sat down at the table, Brad commented on Reba's energetic behavior.
"Well someone's excited." he smiled.
"I must admit I am. I can't wait to go to your cabin. It's been years since I've been on a trip."
"Glad your excited. I am too. I haven't been up there in about 2 years."
"Why haven't you been their in two years?"
"It's not as much fun when your alone."
"When do you want to leave?"
"I was hoping we could depart early Saturday morning. That way it's still early and we'll have a whole day's worth to soak up the attractions."
"Sounds like a winner. I have to make sure and bring my camera because if this place is anything like the Houston National Park where you took me on our first date, I want lots of photos."
"Photos for what?" Cheyenne asked as she walked into the kitchen. Reba wasn't sure if she should tell her daughter that she would be spending the whole weekend with Brad at his cabin. She knew if she said something Cheyenne would jump to conclusions about what Brad and she would do on their weekend away. But before Reba could answer, Brad had already spoken up.
"Photos for our trip. Reba and I are going to my log cabin in Silent Hills National Park this weekend." he said happily and proudly. Cheyenne nearly choked, trying to get her questions out. Reba knew that when Brad left, she would be up all night answering her daughter's curiosity. Cheyenne didn't waste anytime.
"Oh my gosh, you guys are going away for the weekend together. That's so romantic. Mom now we can to go to Victoria Secrets and get you some sexy lingerie." Cheyenne said excitedly. Both Brad and Reba practically spit up their coffee. Reba could have killed her daughter.
"Um Cheyenne that won't be necessary." Reba said trying to keep calm. But the look of embarrassment gave her away.
"Mom don't be silly. I'm pretty sure Brad would love to see you half-naked before you two have…" Reba immediately put her hand up and silenced her daughter.
"Cheyenne that's enough. Go back into the living room with everybody else." Reba was blushing harder than ever. When she wasn't looking Brad smiled and laughed silently to himself. Reba didn't know what to say, she was so embarrassed.
"Kids; they say the craziest things. Almost wish I had a pet rat instead." Reba said trying to calm the mood.
"Don't be embarrassed Reba. Cheyenne is right, I would love to see you in kinky lingerie." he smiled seductively at her while gently rubbing her thigh. As he rubbed her thigh, Reba felt her pulse increase. His touch was so gentle and patient. As his hand went a little higher, Reba pretended to need more coffee. Brad knew she felt awkward. Reba, with her back to Brad, nervously poured herself some coffee. She didn't notice that he'd gotten out of his chair and made his way behind her. Reba jumped at his hands snaking their way around her waist. Reba feared she would drop the hot cup of coffee, so she steady herself and the coffee onto the countertop in front of her.
He slowly moved his hands up towards her stomach, slowly massaging around her belly button. Brad then kissed her neck. Reba held her breath. But as his touch aroused her, she closed her eyes and leaned her head to the side, giving him better access. She sighed in pleasure. While still kissing her neck, Brad opened his eyes to see the effect he had on her. He liked the results. Brad planted one more kiss before breaking away and stopping his actions. He then whispered into her ear.
"If you think it's good now, wait until Saturday." Reba's heart skipped a few beats. He kissed her neck one last time before leaving the kitchen. Reba was so taken back by what happened that her mouth allowed no words to escape her lips. She just nodded and let him leave. Brad gathered Sam and then left the house. Reba felt like her body was reacting to everything about Brad. She could only imagine what he had planned for their weekend together, but Reba knew that it would be an experience she will never forget.