What I thought would have been one of the longest weeks of my life turned out to be one of the best. Beth sat with me and talked for most of the week. I learned that we were around the same age, we both liked 80s music. However, I learned that she had a boyfriend. I instantly started hating this boy she called Jimmy. I had only spoken to him once when he introduced himself. But, I still didn't like him because he ruined any chance I had with Beth. My dad and I seemed to be getting closer as well.
Flashback...
"You know, I'm like you now Dad. We've both been shot."
He laughed slightly, "I think your mother would prefer to hear we have the same eyes, so let's just keep that between you and me", he finished with another small laugh. "You know now that you joined the club, you get to wear the hat", he said while placing his sheriff's hat on my head.
"Thanks, Dad", I said while pulling the hat down over my face and leaning back to get some sleep.
Now I am trying to get back on my feet by taking small walks around the farmhouse and just outside with somebody's help, usually Beth's. "Take it easy Carl", she said with a noticeable amount of concern in her voice but at the same time, it sounded like she was scolding me.
"Easy? What's that?", I asked sarcastically with a small laugh that made my chest hurt.
She gave me a worried smile and said, "Why don't we go inside? I think you've done enough for today."
"Go 'round one more time?", I asked hopefully.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Carl."
"Oh, come on. I can only get better one way, and I can tell ya it ain't lounging around while everyone else is out and about."
"Oh alright", she said while starting to walk beside me. I noticed Beth seemed a little off today like something had happened that she was clearly upset about.
"Are you alright Beth? You seem like somethin's botherin' ya."
"Yeah I'm fine, 'sides we're out here for you not me", she said, still with that look on her face.
"Beth?"
"It's fine Carl. Me and Jimmy just got in a fight is all", she said with a sigh.
"You a wanna talk 'bout it?"
"Eh, I don't wanna bore ya ta death."
"It's fine, if ya don't wanna talk about it, I get it."
"It's not that, I just don't wanna worry you is all."
"Why would I be worried?"
"'Cause it's 'bout you", she said hesitantly.
"Me?", I asked a small amount of panic in my voice. What did I do? She nodded.
"He thinks I spend too much time with you and not enough with him."
"Why would he care 'bout how much time you spend with me? You're out here helpin' me. We're just friends ain't like nothin's goin' on."
"I know I tried telling him that but he just yelled at me and stormed off", she said clearly on the verge of tears.
"I'm sorry Beth, I'll get someone else to come help me around."
"No", she said surprisingly fast. "Like you said, were just friends. Ain't nothin' wrong 'bout that. He'll just have to accept that." It pained me a little to hear her say we were just friends. Why did it? After all we were just friends. Maybe Jimmy won't be the only one who has to accept that. The next few days were characteristically quiet and slow. I couldn't help still feel so exposed when outside though. This farm had nothing keeping anyone or anything out.
Sorry it's a short chapter, like, really short. Just wanted to let you all know I'm still writing.
