"So, what are you going to order?" Kiley asked, looking over her own menu. It was a week later, and Kiley had finally found the time to make good her promise of buying him dinner. The two were seated in a booth by the window in the local diner. Clark grinned at her from above his menu.
"Whatever's the most expensive thing on the menu of course. It's not everyday that you buy me dinner."
Kiley sighed dramatically while Clark chuckled, and resigned herself to the fact that she was going to be sucked dry on this trip. Though she figured she had enough money for whatever he wanted with her in her pocket. When the waitress came around, Kiley ordered a side of chili cheese fries, and then looked expectantly at Clark. She was surprised when he only ordered a burger and fries. As soon as the waiter walked away, she opened her mouth to make fun of his choice, but he beat her to speaking.
"I know you're saving for a new camera Kiley, I wasn't about to make you spend more then you need too. I know how much you've been waiting for it."
Kiley's mouth wanted to drop open. She didn't know that he knew she was very close to her goal, and only needed another $50. It wouldn't have been that big of a deal if he wanted to order the fattest steak on the menu, but having him being considerate made her want to jump up and give him a hug. Luckily for Clark, she restrained herself.
"So, what photo are you going to submit for the photography contest?" Clark asked as they waited for their food. At the mention of the contest, Kiley jumped excitedly and reached into her bag.
"Oh! I almost forgot that I picked up my pictures earlier today. I haven't had a chance to look at them yet." With a smile she pulled them out and laid them on the table. Clark got up and sat next to her, making it easier for both of them to look at the photos. Slowly she flipped through them, scrutinizing each one as she came across them. Then, as she pulled one, she couldn't help but gasp.
It was the picture of the crow over the scarecrow's head. His dark wings were outstretched, and the sun was a golden glow, lighting him from behind. When Clark saw the picture she held in her hand he whistled softly.
"Wow Kiley, that's an amazing photo. I would use that one if I were you." Kiley nodded absently, still awe struck by the perfection of the picture. Every detail was perfect.
"Wow is right Clark; and you know what? This picture is all your fault. If you hadn't scared the crow away, I never would have gotten the shot." She looked up at him with a smile. "Thanks."
The waitress then came with their food, holding it impatiently and snapping her gum while the two scrambled to put the photos away. They ate in a companionable silence, each comfortable with the other. The front door bell jingled, and Kiley swung around to see Lana Lang walk into the diner with her family. She turned back around to see Clark staring. When he didn't stop after a few moments, she couldn't help but grin.
"So, you like Lana, do you?" she said, her grin widening when Clark's blue eyes snapped back to her.
"No!"
Kiley rolled her eyes. "Denial. That's the only sure way to know that the person in front of you is lying." She inspected her nails casually, as if there was nothing better for her to do at the moment. "Ok, so if I decided to call her over here, you wouldn't squirm at all?" Her eyes flicked back up to watch his face. She was forced to use her hand to try and wipe the grin off her face. Clark was indeed squirming already in his seat.
"Alright, I won't, but next time, I wouldn't suggest telling me something that isn't true."
Clark glared at her, and then went back to eating his food, pointedly ignoring Kiley. She just giggled quietly, and ate her own food. When she was done, the waitress came back, and asked if they wanted anything else. Clark shook his head, but Kiley ordered for them both.
"We'll have the banana split, but two scoops of chocolate, and no strawberry ice cream. Oh, and could you bring that out with two spoons please?" the waitress nodded, not even bothering to write down the order. When she left, Kiley turned back to Clark who had a single eyebrow raised at her.
"No strawberry ice cream?" he asked. Kiley nodded absently.
"Nope, I'm allergic to certain red food colorings, so I tend to stay away from anything that's even slightly pink. Besides, chocolate is way better."
When their dessert came, Kiley held out a spoon to Clark.
"This is thanks for the great photo. Now I know I have a good chance at at least placing in the contest." She clinked her spoon against his, and then dug in.
They had almost finished eating when the door jingled again. This time it was Ben Hubbard, and he was looking for someone in the diner. His gaze lighted on Clark, and he immediately came their way.
"Clark! I've been looking all over for you! You're needed back at home. Something's happened to your horse."
Kiley watched as the blood drained from Clark's face.
"What? What happened?" Ben shrugged and scratched his head.
"I don't rightly know, but your Momma said something about him being hobbled and tied with his saddle on, but hanging under his belly. Neither of your folks can get near him. They want you to come right away." He started to walk away. "Hurry boy, I'll take you back in my truck." Clark looked back at Kiley.
"Sorry Kiley, but I've gotta go. Sorry." With those words he was hurrying out after Ben. Kiley looked back at the last of the uneaten dessert, her appetite leaving her as she thought about poor Clark. Suddenly an idea sprang into her mind. She got up and walked over to where Lana was sitting with her family.
"Hey Lana, how's it going?" She and Lana had been casual friends for years, and had always taken the time to talk at least briefly. Lana turned away from her little sister and smiled at Kiley.
"I'm fine. You?" Kiley nodded her head.
"Same, but I'm worried a bit for Clark." She lowered her voice so that the parent's wouldn't be able to hear what she said next. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about why his horse is now tied and suffering, would you?" Lana looked at her sharply, then back at her parents. Pleading a restroom break, she excused herself from the table and walked purposely towards the ladies room.
When they were alone, Lana turned to Kiley.
"You know the other day, when Clark stopped Brad and his friends from picking on Josie?" Kiley nodded, remembering the incident.
"Well, this isn't the first time that Clark's gotten in his way, and I heard them talking about getting back at him. I would assume that they did this." She put her hand to her mouth. "Oh! I wish he wouldn't be so mean. He's really nice to me."
"Lana, Brad's only nice to you because he likes you. You know that. He's really a jerk. I wish you wouldn't hang out with him." Lana just rolled her eyes.
"He's only mean when he's in a bad mood. Kiley, you just don't like him." Kiley cocked her head and gave a little snort.
"You're right, I don't. And I think you should stay away from him."
"Come off it Kiley, I happen to like Brad, so lay off. I can handle myself." With that, Lana left the room, leaving the door swinging behind her. Kiley stood there for a few moments before leaving herself. She grabbed her check, and then walked up to the counter to pay her bill.
Kiley arrived at the Kent farm half an hour later. She hadn't been able to catch a ride from town, and was left to walk the miles back by herself. When she arrived, she promptly went into the house to find Martha.
"Mrs. Kent?" she called into the house.
"In the kitchen Kiley." Came the reply. Walking into the cozy kitchen, Kiley found Martha washing the dishes from the dinner she and Jonathan had just shared. She watched for a few moments, and then asked.
"What happened?" Martha sighed, put the last dish into the drying rack, and then turned to face her.
"Someone came to the farm while John and I were inside eating dinner. They broke the lock to the barn and took Saxon from his stall. They tied him up to the fence post, leaving his saddle under his belly with the girth cinched too tight. And if that wasn't enough, they tied his back left leg to the fence as well. They must have teased him, for all of a sudden, he started making a horrendous racket, and when we got outside, no one was there but Saxon. John couldn't get anywhere near him, and wouldn't let me try." Martha slapped her hand on the counter in anger.
"Saxon could have been seriously hurt. We're extremely lucky that he wasn't, and that he trusts Clark enough to have let him get him out."
As Kiley listened to the story, she felt her blood rise. That was a little far for anyone to go, just because they stopped them from picking on someone. Her green eyes snapped as she thought about what Brad and his cronies were probably doing right now. They were probably laughing at their little "joke". Well it wasn't funny, and she wasn't laughing. Taking a deep breath, Kiley controlled her temper, locking it away until she could get home and hit her pillow. When she was calm again, she looked up at Martha.
"Where's Clark?" Martha paused for moment thinking.
"I think he went down by the tree behind the barn. He's pretty worked up right now, so be careful."
A little confused at the warning on the end of Martha's sentence, Kiley thanked her, and then strode out the door. She walked over behind the barn and stood by the fence, watching as Clark paced angrily back and forth in front of the tree. She watched in surprise. Never before had she seen him so angry. It made her want to get revenge on Brad increase greatly. She watched for a few more moments as Clark continued to vent. He was muttering angrily to himself, but Kiley couldn't make out what he was saying.
Suddenly, as Clark passed the tree again, his fist snapped out, embedding itself deep into the bark. Kiley couldn't stop her eyes from widening, or the startled gasp escaped from her lips, as she saw Clark pull his hand back from inside the tree.
At the sound of her gasp, Clark's head jerk towards her, his eyes going round. He took a step towards her, opening his mouth to speak, but she immediately scrambled backwards, almost tripping over her own feet in her hurry to get away. Fear and confusion drove her to turn and run, looking over her shoulder constantly to see if he was following her. Her heart pounding in her ears, Kiley sprinted as fast as she could away from one of the best friends she had ever had.
wow... this was actually a very hard chapter to write. I hit a minor writer's block for about 2 days, but luckily got back on track. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, more coming soon.