Nicole's POV

The last thing I remember is a bloom of pain to the side of my head, before my vision goes black and I am pulled into the dark abyss.

Slowly the darkness increases its hold, crawling onto my skin and sinking into my pores. I feel it flow into my lungs and trickle toward my heart, slowly letting me lose myself to the magnetic pull of oblivion.

The pull slacks suddenly, counteracted by the sound of a voice forged by heaven itself.

"… wake up, please!"

Was I dead that the sound of an angel was deliciously tormenting my ears?

I strain my ears to listen, hoping to be blessed by more of the ethereal melody. To my disappointment, it seems to only have been a fleeting intercession. Despite its absence, the voice's brief appearance has left my body free from the darkness that had held it immovable.

A tiny flicker of light catches my eye in the blackness. Using my new found freedom, I start moving toward it.

The light draws me in, it's pull becoming stronger as I near it.

I reach out towards the flicker, hoping that making contact will lead me out of the darkness. I am not left disappointed this time, because as soon as my fingers brush over the flicker of light, the blackness becomes fully consumed by its brightness.

After the initial shock of the sudden illumination of my surroundings, I quickly become aware of a sharp pain to the side of my head. My vision starts to swim as dizziness starts drawing me back towards the darkness, but not before I get to witness a sight that could rival even the most pristine waterfalls or mountain ranges.

Waverly Earp is crouched over me, soaked to the bone in nothing but a bra. She is looking away from me, her sexy jawline drawn tight as her beautiful mouth moves in conversation with someone.

It all finally starts making sense. I must be having a dream! It's the only viable explanation for the crack reel I have been going through.

My only criticism is that I would prefer less dark shit trying to kill me. Also, Waverly usually wears much less in my dreams.

But besides that, I can't argue that it is still a damn fantastic dream. At least the Waverly part of it.

So without further ado, I relax and hand myself over freely to la la land, the very realistic sound of an angel and the feeling of warm hands on my face accompanying me back into the darkness.

XxxxxxxxxxxxX

The familiar purr of a quadbike draws me back towards the light, this time my dream sequence has me leaning against a warm body. My hair whips in the wind as the owner of the body steers the quadbike into the unknown. The body feels solid against my cheek, safe.

To my astonishment, my dream seems to accommodate my sense of smell. My nasal cavity gets overwhelmed by the essence of clean linen and frangipani. That scent… it can only belong to one person.

Waverly.

I don't quite know how, but my dream is just getting better. I will have to leave a good review before I wake up.

The purr of the vehicle and the comfort of Waverly's presence so close to me lulls me back towards the darkness.

As I drift, my ears catch that distinct angelic melody again.

"… almost there. You'll be warm soon."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The third time the light appears, it is to the feeling of deft hands prodding my temple. The smell of frangipani identifies the owner of the hands.

Why is Waverly touching my temple in my dream? That's not at all where I want those hands… gonna have to leave a complaint at the dream box office.

More touches and prods to my head is followed by a dull stinging sensation and then the hands are gone again.

What kind of whack dream is this? Dammit Nicole, did you take a hit of Jeremy's secret pot stash that he got from Robin again? You promised you wouldn't! Not after what happened the last time…

Jeremy thought the strip tease I gave that cow was hilarious, and he made sure to give me every mortifying detail the next morning. It may also be the reason for the Holsteins constantly giving me looks of judgement, despite the fact that I work tirelessly to keep them safe by ensuring the fences are in good condition.

To ensure that I would not further tarnish my reputation with my ungrateful clients, I had vowed to never touch the pot ever again. Up until now it would seem.

Arrgh you idiot, Haught! You are supposed to be an example for the others, especially Rachel. I allow myself a smirk at the thought of the younger girl. She would certainly get a kick out of this. At least my hallucinogenic dream has a silver lining — Waverly Earp plays the leading role.

The lack of hands on my forehead (or anywhere else I would prefer them) and the absence of the sweet scent of frangipani causes me to start drifting off again, the sound of a familiar gruff voice mixed in with the angelic one accompanies me back to the blackness.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

My dream seems to finally reach its climax in the form of Waverly's body shifting close to mine, the feeling of her warmth drawing me back towards the light.

Having the tiny brunette so close that her body heat and alluring fragrance overwhelms my dream generated senses has me come to a final review: This is the greatest (albeit weirdest) dream I have ever had. Perhaps I will make use of Jeremy's pot stash again after all…

The events that follow has me wishing never to return to reality again.

I feel the warmth of Waverly's body shift even closer to my own, before she lifts herself up and imprints soft lips against my cheek. The feeling of her skin touching mine is surreal, leaving a satisfying tingling sensation in its wake. If I didn't know any better, I'd have thought it were her real lips I had felt. Don't be ridiculous Haught! That would never happen. Waverly doesn't want you.

My dream continuous its mockery of me, conjuring up by my heart's deepest, secret desire next.

"I love you." Waverly Earp whispers to me in her ethereal voice, my heart feeling like it could burst right out of its ribcage prison in response. Yup, definitely the best dream I have ever had!

Feeling emboldened by the fact that this was my dream and that in it I could not possibly be rejected, I pull Waverly's body closer to my own as I whisper "I love you too, Waves."

I feel lighter than air and ready to return to the darkness of full slumber, but the body next to mine stiffens. An odd twist in the story line has Waverly start repeatedly saying my name in worry, her hand going to lightly shake my shoulder.

"Nicole, can you hear me? I heard you speak. Please, say something!"

The voice becomes louder, seemingly melting the blackness around me until there is nothing left and my vision is without haze or blur. All I see is he beautiful worried hazel eyes of Waverly Earp staring back at me.

"Mmm you are so pretty and I like you so much." I say with a dopey smile. "This is the best dream ever, Waves."

A sharp pain shoots through my forearm, as I am attacked by manner of pinch. I jolt upright at the sensation. "Ow! What the hell, Waves?"

"Sorry! I just needed to wake you up."

The lingering sting from the pinch alerts me that I was in fact now awake.

At the realization that I had returned to reality, I resist the strong urge to sigh in disappointment. Unfortunately, I also become acutely aware of the splitting headache raging inside my skull. I reach for the source, my temple.

My fingers meet with enflamed skin and plaster. Then it all comes back to me, driving in the rain with Nedley, finding the stable door open and Eos missing… finding Eos… the lightening flashing, causing Eos to freaking out and then… pain followed by blackness.

A gentle hand is unexpectedly placed onto my own, drawing it away from my temple and pulling me out of my moment of recollection.

"How are you feeling?" Waverly asks softly, those gorgeous eyes meeting my own. I am distressed by the worry swimming in them.

I push through the ache in my head to give Waverly Earp my best smile. "I am okay, Waves. I just have a headache that could down a horse."

My choice of words seems to only worsen the worry encompassing hazel, frown lines deepening on the other girl's forehead. I look down sheepishly. "Bad choice of words, sorry."

"Do you remember what… happened?" She asks tentatively. I start sitting up on the bed to allow me a better view of her.

"Yeah, I recall Eos freaking out because of the lightning and his hooves heading straight for me. The last thing I remember is turning my head to the side in an effort to avoid being hit. After that it all went black. Next thing I know, I am experiencing the weirdest yet most wonderful dream. Then you woke me up."

Waverly looks as if she is deeply contemplating something, biting her lip adorably. The action draws my attention to her mouth, recalling the very real feeling of having those lips against my cheek in my dream just moments ago.

"So, you don't remember anything before I pinched you?" She asks, her voice sounding vulnerable and disappointed for reasons I do not quite understand.

"Nope, I don't remember anything real between Eos and now. The in-between was just a crazy dream."

Waverly looks down almost shyly as she tucks a strand of honey brown behind her left ear. "Can you uh… tell me about your dream?"

Her sudden shyness and interest in my dream confuses me. Another thing that I find strange is that Waverly Earp was in my bed wearing my clothes. The way my body reacts to this information tells me that I like this very much.

But how did I end up back in the barn? Waves and Nedley must have brought me here and patched me up.

Being bombarded with all these sudden thoughts only serves to worsen my headache, causing my hands to grip my head again.

"Shit, I am so sorry Nicole. You are in pain and here I am throwing all these questions at you." Waverly says, her voice wrought with guilt and concern. I release my temple to grip her hand gently.

"No, Waves. It is all right. I want to tell you about my dream. But is it okay if we sleep for now? I can't think straight with this headache."

"Nicole, I know you feel like sleeping right now. But you hurt your head and might have a concussion. I am just scared that falling asleep could do more damage than good. Do you think you could manage another hour awake?"

I nod in the affirmative. "Okay, Waves. I'll try my best. But would you do me a favor and bring me my water bottle? My mouth feels like a desert."

Giving me a satisfied nod, Waverly gets out of the bed and goes to fetch my bottle. Then she is back at my side, holding out the water towards me. I take it from her gratefully and make quick work of ingesting the soothing liquid. When I am done, I notice Waverly standing by the side of my bed fidgeting awkwardly.

"You can get back in." I say with a small smile. She bites her lip again, looking unsure of herself.

"Are you sure? I can always sit on a haybale—"

"Waverly Earp don't you dare finish that sentence. I am not letting you sit out there in the cold. Besides, there is more than enough space in the bed for the both of us. Plus, I would also really like it if you were next to me." I say boldly.

I am rewarded by a relieved smile spreading onto the brunette girl's face before she makes her way onto the bed, getting under the covers next to me. She scootches closer to me and rests her head gently onto my shoulder. I fight the urge to wrap my arms around her.

For a moment we just sit there in silence. Feeling my eyelids start to droop, I gently grasp Waverly's hand.

"Waves, could you tell me a story? I am really comfortable right now and if you don't start talking or something I will definitely fall asleep."

She squeezes my hand gently. "I could tell you the rest of my backstory?"

Not wishing for her to be distressed by having to recall her most painful experiences just for my sake, I try to persuade her otherwise.

"You don't have to tell me about that now, Waves. You can do it when you are ready to."

But Waverly Earp is as stubborn and determined as a honey badger.

"No, I want to tell you Nicole. I want you to know everything about me." Her words send a rush of adoration and hope through my heart. I nod at her with an encouraging smile. "Okay, but you can stop anytime it gets too much."

She takes a deep breath and pauses to remember where she had stopped before Nedley came to her room and everything went to horseshit.

"Okay, so if you remember from last time, I was busy making pasta when my father came home early from his hunting trip. He had his shotgun in his hand. As soon as he saw me, he went into a fit of rage. He shouted vicious things at me, called me a little bitch that had no right to touch the food that he works hard to earn."

I growl involuntarily at the thought of someone talking to Waverly like that. The feeling of her hand placed gently onto my arm calms me down.

"He was so angry, Nicole. And he clearly had been drinking too. I was absolutely terrified of him and didn't know what to do. I tried to escape the kitchen, but he was blocking my way. He placed the shotgun on the table and lunged for me, grabbing me by the shoulder painfully and pushing me forcefully against the wall… Nicole? Your grip is starting to hurt."

I immediately release the death grip on her hand. I didn't realize I had tightened my hand so much, I was just so angry at her so-called father. I unclench my jaw and give Waverly an apologetic look. "Sorry, it's just… I don't like hearing how he hurt you."

She gives me a slight smile, her eyes containing a mix of sorrow and somberness.

"He didn't get to hurt me for too long. Wynonna jumped on his back before he could. The action freed me from his grip, causing me to fall to the floor in relief as I clutched my throbbing shoulder. I watched as Wynonna tried to wrestle him, but he was much stronger than her. He managed to pin her to the floor, and grip her by the neck. He started squeezing her airway, and I had to listen Wynonna fight for oxygen. He was going to kill her. Desperate to save her, I did the only thing I could."

"The shotgun." I say softly, realizing exactly where this was going.

Waverly nods, tears starting to run their course along her cheeks. I give in to the urge to hold her and wrap my arms around her, holding her tightly against me. My aching head gets trumped by the immense desire to make her feel safe.

"Waves you don't have to continue." I tell her, desperate for her to stop tormenting herself with her past.

"No, I need to get it out. I have never said it out loud before, not even to myself." She releases a breath, gripping onto my hand like I was her source of strength.

"I took my father's shotgun and… shot him right in the back."

"Oh Waves…"

"There was so much blood… Wynonna's white shirt was soaked red." Waverly pauses to wipe the tears from her cheeks. I reach behind my bed for my handkerchief, handing it to her. She takes it gratefully before continuing the horrendous tale.

"I stood there in shock for what felt like forever before Wynonna took the gun from me and shook me back to reality. She asked if I was okay. Of course, I was not, but she didn't wait for a reply. She simply wrapped me in a blanket and sat me down gently on the couch. She started making phone calls while I tuned out everything."

She pauses to wipe her nose and I notice how tired and small she looks in that moment.

"The rest of the night was a blur; I just remember the police coming and interrogating Wynonna and I. After taking our statements, collecting all forms of evidence and taking away my father's body, they just left. I could not understand why they had not taken me away in the back of a cop car. I thought they would lock me up, because it was what a killer like me deserved."

I tighten my grip on her, needing to show her that I did not think of her like that. "Waves, you are not a killer. You acted in self-defense. Your father would have killed your sister if you did not intervene. You had no choice."

"It was ruled by the court as self-defense, yes. All the signs were there, all of Wynonna's scars from what he did to her along with the recent hand marks round her throat. Our neighbor also testified about how she often heard signs of domestic violence coming from our house."

"See? You did it to protect your sister, Waves. Anyone else would have done the same."

"I guess I just could not forgive myself… I had taken someone's life. It stayed with me every single day after, taunting me and feeding the guilt in my heart. I always only saw myself as a monster because of it."

I turn so I can look her in the eyes and show her the truth of what I thought about her with every part of me.

"Waverly, listen to me. You are one of the kindest, bravest people that I have ever met in my life. You care about people. You care about your sister. Sometimes we do desperate things for the people we love. It does not make us monsters; it makes us survivors. You were a victim of having the worst type of person as your father and you did what you had to survive. He was the monster, Waves. Not you. Do you understand me?"

She looks at me, searching my eyes and seeming to see only the truth behind my words, because she nods at me slowly.

"You know, I never thought I could see it that way, that I would always blame myself. But then I came to Joy farm and I started to see that I could have a purpose after what happened, that I could still have hope. This place has a way of healing you."

I smile at her warmly, knowing exactly what she meant. "It really does and… I am so grateful that you came here and I got to meet you, Waverly Earp." I tell her honestly.

She looks down bashfully, biting her lip in that way that is both adorable and extremely sexy.

"When my Aunt Gus told me I was going to go stay at a place called Joy farm, I thought it was code for asylum. I had hated the thought of coming to live here for a day let alone a whole year." She pauses and the way she looks at me in that moment makes my heart beat so wild, you could do a freestyle dance off to it.

"But then it kind of grew on me." She breaths out as if telling me her greatest secret, making the dance off in my ribcage turn into an Abba concert.

"You uh… said your aunt Gus brought you here? As in Gus McCready?" I ask in a desperate effort to stop myself from doing something stupid like confess to Waverly Earp how she made me feel.

"Yes, that is her all right. She came to fetch Wynonna and I that night and brought us to her and Uncle Curtis's farm here in Purgatory. I woke up the next morning alone in the room Gus had allocated to Wynonna and I. My sister was gone and all she had left me with was a note that said 'You are free now, Baby Girl. Live the life you always wanted. I love you. Wyn.' I haven't seen her since."

The sadness in her voice breaks a piece of my soul. "And you have no idea where she would have gone?"

She looks down sadly. "No, she didn't even tell Gus. She just disappeared."

"I am so sorry Waves."

She shrugs at me with a small smile. "It's okay. After Wynonna left, I got to come here. Gus contacted Nedley about taking me in. She had heard what he was doing here at Joy Farm and figured it was my best chance at getting into a sense of normalcy after what happened."

"And the rest is history?"

"Pretty much." She says with a smile, which I return as we just stare at each other in silence.

The quiet moment we share is ruined when the barn door flies open and three pajama clad bodies rush into my living space, each carrying a blanket and a pillow.

"Let us see her!"

"Is my sister okay?"

"I am about to throw up from stress dude."

Waverly gets up from the bed to slow down the trio consisting of a frantic Jeremy, Chrissy and Rachel. "Guys! Relax, okay. Nicole is fine. Didn't Nedley tell you guys?"

The three of them practically barrel past Waverly in my direction.

"Dad told us all right. He told us how Nicole got knocked out by a horse. Then he has the nerve to tell us to go to sleep like my sister didn't almost die!" Chrissy says distressed as she walks over and hugs me like she was never going to let me go.

"Nicole, you had us so worried!" Jeremy says as he grips my shoulder gently.

Rachel grabs my hand, her eyes filled with worry for me. "Dude, I thought you were dead!"

I hear an exasperated sigh coming from Waverly and can't help but smile at my family of misfits.

"Guys, I am okay. I promise. I just took a nasty bump to the head."

Relief washes over the trio's faces like the first rains refreshing the desert soil after a dry spell.

The sudden feeling of family rushes through me like a river of comfort, a hearth fire during a cold winter day.

"Okay so you have seen that Nicole is fine. You can go back to bed again." Waverly says with a pretense of annoyance.

Chrissy gets up and walks over to the stack of haybales and begins pulling them into a square formation, before placing her blanket and pillow onto it. Rachel and Jeremy follow her lead and the three of them make themselves comfortable for the night.

"Are you serious right now?" Waverly deadpans, causing me to laugh. Damn I loved these people.

"As serious as Nicole almost being killed by a horse." Chrissy responds in a tone of finality, placing her pink sleep mask over her eyes. Rachel and Jeremy offer no sound beside her, both already fast asleep.

Waverly turns to me with a huff. I just shrug in response with a smile, patting the spot beside me.

"It's been an hour and I feel much better. I think it's safe for me to sleep, don't you?"

"Yeah, I guess." Waverly says as she gets comfortable next to me. "But wake me up if you start feeling bad during the night, okay?"

I give her a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am."

It earns me a poke to the ribs before Waverly rests her head on my shoulder. I have a distinct feeling of déjà vu in that moment, but it gets lost to the sound of Waverly's soft breaths and the smell of frangipani lulling me to sleep.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"What in tarnation have I walked into?"

The gruff timbre of Nedley's voice wakes me up the next morning.

I feel a warm weight on my chest and look down at the beautiful girl trying to snuggle herself closer to me, an adorable little groan leaving her lips at being disturbed. A much louder grumble draws my attention to the haybale bed on the right side of the barn.

To my amusement, I notice that Chrissy and Rachel are cuddling each other with Jeremy holding onto Rachel as if she were a stuffed animal. Oh, this is going to be good.

"Time to get up you lot." Nedley repeats in a slightly louder tone, causing the trio to all raise their heads to look over at Nedley groggily and then each other.

I watch in amusement the moment they realize their compromised position. They jump apart so fast; I swear smoke trails behind them.

Jeremy fake coughs, Chrissy pretends that the barn wall is majorly interesting and Rachel says something along the lines of "Gross."

Nedley seems to share my amusement as he observes the event. Then he moves over to us with his steady gait, giving me a warm smile.

"Morning, kid. Glad to see you have made it through the night in one piece." He says in that gruff manner of his. Next to me, Waverly has given up her attempt at further sleep and starts sitting up as she greets Nedley.

I smile warmly at him. "Waves took good care of me sir." The girl in question just looks down shyly at the praise.

"I am already strong enough to go milk some cows." I say, making a show of flexing my bicep. I catch Waverly's eyes fixated on the action, causing a thrill to rush through my body.

Nedley releases a soft laugh at my antics. "I'm glad you are feeling better." He says lightly before his features become serious.

"That said, I am not letting you do any kind of farm work until you have been cleared by a doctor. The sooner you see one the better. And with the roads being opened now again after the storm, everyone is going to head to town at once. So we should get going right now to avoid traffic."

Ugh, I did not like going to the doctor or being in hospitals. I had too many unwanted memories of them from when mom was sick. I shake off the past and give Nedley a resigned sigh. "Yes, sir. Let me just go have a quick shower."

Nedley gives me a nod. "Let me know when you are ready, I'll have the truck running." He turns his attention to the others. "You lot should go get ready for school and work." A collective groan echoes through the barn.

"Can't I come with you? I want to be there for Nicole." The concern in Waverly's voice stokes the hopeful little fire started in my heart.

"Sorry, I can't let you do that kid. You and Jeremy have biology finals today. Go and get ready for school. Nicole will be just fine." He tells Waverly in his no nonsense tone, before softening his voice. "I promise I'll make sure that she is."

His words have the desired effect as Waverly's body relaxes and she relents. "Okay, sir."

She turns towards me and takes the hand that Rachel was not holding. "I'll see you later?" She asks, and her words seem to hold a promise rather than a question. I meet her gaze, trying to convey my heart. "Definitely, Waves. Good luck with your exam." I say, giving her what I hope is an encouraging smile.

She squeezes my hand and gives me a smile in return that is so beautiful, even the stars and the moon would be envious of it. Then she turns around and heads for the door with the rest of the gang in tow. Nedley gives me one last tip of his hat before I am left in alone in silence.

Smiling wider than I probably have in years, I finally allow the tears to roll over my cheeks.

"Thank you." I whisper to the Universe in silent gratitude for all the love I had in my life.

Wiping the droplets of moisture from my cheeks, I get out of bed to prepare for my doctor visit.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

The visit to the doctor appears to be a fruitful venture on many fronts.

Dr Oswald did a thorough examination on my sensory system and concluded that I was lucky to have only come off of the Eos incident with a very mild concussion. I was sentenced to a week of bed rest and taking it easy.

Although I was not a biggest fan of just doing nothing, I knew it was for my own good so I promised to adhere to her orders.

As I return from picking up my prescription medication that will help speed up my recovery, I almost run over a young nurse on her way to the exit of the hospital.

Our interaction nearly causes her to drop the vase of flowers she was carrying. I start apologizing, but she does not give me time to finish. She pays me no mind and continues on her mission out of the hospital.

I find her behavior odd, not to mention very rude. Also, why the hell was she carrying flowers out of the hospital? Don't people usually bring flowers in for the patients? Deciding it was not worth putting much more thought into, I make my way outside and start walking to where Nedley is waiting for me in his truck.

I am about to cross the street when I spot the nurse moving into the alley next to the hospital, still carrying the vase of flowers. She looks behind her every few steps in a manner one could only describe as suspicious. Something about it pulls on my gut and I slowly switch direction to investigate.

When I near the alley, I spot the nurse speaking to a man. I quickly duck behind a dumpster before they can see me.

After a few seconds pass, I chance another look. I see the nurse handing over the vase of flowers to the man. On closer inspection, I make out the distinct features of Champ Hardy. "What the hell? Again with the flowers, Champ?" I say to no one but myself.

I watch as the boy-man places the flowers into the back of a van, before getting into the driver's seat.

When he drives away, I make out the words Swan flowers on the side of the vehicle. Swan? Why does that seem familiar? I have no time to contemplate this further as I spot the nurse coming back my way.

Deciding to stow this event away for later, I make a dash out of the alley and towards the safety of Nedley's truck.

"You okay, kid?" Nedley asks at my contemplative silence after I enter the truck. I break out of my thoughts and give him a warm smile.

"Uh yeah, sorry just zoned out."

"Is it a result of your injury? What did the doc say?" Nedley asks as he turns the ignition and pulls the truck out of the parking lot.

"Doc Oswald said I just have a very mild concussion and should take it easy for the next week."

"Concussion ain't no joke, kid. You best believe I am not letting you lift a finger this week."

"Yes, I know." I grumble.

He raises his eyebrow at me, causing me to soften and smile at him sheepishly.

"The doc said that I was really lucky to get off so lightly. I guess I have you and Waverly to thank for not letting me just die out there in the cold last night with a busted head."

"Oh, it wasn't me kid. It was all Waverly. That girl was worried out of her mind for you. She was also extremely brave, calmed Eos down and managed to get a noose around him."

"Woah." I say, impressed but not in the least bit surprised.

"Yep. Before that, she also took off her shirt so she could use it to pressure your wound. Poor girl sat there in the pouring rain with practically nothing on to make sure you were all right."

Nedley's words cause my eyes to widen as the familiar image from my dream appears vibrantly in my head. "Wait… Waverly sat there in only her bra?"

Nedley seems to flush. "I didn't look, so wouldn't know enough to tell you. But I'd imagine so." He says with an awkward gruff.

Recalling the second part of my dream, I sit up in anticipation.

"How did I get to the barn?"

Nedley gives an odd look at the urgency in my voice, but answers anyway. "Waverly took you on the quadbike. I joined her after getting Eos back to the stables. I didn't need to do much as Waverly had patched up your wound neatly before I even got to the barn."

I fall into my seat as the realization finally hits me. It wasn't a dream. Which means… Waverly Earp had really told me she loves me!

"Nedley, can you do me a huge favour?" I ask my father figure urgently.

"Of course, kid. What do you need?" He says looking at me curiously.

"I need you to get us back to the farm as fast as possible." At his look of confusion, I give him my best smile. "Nothing is wrong, I promise. I just really need to see Waverly."

Nedley gives me a knowing smile before nodding and putting his foot down on the gas. The truck sprints in the direction of the farm, my heart racing alongside it. The hopeful anticipation flowing through me increases with every mile taking us home.