8
985 Words
I ran up to the house and walked through the screen door before he got out of the truck . The main door was open.
"Grandma, I'm here," I yelled.
"In the kitchen," she yelled back.
I had never been here before and looked around. It was an old house but it was kept up. The walls had wallpaper and could use a fresh coat of paint, but it was homely.
As I walked down the hall I saw family photos and stopped at one. My parents' wedding photo was hanging on the wall. I just stood there looking at it.
"They really loved each other," I heard my grandma say. I turned my head and looked at her.
"I know. Dad was always buying her flowers and small presents. He loved seeing mom smile."
My grandma walked up to the photo and touched the rim of the photo frame and said, " He was supposed to take over the ranch, you know."
"No I didn't. What happened?"
"Love happened. Your father's best friend had decided to attend school in New York. One summer, your father decided to visit his buddy for two weeks and while he was there he met your mother. They fell instantly in love and the next thing we knew he was calling us from Vegas. He married her. She agreed to move to the ranch but when she arrived she was all smiles, but within weeks of living here she decided to return to the city. Your dad and her fought about it but in the end he let her go. I will never forget that day. They got up early, had breakfast together and he drove her to the airport. They planned on filing for a divorce once she was settled. He came back home and was miserable until your granddad told him to go after her and that day he was in New York. He went to her friend's house she was staying at and discovered she was depressed and sick. Come to find out she was carrying you. He decided to give up ranching and build a life with her."
"I didn't know that."
"I wish we spent more time with them but the ranch ate up a lot of our time."
"What is happening now with the ranch since he is gone?" I asked.
"We have not decided who will run it after your granddad decides to retire."
I just nodded.
Grandma and I made cookies and bread and before I knew it was time to go. Grandma wanted us to stay for dinner but Drew had to get back.
"Have fun?" Drew asked as we pulled away.
"I did. Thank you for bringing me."
"No problem. Maybe next time we could see a movie or something."
"I'd like that, but aren't you upset about earlier?"
Drew shook his head and said, "I'm not. I was just shocked but you make some valid points."
We arrived back as the sun was setting and when I got into bed, Mia sat up and said, " That won't happen again."
"Huh?"
"Drew is mine. I always go with him. You stole my time with him."
"Whatever," I said as I rolled over and fell asleep, ignoring her ranting.
Mia treated me like I was the enemy over the next three days, but I didn't care. I did what my uncle asked me to around the ranch.
I was pulling weeds out of the garden when I heard someone walk up behind me. I turned around and saw Drew.
"Hey," I said.
"Would you like to go see a movie with me tonight?"
I smiled and said, " What movie?"
"I heard you like Spiderman and the new one is out. What do you say?"
"I'd love to."
"I'll pick you up about six. We can hit up the burger joint before it starts."
"Sounds good."
Drew smiled and walked away. I couldn't help but smile as I pulled more weeds.
When I was done with my chores, I found my uncle.
"Hey kiddo. All done?"
"I am. Do you mind if Drew and I go out to dinner and a movie?"
He raised his eyebrows and I saw Mia stand up. "Going out on a date, are we?"
"Um no. Just as friends."
"I trust Drew sweetheart. Have fun."
"I want to go," Mia said.
"Did Drew ask you?" My uncle asked.
"No, but it's not fair."
"He asked your cousin to go. Please do not make a fuss over this Mia."
She screamed and stomped away.
"I really don't want to cause any more issues than I already have with her. I should cancel."
"Sheryl, go and have fun. God knows you need it."
"Thank you."
That night was the first of many dates for Drew and I. He took me to the local burger joint and we enjoyed some good cheeseburgers and fries.. Then we went to the drive-in and watched Spiderman and when he took me home, he kissed me on the cheek and left. After that first night, he started surprising me on the weekends with a picnic lunch and when we were both free we would go out. I started to smile again and began to enjoy living on the ranch.
Mia, of course, was throwing tantrums and trying to come between us but we ignored her. Soon weeks turned to months and kisses on the cheeks turned into kisses on the lips. I looked forward to seeing Drew and hearing from him each day. I was falling in love but everything changed that summer.
*Thanks for sticking with me while I juggle life. School is going great and the family is doing well. Next update will be later today. I will have more free time this week so I'm hoping to drop many chapters. Thank you all for your love and support.
- Writer
