Mystic Falls: Beginnings

5

-Has not been edited. I have been really busy with school but I am starting to get a rhythm down. Thank you for you support and understanding.

No one said ranch life would be like this. I was covered in horse crap and I wanted to vomit. As I walked into the house my aunt was peeling apples and looked at me.

"Oh my lord, what happened to you?"

"I slipped in horse dung."

"Go into the mud room and take your clothes off. Don't touch anything."

I nodded and walked back into the mud room. I removed my clothes and was about to put them in the washer when my aunt walked in with a robe and a bag.

"Put the clothes in this and go get dressed. Your uncle is waiting for you "

"Can't I shower first?" I whined. I smelled so bad.

"Heavens no. Your going to get dirty again."

"What about my clothes?" I said as I put the robe on.

"I will soak them before washing them."

"I take it this happens a lot?"

"It does but I don't like washing the poo in the machine. So they go into a soaking bath until I get the poo out."

I nodded and walked out of the mud room and to my room. I took my time getting dressed because I hated mucking the stalls but eventually my aunt yelled upstairs and I quickly ran downstairs.

"What took so long?" She asked as I walked into the kitchen.

I looked at her and said, "I don't like the job."

"Farming isn't for everyone but we all work together to keep this place running. Now out you go."

I walked back to the barn and began to clean the stalls again even though my uncle and Drew were gone. Once I finished the stalls I filled them with fresh water, food and hay, and then I brushed each horse. I was so tired but as I walked back to the house my uncle walked up and said, "you did good today kid."

"Thanks."

"You need to do this everyday. Four-thirty wake up time so you can make it to school on time. I want you to muck out half the stalls, feed and water them before you go."

I stopped walking and looked at him. I wanted to cry. I was sore, tired and smelled.

"We all chip in and after a few days you will get use to it," he said.

I just nodded and walked towards the house. As we entered my stomach grumbled at the smell of dinner.

"Shower first," I heard my aunt yell.

I didn't say anything but walked up to my room and grabbed some fresh clothing. I walked to the bathroom, turned the hot water on and got in. As the heat touched my aching muscles I groaned. It felt so relaxing and I just stood there.

After showering I walked back to the room and put my dirty clothes in the hamper and laid on my bed, next thing I knew my world went dark.

I woke up to the sound of an annoying beep. I got up to turn it off the alarm but Mia sat up and hit it.

"Thanks," I grumbled as I ran my hands down my face.

"Whatever."

As I got dressed in some junk clothes I noticed Mia was in regular clothing.

"Aren't you working around the farm?"

She laughed and smiled at me. "Hell no. I have a date with Drew. He is taking me to Mystic Falls to see grandma and grandpa while he looks at a bull of there's."

"Oh. Well tell them I said hi."

Mia shrugged and walked out of the room as I sat on my bed. Apart of me was jealous because I hardly saw them but I was close to them. We spoke all the time and they would visit once every two years.

After I finished getting ready I headed downstairs. My uncle and Mia were fighting as I entered the dinning room.

"Good morning," I said as I sat down and looked at the table filled with food. My aunt really out did herself. I was starving.

"Good morning sleepy head," my aunt said.

"Good morning. Happy to see you awake and Mia this conversation is over," my uncle said.

"That alarm was horrible," I chuckled as I put a hunk of scrambled eggs on my plate.

We ate in silence and I even had two cups of coffee when I heard Mia say, "Please dad. He will be leaving in a few hours."

"No."

"Ah. This is not fair. Mom say something," Mia shouted.

"As I said before Mia you did not do your chores yesterday's because you had to go shopping with the girls. Bill had to pick up your slack. You will not miss two days of work."

"Ah," she screamed.

"How are you feeling today Sheryl?" My uncle asked.

"Sore. I thought I was fit but I guess not "

Blake and Brody laughed and my aunt said, "ranching isn't easy nor something you can do in a gym. You will be sore for awhile."

"Since the guys will be going next weekend to visit grandma and grandpa why don't you feed, brush and muck two stalls and you can go with Drew," my uncle said.

"Dad. That is not fair," Mia screamed as she slammed her hands on the table.

"Next time think about what matters most and how to fit it in with your schedule."

"I hate you," Mia screamed as she got up from the table and ran upstairs.

"Thank you," I said as I finished my food.

"I won't allow you to miss work all the time but yesterday was your first day. You did great job and got up without a single complaint. Just tell your grandparents we say high. DREW will be here by seven thirty, that gives you two hours. I will let Drew know the change of plans."

"Sounds good. Thank you."

I quickly got up, rinsed my dishes and started my chores. I was sore as I mucked the two stalls but I finished them in an hour. It took me another half hour to feed the horses and brush two of them. I then headed back home to shower and get ready.

By the time I was ready Drew was pulling up.