A Hidden Truth

Last Looks

[Juniper]

    We were in Teddy’s room, working on loading up. I appreciated everyone’s help. Trying to think through this whole process was difficult. Having my friends with me was great. I didn’t like that they were aware of my situation, but I loved knowing they were there for me when I needed their support.

    When Kelly came back from her job with the sheriff, she’d dragged me into my bathroom with Amber and Tammy. They made me tell them everything from the beginning. It was hard. Until Friday, I hadn’t ever talked to anyone, except Teddy, about it. I was afraid their support would change, but they seemed to understand I was trying to protect my family.  

    In the end, they said they loved me and they’d be there for me, no matter what, in the future. They also scolded me for not telling them sooner. Yesterday, I’d felt like I didn’t have anyone. Then, Teddy said he was leaving with me. He told me about Carson, he brought my friends to me, and arranged for so much help, that moving in one day was actually realistic. I never realized how many people I did have, and how much I was loved.

    I taped and stacked a box of DVDs, then started in on the nightstands with a small bag. Teddy had asked that only he or I do our nightstands. I knew why I should do mine, I soon found out why he didn’t want anyone else to touch his. Quietly, I dumped the drawer into the bag and replaced it.

    As I was zipping the bag and handing it to Teddy, Carson came in.

    “Look who I found wanderin’ ‘round the foyer.” He chuckled.

    I looked up. It was a man I’d never seen before, but the way Teddy bounced told me they were acquainted. The man was taller than Teddy by at least three or four inches. He had a clean cut look and a boy next door smile. But, lord, his muscles were impressive. His eyes were only for Teddy, though.

    “I’m sorry, I haven’t met you.” I said.

    He walked over and held out his hand. “Garrett Henley, miss. You can call me Gary. I’m a friend of Trace’s.”

    I shook his hand. It was huge compared to mine. “Juniper Fordyce. Nice to meet you.”

    He grinned widely and winked at Teddy. I’d never seen my brother actually look shy before, but he was blushing and looking away. At least something good came from this if Teddy found a man. I just hoped he was a good one. I knew all about Trace’s past, there was a chance he wasn’t, but I’d wait to see for myself rather than working from assumptions.

    We got back to work and inside of an hour we were arranging rides. Teddy, Carson, and I said goodbye to Remy outside of his mama’s door. We made sure he knew he could contact us if he needed us and I would see him on his birthday. We all got big hugs from him and told his mother goodbye through the door. Then we returned to the front of the house.

    I couldn’t resist a last look at the place that had been my home for most of my life. It was hard to believe I was really leaving. Nothing would be the same again, and I was fine with that. Being free was the most important thing on my mind. All of the rules I’d had to follow, the restrictions of the deal I’d made, the dread and nausea associated with going to bed every night, was all in the past.

    Two of my suitcases had been loaded into my car and Kelly rode with me to the ranch. Tammy drove Amber and all of us followed Mr. Reed. He’d told me to call him ‘Red’ but I’d been calling him Mr. Reed since I was four and started riding lessons at his ranch. I couldn’t imagine calling him anything else.

    “Are you going to school tomorrow or skipping to work on the house?” Kelly asked.

    “I’m going to school. This isn’t going to stop me from finishing my education and achieving my goals. It just changes my goals a little and makes my timeline a more relaxed. Did you guys find anything good in his office?”

    “Oh yeah! He’s goin’ down so hard. I’m glad you’re out of that house. We have to plan a celebration! How about next Friday we come sleep over and we’ll go out? No curfew when you live on your own.” She giggled.

    “Sure. Let’s talk to Tammy and Amber. The prom is the next day; we don’t want to stay out too late.” I reminded her.

    “Right. I keep forgetting. Thankfully, no one expects much from me so I’ll just wear whatever I can find in my sister’s closet.” Kelly said, nonchalantly.

    We pulled onto the private road that led to the ranch. It would branch off toward the house first, then the business offices, and go all the way out to the bungalows they had for single employees. Three guest cottages were on the west side of the property, each had their own fenced back yards. They were at the end of a cul-de-sac with parking on either side of the entry.

    Mr. Reed pulled up to the first of the three cottages. They were small. It looked like they were only slightly bigger than my master suite twice over. Not that I needed the room. All I wanted was a safe place to live and a bathroom with a decent sized tub. I parked in the nearest stall, then unloaded my cases. Kelly grabbed one and I took the other as we went to meet Mr. Reed at the front porch.

    “Alright, Juni. This is the place. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Since Teddy isn’t here, you can pick your room first. Sound good?” He asked.

    “Yes, thank you, sir.” I smiled.

    “Don’t be so formal. If you live here, you’re family. Call me Red.” He insisted.

    I felt heat rise in my face. “Sorry, I might not be comfortable with that for a while. I hope you’ll understand.” I murmured.

    He laughed and patted my back. “You’ll get it. Go on in. Tamsin and Blaine have been working on cleaning it up. They had some hands move the bunk bed out of the second bedroom and put in a double bed. I know it’s not like the massive thing you had in your old rooms, but it’s not a twin.”

    “I appreciate anything you’re willing to give me. Thank you.” I told him.

    “Head in and look around. Decide where you want things to go. You’ll direct traffic while we load everything in.” Red smiled and handed me the keys while opening the door.

    I walked in and grinned. It was adorable and not any more or less than we needed. The living room was comfortable, with a soft looking sectional and two armchairs around a little coffee table. There was no television, but I knew Teddy had one he kept in his room, we’d packed it with his things. I mostly watched things on my computer or my phone.  

    There was a little dining table with four chairs near the kitchen, at the back of the house. I went into the door to the left of me and found the master bedroom with a big walk in closet, a queen size bed, and an en-suite with a large shower. I decided it would be Teddy’s room. He deserved to have the big room after all he’d put up with over the years protecting me.

    I crossed to the alcove on the right side of the living room where there were three doors. The one directly in front of me was a laundry closet with a little stackable washer and dryer. On the left, I found a bathroom with a slipper shaped tub and a showerhead coming out of the ceiling above it.

    The other door was a slightly smaller bedroom with a built-in desk and another large walk in closet. I returned to the dining area and headed to the kitchen. It was small, but had plenty of counter space and room for at least two people to work in. The fridge and cupboards were empty. The backdoor led to screened in porch with ceiling fans and some nice wicker patio furniture.

    Returning to the front door, I latched onto Red with a big hug.

    “It’s amazing! Thank you so, so much!” I cried.

    He stroked my hair and patted my back. It was a caring gesture. Like a father or uncle.

    “No big deal, sweetheart. Let’s get you settled.” He said softly.

    They started bringing things into the house while I directed their placement. We’d grabbed my hope chest out of the back of my closet, so I had some dishes for the house. It would save us a lot. 

    After a while, Teddy and Gary arrived and started unloading Gary’s truck. We’d had to leave Teddy’s car, because it technically belonged to Hank. I smiled as I thought about what I’d left behind for him.