The Ranch Hand

Betsy

My alarm goes off, I check my phone it's 3:30. I sit up and check my hand, the blood has came through the bandage. I walk to the bathroom and take a quick shower. I wash my hand and wrap it back up. I try to hurry, I don't want to miss what this morning sunrise looks like. If I'm being completely honest, I don't want to miss Beau either. I throw my clothes on and head downstairs.

Tommy: I thought that was you. The boys never wake up this early.

He hands me a cup of coffee.

Ella: Thank you, so let me get this straight Beau is still asleep?

Tommy: They don't wake up for another hour.

Ella: What a bunch of lazy sacks of shit.

Tommy bust out laughing.

Tommy: Hahah, that was a good one. I like you.

Ella: I like you, too Tommy.

Tommy: So, how has your stay been so far? How do you like the ranch?

Ella: Honestly, it's amazing. Like it's actually starting to feel like a vacation.

Tommy: The fellas, are they treating you good?

Ella: They are so nice. They have been really helpful, showing me how to do things are here.

Tommy: I heard you are pretty good at fence work?

I hold my hand up.

Ella: Well, I may need a little more practice with that.

Tommy: I think you will be working with Jackson today. Give that hand a rest.

Ella: Sounds great, I can't wait.

Tommy: Well I won't hold you up to long, I know there's a beautiful sunrise you want to go see.

He grabs his coffee and heads for the door.

Ella: Are you going to do some work?

Tommy: No, I'm just going to sit on the porch. Someone recently reminded me how beautiful this place can be.

I'm not sure what he means by that.

Ella: Ok, well I'll see you in a little while then.

I check the time, it's a little after 4. I go to walk outside, but stop. There's something I just have to do first. I run back upstairs and walk up to his bedroom door. I knock.

Ella: Rise and shine! Come on, let's get the day started!

He doesn't answer. He must be a heavy sleeper, or whatever he called it. I walk downstairs and outside. I see Tommy sitting on the porch, he's watching the sunrise. I walk by and he just gives me a warm smile. I walk out into the field and up to the hay bale. How the hell am I suppose to get up here, I can only use my good hand. I try leaning up against it, but it's not comfortable. I'm just about to give up when I hear him.

I look up and Beau is running out into the field.

Beau: Why didn't you wake me up?