Cherry Skies

Chapter 16 - Starting Over

The drive back from Denver feels endless to Michael. He's overwhelmed at the sights along the way. Once they're off the highway and driving along the roads that lead into town to the smells of the countryside alone send Michael Jr.'s senses into overdrive.

"Welcome to your new home, kid. Although before we surprise your mom, we need to sit down and talk." Matthew explains, turning into Sully's Diner parking lot.

Concerned about what will happen from this point forward, Michael gulps to himself and maintains a calm demeanor. The last thing on his mind is screwing up or blowing up over a simple lecture.

"C'mon, my treat, and you can enjoy anything you like. Only as long as it's a cheeseburger and fries with a shake." Matthew jokes with a slight nudge to Michael's arm.

"Oh, ye-yes sir..." He stutters, sliding out of the truck. "Wow! This place is unreal! I've never seen so many trees in all my life!"

That has Matthew snickering a bit. He's always got a kick out of city folk getting caught up in the simplicity of the countryside surrounding Tender Springs.

"This is paradise, kid; hardly any crime, nothing ever major. Trucks, four-wheelers, bikes, horses, and a couple of sports cars. Jamborees and just letting loose, it's all about having fun out this way and working hard every day under God's beautiful skies."

"I can see that, but this is going to take some getting used to, you know," Michael Jr. admits staring at the sky.

Matthew puts his arm around his new protégés shoulders and guides him into the diner. They take a seat near the back in hopes of avoiding Elizabeth.

"Gentlemen, anything I can get for ya?" The waitress asks.

"Yes, ma'am, get us two cheeseburgers, chili cheese fries, and a couple of vanilla milkshakes." Matthew orders without even glancing at the menu.

"Sure thing, sweetness, and don't worry, I won't warn Ellie that you vanished to get her boy," Alice says.

"Much appreciated gal, you know me, I'd do almost anything for her," Matthew mentions with his eyes meeting hers.

"We all know, sweetie, y'all been this town's love story since you were kids. Now, as for you youngin' if he's helping you, don't knock it. This ain't that crazy California place. We're good people and ole Mattie here. He's one of the best men I've ever known."

"I can see that; thank you, though." Michael expresses with a nervous glare shining in his eyes.

Alice walks away, leaving the duo to talk.

"Small town living, I vanish out of nowhere, and well word spreads as to why and I'm sure I'll be killing rumors for the next year. Speaking of which, I have something to share."

Matthew takes out his phone and opens it to the video of Kaitlin and Gunner. Michael watches and is amazed at his little sister

"She came in third place at her first open competition. She did damn good, and that sets the bar for you. I ain't sayin' you have to do what she's doing, but son and I mean that loosely. You're going to straighten yourself up. As I said to the judge, the football team is okay. You're going to work for me, and the Deputy here in town will check on you along with the Sheriff. I'm responsible for you now, and I'll make a man out of you yet."

Michael dips his head in shame. It's suddenly dawned on him how bad things could have turned out. His ego and pride have been given a couple of black eyes.

"I don't mean to preach and lecture, but this is a fresh start. You're going to be a Senior, and I can't say that you'll get any notices from colleges or anything. At least you'll have something here you didn't have back out there. A community to rally behind you and give you hope." Matthew enlightens.