Country Girl at Heart

Chapter 11

When I'm not spending every second I can with Dawson, I'm observing Wren. There are only a few open windows during the day when it happens but I've accidentally started to notice more of his habits, mannerisms and go-to phrases. All of those things are building him into an actual person which replaces the idea I've always had in my head. It's interesting, because he's familiar in a lot of ways and sometimes I feel like I'm a kid again; following my dad around the ranch, copying his every move. I use the word dad there because that's who he was when I was young. I've dabbled with calling him that out loud again but every time I go to say it, the word gets caught in my voice box and I stutter into his first name instead. Dawson is always reminding me to be patient and how all good things come with time, like the wise old owl he is.
     It's been a lot for me to be thrown into the parent I never knew's life so suddenly. But the longer I'm here, the more I can see us slowly forming a relationship as the people we are now. Maybe one day I'll be able to call him dad. Hopefully by the end of all this... but I never make any guarantees.
     The other night Dawson brought up how alike Wren and I are. I didn't believe him for a second but his comment made me pay extra close attention to the little things. Then I realized he's right, and it freaked me out. It got me thinking... How can two people who haven't known each other in 10 years have so much in common? I look exactly like my mom, so physical attributes go to her but there are certain things I've somehow inherited from him as well.
     I've learned that he's as stubborn as a mule, and likes things to go his way. When they don't, or there's even the slightest hiccup in the day, his mood changes and I know to back off, because I get it. Not getting your way sucks. Our love for sandwich's is obvious seeing as that's what we've had for lunch literally every day for the last 2 weeks. I always thought my laugh was obnoxious but then when I heard his I knew I'd met my match.
     The newest revelation is that we both like 90's alternative rock. I figured that one out when he skipped every station on the truck radio until Bon Jovi blasted through the speakers and he turned it up all the way. Now we're both laughing too loud at the rock-on symbol he just held up with his hand.
"Please do not do that again!" I squeal.
"What? Your old man can't have some fun? I went to a Bon Jovi concert in high school. One'a the best nights'a my life."
"No way. You saw them live?"
"Sure did. Saved up for some pit tickets and got way too messed up on lsd."
I'm not sure why he mentioned that, but it makes me curious. "That must have been wild. I never would have thought you'd do something like that."
"It was a different time back then," he glances at me, "not that you should be thinkin' 'bout doin' it."
"Don't worry. I'm too much of a chicken. Plus I cherish my brain cells. That's why this whole thing is so messed up... I got arrested for having drugs but I've never even done them."
He hesitates with replying. Probably because we don't ever talk like this. "The only thing that matters is you know the truth. Don't let anyone tell ya different."
"It's hard not to care. Especially when everyone including my own mother doesn't want to listen."
"I believe ya. Don't that count for somethin'?"
I look at him, knowing full well he would back me up in any given situation. "Yeah, it does."
We jam out silently to the next song until he parks infront of one of the small stores lining the single street that runs through the town.
"You never said where we're going?"
"We gotta get you a real pair'a cowboy boots."
"But I already have work boots? And I'll be gone soon, so it will be a waste."
"Dawson didn't tell ya?"
I look at him impatiently.
"There's a rodeo comin' into town tomorrow. Whole town'll be there. I figure you won't want to ruin those fancy shoes you brought. I'm surprised the boy didn't tell ya. They always have a small ropin' competition some'a the local boys sign up for."
I vaguely remember him mentioning it but he never said anything about a roping competition? That must be why he was breaking in that horse. "Did he sign up?"
"Sure did. Now come on, we don't got all day."
I have no idea why Dawson didn't tell me more, but I have every intention of finding out. Right after I spend my first paycheck on a pair of cowboy boots.
     Ugh.
     But that reminds me, "We can't go home without getting a new bed set either."