It's been a week since Phil's men came to the farm.
Lyle has been quiet. We had a funeral for Blackjack, and that set him off again. Since then he hasn't really ate and he's been isolated. Just like he was when I met him.
I woke up and went downstairs to get some coffee. Pa and Orville were sitting on the front porch having a cup together.
I made myself a cup and went outside, "Mornin you two."
"Morning little lady," Pa smiled, "How're you today?"
"Tired. Haven't got much sleep the last week" I sat down with them.
"Yeah I understand that. Dean hasn't slept much either" Orville added.
"He told you that?" I asked.
Pa and Orville nodded.
"Weird. He ain't say nothing to me".
"Probably because he doesn't want you to know" Pa smirked.
"Why wouldn't he?" I felt confused.
Pa and Orville laughed a little.
"Where is he?" I got up.
"Working in the barn right now" Orville stopped laughing.
"I told him that was my job" I left my coffee and started walking over to the barn.
I walked inside.
Dean looked at me, "Morning."
"This is MY job! The hell are you doing?!"
"What?" Dean seemed confused.
I grabbed the shovel from him, "Don't you dare do my jobs Dean Whitlock or else."
Dean smiled, "You're cute when you're angry"
"Stop that right now! I'm fucking angry right now"
"Why?" Dean asked.
"Because you're-" I stopped.
"Because I'm what?" Dean smirked.
I sighed.
"Now get out so I can finish. Unless, you give me a good reason".
"Because you're tired and I don't want you to strain yourself. That is a good enough reason"
Dean laughed a little, "God you're cute. Thats not a good reason"
"Why do you think I'm cute? What are you talking about?"
"No reason. Just being friendly Clyde. Anyway," Dean took the shovel back, "Did you wanna hang out after work is done today?"
"Why?"
"Why does everything have to be questioned?" Dean asked.
I took a second, but didn't end up answering.
"Please?"
I sighed, "Fine. We can hang out. Why though? I really want to know"
"You really wanna know why?" Dean got back to cleaning the stalls.
"Yes, actually. Maybe tell me why Pa and Orville were laughing when they said you didn't want me knowing you were tired"
Dean smirked.
"Dean Whitlock tell me-"
"I like you"
I was a little taken back, "Huh?".
"I like you" Dean stopped working, "You really haven't noticed?"
"No actually, I haven't."
"Because I know what you've been through. I know how you'd react, I didn't think it would be good for you to know. I didn't really want you to notice. If I'm being honest that is".
