Bring It On

Chapter 19

Anna-Lee's POV

We ended up making the drive make to Texas for Christmas. We saw the town was overly festive like it usually is every year. Our house being much of the same. Reaper opened my door for me once Tanner pulled up outside. It was strange seeing them without their cuts, but they didn't wear them because the town was going to be doing enough talking when they see Reaper. It was also going to be weird calling Reaper by his actual name too. 

He wrapped an arm around my waist as we walked to the front door. Our dad opened it and I couldn't hide my smile at seeing him. I was a big daddy's girl. He was the one who taught me how to shoot and encouraged me to join the marines when I told him it was something I wanted to do. 

He eyed Reaper. "Daddy, this is my boyfriend Blaise, Blaise this is my dad," I introduced. My dad stuck out his hand and Reaper shook it. "It's nice to meet you," Reaper said with a nod. My dad nodded, "Like wise." Then my mother appeared. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of Reaper. I could see the instant judgement in her eyes, but she didn't speak her mind thankfully. Instead she plastered on that fake smile she wears so well. "I'm Juliet," my mother introduced to him. "I'm Blaise," Reaper said and it was clear my mother wasn't going to shake his hand. 

"Let's get you kids settled in," my dad prompted. Tanner chuckled softly as our parents went into the kitchen. "It could've been worse." I elbowed him and he groaned softly. Him and Reaper went to the truck and grabbed our things. I lead Reaper up to my room. 

We unpacked then went downstairs to sit in the living room. My dad was watching some western on the TV. Knowing him it was some John Wayne movie. I loved him, but sometimes I question what he considered good Tv. Then again my mom's guilty pleasure was watching true crime documentaries as she enjoyed a glass of wine. She likes watching those shows right before bed, and it always made me question what she dreamed about afterwards. If she snapped one day and went on a murder spree, I know where she got the inspiration from. Just saying. 

"So what do you do for a living Blaise," my dad asked him. 

"I'm a construction worker," Reaper replied easily enough. "I'm currently between jobs since it's the holidays." 

My dad nodded, "So how did you meet Anna-Lee?" 

"At Tanner's house," Reaper replied easy enough since it was the truth. "I went to drop something off for him when she was making dinner." The best lies were usually mixed with the truth. 

My father nodded before looking at Tanner and I, "You two will need to do the chores while you're here. The Randy boys are busy with helping their pops." 

We held in our groans as we agreed. Why did I come home again? 

At five the next morning I was up so Tanner and I could do the chores. Reaper moved the pillow to cover his head, "What time is it?" "Five in the morning," I answered. "It takes about three to four hours to get the chores done." He sat up and ran his hands over his face and I smiled at how adorable he looked. 

He got up and dressed and I smiled. We went downstairs and found Tanner at the barn already. "Now it's a party," he commented with a smile. Reaper rolled his eyes. Then Helga came up. Helga was my mother's goose. I call her a giant murder chicken. She doesn't like men. Tanner jumped away when she went to bite him. "Morning to you too Helga," Tanner muttered. She then went to bite Reaper who jumped away as well. 

He looked at me a little shocked while I just laughed. "It's only gonna get worse," I told him. Tanner grabbed the bag of feed, "Let the shit show begin." 

My parents had a lot of animals on the ranch which is why it takes so long to do the chores. The nearby elementary tends to do field trips to the ranch and my father gives the kids tours and such. He's too old to do much anymore so some of the high school boys who are looking to save up money come work, but with the holidays those boys have other plans, which is where Tanner and I come in. If we didn't come back home for the holidays then dad would've attempted to do the chores himself, doubling the time it usually takes to do the chores because he would have to stop for breaks. 

When we went to clean the horse stalls Reaper got to meet my horse. His name was Sparrow, and he isn't the nicest of horses. "When did you get him," Tanner asked me. "Shortly after I got back," I told him as I ran my hand over Sparrow's neck. He was a beautiful black stallion that my father is hoping to breed. Sparrow was very much Alpha male of the ranch and all the animals know it. 

Sparrow eyed Reaper. "He's the only one you can't bite," I said to Sparrow who gave a huff. Then came up our Alpha female, Helga, who seemed to have it out for Reaper today. 

"You're not scared of a giant murder chicken are you baby," I asked him teasingly. "And if I am," he asked me. "Then you're a smart man," Tanner answered. "Those who aren't afraid of Helga are fools." 

I rolled my eyes and we went back to the chores so we could finish and shower before breakfast. 

After eating I decided to take Reaper to see our small town. The weather was pretty decent today. Here in Texas winter weather could vary on what you're gonna get. Today could be high sixties while tomorrow it could be below freezing. It was also rare it ever snowed as well. When it does, everyone tends to rush to the stores to buy up all the bread and milk. I never did understand why the milk and bread. A good amount of people here tend to make their own bread so it didn't make much sense. Usually when it does snow, it only lasts a couple of days, if that. 

I decided to park the truck in one of the street parking spots near the town square so we could just walk. He wrapped an arm around my waist as we walked. "It feels very overly cheery here," he told me. I nodded, "It gets a bit suffocating at times. It's why Tanner moved when he had the chance." 

Many of the townsfolk were out and about today, many seeming shocked to see Reaper with me. "I wonder what rumors are already started," I said with a soft smile. "My guess is, they think you're an ex-con." 

He chuckled softly, "People really shouldn't judge a book by it's cover." I nodded in agreement, "You got that right." 

This Christmas was definitely going to be interesting.