Neon Moon

Ch. 5 Brave Strangers

This chapter was inspired by the Bob Seger song Brave Strangers. I used some of the lyrics at the end and just want to acknowledge the incredible songwriting.

Also I already posted the next chapter because I was too excited and couldn't leave you hanging!

Enjoy!
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Morning sunshine breaks through your bedroom window shining onto your face. Rolling over you grin to yourself loving the way the warm sun feels on your skin, but also because you couldn't wait to see Clyde. You stretch out feeling the blood circulate through your arms and legs. Suddenly you hear your phone going off. Searching, you grab it and answer.

"Hello?", your voice was still sleepy.

"Don't tell me you're still in bed Ladybug." Dolly's maternal voice comes through.

"Of course not. I'm... uhm... I'm just about to leave." You say as you scramble out of bed starting to get yourself together. Glancing at the time you were already supposed to be at her house.

"Don't hurt yourself tryin' to rush. It's okay."

Taking a deep breath and gathering your thoughts, "I'm sorry I'll be over soon"

"It's fine. Just get your butt over here."

"I will. Love ya"

"Love you too ladybug."

Quickly getting ready you throw on an old band tshirt today's choice was Cream, cut off jean shorts, classic converse, and pulling your hair up into a ponytail. Brushing your teeth then pouring some coffee to go you were ready. Grabbing your stuff then hopping into the Bronco.

You rolled the window down letting the warm summer air bring you to life. Switching on the radio C'est la Vie by Emmylou Harris was playing and you sang along as you drove down the old country roads through town.
"It was a teenage wedding
And the old folks wished them well
You could see that Pierre
Did truly love the Mademoiselle
Now the young monsieur and madame
Have rung the Chapel bell
C'est La Vie, say the old folks
It goes to slow you never can tell"

A quick 15 minute drive and you were pulling into your Aunt Dolly's long old gravel driveway. The tires crinkled the rocks as you found your usual spot next to her. You always loved her house. It was a classic little country home painted in a soft light blue color with a half wrap around porch. Covered in little nick-nacks, dog beds, and a couple of rocking chairs. Flower bushes surrounded the home giving it the perfect amount of welcoming charm.

Memories flooded your mind as you made your way up to the door. Like the time you visited with your dad at Christmas when you were about 10. The two of you played in the snow for hours, snowball fights and building a snowman. The two of you didn't go inside till your fingers were numb. You also remember being little and just having a bunch of little toys scattered all over the place running free with the dogs in the field behind the house. You'd play music, write in your notebooks, climb trees, or just lay in the sun. This house was the only place that really ever felt like a home to you. Never getting the chance to stay long enough just a little stop in between towns.

Finally getting to the door you let yourself in. "Aunt Dolly, I'm here."

"I should start calling you molasses cause you're so slow." She says as she turns the corner coming in for a hug. The two old shaggy dogs Beau and Dixie come running excitedly to greet you. Jumping and licking you. Bending down you give them both the love they deserve.