Country Love

v

The next morning, when I'm on my daily run around the farm, Chad joins me. He's wearing a white tank top, and I can see his muscular arms in all their glory. He says to me, "Hey Bri, do you wanna come by the living room later today? My sister has come from boarding school, I want you to meet her."

Wow. I haven't ever been invited to the living room. I didn't know Chad wanted to go that quick even though we aren't officially dating. He already wants me to meet his family? Then again, it's been a little more than a week, so I guess it was high time he introduced me. Chad clears his throat and I realise I got so lost in thought that I didn't answer his question.

"Yeah, sure. I'd love that!" I flash him a bright grin.

His blue eyes light up. We look so similar, Chad and I. That's one of the things I like about him so much.

We run in silence until Chad asks, "So, did you like my Safe Space?"

Shocked that he would even ask such a question, I reply, "Of course! I didn't just like it, I loved it. It feels like you, Chad. It really does. The orange walls, the posters of the animals, everything."

He considers me for a moment and then says, "I ran into Brad this morning."

I panic. What did Brad say? Of course he ran into Brad, he works here! Did Brad tell him about our conversation last night? Typical Brad.

"Oh?" I raise a brow, hoping he won't continue with this conversation and that the acting classes I took for a month in second grade pay off.

"Yeah, he and I are going horse-riding tomorrow. He's actually really cool when you get to know him. But then again, I'm sure you already knew that... I was there, you know? I saw you in the stables that day."

"Chad," I say, "that meant nothing to me. I just.. I just needed something from Brad. That's all."

"What did you need that you had to do that, Brianna?" he asks, his blue eyes angry.

"Nothing, Chad-"

"How am I supposed to trust you if you don't tell me what was going on?"

"Chad- I-"

"I didn't know we kept secrets from each other."

"You didn't know that? And yet you did? You're the one who didn't tell me what was going on between you and Brad, and now you expect the same from me."

"I told you. We're going horseback riding. He's cool except when you and-"
"I'm not talking about that, Chad. I'm talking about that time when I asked you whether you knew Brad and you lied to me. There was clearly something more going on."

Realisation dawns on his face and I continue, "I went to seduce Brad, to get the whole story out of him. He told me about the pencil. I used to think you were a good person, but I'm starting to think you have your flaws. And this one is quite irredeemable. I tried to convince myself I still like you after hearing the story, but the more I talk to you, the less I like you. I hate you, Chad."
I sprint ahead, my eyes welling up. How could Chad hurt me this way? I used to think he was perfect, but even Brad, who hurt me so much in high school, is better than him.

                                                                                                  🐴

I go downstairs in the evening, to meet Chad's sister, Chantelle. Chad is the first to see me, and a look of joy passes over his handsome features when he sees me. I whisper to him, "I didn't come all the way downstairs to meet you, Chadley."