Neon Moon

Ch.17 That Feeling

Hey everyone, just wanted to say HI and I hope you enjoy! Love, Liz

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After driving another couple of hours, which honestly flew by way too quickly, the two of you were pulling up in front of the storage place in the late afternoon. The southern sun had warmed everything up nicely letting that cool spring breeze float through your cracked windows.

Clyde and you took turns driving, switching on and off every hour. He was impressed by how well you gave directions listening to every detail or side story that went along with it. He just loved to listen to you and you him. When you drove he pulled out his book and started reading with that perfect low rhythm. You weren't sure what the storyline was but you knew you were hooked because he was the one reading it. While he drove you pulled out the snacks and started plucking cut up pieces of honeydew melon out of the bag you got earlier. It was delicious and hit the spot as you shared it with Clyde feeding him a piece, one at a time. You even enjoyed the snacks he had perfectly picked out knowing exactly what you liked.

Clyde really liked how you never moved all the way over on the bench seat staying close to him pointing out different things as he drove. He loved how it seemed you knew every song that came on the radio singing every word flawlessly. He couldn't remember the last time he left West Virginia, but he didn't have to look out the window to get the best view of the southern beauty. It was sitting right next to him.

The two of you talked about anything and everything. You shared stories of traveling with your dad, and he shared stories about how he would always have to break up fights between Jimmy and Mellie in the back seat. He asked how you knew so much about music and you explained how you would read the little leaflets in cassette and CD cases any chance you got. Clyde asked what was in the storage unit cautiously and you answered honestly. Touched by his care and helpfulness in the situation. You explained that it had mostly your dad's things like clothes and miscellaneous items, household books, pictures, records, some furniture, and things from when you were a kid. Clyde listened and assured you he was there for you, and that he would do whatever you needed him to. You leaned back over and kissed his cheek saying, "thanks honey."

You walk into the office and immediately strike up a friendly conversation with the owners thanking them over and over again for helping in this situation. The wife walked with you and Clyde down to your unit, unlocking the padlock. She wished you both good luck and went on her way. Clyde bent over and grabbed the handle glancing at you asking silently if you were ready. You nodded and he pulled it open.

It took you a moment to catch your breath. You knew what was in there, but it still surprised you with memories and feelings, remembering the haste of stuffing everything in there before you left a whole life behind. Now you were standing here viewing it all with a new life. A happy life. It wasn't a lot, but it would take some time to go through and see what was worth keeping.

Clyde watched you for a moment. He knew you were taking it all in. He spoke sweetly, "ready sweetie?"

A quick breath filled your lungs as you looked at him, registering him. Calm washed over and you nodded, "yeah. I'm ready."

Immediately you started to dive in the boxes sorting and searching through them. You had Clyde push the worn furniture to one side of the unit, leaving for the storage place to sell because you didn't want them. They weren't even yours. It just came with the last place your dad rented and you hated them.

While he did that you started making a pile to keep and throw out. Clyde teased you when he saw your old boy band posters like BBMack, Five, and LFO in the trash pile. You laughed in embarrassment trying to convince him it was your dad who bought those posters for you not yourself. He wasn't convinced but shook his head agreeing. He thought it was so cute how hard you were trying.