Country Hearts

Chapter 2

Lainey sat in dread waiting for her mother to continue.
"So...Lainey...Aunt Marie... her house..."

"Sandra, I'll say it." Her father butted in.

"No, Kason. Lainey..." Her mother continued. "Aunt Marie's house caught fire last night so we can't stay. We have to leave tomorrow morning and go help them, afterwards we will eat dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse." Lainey was in shock, with the first question being "Are they all okay?" Kason (their father) answered. "Yes, they are okay. None of them got injured and all the pets are safe, as well. They're staying at a hotel for about a month while their house gets repaired. It wasn't horrible. I'm sorry this happened on your birthday trip. ."

"No, dad, it's okay. All the cousins will be there too, right?"

"Yes."

"Good. I can't wait to see them." Lainey grinned. She managed to find the good, despite the horrific situation that had happened. They finished their breakfast and their father sent Liam to wash the dishes, and do most of the house chores because of the incident that morning. Lainey went upstairs to clean her room and thought about the new plan. Wonder how Sevierville and Nashville are? She'd always wanted to go to these two places, specifically. She dreamed of the country L.A. and it's rich culture and brilliant night lights. She gawked at the images of Pigeon Forge and its rides, parks and motels. And before any of it, she'd get to spend time with her awesome cousins. She had 10, at LEAST, at her aunt's place. But of course, she first had to help with a few things like hauling excess burned housing out and placing new lumber and cinder blocks in the shed, which Lainey was 100% fine with. After she got done cleaning, she moved the pin on the calendar to today and put on an Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney CD. She looked at the time again. 9:14. I guess I could pack. She went into the depths of a cave she called "closet" and dug for her duffel bag. She found it, after several minutes of searching, and began to plan her outfits for the 2 weeks (shortened now, exactly 2 weeks) she'd be gone. What she'd need, what she wanted to take, how much money she'd bring and things like that. She got up as much as she could then. As she finished for the day, her brother burst into her room with his classic "Sissy, I'm BORED!"

"Yeah? And?"

"I don't want to be bored!"

"Go find something to do then!"

"I wanna go to the playground!"

"Did you ask mom and dad?"

"Yeah! They told me to tell you to take me."

"Oh fine."

As they were walking out the door, Lainey got a call from her best friend, Sabrina. She kept her on speaker phone as they walked down to the local park and she sat on a bench. They talked about simple things and soon got off the phone. Lainey checked the time again. 10:24. "Heads up Liam, we're leaving in about 10 minutes."

"Aww but why? Liam whined

"Because I said so. And I need to get back home to help mom with lunch."

"Awww okay."

Lainey rolled her eyes. Why in the world was her brother so annoying? I mean, he was nine and still whining. Didn't whining stop at like, 7? Whatever, thought Lainey.

10 minutes later

Lainey and Liam were leaving the park and Lainey got a call. It was from her cousin, Maisy Beth.

"Hey girl!" Whatcha up to?"

"Taking Liam home. He begged to go to the park so-" "Sis! Sis! Who is it? Is it mom? Tell her I said hey! Lain-"

"Stop, Liam! It's not mom! Be quiet and walk!" Lainey turned her attention back to Maisy Beth. "Ugh, little brothers!"

"Tell me about it. I have 3 younger brothers!" Maisy Beth exclaimed. 

"Yeah, I shouldn't be talking!" Lainey said, laughing. "How's everything with the fire?"

"Oh, we're okay. Oscar and Elsey our cats and Jethro our dog got out safe, so did we. And you guys are coming in 3 days to help so we should be good."

"Oh that's a relief."

"Yeah, it is!"

"Well, I'm nearly home. I'll talk to ya later."

They said their goodbyes and hung up, then walked in the door.

"Mom, we're home!" Lainey called.