Leather and Lace

SJs POV

Stepping out into the fresh Kentucky air, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. A real breath. One that I have not truly taken in the last four years. Opening my eyes, I spot my truck in the parking lot. Black 1986 GMC Sierra Grande. Looks just the same as it did after I fixed her up. My dad grips me tightly in a hug when I am close enough. I grip just as tight. I have missed him and my mom so much. Seeing and talking to them through glass everyday for the years I was in prison is completely different to being able to feel and smell them. He smells like cigarettes, aftershave, and wheat from the farm. I have missed it. Pulling back, he grips my shoulders and smiles.

"Its good to see you, son. Real good."

"You too, dad."

Getting in the truck we start our drive to home. I am finally going home.

"Ah. I cant wait for a good meal, a hot shower and to sleep in my own bed."

"Of course. Your mom has already washed your sheets, made your bed and is cooking your favorite meal."

I just hum and smile looking out the window. Being gone for so long I have forgotten how beautiful the country is. The sky seems bluer, the sun brighter, flowers more beautiful. Passing the Montgomery's flower farm, Daily Does, I see its in full bloom. I'm grateful I got out at the end of the season to be able to see the beauty of it before theyre gone. Pulling in the driveway, I see a banner across the porch that reads, Welcome home SJ. Hearing the truck pull in my mom comes out the screen door and dashes down the steps. Rushing to meet her, I wrap her in my arms and lift her off the ground. Easy to do since shes 5'4" compared to my 6'2" stature. Hugging her tightly, I smile. She smells of flour, tea, and florals.

"Oh mama. Ive missed you so much."

"I've missed you too, my darling boy."

Sitting her down, she pulls back and holds my face between her hands.

"You're too skinny. But don't worry, good home cooked meals and working on the farm will have you back in shape in no time."

I just smile and say, "Yes, ma'am."

Coming inside the house I smell food cooking. I feel at home and relaxed. I feel safe. Looking around I notice something.

"Wheres Madison?"

My younger sister didn't come to welcome me home. I know I was gone for her teen years, but I didn't think shed miss me coming home. She wasn't spiteful. There must be a reason.

"She's helping a friend move back home. Bless her heart, poor girl left a no-good boyfriend in Knoxville and come back home. She needed a friend."

I nod. That is a good reason. Better that than her being mad at me. I turned to mom and asked, "Do I have time to take shower?"

"Yes, dear. There's an hour or so before dinner is ready."

Kissing her cheek, I go upstairs to my room. Opening the door, I feel like Im nineteen again. Everything is the same. King sized bed in the middle of the wall, football jersey beside it, all my trophies from the number of sports I played. I look through the dresser for some clothes and walk into the bathroom. I turn the shower on and strip my shirt off. Moms right. I am too skinny. Compared to what I looked like four years ago. Before I was muscular and stocky. Between working on the farm and football, I was in decent shape. Now I look like I did when I was fourteen. Some muscle but not a lot and not defined. Steam runs across the mirror, so I step in. I just stand there, head under the water with my eyes closed. The heat helps me relax some more. Its nice being able to take a shower alone. Without a guard or being afraid youll get jumped. Finishing with my shower, I turn the water off, step out, dry off and get dressed. I wipe the mirror off and fix my shaggy brown curls. After, I step out and head downstairs. Mom notices me and says, "About 30 minutes, SJ."

I smile at her as an okay. I head to the living room to sit and watch tv with dad.

30 minutes go by when mom hollers from the kitchen to wash up for dinner. As dad and I make it to the hallway, Madison burst through the door announcing shes home. She stops in her tracks when she sees me. Her eyes wide in shock. I chuckle and smile at her, "Well, aren't you going to give your big brother a hug?"

As soon as the words left my mouth she was running into my arms. Lifting her up a little, I give her a tight squeeze before sitting her down and pulling back.

"Have you gotten shorter?" I laugh as she rolls her eyes, with a smile of her own and shoves me a little.

"You might be older than when I saw you last, but you're still weak."

Before she could slap me for that one, mom comes in with the food.

"Alright you two, quit your picking at each other and sit."

I smile at mom when she looks at me as Maddie sticks her tongue out at me. Sitting down mom looks at Maddie. "Madison, I thought your friend was coming over for dinner?"

She nods her head, "She was going to, but she was just so tired from traveling all day and then unpacking. She just ordered a pizza and is just going to relax for the night." We all shake our heads in understanding.

"Son, I got some work for you in the morning. Im going to need you to mow the lawn," I cut him off before he could finish. "But the lawn is already cut?" I look at him confused. "Well, if you let me finish, smartass, I was going to say the Montgomerys. They arent able to take care of the land anymore and there isnt anyone else to help." Mom goes to say something, but Madison cuts her off. "Which is such a shame. You'd think our community would help since they just love buying fresh flowers from them. But I guess they don't want to ruin their pretty manicured nails." She says the last part as she rolls her eyes. She's always had distain for the north side residents. Suits as she calls them. Even more so after what happened those years ago.

"Yes, it is a shame. So that's where youll be majority of the time."

As I gather our plates so I can wash them I nod at him and say "Yes, sir." As he heads to finish his football game, I head to do the dishes for mom. When I'm out of earshot mom and Madison start whispering to one another. I try to read their lips so I can know what they're talking about, but no luck. So, I ask. Washing a plate, I speak up, "So, what are you two gossiping about?"

"Oh nothing. Just your welcome home barbeque next weekend."

Madison says as she comes to dry the dishes. Finishing I grow curious about something. "Will your friend be there?" She rolls her eyes. "Yes. And don't even think about hitting on her. She just got out of an unhealthy relationship. She doesn't need or have time for boys."

"But I am a man." I say at the bottom of the stairs as she goes up them. She turns and points her finger at me. "Don't." She turns and continues up the stairs. I smile and think I saw her have a small smile on her face as well. I don't plan on hitting on her friend, but it's fun to annoy her.

I say goodnight to my parents and head up to bed myself. I have a long day tomorrow. Peeking my head in Madisons room as she is brushing her hair at her vanity. I say goodnight to her as well.

"I'm really happy youre back home, Scar." She comes and gives me a hug. "I love you."

"I love you, Mads. I'm happy to be home too."

Getting into bed after I finished brushing my teeth, I get comfortable and look up at the ceiling. Thanking God for mine and my familys health and the chance to have a well nights sleep. I pray that he helps Madisons friend heal form her ex-boyfriends treatment of her and I pray my future wife is doing well. I fall asleep with a relaxed smile on my face.