Dancing in the Oaks

Restraunt

I decided to have Nick take me back home because my friends were going to go to the local cafe to get some food. I changed my clothes while Nick waited outside. I get so cold really easily and it makes me miserable. I tried to hurry as quickly as possible. I pulled out some blue sweat pants and a black jacket, hurried and combed my hair, and ran back outside. I asked Nick if he wanted to change out of his uniform and he told me no. As we headed down to the cafe one of my favorite country songs came on 'Tierra Dulce' by Dillon James. "You know, I love this song!" I enjoy country music more than I enjoy playing the guitar.

"Me too. It's quite nice. Probably one of my top 10 favorite country songs."

"Top 10? It's one of my top 5." My eyes wandered outside more towards the road that we were traveling on. I could see the road move beneath the truck. His truck is nice. He even let me lean the seat back so I wasn't sitting up as straight.

There was silence until Nick began to sing... "as I listen to 'em howl Ooh oh... Tierra Dulce.... Tierra Dulce.... Just an old desperado on the run... howl in' at the moon, shooting my gun..."

My eyes widened as nothing but shock ran through my mind at his beautiful voice. "Dang Nick! Bull rider, bareback horse rider, barrel racer, plays the guitar, sings. You're just good at everything aren't you?"

He laughed. "We'll say what ya want." He is so stubborn, not wanting to admit to his pure talent genius.

"Oh shut up Nick! You are! On top of that, you're so cute."

"Ha! I guess. I don't really know." I guess he still wasn't gonna admit to that pure fact.

By the time the next song came on I found his hand holding mine. It just sort of happened. I felt safe around him because I knew he would be there if something happened. That is all he wanted was to make sure that I am safe. I didn't really mind it. He smelled like horses and pine wood. The next song was a nice one too. Of course Nick was there to sing along. Stepping out of the truck at the cafe was quite cold. I'm glad that I changed my short sleeve shirt into a long sleeve one.

Nick held my hand as we walked into the cafe and found my friends sitting on the west side. "Norah! Welcome." Eden and Liam moved out so Nick and I could sit in the corner. Nick sat in the corner so I could sit by both him and Eden. They eyed our hands interlocked together. I just smiled back at them like I didn't care what they thought.

Miranda thought she could gain a little redemption."We're so glad you could come. I'm so sorry about what happened earlier Norah." Miranda apologized.

I just thought I would forgive the situation because it would pose for a more awkward time. "Don't worry 'bout it." I said as I rested myself against Nick's arm and shoulder. Nick put his arm around me.

"Hmm wasn't I right?" Miranda squealed.

She was going to bring it up again so I just responded, "I guess." I laughed.

"We have four more people coming." Miranda said as she clicked her silverware in front of her. Just as she finished saying that, the four people walked in the doors.

"Norah!" Navy exclaimed. She was a long time friend from the 12th grade. Her emerald eyes are what makes her stand out the most.

"Navy! I'm so sorry I haven't seen you in forever." She tapped my shoulder as she sat down on the large bench next to Miranda. "This is Uhm... Garrett."

"Oh it's okay. Oh I see. You have a friend." I said.

"Yes. Are you doin' alright after what happened?" She asked out of curiosity. Sometimes people think that they are being kind by asking if I am alright, but deep down it brings me down further. I just play it off as I am alright, but it just hurts more and more.

I could feel Nick pull me a little closer to let me know that it's alright. "Yes and no. I'm slowly getting back to normal. I just see things that aren't there. The fire, knives, the whole deal. I guess you could say that I was lucky to survive that. Thanks to Nick. I don't go out much because I worry. I just feel so bad because this town hardly knows me anymore. They suspect that I burned the barn down. I didn't."

"I'm so sorry. I really am." Navy gave her sympathy.

Quickly changing the subject I said, "Anyways... I guess we can carry on with what we should be talking about: the rodeo. That was a darn good one for sure." I quickly changed the subject to avoid digging further into the hole in my heart.

"Everyone did so well." Miranda said.

Garret gave an evil glare my way. "I got fourth! What the heck!" He was mad, but that's what he gets for being too arrogant.

"There's tomorrow too." Nick said.

"Oh okay, this is Myra Lopez. She lives next to Navy. This is her friend: Daxton Malcolm." Eden said.

"Hi. I'm Norah Jean and this is Nicholas Reed." I sort of shyed back over to Nick.

After eating we were all able to leave. I decided that Nick would pick me up in the morning and take me to the rodeo. Everyone else was going to go a little earlier to see Daxton ride. I also didn't feel comfortable going in Miranda's car after what she told me. The ride back to my house was nice. Nick turned up the country music and sang along. "Are you ready for Tomorrow?" I asked him as we pulled into my driveway. He turned the music down.

I could tell that he was nervous, "Oh I'm nervous. I could get another win again. Bareback is 'morrow. Another bull ridin' too."

"Nick please just don't get hurt. I need you around."

"I can't make any promises about not getting hurt." Rodeo is a dangerous sport and he knows that. One accident can take the life of my...Nick.

I laughed. "You little... chicken biscuit. Don't be stubborn!"

"Norah! After the rodeo, come ride around the arena. I have to practice 'morrow anyway."

"Sure. I've always wanted to go rodeo. My parents won't let me." I scoffed because this has been my longtime dream.

"Hey, I don't mean to be rude, but they ain't around to boss ya 'round anymore." His point was good, and it actually made me chuckle under my breath.

I smiled. "Right. Sometimes I forget. I just feel like they watch me. I don't know. Tell me why... you kissed me...twice now"

"Norah you can't forget. It's okay, don't worry. You're a great person Norah. I ain't gonna lie to ya... Norah you're the best person I've ever met. Trust me. I gotta go. I gotta wake up earlier 'morrow. Don't forget to be ready by 7:15. It's good. I'll be here then." He gave me a hug and a smile. Just before he turned to leave I slightly tapped his shoulder. He gave a quick kiss and before I knew it he was gone.

Getting in the shower was very nice. I felt the hot water run over my back and shoulder blades. All of the stress of my situation was forgotten about for a day. I didn't think about it once. I didn't care for once about my horrible experience. The rodeo made me forget. Nick made me happy. I felt good. For once in my life I actually felt welcome. The water warmed my face.

Climbing into bed was so nice. I was actually excited to sleep and rest instead of being mortified by the dreams that were bound to happen. I shut my door all the way and turned off my light.