Dancing in the Oaks

8 Seconds of Death

Before I knew it my alarm went off. The sound of my alarm has always made me angry in a sense that it reminds me of when my mother would play her cacophony of a trumpet. I only had 15 minutes to get ready because I hit the snooze button so many times. It wasn't that I had no motivation or a lack of sleep, but I actually was eager to sleep a little longer. I had no nightmares. I felt at peace. This was the first day since before the 'accident' that I actually slept with peace of mind. It felt so good and my mind was reset. For once I think I felt a small piece of happiness.

I reached into my small closet and pulled out a brazen colored V neck sweatshirt. The V neck stopped at about three and a half inches below my neck bone. I got the sweatshirt for my birthday right after we got here. I rarely wear it because it's too cute to get dirty while doing farm chores. I wore a nice pair of Wrangler pants. I combed my hair and parted it down the side and pulled up half into a small bun. The bun was messy, but it still looked professional and nice. I looked in the mirror and finally realized that I was happy. I grabbed my phone and stuffed it in my pocket, also making sure that I had the bracelet on my wrist. I debated whether or not to wear my brown cowboy hat, but I forfeited that idea. I took one last look in the mirror and finally realized that I am cute and I can see why Nick likes me so much, but that ain't a big deal.

Walking outside into the front foyer I realized that Nick was walking up to the front door. I opened it. "Nick! Oh my gosh!" I ran to him after hurrying and locking the door behind me.

He looked happy to see me. "Howdy, what's up?"

I looked at the clock on the wall checking the time."I had no bad nightmares last night."

He half hugged me around the back while he walked me over to the passenger side of the truck. It was so cute when he opened the door for me and helped me in. "What music do you wanna listen to today? That's amazing Norah! No bad dreams. See. It'll get better with time. That is just one of those things that you gotta give time."

"Uhm country, duh." I laughed. That was the stupidest question that a country boy can ask a country girl. The answer will always be country music.

"Okay." We just sat there in silence for the first few minutes. "Another airplane, another sunny place... I'm lucky I know... but I wanna go home.... I gotta go home... just let me go home..." Nick sang along. He smiled over at me.

"Why don't you sing more often?" I asked as my eyes jetted back and forth at the road as the scenery passed by.

"Sure. It ain't easy. I mean I don't have a problem doing it in front of people, it's just it kinda reminds me of my mother."

"Oh really? Nick, it's okay. We both have something to overcome together. Don't let that discourage you."

"Right. Thanks Norah." I could tell he felt sad 'bout it.

Finally, we pulled into the horse trailer stall and Nick helped me out of the truck. Jayxon was eager to get out of the arena. "Hey, good luck. I've gotta meet up with some people. You need help or you got it?" I asked.

"I've got it. You go find them." I smiled before I gave him a wink, turned my back, and left.

I searched around for everyone else. I found Miranda and Jason, but couldn't find anyone else. The amount of people began to grow very rapidly. I found everyone else up in the stand. I sat next to Navy. "Hey." I said. "And we so happen to have the front row seat right in front of the corral. Ain't that convenient." I already knew these girls' intentions. I was so tired that I was just zoning in and out.

Navy's voice was so loud I am sure that people from a mile away could hear. "Hiya Norah! Yeah it was all of our ideas. I heard that you kissed Nick." Navy said.

The embarrassment was there. "No I didn't, he kissed me." I stared off at the dirt.

"Ah I see. It's been such a long time since we've gotten together like this. Seen each of our faces." She said.

They kept making me feel guilty about how I have seemingly disappeared. It is because I struggle to go out. I cannot go anywhere without someone asking about my situation or accusing me of it. "I know. I'll try to come out of my 28 acres more often. My foot just healed about eight weeks ago. I got cleared to ride horses just the other day."

"Alright. That makes sense." Navy responded.

I just sat there and sipped my spearmint tea. It was warm on my throat as I drank it. I love drinking herbal tea because it feels really nice on a sore throat. I stared off at the arena and realized my true dream: being here. While sitting I couldn't help but think of Nick. Sure I hurt a lot everyday, but Nick always made me feel better. He was like the only reason why I have not died yet. The sun beat against my jacket when they finally began the rodeo. I couldn't help but smile when they announced Nick's name for the bareback riding. When he found out that he got first place he jumped over the corral and up onto the bleachers. He gave me a hug and a kiss before leaving and disappearing. Jason Jack got second, Liam Monson got third, Jack Schneider placed fourth, and Garrett Stoll placed fifth. I have to give so much credit to these guys because that seems hard.

After that was the bull riding again. I always worried about Nick's fate with death. Bull riding is basically riding death, but not knowing a date. I need him around. One of the first guys that rode was Daxton Malcolm. From what I've seen he's a pretty arrogant guy. He only made it through about five seconds before he got bucked off. Jason Jack made it to seven. Wyatt Thomas only made it to three seconds. Rhett Schmidt, who also has an arrogant persona, only made it about 7 seconds. Jack Schneider made it 7.5 seconds. Last but not least was Nicholas. He gave the crew a slow nod as they released the gate. I shut my eyes for the first three seconds. It always hurt me when they would just flop around like jello. Nick made it the full 8 seconds without hesitation. I was so happy for him.

I watched as he walked over, smiled, and waved to me. I have to admit that Nick was beginning to drive me crazy. He already did, but this rodeo thing revealed a lot about Nick that I didn't know existed. He has a whole new side of him that is edgy, but cute. He is more of a cowboy than what I thought. I guess I can say that it's a good thing. I like it.

A few more hours went by before they actually got to the mutton bustin'. I always loved watching this designated part. I also enjoyed the cow roping. That's quite entertaining if I do say so myself. Two of the riders broke their arms. Wyatt Thomas and Rhett Schmidt both broke their arms. It looked painful the way they fell. Having a horse and a cow bang you into the side of the arena does not sound fun at all. The pain could be heard in their cries. Garrett Stoll won the roping. Jason Jack took second.

The last part was barrel racing. "Yay Nick!" I said when they announced his name. I watched as Jayxon made a perfect figure eight around each barrel section. Hooves kicked the dirt up creating a dust storm. Once it was time for them to announce the winners I got a weird feeling. I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

"Fourth place: Garrett Stoll. Third place: Jason Jack." I became increasingly worried at that point because there was only one of two people that could take first: Nicholas or Liam. "Second place... Liam Monson. That means that first place is Nicholas Reed!" His feet kicked up the dirt when he walked over. "What a rodeo this has been! The rodeo champion: Nicholas Reed." The announcer yelled into the microphone.

The announcer, Pete Brown, handed the microphone over to Nick so he could say something. "Ah. I don't know what to say at this point y'all. I'm so grateful to be here. Without Norah I would never be here. A lot of the things I have been able to do are because of Norah. These wins are because of her. Thank you Norah... I love you." He smiled over at me. My cheeks reddened as I looked at him. My friends were probably poking fun at the whole thing, but I was completely tuning everything else out. All I could see was Nick's smile and nod as he walked away.