Dancing in the Oaks

Singing Nick

I walked out onto the patio of the guest house and saw the beautiful morning sun. It's been amazing to live another year. I never take anything for granted anymore. Being near death has taught me that for sure. I will never do that again. Life is so precious. I walked back into the tiny house and closer to the counter to try to find the herbs. A quiet voice began to sing. I could hear the guitar playing. However, I couldn't find where it was coming from. Since Nick wasn't anywhere to be found, I checked out on the patio over at his house. I had the perfect view of Nick's house from my window. Sure enough: it was him. I opened the door and snuck over very quietly so he couldn't pick up on the fact that I was there. When he sings his accent is even more prominent. I realized the song was about Nick and I. I couldn't help but smile and pour tears down my face. Once he stopped he looked over. "Oh my gosh Norah! What in the world! I-I didn't intend for you to hear this. Are you okay this morning?"

"Yeah." I walked over and sat next to him. "That was a very nice song. You've got so much talent Nick. I love you so much." I smiled then he smiled.

"Me too Norah, me too." There was something different about him today. It took me a minute to figure it out. "I've figured out something that you might wanna know. There's a farmer off of Beckey road that sells strawberries in the summer. His field was just destroyed. Even though we're in the middle of a somewhat wet area that doesn't mean nothin'. They have made enough money to pay some bills through the next two weeks for us. He gave it to me this morning."

"No way! Are you... serious?" I was shocked and very happy. People are helping me? I thought that the town believed I was the one that burnt down the barn.

"Yes. We work shifts together today."

"Hmm general store. We haven't worked together for a long time. Did you switch shifts?"

"Yes I did switch shifts. I wanted to be with you and I figured you'd want the same. I have something I have to tell you, but I don't know how. These moments were a mistake and these are sad. I still look back and think: what was I thinking?"

"Nick. I don't care what you've done. It's okay. It's already hard enough." I scoffed at his pointless comment.