Dancing in the Oaks

For You

I scoffed, "Oh that was so much fun Nick. I still cannot believe that you won that rodeo. I still cannot believe that you kissed me in front of people either. You lost that bet. You owe me back by jumping into the trough."

"Norah. I ain't doin' that. It's cold." He smiled knowing that eventually he will have to dive into the trough.

"I know it is huh. Don't lie."

"Merry Christmas Norah." He said nicely.

"This is the best gift I could have been given."

"Horseback riding?"

"No. I'm referring to everything. You nick. I'm so grateful for ya." I have always been so grateful for him. There is no doubt that I do not know what I would do without him.

"Me too. I'm grateful for you."

We went inside his house and threw the wood into the wood burning stove. It felt so nice and cozy. The only way to live is with a wood burning stove. It just warms you to the bone. Without a doubt I do now know what I would do without one. Once I sat down I realized that the court date is rapidly springing around the corner. Nick sat next to me and stared off into space for a moment. The doorbell rang. I rolled my eyes and stood up to get it. Unlocking it, I found none other than Officer Dixie standing there. "Merry Christmas to you sir. You're working on Christmas?"

"Good morning Miss Jean. I am working Christmas. I have come to give some news regarding the Dale family."

"... and what's that?" Sure, now there is more evidence. This seemed odd at the same time.

"We cannot find Berry. She is nowhere to be found. If y'all could keep an eye out. We're trying to arrest her too because she has been connected to this. You said that she kicked you and Nick. If I remember correctly she tried to kill both of y'all." The officer was backtracking on what happened. I understand, but it was quite weird. I guess not everyone knows what happened that fateful day to a t.

"Yes, yes that's right." I said as Nick hugged his arms around me.

"It's probably best that you two stay inside and keep doors locked for the next while. She's not very stable. Berry was last seen yelling at the people at the general store."

"I'll take care of her. Nothin' ain't gonna happen to Norah." Nick's sweet, soft southern accent replied.

"Keep doors locked and windows closed. If you have to feed animals, go outside together."

"Okay. Thanks again." I said.

Officer Dixie left and I made sure all doors and windows were locked. This has gotten outta hand now. It seems as if we take one step forward and closer, which leads to two steps back and further. I guess life is nothing but a waltz. Isn't that what life's about though? That is what it seems like. I ain't got any idea. I slipped my boots off and flipped onto the couch only to find myself staring at the ceiling. "Ya alright Norah?" Nick asked.

"You can probably guess..." I knew that he knew what I was feeling.

"I guess we pick up where we left off with our conversation?"

"You aint ridin' that bull." I laughed at him roll his eyes at me.

"You wanna rodeo this summer? I'll help ya train Stryd."

"Either Stryd or Dixie or Penny. Whichever one I feel the best about. Of course I wanna ride this summer. It's endless possibilities. Look at this." There really is endless possibilities.

"Let's do it then. Please just let me compete for bull just once. I ain't gonna do saddle bronc. That's more dangerous than a bull."

"What?" I panicked.