Rachel's Turn

Chapter 18

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After Ryan hung up with Rachel, he could not get the whole morning out of his mind, or the last few days. When he was back at base, he and Warren discussed the letter he was sending to tell Rachel he was coming to visit. Warren, being Warren, was convinced that he was coming with him and that if Rachel didn't want Ryan, he would swoop in. Ryan busted his chops many many times over the years when it came to Rach. Warren didn't know her and he had no idea who he was talking about, but he finally got the picture. Rach was off limits to Warren, and any other guy as far as Ryan was concerned.

Being at the Taylor's for breakfast that morning was just like old times, except it wasn't. Not at all. It was different. He felt closer to them because of how much he cared for Rach. He loved her family so much but she was his girl. He wanted so badly to tell everyone out loud that he and Rach were a couple and promise everyone to keep her safe and never hurt her. He would have  done just that if Rach was ready. Is she really ready?

His leaving would need to be discussed quickly. He did not know if he would be deployed again or even if he was going to reenlist.He wanted so badly to see what she was thinking so he could settle her fears. The last thing he ever wants is to scare her away.If she needed slow then slow it would be. Turtle, snail and slug slow.

He still needed to see her, tonight. Yes, maybe a little clingy, but damn it he couldn't help himself. How could he casually show up again? About the time that question popped up, it disappeared when he remembered that her dad had told him earlier to bring his truck over to rotate the tires and change the oil. Perfect!!! Ryan picked up the phone and called Mr.Taylor and asked if he was busy or could he go ahead and bring the truck down. Thankfully, Mr. Taylor told him to come on down.

Ryan showed up at the house and  drove his truck to the back yard  as instructed. It was humid outside and the site of the calming pool waters made Ryan start plotting on how he could get Rach in there tonight, but again, he needed to cool the jets. "Mr. Taylor, thank you for letting me borrow your tools and for helping me. I haven't had time to this myself." Rach's dad had been like a dad to him and taught him severaly things about fixing the motor and diagnosing mechanical problems. Ryan set the oil and filter on the ground, as Mr.Taylor put the jacks behind  each side of the front wheels. He watched as Ryan double checked that the emergency break was engaged and that the back tire had a wedge under it just in case it wanted to shimmy. All of his actions put a proud papa smile on Mr. Taylor's face, one that he would not share of course. Ryan slid the drain pan and himself under the truck and began to change the oil, as he and Mr Taylor engaged in conversation.

"You think that you made the right decision going into the navy, Ryan?" Mr. Taylor talked more working on cars so he began to change out the tires as Ryan changed the oil.

"Yes, sir. The navy has opend my eyes to many new and exciting aspects of life. It has not been easy, but I am proud to be a sailor and serve my country. I have learned who I am and what type of man I am to be and will do my best to make you proud , sir." Ryan meant all that from his heart.

They both continued to work on the truck to get it done before it got too dark. "Looks like you and Rachel have become pretty good friends since you left." Mr.Taylor may not say much but he was super good at saying things that you did not think he was noticing.

Ryan almost hit his head on the hood of the truck and wondered if he really heard that, then realized he did. Where did that come from? He assumed that Rachel's mom had figured things out but was not sure if her dad would say anything. Deep down Ryan wanted to get closer to her dad and feel him out as well. "Yes, sir. Rach is an amazing young lady. You and Mrs.Taylor outdid yourselves with her." They both smiled and acknowledged the response.

The sun was setting and the last tire was going back on when Mr. Taylor handed Ryan the last lugnut and said, "As long as you know not to hurt her. I do not expect her to be hurt or not enjoy her Senior year. Be careful with her. Understand ?"

Ryan had never been more scared in his life. He would navigate a submarine blindly through enemy waters and be less afraid than he was of disappointing Mr. Taylor or hurting Rach. With a big gulp, he managed to stand and look him in the eye. "Yes sir. I understand and I want you to know that my intention is nothing but honorable, sir. Rach and I have been able to get to know eachother through all of our correspondence and I know she is still young, but she has grown up too and I will be extremely careful and will keep her safe sir." With that he stood to shake Mr. Taylor's hand and bent down to let down the last jack. Ryan felt a huge sense of relief and was more determined to make Rach happy. He wanted her to enjoy her Senior year, college and whatever else came her way. He hoped that he would be a part of it as well.

Rachel and her mom pulled into the driveway. She had already told her mom that she was going to get in the pool when they got home. She was not that hungry. When they drove up they didn't realize that Ryan's truck was in the back. Her mom took in the chicken dinner from KFC, while Rachel was gathering the bags of clothes in the trunk. She reached for  the handles of the Payless Shoe Bags when she felt a warm hand lightly glide over hand and taking the bags from her hands. Chills ran threw her body and she let out a slight moan as she heard Ryan's smoothe voice,"Let me get this, m'am."

She turned to him and Ryan gave a her a quick kiss under the shelter of the trunk's hood. "What are you doing here?" Rachel whispered.

"Your dad and I have been working on my truck and stuff." The smile on his face was infectious yet he looked like the cat that ate the canary. "I will help you take this into the house then will go home."

Rachel was still processing the little trunk incedent as she walked in behind him with more bags in hand. Her mom seemed shocked too, "Ryan, where did you come from?"

"Hey mom!" He leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Mr.Taylor told me to bring the truck over so we could change the oil, rotate the tires and give it the once over. Did ya'll leave anything at the store? But I am about to leave. We just finished a few minutes ago. And saw you all needed help with the spoils of your labor." Mom smiled and gave him a cute look this time, she knew what that little rascal was up to. Well, at least he is trying.

Mr. Taylor came inside as Ryan was about to walk outside and leave. Ryan thanked him again for everything and for trusting him with rachel tomorrow. He promised to call when they got there and not to keep her out all night. Her parents nodded with a 'you better' look . Her dad looked at her, "Rachel, you need to move your car so Ryan can get out." She grabbed her keys and they were outside.

She backed her car out and switched places with Ryan's truck. Ryan pulled back in behind her, but stayed in the truck as she walked to him. "So, you and your mom look like ya'll are both worn out. I am going to go on and spend some time with my grandmother tonight since we will be gone all day tomorrow." Rachel was thankful because she really was tired and wanted to swim and go to bed.

"That's ok. I am going to relax in the pool a bit then turn in. I can call you before I go to sleep if you want." Rachel let him take her hand and place a kiss on the back of it and then in her palm. She melted. He backed out of the driveway and waved as he drove off.

Rachel was drained emotionally from the day. Her parents had started to eat by the time she changed into her swimsuit. On her way out the door she hugged her mom and thanked her again for the clothes and grabbed a biscuit to eat in the pool. The water welcomed her as if it knew that she needed comfort and time to unwind. She swam for about 30 minutes and decided that falling asleep in the pool would not be the best idea, so she went inside. The hot water in the shower woke her up enough to get snuggled in her bed. Her phone seemed to automatically call Ryan. "Hey baby. Did you enjoy your swim?" Oh how she loved his voice.

"Yes I did. Are you still planning on being her around 9:30 in the morning?" Her voice was scratchy and faint.

He knew she was about to drift off to sleep. "Yes honey. I will call and wake you up so you sleep now and we will have fun tomorrow. I cant wait to talk to you. Goodnight." He sweetly kept it short and she drifted into dreamland.