How To Find Your Future

21 - Blizzards

Olivia

The car ride lasts for about an hour. Throughout that time Charlie turns the radio up. I can't help but sing along as some of my favorite songs come on. At one point Charlie even joins in. I start to sing louder as my shyness fades away. Mostly because Charlie is a horrible singer. I almost want to cover my ears when he sings.

When our throats get sore from singing we stop at Dairy Queen and buy some blizzards. Then we head back out onto the ride and just talk.

During the drive I learned so much about Charlie. He's friends with El. In his spare time he programs, plays games and even cooks. It also turns out that we both have the same math teacher and both hate her. But, as we talk it isn't these random facts that make a warmth grow in me, but the realization that even if we aren't talking I would feel comfortable with Charlie. No matter what situation we're in I feel like I can trust him.

That's when my big mouth decides to do the talking. "How do we know this is going to work?" I ask. I stare out the windshield. But I'm not sure what I'm asking will work. Do I mean the job hunting? Or me and him?

"What's going to work?"

"The job hunting? What if I never find a job for me and I have to work at the bakery for the rest of my life?" My hand makes its way to my hair. The red curls twist around my finger.

"I'm sure we will," he says.

"How can you be so sure?" This time I look at him when I ask.

His jaw twitches. "Because I believe that there's a job for everyone out there. We can't be thinking that there isn't."

I sigh and lean back. I close my eyes. "You really think so?"

Charlie's hand grabs mine. "I know so."

Butterflies. Fireworks. Something moves in my stomach. But I don't take my hand away from his.

***

The car turns onto a gravel driveway. A sign on the corner greets us. Welcome to Hill Heights Ranch.

"Interesting name," I comment.

Charlie nods. "Not something I would have picked."

As we drive down the driveway a fence appears. But it isn't what I expected it to be. I expected signs that say private property and the gate to be locked and closed. Instead the gate is wide open and there's another welcome sign. To the left of the gate is a little parking lot for visitors.

As Charlie parks the car he looks around. "Huh. I thought she would be waiting for us." He pulls his phone out of his pocket.

"Who?" I ask as his fingers fly across the screen.

"The lady who will be showing us around today."

A few moments after he sends the texts a lady comes flying out of a barn.We get out and meet her halfway. When we get closer I notice her brown hair is a little wild. "Hey there," she greets. "Sorry about being late. I got a little caught up."

Charlie sticks his hand out for her to shake. "That's okay. I'm Charlie, by the way and this is Olivia."

The lady shakes his hand. "I'm Vanessa. I remember seeing your name in the system today. You'll just want to follow me this way and I can get you started."

Charlie grins. "Great!"

I tilt my head to the side. "What does she mean by being in the system and getting us started?" I whisper to Charlie.

He grins. "Well we can't come to a ranch and not ride any horses! After you," Charlie says with a little bow.

I laugh. "Dork."