The Untitled Story

Chapter 7

As the night slowed down the guests thanked Milly and Greg for the wonderful evening. The sun setting behind the mountain, the crickets starting to chirp and the lighting bugs lighting up the lawn much like the fireworks to come. The remaining group headed down the flowing grass to watch the spectacle that was the Gunner Annual fireworks show. Greg placed his arm around Milly and pulled her close, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. Todd Hinky stood to the side watching the little kids roll around in the grass waiting for the show to start. Tucker stayed behind the group, always having the perfect view of Aimee. With a glimpse over her shoulder, she smiled back at tucker.

The show started, everyone stared up at the sky in awe of the millions of lights filling the sky. Aimee was bent over lighting sparklers for the few young kids and watching them laugh while making designs in the air. Her hair blowing lightly in the breeze. As he stood there with his hands in his pockets, he watched the lights shine off her face, her smile more beautiful than the show. Tucker, in his own right, was enjoying watching Aimee more than the fireworks. She continued to watch him, seeing his stern face lighten, the tense muscle along his jaw loosen in her sight.

"It's a beautiful show isn't it". Prying a conversation out of tucker.

"It sure is, I haven't seen something like this in a long time." He smiled back at her.

As Aimee pushed her hair behind her ear, she looked up from the ground, knowing he wasn't talking about the fireworks. "I am happy you came over tonight."

"So am I, I wouldn't have missed this for the world, plus your dad really knows how to make a burger."

"He sure does!"

"This show is a lot longer than last year."

"It definitely seems like it, I wasn't sure if anyone else noticed, must have extra money in the towns budget this year."

"Well, I am thankful they did."

Aimee stopped in her tracks as she looked up to Tuckers gaze, she hesitated, wanting to wrap her arms around his neck. She had known for too long that she too was in love with this boy. She also knew what her father would say if he ever found out. With all the temptation, she couldn't. She knew better, didn't she? As the finally grew so did the anxiety in the pit her stomach. Aimee's heart pounded, her heart raced, head spinning, she reached up and placed her hand around the outside of lean muscular neck, staring into his eyes, watching the reflection of the lights flicker off his deep blue eyes, she kissed him. While she expected him to pull away, he leaned into her, placing his arm around her waste and pulling her into him.

"I am sorry I"- Aimee stuttered.

"No."

"No?"

"Just what I said, 'No'."

"I didn't mean it, well I did mean it, but shit."

As they both stood in the darkness, staring deeply at one another. Both still stunned at the explicit kiss they shared with one another, still shaking, they heat filling both of their faces. Aimee turned away. What did I just do? I can't do this! My father is going to kill me. Did he see us? No! He couldn't have. What if he did. I am fucked. Aimee's internal monolog continued for what felt like hours as she helped her mother clean up the patio. Curiously placing cans and bottles into the waste bin. Never saying much. She stopped, tucking her hair behind her ear. Wiping the sweat from for forehead.

"Mom, I am finished."

"That's fine Aimee, are you okay?"

"Yes Mom, I am, I am going to bed. It's been a long night. Thank you."

"Good night, turn off the kitchen light please?'

"Oh course."

As August came in so did the cattle sales, and school, the final year, in only a few short months she would be free. Free to do what exactly she wasn't sure. Was she free to love, or free to move. The days leading up to school Aimee spent much time watching Tucker from afar. Remembering that fourth of July as if it had just happened. Her face flushing, her stomach tense, the inability to look away. She stood up like her body was on autopilot. Not knowing what she was doing, yet seemingly knowing exactly where she was headed. The barn. The barn that Tucker was alone working in. The barn she knew no one would look into. The barn that was far enough away she could escape from when her father came back. The barn it all would begin.

"Tucker?"

"Yeah, I'm back here!"

"Tucker, I can't see you."

"I am in stall 6." His voice sounded concentrated, almost irritated.

"Hey there."

"Hey"

"What are you doing?" She chuckled

"I am trying to get this damn piercer open!"

"Want me to try?" Tucker handed Aimee the piercer, and with ease she flipped the safety and handed it back. "Here you go, it was the safety."

"Well now I feel like an idiot."

"I wouldn't exactly say you're and idiot, maybe just a little special."

"Okay, I can handle that. So, what can I do for you today."

"Well, we haven't spoken much since that night, and I wasn't sure if you were mad at me."

"Now what the hell would I be mad at you? You're the one who avoided me like I smelled like cow shit."

"I mean, sometimes you do."

"Aimee, be serious. What do you need."

She could feel that hurt in his voice Knowing she did in fact avoid him. Wasn't like I was doing it on purpose. Okay, I was, but I don't know what to do with this. Like he makes me stupid. I cant think around him. Does he even know this? Should I tell him? No. Get with the program here. Breath. One. Two. Three. What's next? I tell him? Blurt my soul out to him in a fucking barn? Okay, yes I could. What if he doesn't respond? What if he doesn't feel the same? Shut up Aimee. Just shut the hell up. Clearly, he has feelings for you. Don't you remember what happened? He pulled you into him. You have to be kidding. Just tell him already!

"Tucker, can we talk?"

"Is that not what we are doing right now?"

"Yeah, but I mean, a real talk, not this back and fourth banter that we have been doing for the last month and a half."

"Yeah, fine. Lets hear it."

"I don't know how to say this without sounding like a moron." She trailed off as her throat dried out.

"Did you forget how to speak?"

"Actually. Kinda. That's the problem. Every time I try to talk to you, I can't. When I think about you my heart races, my stomach jumps into my throat, and yes Tucker, I forget how to think let alone speak!"

He didn't respond. He just stared deeply at her. He paused, like he wanted to say something. He moved closer to her. Placed his arm on the barn stall next to her face, slipping his other hand out of his pocket, he caressed her face and smiled. As he ran his fingers through her hair, catching the smell of her perfume as her leaned into neck, he whispered into her ear so closely she could feel the warmth of his breath against her. "Aimee, I know exactly how you feel. I have been feeling the same way about you for longer than I can remember. You have had my attention since I was 15. I have waited 2 years for this moment right here." He gently kissed her neck and pushed himself off the stall.