Missing

chapter ten

Learning the truth

Mr. Jenkins point of view

I had just finished rounding up the last horses as they ran into the pasture with the other hundred or so when I seen my son riding towards me as he closed the gate. I knew that he had struck up a friendship with the girl who had been sleeping in the hay loft not that long ago. I watched as he walked to his truck but I stopped him before he had a chance to drive away.

Mr. Jenkins: are you going to see that girl again son?

Kolter: yeah dad. I promised her that I would help her do a few things at the farmer's market...

Mr. Jenkins: invite her for dinner tonight.

Kolter: okay...

Mr. Jenkins: I mean it son, I think it's time I get properly introduced to her

Kolter: I will bring her over for dinner tonight, if that's okay with you.

Mr. Jenkins: that's fine with me.

I watched as he climbed inside the truck and drove away.

Several hours passed and I had just finished cooking when I seen him park the truck near the house. I wasn't sure if she was with him but I seen her standing next to him as soon as they walked inside the house.

Kolter: dad, this is Andi.

Mr. Jenkins: it is nice to see you again, I hope my son isn't wearing out his welcome.

Pandora: no sir, he was sweet enough to let me move into his apartment near where I work.

Mr. Jenkins: the farmer's market, I heard you work there now.

Pandora: you heard right and thank you for inviting me to dinner.

Mr. Jenkins: it would only be fair to get to know the woman who my son likes and I hope you don't mind all the questions I ask.

Pandora: I don't mind...

We talked during dinner and I overheard the news report regarding the president's missing daughter along with the reward that was offered for her return when I noticed how nervous she become while it was being mentioned.

Mr. Jenkins: is everything okay Andi? you look nervous.

Pandora: yes sir, I am okay. I just hate hearing about her missing.

Kolter: she should have stayed where she belongs, I bet she's doing it for attention.

Mr. Jenkins: do you know how to ride a horse Andi?

Pandora: yes sir...

Mr. Jenkins: let's take a ride, Kolter stay here and clean the kitchen, we won't be gone long.

I walked with her to the barn and saddled up a couple of horses and went for a ride around the property so we can talk in private.

Mr. Jenkins: I'm not sure what made you leave your home and I want to understand so I can help you Andi, if that is even your real name.

Pandora: my name is Pandora. Andi was a nickname my mother gave me when I was younger, I haven't told your son yet because I don't want him thinking that I am using him because I would never do that to anyone. I left home so I could live a normal life because I don't want things handed to me, I want to work for the things I want.

Mr. Jenkins: I have never met anyone that wanted to live a life like you have but you need to tell my son the truth before others find out your secret, I am aware you had a run in with Sienna and if she finds out you're living a secret life she will tell everyone in town and destroy the friendship you and my son have.

Pandora: I don't want to hurt anyone so I will tell Kolter the truth and go back home. I am sorry for causing trouble if I have because it wasn't my intentions.

Mr. Jenkins: I appreciate your honesty Pandora, I will have my friend at the sheriff's station contact your father so you can get home safely.

Pandora: I should head back to the apartment and get my things together before I leave.

Mr. Jenkins: I will have my son give you a ride back to the apartment that way you can tell him before you leave town.