Different 'Round Here - Riley Green

Chapter 19 - Learning The Aussie Way

The morning sun bathed the farm in a soft golden light, casting long shadows across the fields as Daisy slipped on her worn-in cowboy boots. Riley leaned against the kitchen doorframe, still shaking off the remnants of sleep. He watched her move with a kind of easy grace that made him smile. This was her element, her world, and he was starting to see just how deeply she was rooted in it.

"You really know your way around a farm," Riley remarked, his voice full of admiration.

Daisy looked up, smiling as she adjusted her hat. "I've been doing this since I was little. Granddaddy made sure I learned everything I could. I could run this place with my eyes closed."

Riley chuckled, pushing himself off the doorframe and walking over to her. "Well, looks like I'm about to get a crash course. Think I'll keep up?"

Daisy grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "We'll see, cowboy. Granddaddy doesn't go easy on anyone, not even you."

As if on cue, Daisy's granddaddy appeared, his broad frame silhouetted by the early morning light. He gave Riley a once-over, his expression serious but not unkind. "You ready to get to work, boy?"

Riley straightened up, nodding. "Yes, sir. I'm ready."

Daisy's granddaddy gave a curt nod and motioned toward the barn. "We're mustering cattle today. You ever done that before?"

Riley shook his head. "Not like you do here, but I'm ready to learn."

Daisy shot Riley a playful look as they followed her granddaddy toward the barn. "Guess we'll see how fast you learn."

The barn smelled of leather and hay, and the low murmur of the horses echoed in the stillness of the morning. Daisy led one of the horses out of its stall, running a hand over its mane as she checked the saddle. Riley watched her, impressed by how naturally she moved around the animals.

Her granddaddy handed Riley a set of reins, nodding toward another horse. "You'll be ridin' him today. Name's Banjo. He's got a good temperament, but you gotta stay steady with him."

Riley took the reins, giving the horse a quick pat on the neck before mounting. He'd ridden horses before, but there was something different about doing it here, in the wide-open spaces of Australia, with Daisy beside him. He could feel the weight of expectation, but he was determined to prove himself.

"Alright," Daisy's granddaddy said, his voice gruff. "We've got a herd that needs movin' from the north paddock to the south. You're gonna help me and Daisy get 'em there."

They rode out, the morning air crisp and cool against their skin. The landscape stretched out before them, vast and untamed. Riley couldn't help but take it all in—the rugged beauty of the land, the endless sky overhead, and the way Daisy seemed to fit so perfectly in this world.

"You keepin' up back there?" Daisy called over her shoulder, a teasing smile on her face.

Riley grinned, nudging Banjo to catch up to her. "I'm right behind you, Day."

The cattle were spread out across the north paddock, grazing lazily under the morning sun. Daisy's granddaddy motioned for them to spread out, and they began to move the herd, guiding the animals toward the gate that led to the south paddock.

Riley found himself fumbling a bit at first, struggling to keep the cattle in line. Daisy, on the other hand, moved with practiced ease, her horse responding to her commands without hesitation. She was a natural, and it didn't take long for Riley to realize just how impressive she really was.

"You're doing good," Daisy called out as she expertly guided a stubborn cow back into line. "Just stay steady, and they'll follow."

Riley nodded, his focus shifting back to the task at hand. Slowly but surely, he got the hang of it, and with Daisy and her granddaddy's guidance, the cattle began to move as one. The sun climbed higher in the sky as they worked, the rhythmic sound of hooves and the low calls of the cattle filling the air.

By midday, they had successfully moved the herd, and Daisy's granddaddy gave an approving nod. "Not bad for your first time. You handled yourself well."

Riley wiped the sweat from his brow, grinning. "Thanks. Couldn't have done it without you two showing me the ropes."

Daisy smiled at him, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You didn't do too bad, Green."

After hours of hard work, they took a break under the shade of a large gum tree. Daisy handed Riley a water bottle, and they sat down on the grass, enjoying the brief respite.

"This is... different," Riley said, looking around at the wide expanse of the Australian bush. "But I like it. There's something peaceful about being out here."

Daisy smiled, taking a long drink of water. "It's home. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else."

As they sat in comfortable silence, Riley suddenly froze, his eyes widening as he pointed to a spot a few feet away. "Uh, Daze... is that what I think it is?"

Daisy followed his gaze and spotted a large python lazily making its way through the grass. She laughed, shaking her head as she stood up. "Relax, it's just a python. They're not dangerous."

Riley's eyes remained wide as he watched the snake slither closer. "Not dangerous? That thing's huge!"

Daisy rolled her eyes, walking over to the snake and calmly picking it up. The python coiled around her arm, but she handled it with ease, moving it away from where they were sitting.

Riley stared, a mix of disbelief and admiration on his face. "You're just gonna... pick it up like that?"

Daisy shrugged, a grin tugging at her lips. "It's just a snake. They're more scared of us than we are of them."

Riley let out a shaky laugh, shaking his head. "You're somethin' else, Daisy Day."

She returned to their spot under the tree, casually brushing her hands off like it was no big deal. "You get used to it out here. Snakes, spiders... it's all part of the deal."

"Well, remind me to stick close to you next time something like that shows up," Riley said with a grin. "You've got it handled."

As the afternoon wore on, they made their way back toward the farmhouse, the warmth of the day beginning to settle over the land. Riley was starting to feel more at ease with the flow of life on the farm, appreciating the simplicity of the hard work and the beauty of the land.

As they neared the house, Riley's eyes lit up as he spotted something in the distance. "Are those... kangaroos?"

Daisy followed his gaze and chuckled. "Yep, sure are. They're pretty common around here."

Riley's excitement was palpable as he watched the kangaroos hop across the paddock, their movements graceful and effortless. "I can't believe I'm actually seeing kangaroos in the wild. This is incredible."

Daisy smiled, watching him with amusement. "It's funny, seeing you so excited. We see them all the time, but I guess it's different when you're not used to it."

Riley turned to her, his grin wide. "This is a first for me. Don't judge."

She laughed, playfully nudging him. "I'm not judging. It's cute."

They stood there for a while, watching the kangaroos graze and hop across the field, the quiet sounds of the farm surrounding them. It was a peaceful moment, one that Riley would remember for a long time.

"Y'know," Riley said after a moment, his voice soft. "I'm really glad I got to see this part of your life. This place... it's special."

Daisy's heart warmed at his words, and she reached out to take his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad you're here, too. It means a lot to me."

They shared a quiet smile, standing together as the day slowly began to fade into evening. For a moment, everything felt perfect—just the two of them, the land, and the wide-open sky.