10. The Ranch Hand (bwwm) Short Story #Wattys2016

8 - Forgive me

Stephanie's POV

Spending a week in the desert with Faridah I grew to love the surroundings including the people and their traditions. Despite the blazing sun, our needs were catered to as per Omar's instructions. I was glad that Nick's father was doing better with each passing day from our conversations. Omar joined us a few days later after taking care of palace duties with his brother Ramy who was a complete flirt.

Leaving for my home they insisted on accompanying me to make sure I got back safely. Who knew I would ever have the pleasure of royalty escorting me back to my small little town of Greendale. Arriving by helicopter I showed Faridha around my farm and she was impressed that I had managed to handle everything alone before Nick started helping around.

Dismissing the men Nick had left as well as Omar's men I was grateful when Omar did not argue over my decision.
"I only want your friendship, that is the only thing of value in my life. And I will cherish that relationship more than anything," I told them.
They asked to stay over just to runaway from palace duties making me laugh.
"I think I should start operating an asylum for royals to run away to."
They laughed saying they would inform their friends about her little farm.

I was surprised when Omar and Faridah insisted on helping me prepare our dinner. We prepared our meal enjoying each other's company as Omar told us funny stories about how much trouble he and his brother caused back home as youngsters.
He had both of us in stitches, tears rolling down our eyes before we heard a knock on the door. Omar left to see who it was as we followed him out of curiosity.

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She gasped surprised to see Nick standing at her door. He looked like he had not slept properly over the past couple of days. His hair and beard had grown longer from when she last  saw him. No one spoke as they stared at him before Omar spoke breaking the silence.

"What do you want?"
"Omar, Faridah, please forgive me for my actions towards you. Steph I am sorry for lashing out at you the way I did. My actions were unacceptable and I deserve whatever punishment you guys will throw at me. But please find it in your hearts to forgive me. I'm so sorry," he said breaking down. "Please forgive me," he said as Omar engulfed his friend in a hug never having seen him in such a pathetic state.

"Cross me again and I will tell everyone how you cried like a baby," Omar chuckled as he patted his back.
"And I won't hesitate to do worse rather than a slap," Faridah said before giving him a warm smile.
Steph looked at him with a hurt expression as she left them at the entrance grabbing her jacket she left the house.

Nick looked at his friends asking for help.
"Her forgiveness will be hard to earn Nick," your words hurt her more than her scars Faridah said with a pain in her eyes.
He left them going after her as she walked towards the stables.

"Steph," he whispered afraid his voice would reveal his feelings.
"What do you want from me Nick," she said turning around. Her eyes looked darker as she let out a shaky breath out of anger.
He flinched back not expecting such an outburst.

"Steph I..I..I"
"You are what? Sorry?" She said folding her arms over her chest. "Do you seriously think sorry will take away the memory of what you said to me. Humiliating me in front of your friends and family. Oh and let's not forget you nearly beating a man to death before my eyes. I do not need your type of energy around me. Anger is the one thing I keep running away from, if you have issues deal with them not venting them out on everyone else. Did you really think I wanted your money when I agreed to become your friend," she fumed.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"No let me start from the beginning. Firstly you deceived me by not revealing your identity. It seems you can take care of yourself very well, so why did you let Jeff and his friends beat you up? Never have I been humiliated as I was humiliated by you, this town can throw canon balls at me but you threw an arrow that caused more pain. At least with a bomb I might die instantly but your arrow caused me so much more pain Nick.
What exactly do you want from me Nick? Am I too quick to trust people only for them to hurt me, please tell me so I can change this flaw of mine. I have had enough of people stepping on my shoes thinking it's okay to do so.
You know what? Thank you Nick, thank you for opening my eyes. Now leave my property," she said walking away from him as he begged her to stop and listen to him.