The Weathervane

Chapter XII - Getting Supplies

“Just in time, dinner is ready.”  Enoch announces and then looks at me and hands me some bread for the table.  I help with setting the rest of the table and then we all sit and eat dinner. 

“That was a good meal, thanks for letting me stay for it.” 

“No problem, Silas will you take him back to his truck when he’s ready?” 

“Sure.”  I look at Enoch who is giving me a weird look; ignoring it I take the dishes to the sink and put them in a bucket to be washed in the morning. 

Nate takes a pipe out and lights it.  “I guess I’m ready now.”  He says and goes to the door.  I follow and once we are outside I put my boots on and mount G and then scoot back, knowing Nate will want to ride in front again.  Nate smiles and mounts careful not to kick me as he swings his leg over.  We set out at a walk and it takes some time to get there, but we talk and I enjoy the pace.  Once we arrive, he dismounts carefully and I say goodbye and am about to leave when he stops me. 

“Come take a look at this.”  He says and squats to look at something on the ground. 

I dismount and walk up to him, just as I reach him he stands and grabs me, pulling me to him he kisses me and then pulls away loosening his grip but doesn’t let go. 

“I know you are a woman, even if you fake it, you are still a woman.  I think I might visit again.”  With that he lets me go and get into his truck but rolls his window down and holds something out.  I take it and he starts his engine and leaves.  I mount G and then look at the item he gave me; his pipe with a note rolled into the tobacco part along with a pouch of tobacco.  I unroll the note as I start back to the cabin. 

“I’m coming back for my pipe.” 

I drop the note and put the pipe in my pocket along with the pouch.  I urge G into a fast trot and head for the barn.  Getting there quickly I rub him down and feed him before closing the doors.  I head back to the cabin at a jog.  I take my boots off and throw them to the ground furious that I would let my guard down. 

I enter the cabin and Enoch is sitting at the table facing the door, waiting for me. 

“So, how’d it go?”  He asks, his face mixed with concern and something I cant identify. 

“Sucked.”  I say and sit at the table across from him still tasting the tobacco from the kiss. 

“Yeah, how come?” 

“I let my guard down.” 

“How?” 

“He realized I’m a girl.” 

“And?” 

I look at Enoch and realize he already knows but wants me to tell him. 

“He grabbed me and kissed me.”  I say and dig the pipe out of my pocket.  “Gave me this as well.” 

“What do you want to do with it?” 

“I’m not sure.” 

“Want to go for a swim, it’s a full moon and the light will reach under the water?” 

“After the night with the wolves you still want to go swimming at night?” 

“It was only cold because I was focusing on making sure we had oxygen, I can get it a little warmer if you want.” 

“Really?!” 

“Yep” 

“Sounds like fun, let me change.”  I get up and grab my swimming clothes out from under my bed and leave the cabin to change in the outhouse.  Once done I head to the cabin but Enoch is already outside, I drop my clothes and follow him to the lake.