Hopelessly Devoted {ManxMan} [Book II]

Chapter 13

Z A C H A R Y

My dad was getting bad. Basile was doing all he could to make me happier, I knew it tore him up to see me like this but I couldn't help it. I spent most of the day helping my mom take care of dad.

Today though, Aspen would take my place. Basile suggested I show him around so that's what I planned.

"Basile, are you ready?" I asked managing a smile.

He nodded and followed me out to the house and too the barn, what I liked to call my art barn.

Basile looked around in awe, "This is amazing." He smiled touching the paint covered walls. I had began to mural in high school, my freshman year and throughout the rest of high school I added too it, until it covered up every wall.

"I did it all throughout high school."

He turned and smiled at me then walked around and examined every part of it. I couldn't help but smile as I watched him walk around and admire my work.

When he was finally done I asked, "Do you want to see the horses?" I didn't always like spending too much time in here. My dad is painted on the wall and I don't like to think about how bad he's gotten, especially when today I was supposed to not be depressed and worried.

"Sure." I took his hand and led him to the stables.

Once we got in I led him to the stable that held my horse. She was an Appaloosa, black except on the back and face where she was white with black dots. I called her Lady, generic, I know but I was five when she was born and I had the honor of naming her.

I opened the gate to her stall and she stepped toward Basile and he visibly tensed.

I smiled and placed my hands on his shoulders from behind, "Relax," I kissed his neck, "She's really sweet." He loosened up and I instructed, "Reach your hand out, let her smell you then place your hand on her snout."

He did what I said and she let out a satisfied huff as he began to lightly pet her.

"Have you ever rode a horse?" I asked.

"No." He answered and turned to me.

"Would you like to?" I asked.

"I... don't know."

I smiled and poked him, "You're scared of her aren't you?" 

He shook his head in argument but it wasn't convincing, "It's okay, Basile, I'll be right in front of you, you can hold on to me." I smiled.

"Okay." He agreed.

I got Lady's saddle, halter and blanket on and was riding her around in a circle to get her used to my riding her again. It had been a while and I didn't want to just take off right away.

When I was sure she was ready, I got off and instructed Basile, "Put your right foot in the foot hold then swing your leg around her back side."

He did as I said and I laughed slightly once he was up and he held on the the saddle for dear life as she shifted her weight breifly.

I climbed up and sat in front of Basile. I gave Lady a slight kick and we were off in a slow trot, Basile now clung to me.

"Relax, Basile. She's not gonna hurt you."

"You sure?" He questions.

I pulled back on the reigns and turned to face Basile. I placed my hands on his cheeks and brought his lips to mine. I felt him relax in my hands.

Then he tensed, "Shouldn't you be controlling her?"

"She's not a robot, Basile. I trust her and you trust me, so relax." I smiled, kissing him again.

I leaned my forehead against his and smiled, "I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Now I'm going to take you to my favorite spot in the pasture. Hold on to me, okay?"

He nodded and I kissed his cheek before turning back around and giving Lady a light kick before directing her deep into the pasture.

Once we were there I instructed Basile on how to get down, then got down myself.

I pulled out a blanket I had brought along and laid it on the grass before sitting down next to Basile, resting my head against his shoulder.

We stayed like that for a while, not saying a word, just soaking up the sunshine and each others presence.

When we finally decided to go back we had been out there for at least two hours.

My mom was sitting outside when we walked up to the house. I had gotten Lady back in her stable and gave her fresh food and water.

She looked like she had been crying and I instantly froze, "It's time, Zach. Baby, you've got to tell him goodbye, he doesn't have much longer."

I swallowed the quickly forming lump in my throat and tried to suppress my tears as I turned to look at Basile. He nodded, as if giving me a small push and I walked inside and straight up to my dads room.

Aspen had just stepped out of the room, tears pouring out of her eyes. I gave her a hug and almost didn't let go, before going into the room.

He looked over at me and lightly smiled.

I took his hand and brought it to my lips as if I was transferring all the words I couldn't say to him through that gentle kiss.

"I love you, dad." I said before letting the tears fall.

"I know, son." He said, "I love you, too."

I had a minute left with him before his hand went limp in mine and he stopped breathing.

I sobbed and let it sink in before walking out of the house.

"He's gone." I said once I was on the porch, where everyone else was.

I was looking out, not looking at them.

My mom went into the house, followed by Aspen as they cried and made phone calls.

Once I felt arms wrap around my waist I sobbed and let it out.

I turned and buried my face into Basile's chest, "I'm so sorry." He kissed my head.

Sorry for the wait.